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MASSACHUSETTS  AGRICULTURAL  COLLEGE  LIBRARY 

Compliments  of 
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HISTORY 


OF 


INT  E   ^V\r  T  O   N"  , 


MASSACHUSETTS. 


TOWN  AND  CITY 


FROM  ITS  EARLIEST   SETTLEMENT   TO  THE   PRESENT  TIME. 

1630  —  1880. 


S.  F.  SMITH,  D.  D. 


BOSTON : 
THE    AMERICAN    LOGOTYPE    COMPANY. 

18  8  0. 


L 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1880  by 
—- =v^_..^.THE  AMERICAN   LOGOTYPE   COMPANY, 
/         In  ih^o^jge  of  the  LiBrS?'h!]|i  of  Congress  at  Washington. 


J.  E.  Faewell  &  Co.,  Printers, 
45  Pearl  Street,  Boston. 


PREFACE. 


This  History  had  its  origin  iu  an  article  in  the  Warrant  for  the 
Town  Meeting  of  March  G,  1865,  which  reads  as  follows:  "To 
see  if  the  Town  will  take  action  relative  to  the  collection  and  pub- 
lication of  its  history  from  1800  to  the  present  tune." 

At  that  meeting,  the  subject  was  referred  to  a  Committee  of 
Three,  to  report  at  a  subsequent  meeting. 

The  Committee  chosen  were  Messrs.  George  C.  Rand,  Seth 
Davis  and  J.  N.  Bacon.  The  Moderator,  Hon.  J.  F.  C.  Hyde, 
and  Mr.  Isaac  Ilagar  were  afterwards  added. 

At  the  Town  Meeting  Novembei--7,  1865,  the  Committee  pre- 
sented the  following  Eeport : 

"Newton,  November  4,  1865. —  To  the  citizens  of  the  Toion  of 
Newton, —  The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  the  subject  of  the 
History  of  the  Town  of  Newton  have  attended  to  that  duty,  and 
beg  leave  to  report :  That,  in  theu*  opinion,  it  is  expedient  for  the 
town  to  take  immediate  measures  to  procure  to  be  written  a  History 
of  the  town,  from  1800  down  to  the  present  time.  More  especiall}' 
should  this  be  done  now,  because  now  it  is  possible  to  give  cor- 
rectly the  portion  which  shall  record  the  action  of  the  town  in 
respect  to  the  war  just  closed.  It  is  due  to  those  sons  of  our  town 
who  have  perilled  their  lives  in  support  of  our  national  integrity', 
that  a  lasting  record  of  their  lives  of  heroism  and  deeds  of  brav- 
ery should  be  made,  while  all  the  facts  ma}'  be  so  trul}'  gathered. 
Private  munificence  has  built  them  a  Monument  of  granite.  Let 
pubUc  generosit}'  enroll  them  upon  the  printed  page,  in  words 
equally  enduring. 

"  Your  Committee  therefore  ask  the  adoption  of  the  following 
Resolution : 


iv  PREFACE. 

"  Resolved,  That  a  Committee  of  Five  be  appointed,  with  full 
powers,  to  arrange  for  the  writing  of  a  History  of  the  Town  of 
Newton,  and  that  the  sum  of  five  hundred  dollars  be  appropriated 
by  the  town,  and  be  paid  by  the  Treasurer,  whenever  it  may  be 
required  by  said  Committee,  towards  the  expenditures  hereby  ren- 
dered necessary. 

"  All  which  is  respectfully  submitted  by  the  Committee. 

"  George  C.  Rand,   Chairman." 

"  Voted  to  accept  the  Report,  and  to  adopt  the  Resolution. 

"  George  C.  Rand,  Seth  Davis,  J.  N.  Bacon,  Isaac  Hagar,  Otis 
Pettee  and  J.  F.  C.  Hyde  were  chosen  said  Committee  on  the 
History  of  Newton." 

The  following  was  the  later  Committee,  appointed  by  the  city  : 
Aldermen  J.  Wesley  Kimball,  William  P.  Ellison  ;  Councilmen 
Nathan  Mosman,  William  C.  Strong,  Edward  W.  Cate  ;  Ex-Maj'or 
James  F.  C.  Hyde  ;  Ex- Alderman  George  D.  Eldridge. 

The  late  Mr.  Rand  was  deeply  interested  in  the  project ;  he 
read  portions  of  the  manuscript,  and,  by  his  judicious  suggestions 
in  respect  to  its  form  and  method,  contributed  his  part  towards 
making  the  book  what  it  is.  Other  members  of  the  Committee 
have  been  frequently  consulted  in  the  preparation  of  the  volume, 
and  have  manifested  throughout  an  intelligent  and  enlightened  in- 
terest in  its  progress  and  success.  Especial  credit  is  due  Alder- 
man Kimball  for  the  zeal  he  has  shown,  as  Chairman  of  the  City 
Committee,  in  bringing  about  the  publication  of  the  book,  so  long 
deferred,  and  to  Mr.  Hj^de  for  his  careful  examination  and  revision 
as  the  work  was  going  through  the  press. 

It  has  not  been  deemed  necessary  to  reproduce  the  genealogical 
tables  of  Mr.  Francis  Jackson's  work,  inasmuch  as  most  of  the  older 
families  of  the  town  are,  doubtless,  in  possession  of  that  volume, 
and  more  recent  comers  would  feel  little  intei'est  in  them.  The 
materials  from  which  this  work  has  been  drawn  are  multiform. 
The  author's  long  residence  in  the  town,  and  familiar  acquaintance 
with  many  of  the  actors  in  the  earh'  or  intermediate  history,  or  their 
immediate  descendants,   has   supplied  him  with  many  items  of 


PREFACE.  V 

information,  which  have  never  before  found  theu'  way  into  print. 
The  manuscripts  of  Hon.  William  Jackson  and  Mr.  Andrew 
Ward,  the  Genealogical  Tables  of  various  families,  a  multitude  of 
town  and  family  histories,  out  of  which  valuable  facts  have  been 
gleaned,  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Collections  and  the  volumes 
Df  the  New  England  Historical  and  Genealogical  Society,  cata- 
logues, statistics,  the  newspapers  of  various  towns  and  periods, 
especially  the  Newton  Journal,  the  contributions  to  the  history  of 
the  town  in  Mr.  Francis  Jackson's  manual,  the  State  archives,  the 
Records  and  Reports  of  the  town,  the  Records  of  the  churches  and 
of  associations,  and  correspondence  with  numerous  individuals,  now 
or  formerly  residents  of  Newton,  personal  visits  to  every  locality 
in  the  town,  and  a  personal  knowledge  of  many  of  the  events  and 
movements  recorded,  together  with  an  acquaintance  with  the  prin- 
cipal actors  of  later  times  for  successive  3'ears,  and  a  personal  par- 
ticipation in  some  of  the  scenes, —  these  have  furnished  a  mass  of 
interesting  matter,  out  of  which  it  has  been  m}'  aim,  after  diligent 
examination  and  inquiry,  to  select  that  which  seemed  most  fitting, 
and  to  gather  and  preserve  all  that  is  reliable  and  valuable. 

A  larger  number  of  biographical  sketches  would  have  been  in- 
serted, if  the  size  of  the  volume  had  not  been  limited.  It  Avill  be 
noticed  that  tliose  which  have  found  place  are,  for  obvious  reasons, 
chiefl}'^  confined  to  the  departed,  and  so  selected  as  to  represent 
the  various  portions  of  the  town  and  various  periods. 

The  labor  and  difficulties  incident  to  such  an  undertaking  are 
not  easily  estimated,  except  by  those  who  have  had  experience  of 
them.  The  materials  of  the  work  lie  widel}*  scattered,  both  in 
space  and  time.  Matters  of  historic  importance  often  demand  in- 
vestigations which  consume  many  days,  and  the  results  of  such 
investigations,  however  protracted  and  diflScult,  ma^'  be  expressed 
in  a  few  lines.  Differing  accounts  of  an  unportant  transaction 
sometimes  require  the  weighing  of  conflicting  testimony,  and  the 
searching  out  of  additional  testimony,  in  order  to  ascertain  the 
truth ;  and,  in  such  cases,  the  historian,  though  using  the  utmost 


Vi  PREFACE. 

care,  may  occasionally  err.  Facts  and  circumstances  important 
for  him  to  know,  though  diligently  sought,  are  sometimes  sought 
in  vain.  Add  to  this,  in  judging  of  the  completed  work,  persons 
who  know  well  the  affairs  of  their  own  little  circle,  or  of  their  own 
immediate  families,  or  matters  in  which  the}'  or  their  immediate 
ancestors  have  been  actors,  failing  to  find  satisfaction  on  some 
point  which  they  have,  perhaps,  unduly  magnified,  are  apt  to  turn 
away,  unjusth',  as  it  would  S3em,  disappointed.  But  it  should  be 
considered  that  the  historian  has  to  deal  with  the  general  features 
of  public  affairs,  and  not,  mainly,  witli  that  which  specifically  in- 
terests individuals  or  lesser  portions  of  the  communitj" ;  that  his 
facts  are  to  be  presented  in  their  proper  relations,  and,  in  view  of 
their  comparative  importance,  in  due  proportions.  To  weigh,  to 
judge  and  to  determine,  in  every  instance,  with  even-handed  justice 
and  without  mistake,  is  a  work  of  no  small  difficulty.  To  err  in 
such  an  enterprise  is  no  more  than  human.  The  tranquil  flow  of 
busy  life  may  seem  to  throw  a  given  space,  geographicalh',  into  a 
position  of  inferior  brilliancy,  as  compared  witn  another,  while  its 
part  in  the  entire  landscape  is  equally  honorable.  The  same  princi- 
ple holds  true  in  the  narration  of  facts  or  events.  The  late  Mr. 
Rand,  with  his  habit  of  clear  and  orderly  thought,  laid  much 
stress  on  a  threefold  division  of  the  history  of  Newton,  viz.,  its 
earlv  histor}',  its  action  in  connection  with  the  Revolution,  and  in 
connection  with  the  war  of  the  Rebellion. 

The  author  is  well  aware  that  all  human  works  are  imperfect, 
and  has  no  doubt  that  errors  may  have  occurred  in  this  work,  grow- 
ing out  of  the  defectiveness  of  information,  and  uncertainty  and 
unreliableness  of  testimon}'.  It  is  possible,  also,  that  the  volume 
may  lie  open  to  criticism  in  regard  to  the  proportion  given  to  the 
various  matters  introduced.  But  where  the  truth  of  history  is 
concerned,  and  the  demands  of  readers  of  differing  tastes  consid- 
ered, it  is  hoped  that  all  may  find  something  to  praise,  if,  also, 
something  to  condemn. 


CONTENTS. 


Preface.         «         .  .  .  .  .  •  .         .         .         .    iii 

CHAPTER  I. 

General  Views.— Geological  Features  of  Newton.—Bridges.— Villages.— Ponds  and 
Brooks.— "  County  Rock."— Health  Statistics.— Scenery 13 

CHAPTER  II. 
Early  Boston.— The  Fortification  of  Cambridge.— Origin  of  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives.—The  Acquisition  of  the  Territory  of   Kcwton.— First   Settlement.— Mr. 
Hooker's  Company.— Accessions  of  Lands.— Boundary  Lines.       ...       21 

CHAPTER  III. 
First  Settlers.— Settlers  up  to  1700.— Statistics  in  1645.— Movements  for  an  indepen- 
dent town 39 

CHAPTER  IV. 
Extracts  from  Records  of  Cambridge.— Extracts  from  Colony  Records.— Extracts 
from  Records  of  New  Cambridge.— Extracts  from  later  Records  of  Newton.      44 

CHAPTER  V. 

Looking  towards  Separation  from  Cambridge.— Petition  for  Freedom  from  churcli 
rates.— Petition  to  ^he  General  Court  to  be  set  off  from  Cambridge.— Protest 
of  the  Town 57 

CHAPTER  VI. 

First  Selectmen  chosen.— Date  of  the  Incorporation  of  Newton.— Agreement  between 
the  Selectmen  of  Cambridge  and  Cambridge  Village.— Order  of  the  General  Court. 
—Old  and  New  Style.— The  Name  of  Newton.— Dimensions  and  Contents  of  the 
Town.— Population.— Freeman's  Oath 72 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Grants  of  Land.— Watertown's  Grant  to  Newton.— Brookline  owned  by  Boston.— 
Boston's  Grant  to  Newton.— Boundary  between  Boston  and  Cambridge.— Between 
Cambridge  and  New  Cambridge.— Distribution  of  Lands 61 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

TheFirst  Settlers. -Biographical  Notices  of  First  Settlers 85 

CHAPTER  IX. 
Special  Grants  of  Land  by  the   General  Court.— Conveyances  of  Estates.— From 
Proprietors'   Records.— From    Records   of    Suffolk  County.— From  Records  of 
Middlesex  County 104 

CHAPTER  X. 

How  the  early  Town  of  Newton  was  divided  among  its  inhabitants.       .       .       115 

CH.IPTER  XI. 

Boundaries  of  Estates 130 

CHAPTER  XII. 
Roads  and  Streets  of  Newton.— From  'WatertGwii  to  Roxbury.— Roads  to  the  Meeting- 
house.—To  Roxbury.— From  Watcrtown  to  Dcdham.— From  Brookline  to  the 
Lower  Falls.— Road  through  the  Fuller  Farm ICO 


Viii  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  Xin. 
The  Nonantum  Indians.— Xonantum  Hill.— The  First  Meeting. — Settlement  at  No- 
nantum.— Act  of  tlie  British  Parliament.— Settlement  at  Natick        .       .       170 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

lTewton..and  tho  Indian  Wars 187 

CHAPTER  XV. 
The  First  Church  in  Newton— List  of  Members — Death  of  Mr.  Eliot.— Divisions.— 
Settlement  of  Mr.  Hobart.— Indian  War.— Mr.  Hobart's  Death.— Biography.     193 

CHAPTER  XVI. 
English  Oppression.— Sir  Edmund  Andros.— Events    in  Newton.— First  Meeting- 
house.—Seating  the  Worshippers.— Second  Meeting-house.— Noon  Houses.—  Tho 
Stocks 204 

CHAPTER  XVII. 
New  Difficulties.— Candidates.— Rev.    John  Cotton  chosen  Pastor.— Death  of  Mr. 
Cotton.— Whitefleld's  Visits  to  Newton. —The  New  Lights 213 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 
Location  of  the  Meeting-house.— The  Third  Jleeting-house.— Town  Records.    .       220 

CHAPTER  XIX. 
Rev.  Jonas  Meriam,  fourth  Pastor.— Biographical  Sketch.— The  Slave.— New  Church 
List.— Second  Parish.— Pulpit  Supplies 226 

CHAPTER  XX. 

Education  in  Newton  before  1800.— Grammar  School  in  Cambridge.— Early  movements 

in    Newton.— First    Schoolmaster Dissensions— First    School    Committee.— 

Grammar  School 235 

CHAPTER  XXL 
West  Newton.— The  Second  Parish  formed.— Ordination  of  Rev.  Mr.  Greenough.— 
Opposition.— Biography  of  Mr.  Greeuough.— The    Meeting-house    described.— 
Curious  Document 250 

CHAPTER  XXn. 

Newton  Upper  Falls. — Early  Settlement.— The  Indian  Deed.— Depositions  of  Early 
Residents.— Transfers  of  Property.— Kinds  of  Business.— Changes.— Newton 
Lower  Falls .       259 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 
The  Newton  Cemeteries.— The  Old  Cemetery.— Memorial  Pillar.— Interesting  Monu- 
ments.—West  Parish  Burying  Ground.— South  Burial  Ground.— Lower  Falls  Ceme^ 
tery. — ^Deaths  in  Newton.— Deaths  in  the  West  Parish 273 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

The  First  Baptist  Church.— Early  Baptists  in  Newton.— The  New  Lights Church 

formed.— The  Meeting-house.— Rev.  Caleb  Blood,  first  Pastor.— Rev.  Joseph 
Grafton.— Enlargement  of  the  Meeting-house.— Pew  Lots.— The  Interior. — 
Ministerial  Taxes 287 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

Freeholders  in  1679  and  1798 309 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 
Newton  in  the  Revolution.— Military  Spirit— The  French  War.— The  Stamp  Act. — 
Taxation.— Statue  of  Greorgo  III.— Navigation  Act.— Instructions  to  the  Repre- 
sentative.- Letter  to  the  Selectmen  of  Boston. 316 


CONTENTS.  ix 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

Newton  in  the  Revolution.— Further  Measures.— The  Boston  Tea  Party.— The  Recon- 
struction Acts.— Gift  of  Mr.  Pigeon.— Military  DrUl.— East  and  West  Companies.— 
Alarm  List.— Minute-men 327 

CHAPTER  XXVni. 

Newton  in  the  Revolution.— Michael  Jackson's  Bravery.— Soldiers  for  eight  months.— 
Bunker  Hill.— Troops  in  Cambridge.— Capt.  Gardner.— Soldiers  at  Dorchester 
Heights.— Suspected  Persons.— Loans.— Providential  Event.  .       .        .       339 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

Newton  in  the  Revolution.— The  Die  cast.— Bounties.— The  Declaration  of  Indepen- 
dence.—Soldiers'  Pay.— Spirit  of  the  People.— Loans 354 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

Newton  in  the  Revolution.— Instructions  to  the  Representative.— Constitution  of 
Massachusetts.- Finances.- The  Revolution  ended.— The  Parole  of  Comwallis.— 
Men  who  served  in  the  "War.— Newton  Members  of  the  Cincinnati.       .       .       367 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

Newton  and  the  Shays'  Rebellion.— Instructions  to  the  Representative.— Excessive 
Litigation.— The  Courts  Threatened.- Circular  Letter.— Reply  of  Newton.— 
Loyalty  to  the  United  States.— First  Elections  in  Newton 386 

CHAPTER  XXXII. 

The  "War  of  1812.— State  of  the  Country.— Newton's  Remonstrance.- President  Jeffer- 
son's Reply  to  the  Protest  of  Cambridge.— War  Declared.— Gen.  Hull's  Surrender.— 
Naval  Battles.— Rev.  Mr.  Grafton's  Prayer.— Town  Action 397 

CHAPTER  XXXin. 

The  First  Parish.— Rev.  Jonathan  Homer.— Meeting-house,  1805.— Biography  of  Dr. 
Homer.— Church  Bell.— Letters  of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Homer.— Rev.  James  Bates.— Rev. 
"William  Bushnell.— Rev.  Daniel  L.  Furber.- Twenty-fifth  Anniversary.— Thir- 
tieth Anniversary.— Sabbath  School.— Statistics 408 

CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

Education  in  Newton  after  1800.— School  Wards.— Schools  at  the  Upper  Falls.— School 
Regulations.- Appropriations.- High  Schools.— New  School-houses.— High  School 
at  Newtonville.— Graduates.- Art  Museum.— School-house  Property.    .       .       430 

CHAPTER  XXXV. 

"West  Newton.— New  Meeting-house.— Rev.  Mr.  Gilbert.— Rev.  Mr.  Drummond.— Rev. 
George  B.  Little.— Rev.  H.  J.  Patrick. — Sabbath  School.— Statistics.— Baptist 
Church Unitarian  Church.— Myrtle  Baptist  Church 450 

CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

Newton  Upper  Falls.— Factories.— Cotton  Machinery.—"  Religious  Society."— Univer- 
salist  Society.— Second  Baptist  Church.— Methodist  Episcopal  Church.— St.  Mary's 

(Catholic)    Church Newton   Lower   Falls.- St.  Mary's    (Episcopal)    Church.— 

Methodist  Episcopal  Church 4C1 

CHAPTER  XXXVU. 

Division  of  the  Town — The  Five  Wards.— Proposals  to  form  two  towns.— Territory 
set  off  to  "Waltham  and  Roxbury.— Petitions  to  the  Legislature.~Harmony 
Restored. 483 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 

First   Baptist   Cliurch.— Colleague  Pastor.— Death   of    Mr.    Grafton.— Rev.    F.   A. 

"Willard.— Later  Pastors.— Statistics.— Sabbath  School.— Bequests.— The  Choir.— 

The  Clock.— Chapel  at  Thompsonville.— Methodist  Episcopal  Church — Unitarian 

Church 494 

CHAPTER  XXXIX. 
Provision  for  the  Poor.— Almshouse  purchased.— Rules  of  the  House.— Removal — The 
Kenrick  Fund 510 

CHAPTER  XL. 

Newton  and  Temperance.— First  Movement.— Dr.  Gilbert's  Recollections.— Newton 
and  Fire  Companies.— Firewards  chosen Property  of  the  Fire  Department.    519 

CHAPTER  XLI. 

Slave-holding  in  Newton.- Slavery  in  Massachusetts.— Slave  Owners  in  Newton.     534 

CHAPTER  XLII. 
Newton  Theological  Institution.-  Origin.— The  Mansion  House.— First  Anniversary.— 
Colby  Hall.— Officers  of  the  Board  and  of  the  Institution.— Some  of  its  fruits.    540 

CHAPTER  XLIII. 
Newton  Theological  Institution.- Biographical  Notices.— Irah  Chase,  D.D — Henry 
J.  Ripley,  D.D.- Prof.  J.  D.  Knowles.— Prof.  Horatio  B.  Hackett.— Prof.  Arthur 
S.  Train.— Rev.  R.  E.  Pattison.— Students  and  Alumni  who  took  jiart  in  the 

War 555 

CHAPTER  XLIV. 
North  ViUage.—Paper-making.— Cheese-Cake  Brook.— Cotton  Warp.— Gas  Manufac- 
ture.-" Tin    Horn."— jEtna    Mills.— Boston     Manufacturing     Company.— The 
Bridge.— North  Evangelical  Church 576 

CHAPTER  XLV. 
The  Newton  Cemetery.— The  Beginning.— The  Dedication.— Statistics.— The  Soldiers' 
Monument 585 

CHAPTER  XLVI. 
Newton  in  the  War  of  the  Rebellion  —Town   Action.— The  Women  of  Newton.— 
Battles  in  which  Newton  Men  were  Engaged.— Unfurling  the  Flag.— The  Slain  in 
Battle.— Gen.  A.  B.  Underwood.— Newton's  Dead  in  the  War.— Battle  of  Gettys- 
burg described  by  a  Participant 59T 

CHAPTER  XLVII. 

Newton  in  the  War  of  the  Uebellion Soldiers  for  Various  Periods.— Men  Enlisted  in 

the  Navy.— Decoration  Day 630 

CHAPTER  XLVIII. 

Newton  in  the  War  of  the  Rebellion.— Battles  in  which  Regiments  containing 
Newton's  Soldiers  took  part  — Battle  of  Lookout  Mountain. — Reception  after  the 

War C50 

CHAPTER  XLIX. 

Public  Libraries  in  Newton. — West  I'arish  Social  Library. — Adelphian  ,  Library. — 
West  Newton  Athenaium. — Newton  Book  Club. — Newton  Library  Association.— 
Newton  Free  Library. — Newton  Centre  Libi'ary  Association.- Newton  Lower 
Falls  Free  Library  -North  Village  Free  Library 663 

CHAPTER  L. 
Newton.— Eliot  Congregational  Church  —Methodist  Episcopal  Church — Channing 
Church.— Baptist  Church.— Grace  Church.— Chui'ch  of  our  Lady  Help  of  Chris- 
tians.—Newton  and  Watcrtown  Universalist  Society 683 


CONTENTS. 


XI 


CHAPTER  LI. 
The  Newtons  of  Later  Growth.— Auburndalc— Evangelical  Congregational  Church.— 
Centenary  Methodist  Church.— Church  of  the  Messiah. — St.  Bernard's  Church, 
West  Newton.— Newtonville.— Central  Congregational  Church.— Swedenborgian 
Church. — Universalist  Society.— Methodist  Episcopal  Church. — Newton  High- 
lands.— Congregational  Society.— Chestnut  Hill.— Unitarian  Chapel.  .         702 

CHAPTER  LIT. 
Higher  Education.— Mrs.  Rowson's  Female  Academy.— Fuller  Academy.— Academy 
at  Newton  Centre. — Lasell  Female  Seminary. — West  Newton  English  and  Classi- 
cal School 718 

CHAPTER  LIII. 
Newton  a  City. — Parks  and  Play  Grounds. — Water  Works. — Passage  of  the  Boston 
Conduits  througli  Newton. — Lake  Cochituate  Conduit.— Sudbury  River  Conduit. — 
Echo  Bridge 728 

CHAPTER  LIV. 

Newton's  Centennial 738 

CHAPTER  LV. 

Institutions  and  Societies. — Home  for  Orphan  and  Destitute  Girls. — Home  for  Boys 
at  Pine  Farm. — Home  for  Missionaries'  Children  (Congregational). — Home  for 
Missionaries'  Children  (Baptist).— West  Newton  Lyceum. — Newton  Sunday 
School  Union. — Musical  Societies. — Other  Associations 747 

CHAPTER  LYI. 

Town  Clerks  of  Newton.— Selectmen. — Representatives.— Annual  Appropriations. — 
Population.— Statistical  Items 762 

CHAPTER  LVII. 

Biographical  Notices 769 

CHAPTER  LVIII. 

Reminiscences  of  Men  and  Things 801 

CHAPTER  LIX. 

Notices  of  Ex-Governor  William  Claflin.— Ex-Governor  Alexander  H.  Rice Mayor 

J.  F.  C.  Hyde. — Mayor  Alden  Speare. — Mayor  William  B.  Fowle. — Mayor  Royal  M. 
Pulsifer Dr.  S.  F.  Smith 830 

General  Ii^dex ....'«...      835 

Index  of  Names 842 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


CHAPTER  I. 

GENERAL   VIEWS. GEOLOGICAL   FEATURES     OP    NEWTON. BRIDGES. 

VILLAGES. PONDS   AND   BROOKS. "  COUNTT   ROCK." HEALTH 

STATISTICS. SCENERY. 

The  general  featui'es  of  Newton  are  not  without  interest.  Seven 
principal  elevations  mark  its  siu-face,  like  the  seven  hills  of  ancient 
Rome,  with  the  difference  that  the  seven  hills  of  Newton  are  much 
more  distinct  than  the  seven  hills  of  Rome; — Nonantum  Hill, 
Waban  Hill,  Chestnut  Hill,  Bald  Pate,  Oak  Hill,  Institution  Hill 
and  Mount  Ida.  Besides  these  more  prominent  hiUs,  there  are 
several  lesser  elevations.  The  high  gi'ound  intersected  by  Boy Iston 
Street,  near  Newton  Upper  Falls,  is  worthy  of  a  name  ;  the  same 
is  true  of  the  land  on  the  WilUam  Wiswall  farm  [W.  C.  Strong] 
northwest  of  the  house  anciently  owned  by  Dea.  John  Staples  — 
which,  indeed,  is  often  known  as  Moffatt  HiU.  A  small  but  beauti- 
ful pine-covered  swell  of  ground  on  the  estate  of  Mr.  Charles  S. 
Davis  at  Newton  Centre,  has  at  some  periods  borne  the  name  of 
Mount  Pleasant. 

Newton  has  several  plains  of  considerable  extent,  —  the  upper 
plain  at  the  foot  of  Institution  Hill ;  the  lower  plain,  so  called  b}' 
the  fathers,  north  of  the  First  Parish  Church  and  intersected  also 
by  Centre  Street ;  the  extensive  plain  on  which  much  of  Newton- 
ville  is  built,  and  the  plain  on  which  much  of  Newton  Highlands  is 
situated.  Rarely  is  a  portion  of  territory  to  be  found,  of  equal 
extent,  marked  by  a  more  beautifully  diversified  surface. 

13 


14  HISTOEY  OP  NEWTON. 

The  geological  features  of  the  town  are  interesting  and  various. 
Conglomerate  rock  or  amygdaloid  is  largely  diffused,  being  found 
in  great  quantities  in  Newton  Centre,  East  Newton  and  Chestnut 
Hill.  Granite  or  sienite  occui'S  in  boulders  and  smaU  ledges. 
Diorite  or  gTcen-stone,  with  occa'sional  porphjTitic  characteristics, 
is  seen  on  the  Valentine  Eoad  and  elsewhere,  seeming  to  be  a  por- 
tion of  the  ledge  of  similar  formation  which  sku*ts  Massachusetts 
Bay,  and  which  can  be  traced  through  several  of  the  adjacent  towns 
by  its  occasional  out-croppings.  It  ends  in  an  abrupt  cliff  east  of 
Valentine  Street.  There  is  a  ledge  of  argillaceous  slate  on  the 
gi'ounds  of  the  late  Gardner  Colby,  Esq. ,  of  which  the  waU  of  his 
estate  oii  Centre  Street  was  built.  There  is  a  darker  and  more 
compact  slate-stone,  which  spUts  into  convenient  sheets,  near  the 
estate  of  the  Smallwoods  at  Newton  Corner.  Interesting  boulders 
are  a  feature  of  the  estate  of  Mr.  Bishop,  of  Newton  Centre,  con- 
taining deposits  of  asbestos.  In  the  woods  near  ThompsonvUle, 
a  few  hundred  feet  south  from  the  road,  and  where  a  silver  mine 
was  reported  to  have  been  discovered  in  the  autumn  of  1877,  the 
granite  rocks  are  cmiously  spht  and  cleft  asunder ;  and  beautiful 
quartz  crystals  and  lumps  of  milky  quartz  are  found.  There  are 
also  deposits  of  mica,  and  very  interesting  specimens  of  carbonate 
of  lime.  The  particles  of  silver  are  too  minute  to  be  of  much  value. 
A  small  amount  of  specular  iron  ore  has  also  been  found  here,  and 
traces  of  copper  are  sometimes  detected.  The  beds  of  gravel  and 
the  indistinctly  striated  sm-face  of  the  rocks  in  several  places  indi- 
cate glacial  action.  Bog  iron  ore  exists  in  the  wet  gi'ounds  south 
of  Bullough's  Pond,  and,  fifty  years  ago,  considerable  quantities  of 
it  were  carried  to  the  iron  fm"naces  of  Easton,  Mass.,  and  else- 
where, to  be  manufactured. 

There  are  nine  bridges,  crossing  the  Charles  Eiver,  within  the 
limits  of  the  town,  besides  two  railroad  bridges :  viz.,  at  Nahanton 
Street  (Kenrick's  Bridge)  ;  Ncedham  Avenue ;  EUiot  Street  and 
Boylston  Street,  Upper  Falls ;  Wales  Street  and  Washington 
Street,  Lower  Falls  ;  Concord  Street ;  Auburn  Street,  near  River- 
side ;  and  Bridge  Street,  North  Village. 

Newton  numbers  nine  or  ten  villages  which  for  two  centiuies 
seemed  as  distinct  from  one  another  as  if  they  were  separate  towns. 
Only  the  town  meetings  brought  the  inhabitants  together  in  one 
place  as  a  united  people.  These  \dllages  are  Newton,  Ncwtonville, 
West  Newton,  Auburndale,  Lower  Falls,  Upper  Falls,  Highlands,. 


rONDS  IN  NEWTON.  15 

Newton  Centre  and  North  Village.  Perhaps  we  should  add,  also, 
Riverside  Their  location  depended,  at  first,  on  the  water  privi- 
leges along  the  Charles  River,  which  flowed  nearly  around  the  town  ; 
afterwards,  the  railroad  centres  created  additional  reasons  for  their 
several  locations.  As  the  population  increases,  and  the  interests 
of  the  people  have  become  one  under  a  cit}'  administration,  these 
villages  tend  to  be  melted  into  continuity.  The  town,  at  the  date 
of  this  pubUcation,  is  blessed  with  nine  post-offices  and  ten  rail- 
road stations. 

Of  the  natural  features  of  Newton  mention  should  be  made  both 
of  its  land  and  its  water.  Newton  boasts  of  thi'ee  large  ponds, 
"  Wiswall's,  "  "  Hammond's,  "  and  "  Bullough's  Pond,"  and  a 
smaller  collection  of  water  denominated  "  Silver  Lake." 

We  find  the  following  statements  in  reference  to  the  first  and 
second : 

"April  1,  1634. —  There  is  one  thousand  acres  of  land  and  a 
great  pond  (Wiswall's  Pond)  gi-anted  to  John  Haynes. 

"  Wiswall's  Pond,  near  the  Centre,  and  Hammond's  Pond,  at  the 
easterly  part  of  the  town,  were  so  called  in  remembrance  of  two  of 
the  early  and  prominent  settlers  of  the  town, — ■  Thomas  Wiswall, 
the  fii-st  ruling  elder  of  the  chm-ch,  and  the  first  settler  upon  the 
banlvs  of  the  one,  and  Thomas  Hammond,  the  first  settler  upon  the 
borders  of  the  other.  Wiswall  came  into  the  town  in  1654,  and 
died  here  in  1683.  Hammond  came  in  1650,  and  died  in  1675  ; 
both  were  pioneer  settlers,  and  substantial  pillars  of  the  plantation. 
The  descendants  of  both  have  been  numerous  in  the  town  and  the 
countrj',  and  highly  respectable.  For  nearly  two  centuries,  these 
ponds  have  been  natmally  and  properly  known  by  the  name  of 
Wiswall  and  Hammond ;  they  have  become  part  and  parcel  of  the 
historical  facts  of  the  place,  and  ought  to  be  forever  known  by 
these  names. 

"The  waters  of  Wiswall's  Pond,  generally  called 'Baptist Pond.' 
and,  in  recent  tunes,  '  Crystal  Lake,'  cover  about  thirty-three  and 
a  half  acres,  and  of  Hammond's  Pond  about  twenty  acres.  The 
natural  outlet  for  the  waters  of  Wiswall's  Pond,  was  upon  its  easterly 
side,  crossing  the  Dedham  road  a  little  liorth  of  the  Wiswall  house, 
thence  running  through  the  "Wiswall  farm  in  a  southerly  dii'ection, 
across  the  Sherburne  road  and  the  Worcester  turnpilje,  to  South 
Meadow  Brook.  The  artificial  outlet  is  a  deep  excavation,  made 
on  the  northerly  side  of  the  pond,  by  the  mill  owners  on  Smelt 


16  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Brook,  previous  to  the  3'ear  1700,  to  conduct  the  water  of  the  pond 
into  Smelt  Brook.  It  is,  however,  believed  that  the  quantitj'  of 
water  thus  drawn  from  the  pond,  was  not  of  sufficient  advantage  to 
cover  the  cost  of  the  excavation  and  repairs." 

This  excavation  passed  west  of  the  estate  of  Joshua  Loriug, 
Esq.,  President  of  the  Blackstone  National  Bank,  and  is  nearly 
obliterated  in  its  whole  course. 

In  1871,  Messrs.  W.  N.  Bartholomew,  Mellen  Bray,  Lorin  F. 
Tyler,  George  S.  Dexter,  E.  M.  Fowle,  M.  G.  Crane,  George  C. 
Rand,  R.  R.  Bishop  and  J.  F.  C.  Hyde,  leased  Wiswall's  or 
Baptist  Pond,  as  it  is  more  generall}^  termed,  of  the  Massachusetts 
Commissioners  for  Inland  Fisheries.  This  lease  was  made  under 
the  law  of  Massachusetts,  passed  for  the  especial  purpose  of  in- 
creasing the  breed  of  valuable  fish.  The  pond  was  to  be  stocked 
with  black  bass  from  Pl;}Taouth,  at  a  large  expense,  the  fish  costing 
$3.50  each.  All  fishing  was  forbidden  in  the  pond  from  this  time, 
any  party  offending  being  liable  to  -pay  a  fine  of  $50. 

The  natural  outlet  of  the  waters  of  Hammond's  Pond  was  from 
its  southeast  side,  and  was  the  commencement  of  the  brook  called 
"  Pond  Brook  "  or  "  Palmer's  Brook  ;  "  from  thence  running  south- 
erly through  the  meadows  in  the  westerl}'  corner  of  Brookhne, 
where  it  received  sufficient  accessions  of  water  to  drive  the  wheels 
of  a  saw  mill,  which  formerly  stood  very  near  the  dividing  line 
between  Brookline  and  Newton  ;  thence,  by  "Bald  Pate  Meadow," 
through  the  south  part  of  Newton,  by  Palmer's  and  thi'ough 
"  Brook  Farm-"  to  Charles  River.  A  few  years  prior  to  1854,  an  ar- 
tificial drain  was  made  from  the  westerly  side  of  Hammond's  Pond, 
running  northwest  through  the  low  grounds  to  the  brook  which 
crosses  Centre  Street  a  little  south  of  the  First  Parish  meeting- 
house, which  stream  falls  into  Smelt  Brook  near  the  territorial  cen- 
tre of  the  town.  This  cut  was  made  for  the  double  pm'pose  of 
draining  the  lands  thi-ough  which  it  was  made,  and  of  increasing 
the  force  of  Smelt  Brook. 

"  Silver  Lake  "  is  in  the  northerly  part  of  Newton,  near  Charles 
River,  and  extensive  factory  operations  have  been  carried  on  in  that 
vicinity  since  the  year  1804.  It  has  no  visible  outlet.  Lilve 
the  other  lakes  or  ponds  of  Newton,  it  has  not  merely  added  a  charm 
to  the  landscape  in  summer,  but  has  also  proved  a  source  of  com- 
fort and  of  wealth,  jdelding  every  winter  a  supplj'  of  ice,  which  in 
modern  times  has  come  to  be  not  only  a  luxury,  but  almost  one  of 


BROOKS.— "COUNTY  ROCK."  17 

the  necessaries  of  life.  How  thoughtful  and  bounteous  was  the 
Providence  which  laid  up  these  stores  of  good  for  future  use,  even 
before  the  people  knew  how  to  appreciate  them ! 

"  Bullough's  Pond  "  is  near  the  geographical  centre  of  the  town, 
and  lies  in  a  hollow,  encircled  on  nearly  all  sides  by  wooded  hills. 
Its  name  is  derived  from  the  name  of  the  ancient  proprietor  of 
land  on  the  west  side  of  the  pond.  It  is  of  considerable  extent  from 
north  to  south,  and  is  divided  by  Walnut  Street  into  two  portions, 
the  principal  being  on  the  east  side.  This  beautiful  sheet  of  water, 
like  a  sapphu'e  gem  set  round  with  emeralds,  is  of  tolerable  depth, 
and  of  great  purity.  Its  superfluous  waters  mingle  with  those  of 
Smelt  Brook,  through  which  they  find  their  way  ultimately  to 
Charles  River. 

"South  Meadow  Brook"  rises  from  several  small  branches  in 
and  near  the  Great  Meadows,  and,  formerly,  from  the  original  out- 
let of  the  waters  of  Wiswall's  Pond ;  thence,  running  southwest 
through  the  Winchester  farm  to  Chai'les  Eiver,  about  one  mile 
above  the  Upper  Falls.     "  Palmer's  Brook"  is  described  above. 

"  Cheesecake  Brook "  rises  at  the  westerly  part  of  the  town, 
within  a  few  rods  of  the  spot  where  Deacon  Staples'  house  stood, 
afterwards  William  Wiswall,  2d,  and  since,  W.  C.  Strong,  Esq., 
and  runs  northeast  through  the  West  Parish  village  and  the  Fuller 
farm  to  Charles  River,  near  the  dividing  line  between  Waltham 
and  Watertown.  Its  name  is  due  to  the  picnic  lunch  of  some  of 
the  early  inhabitants,  who,  while  out  on  a  hunting  expedition,  be- 
coming weary  and  faint,  sat  down  at  noon  on  its  banks  to  eat  then* 
cake  and  cheese,  and  slaked  theh*  thkst  from  its  refi'eshing  waters. 

"  Smelt  Brook,"  the  largest  of  the  four,  issues  from  a  cold  spring 
in  the  region  of  Alcock's  Swamp,  about  half  a  mile  north  of  the 
South  Burial  place  ;  thence,  running  northeast,  it  is  reinforced  b}' 
several  small  streams ;  thence,  through  the  centre  of  the  ancient 
"  Mayhew  farm,"  "Dummerfarm"  and  "Wear  lauds,"  it  enters 
Charles  River,  between  the  first  dam  and  the  first  bridge  ever  built 
across  that  river.  Its  ancient  name,  "  Smelt  Brook,"  seems  to  have 
faded  nearly  awa}',  and  it  has  become  a  nameless  stream.  Some- 
times, however,  it  is  called  "  Cold  Spring  Brook,"  with  reference 
to  the  distant  source  out  of  which  it  flows. 

There  is  a  rock  in  the  bed  of  Charles  River  which  has  received 
the  name  of  "  Count}'^  Rock,"  and  which  is  noted  for  being  at  the 
point  of  junction  of  two  counties,  Norfolk  and  Middlesex,  and 
tlii-ee  towns,  Newton,  Needham  and  Weston. 
5 


18  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Newton  has  been  famed  for  the  health  and  longevity  of  its  in- 
habitants. Dr.  Homer  says,  —  *'From  accurate  bills  of  mortaUty 
for  about  fifty  years  past  [this  was  written  in  1798],  it  appears  that 
one  seventieth  part  of  the  inhabitants  dies  annually.  In  the  East 
Congregational  Society,  consisting  of  about  700  souls,  154  died 
from  January  1,  1782,  to  January  1,  1799,  averaging  nine  a  3'ear. 
Of  this  number,  49,  considerably  upwards  of  a  fourth  part,  arrived 
to  their  seventieth  year,  and  beyond,  and  G3,  more  than  a  third 
part,  arrived  to  their  sixtieth,  and  beyond.  The  sorrows  of  early 
widowhood  are  seldom  known  here.  Of  married  men  beneath  40, 
only  one  died  within  the  bounds  of  the  East  Precinct,  including  the 
famiUes  of  the  Baptist  Societ}^  living  witliin  the  same  bounds, 
dming  more  than  sixteen  years." 

The  town  records  and  private  bUls  of  mortality,  extending  over 
a  space  of  one  hundred  years,  from  1691  to  1791,  note,  in  all,  1,374 
deaths  ;  but  a  few  of  the  first  years,  it  is  conjectured,  furnish  in- 
complete retm-ns.  The  proportion  of  deaths  among  the  aged,  many 
of  them  older  than  80  years,  seems  to  have  been  very  considerable 
in  all  this  period.  In  seventeen  years,  from  January  1,  1782,  to 
January  1,  1799,  Dr.  Homer  notes  the  following  deaths  in  the 
bounds  of  the  East  Parish : 

Under  two  years,  24^.  Between  40  and    .50,  10. 

Between    2  and    5,    G.  "       50  and    60,  10. 

"         o  and  10,  12.  "        60  and    70,  U. 

"       10  and  20,    4.  "        70  and    SO,  27. 

"       20  and  30,  16.  "       80  and    90,16. 

"       30  and  40,    9.  "       90  and  100,    6. 

During  ten  years,  from  1782  to  1792,  within  the  limits  of  the 
East  Congregational  Society,  there  were  97  deaths,  17  of  which 
were  in  the  two  neighboring  houses  of  Messrs.  John  Jackson  and 
Edward  Dui-ant ;  and  195  births.  The  marriages  for  the  same 
period  were,  in  the  whole  town,  103.  The  sum  total  of  the  mar- 
riages in  Newton  for  a  century  after  its  incorporation  was  747. 
"In  1792,  59  of  the  inhabitants,  one  twenty-third  part  of  the 
whole  population,  had  seen  their  seventieth  year,  and  beyond." 
Up  to  that  date  (1792),  but  one  person  in  the  town  had  reached 
100  years,  though  several  had  seen  90  and  upwards.  The  person 
referred  to  was  Mrs.  Mary  Davis,  of  the  south  part  of  the  town, 
who  died  in  1752,  in  her  llGth  year. 


MORTALITY.  19 

According  to  the  census  of  1870,  the  population  of  Newton  was 
then  12,825.  The  number,  December  31,  1873,  the  last  year  of 
the  town  government,  could  not  be  far  from  1G,000.  On  the 
basis  of  that  number,  the  proportion  of  deaths  to  the  population, 
in  that  year,  was  one  death  to  every  eighty-one  persons.  The 
number  of  deaths  in  Newton  in  the  3'ear  1873,  by  consumption, 
was  about  one  in  ten  of  all  the  deaths.  This  is  a  ver}^  favorable 
statement,  in  view  of  the  prevalence  of  this  destructive  disease. 
According  to  the  statistics  of  Mr.  Rice,  on  this  subject,  "in  the 
years  1858  and  1859,  about  one  in  four  of  all  the  deaths  in  Newton 
were  by  consumption  ;  in  18G0  and  1861,  one  in  six  and  one-half; 
in  1862  and  1863,  about  one  in  seven ;  in  1864  and  1865,  one  in 
six ;  in  1866  and  1867,  one  in  five  and  thi-ee-fourths ;  in  1868  and 
1869,  one  in  eight  and  three-foui-ths  ;  in  1870  and  1871,  about  one 
in  nine  and  one-fourth;  in  1872,  one  in  eight  and  one-sixth;  and 
in  1873,  as  above  stated,  one  in  ten  of  all  the  deaths." 

The  following  table,  exhibiting  the  population  and  mortality  of 
Newton,  for  the  last  fourteen  years  of  the  town  government,  is 
supposed  to  be  nearly  correct : 

In  1860      population  (U.  S.  Census)         8,382  deaths 

18GI  •'  8,600 

1862  "  8,700  " 

1863  "  8,750  " 
18G4  "  8,850  " 
18G5  "  (State  Census)  8,978  " 
186G  "  9,100  " 

1867  "  9,310  " 

1868  "  '  9,900  " 

1869  "  11,000 

1870  "  (U.  S.  Census)  12,825  " 

1871  "  14,000  " 

1872  «'  15,500  " 

1873  "  16,000  " 

No  finer  territory  can  be  found,  inalilie  extent,  than  the  town  of 
Newton.  Its  broad  avenues,  bordered  with  trees  and  gardens,  its 
extensive  plains,  its  swelling  hills,  its  glassy  lakes,  its  well-kept 
lawns,  its  near  and  distant  views  of  charming  landscapes,  reaching 
on  the  east  to  the  waters  of  Massachusetts  Bay  and  on  the  west  to 
the  summits  of  Wachusett  and  Monadnock,  its  fine  residences  and 
public  buildings,  including  a  score  and  a  half  of  churches,  its 


9i 

one  in  89 

136 

"   G3 

93 

"   94 

149 

59 

135 

"   GG 

127 

"   71 

116 

"   78 

133 

"   70 

136 

•'  .  73 

138 

"   79 

133  ■ 

"   964 

119 

"  117 

197 

"   784 

196 

81 

20  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

tasteful  cemeteiy,  its  raaguificent  public  schools  and  seats  of  higher 
education,  endowed  and  unendowed,  are  unsurpassed.  A  writer 
in  the  Boston  Traveller  draws  the  following  picture  of  a  single  lo- 
cality, near  the  northwestern  limit  of  the  town.  Many  pictures,  of 
equal  beauty,  could  be  presented  to  a  visitor  in  almost  any 
du'ection. 

"AVithin  ten  miles  of  Boston,"  says  this  writer,  "there  is  a 
stretch  of  river  scenery  that  cannot  be  surpassed  in  the  United 
States,  and  which  cannot  easily  be  equalled.  We  refer  to  the 
Charles  River  between  Waltham  and  Auburndale,  where  it  extends 
in  a  tortuous  course,  from  one  point  to  the  other,  a  distance  of 
three  mUes  and  a  half.  Until  within  a  few  3'ears  this  lovely  spot 
has  scarcely  been  known  beyond  the  limit  of  the  inhabitants  who 
have  quietly  taken  possession  of  the  elegant  sites  on  either  bank, 
and  beautified  and  adorned  them  for  then-  own  pleasure.  But  the 
enterprise  of  man  has  invaded  it,  not  to  destroy,  but  to  allow  the 
public  to  partake  of  the  enjo3'ment.  The  well  appointed  little 
steamer  White  Swan,  owned  and  commanded  by  a  Captain  Gibbs, 
veteran  of  the  last  war,  now  phes  regularly  between  Waltham  and 
Auburndale  bridge,  carr3dng  picnic  parties,  etc.  Since  this  steam- 
er has  been  running,  parties  from  Boston  and  places  at  greater 
distance  have  availed  themselves  of  the  privilege  of  enjoying  this 
dehghtful  scener3^  Man}'  who  have  travelled  through  Europe  af- 
firm that  for  quiet  beauty  it  is  not  equalled.  One  famihar  with  our 
Southern  streams  is  reminded  of  the  Yazoo,  with  the  deep  gTeen 
and  lusmiance  of  the  foUage  on  the  banlvs  and  the  quiet  of  its 
waters.  Along  the  banks  of  the  river  are  located  the  summer  resi- 
dences of  Messrs.  Cutler  and  Merrill,  the  elegant  residence  of 
R.  M.  Pulsifer,  Mayor  of  Newton,  the  splendid  mansion  of  Ex-Mayor 
Fowle,  the  Benj'on  mansion  and  others.  Opposite  to  the  residence 
of  Mr.  Pulsifer  is  Lily  Pond  Grove,  one  of  the  most  beautiful  sum- 
mer resorts  in  New  England,  fitted  up  with  great  taste  and  conven- 
ience. At  sunset  the  river  is  ahve  with  canoes,  row-boats,  shells 
and  sail-boats,  filled  with  ladies  and  gentlemen,  adding,  with  the 
dehghtful  music,  greatly  to  the  natm-al  charms  of  the  scenery-.  To 
those  who  are  tu'ed  of  fashionable  resorts  ^ud  would  seek  a  quiet 
like  this,  we  commend  a  trip  on  the  White  Swan,  and  a  few  hours' 
stroll  on  the  banks  of  the  Charles." 


CHAPTER  II. 

EARLY    BOSTON. —  THE    FORTIFICATION    OF    CAMBRIDGE. ORIGIN    OF 

THE   HOUSE   OF    REPRESENTATIVES. —  THE    ACQUISITION    OF    THE 

TERRITORY    OF    NEAVTON. —  FIRST   SETTLEMENT. MR.     HOOKER'S 

COMPANY. ACCESSIONS    OF   LANDS. —  BOUNDARY    LINES. FIRST 

SETTLERS. 

The  histoiy  of  Newton  is,  in  its  earliest  stages,  intimate!}'  con- 
nected with  the  history  of  Boston.  Boston,  or  Botolph's  town, 
was  originally  a  very  contracted  peninsula.  It  was  named  from 
Boston  in  Lincolnshire,  England,  the  residence  of  Rev.  John  Cot- 
ton,—  the  first  minister  of  our  Boston,  — before  he  emigi-ated  to  this 
country.  Botolph's  town,*  or  St.  Botolph's  town, — Botolph, 
that  is,  boat-help^  because  this  saint  was  the  patron  of  mariners, — 
was  a  name  as  appropriate  for  the  colonial  metropolis  as  it  was  for 
its  Enghsh  namesake.  As  Boston  in  England  was  on  the  sea,  and 
its  people  had  to  do  with  commercial  affaks, — so  the  new  Boston 
was  to  be  the  residence  of  merchant  princes,  whose  wealth  was  de- 
pendent largely  upon  their  proximity  to  the  ocean. 

Many  persons  now  living  recollect  a  period  when  a  portion  of  the 
North  End  of  Boston,  — at  first,  the  court  end  of  the  town,  — was 
but  three  streets  wide :  Fore,  now  North  Street ;  Middle  Street, 
now  the  northern  half  of  Hanover  Street ;  and  Back  Street,  now 
the  southern  part  of  Salem  Street.  This  territory  reached  from 
water  to  water ;  and  the  North  End  of  Boston  was  cut  oflT  from  the 
residue  of  the  town  b}*  a  canal,  occupjdng  the  space  which  is  now 
Blackstone  Street.  This  canal  extended  from  Causeway  Street  on 
the  west  to  its  outlet  on  North  Street,  near  Merchants'  Row,  on  the 
east.     Most  of  the  territory  from  Causeway  Street  to  HajTnarket 


*  The  original  name  of  Boston  was  long  preserved  in  the  name  of  one  of  its  streets;— 
Botolph  Street  is  on  the  northerly  slope  of  Beacon  Hill,  running  from  Myrtle  Street 
to  Cambridge  Street.    Its  name  has  been  changed  to  Irving  Street. 

21 


22  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Square  and  from  Prince  to  Pitts  Street  was  covered  with  water; 
and  the  tide-mills  at  the  westerly  end,  which  depended  for  their 
power  on  this  pond,  gave  to  the  whole  territory  the  title  of  "  Mill 
Pond," — the  name  by  which  many  elderly  people  stiU  speak  of  it. 

At  the  south,  the  upper  part  of  Washington  Street,  called  the 
Neck,  was  a  narrow  strip  of  land  which  in  time  of  high  tides  was 
'overflowed  by  water ;  so  that  the  farmers  of  Roxbmy  and  Dor- 
chester, as  late  as  the  period  of  the  Revolution,  used  to  hasten 
home  from  the  town,  after  they  had  disposed  of  their  produce,  lest 
their  communication  with  the  continent  should  be  cut  off.  Long 
Wharf  extended  up  State  Street  as  far  as  India.  Street,  and  large 
ships  were  moored  in  the  dock  which  afterwards  became  the  site 
of  the  present  Custom  House.  The  bowsprits  of  vessels,  of  larger 
or  smaller  burden,  used  to  extend  over  Liberty  Square,  and  the 
tide  washed  the  shore  along  the  line  which  is  now  Harrison  Av- 
enue. On  the  westerty  side,  all  the  Public  Garden,  and  most  of 
Charles  Street,  have  been  reclaimed  from  the  water,  and  it  is  only 
a  few  3'ears  since  the  remains  of  a  wrecked  vessel  were  seen  going 
to  deca}',  east  of  the  Boston  and  Albauj'-  Railroad,  in  the  region 
now  covered  by  the  dwellings  in  Appleton  Street  and  Columbus 
Avenue. 

The  territory  of  Boston  was  indeed  small,  but  savage  Indians 
were  in  the  vicinity,  and  the  inhabitants  of  the  little  peninsula  felt 
it  necessary  to  have  a  fortified  place  to  flee  to,  in  case  of  hostile 
invasion. 

Dorchester,  Charlestown,  Watertown,  Boston  and  Roxbury  had 
ah'cady  become  settled,  and  they  all  participated  in  tliis  spirit  of 
wise  precaution.  Accordingly  it  was  agreed  that  a  fortified  town 
should  be  built  for  security  against  the  Indians  ;  and  the  Governor, 
Deputy-Governor  and  Assistants  viewed  man}'  places  for  its  loca- 
tion. In  December,  1630,  they  resolved  to  build  it  upon  the  neck 
between  Boston  and  Roxbury  (probably  in  the  place  since  called 
Roxbur}'  Street) ,  but  that  place  was  soon  given  up  for  several  rea- 
sons,—  among  the  most  prominent  of  which  was  that  there  were 
no  springs  of  running  water.  They  finaUy  decided  to  build  it  on 
the  north  side  of  Charles  River,  on  the  spot  where  the  College  now 
stands,  and  commenced  its  construction  in  the  spring  of  1G31,  lay- 
ing out  the  town  in  squares,  with  streets  intersecting  each  other  at 
right  angles. 


FORTIFICATIONS.— REPRESENTATIVES.  23 

In  1632  the  General  Court  levied  a  rate  of  £60  upon  the  several 
plantations  towards  making  a  palisade  about  Newtown.  This  was  a 
favorite  project  of  old  Governor  Danforth,  whose  house  was  within 
the  inclosurc.  The  tax  levied  for  this  purpose  was  assessed  upon 
the  several  towns  as  follows:  viz.,  Watertown,  viii?.,  the  New 
Town,  iii^.,  Charlton,  vii/.,  Meadford,  iiiL,  Saugus  and  Marble 
Harbor,  vi  Z.,  Salem,  ivL  xs.,  Boston,  viii  Z.,  Rocksbmy,  viiZ.,* 
Dorchester,  vii  ?.,  Wessaguscus  v  Z.,  Winettsemct  xxx s.*  Dr.  Paige 
saj's  (History  of  Cambridge,  p.  10), —  "The  location  of  the 
greater  part  of  this  fence  or  '  pale '  is  designated  with  tolerable 
accuracy  by  the  ancient  records  of  possessions  and  conveyances. 
Commencing  in  the  present  College  yard,  near  the  northwesterly 
angle  of  Gore  Hall,  and  extending  eastwardl}^,  it  passed  very  near 
the  junction  of  Ellsworth  Avenue  with  Cambridge  Street,  to  the 
line  between  Cambridge  and  Charlestown  (now  Somerville) ,  at  its 
angle  on  Line  Street  near  Cambridge  Street,  and  thence  followed 
that  line  to  the  creek,  a  few  rods  easterly  from  the  track  of  the 
Grand  Junction  Railroad.  Commencing  again  at  the  point  first 
mentioned,  the  fence  extended  southwardly  to  the  marsh  near  the 
junction  of  Hol3^oke  Place  with  Mount  Auburn  Street.  The  kind 
offence  then  erected  is  indicated  in  an  Order  passed  Dec.  5,  1636  : 
'  That  the  common  pales  in  all  places,  to  be  made  after  this  da}--, 
shall  be  done  with  sufficient  posts  and  rails,  and  not  with  crotches.' 

"  The  £60  levied  for  fortifying  New  Town  was  probably  the  first 
State  Tax ;  and  the  people  delegated  two  from  each  town  to  see 
fair  play  in  its  apportionment.  And  this,  I  apprehend,"  we  quote 
the  words  of  Hon.  William  Jackson,  "  to  have  been  the  first  step 
towards  a  House  of  Representatives.  The  people  were  impelled  to 
the  measm'e  by  their  nervous  sensibility  about  taxation." 

"  The  next  year,"  says  the  same  authority,  "  the  taxation  dele- 
gation not  onl}'  apportioned  the  amount  to  be  raised,  but  proceed- 
ed to  prepare  such  business  as  the  General  Court  were  to  act  upon 
and  decide.  To  quote  the  words  of  the  Order  which  passed  the 
Court  of  Elections, —  'It  shall  be  lawful  for  the  freemen  of  every 
plantation  to  choose  two  or  three  deputies  from  each  town  to  con- 


*It  is  stated  by  Winthrop  that  Watertown  objected  to  this  assessment  as  unjust. 
Mr.  Savage  says,  "To  the  agitation  of  this  subject  we  may  refer  the  origin  of  that 
Committee  of  two  from  each  town  to  advise  with  the  Court  about  raising  public 
moneys,  'so  as  what  they  agree  upon  should  bind  all,'  under  date  of  May  of  this  year 
1C32.  This  led  to  the  representative  body,  having  the  full  powers  of  all  the  freemen, 
except  that  of  elections." 


24  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

fer,  and  prepare  the  public  business  for  the  Governor  and  assis- 
tants to  consider,'  etc.  Every  town  sent  three,  and  thus  occupied 
all  the  privilege  pelded  by  the  Court.  When  assembled  in  1634, 
they  acted  with  a  decision  and  energy  not  surpassed  by  any  subse- 
quent assembly  of  the  same  land,  from  that  day  to  this.  Thej' 
resolved  that  none  but  the  General  Court,  of  which  they  them- 
selves constituted  the  decided  majority,  have  power  to  admit  free- 
men, make  laws,  elect  or  remove  officers,  prescribe  their  powers 
and  duties,  make  taxes,  and  dispose  of  lands.  They  also  ordained 
trial  by  jmy,  directed  the  manner  in  which  future  deputies 
should  be  returned,  and  at  the  same  session  imposed  a  fine  upon 
the  Governor  and  assistants  for  violating  an  order  of  the  General 
Court.  At  first  the  officers  were  chosen  for  three  months,  then 
semi-annually,  and  in  1643  anuuaU3^" 

Hutchinson  says  of  the  scheme  of  a  House  of  Representatives, 
"  It  seems  to  have  been  agreed  upon  or  fallen  into  by  general  con- 
sent of  all  the  towns,  as  if  it  were  a  thing  of  necessity."  Mr. 
William  Jackson  adds, —  "  To  me  it  appears  probable  that  the  peo- 
ple demanded  a  participation  in  the  powers  of  government,  and 
made  this  participation  the  condition  of  their  payment  of  taxes. 
And  thus  the  very  rate  which  was  levied  for  the  fortifying  of  New- 
town was  the  germ  out  of  which  the  only  representative  government, 
chosen  by  those  who  were  to  be  governed,  arose, —  the  only  one  of 
the  kind  seen  in  the  earth  from  the  daj^s  of  Noah  to  those  of  the 
Pilgrims." 

The  fortification  around  the  new  town  was  made  and  a  fosse  ex- 
cavated, inclosing  a  space  of  more  than  a  thousand  acres,  "  paled 
in,"  as  a  historian  writing  in  1633  remarks,  "with  one  general 
fence,  which  was  about  one  and  a  half  miles  in  length.  It  is  one 
of  the  neatest  and  best  compacted  towns  in  New  England,  having 
many  fair  structures,  with  many  handsome-contrived  streets.  The 
inhabitants,  most  of  them,  are  very  rich.  Half  a  mile  westward 
of  the  town  is  a  great  pond  (Fresh  Pond) ,  which  is  divided  be- 
tween Newtown  and  Watertown,  on  the  north  side  of  Charles 
Biver." 

The  question  of  the  right  of  the  fii'st  settlers  to  the  lands  which 
they  came  to  possess,  and  which  have  come  down  in  regular  suc- 
cession to  their  descendants,  is  too  interesting  and  important  to  be 
wholly  passed  by.  Dr.  Paige  has  carefully  investigated  this  mat- 
ter, and  we  avail  ourselves  of  his  careful  statements  (History  of 
Cambridge,  pp.  383,  384). 


INDIAN  LA.NDS  PURCHASED.  25 

"  In  the  '  First  General  Letter  of  the  Governor  and  Deput}'  of 
the  New  England  Company  for  a  Plantation  in  Massachusetts 
Bay,  to  the  Governor  and  Council  for  London's  Plantation  in  the 
Massachusetts  Bay  in  New  England,'  dated  '  In  Gravesend  the  17th 
of  April,  1629,'  is  this  important  direction  —  'If  any  of  the  sal- 
vages pretend  right  of  inheritance  to  all  or  any  part  of  the  lands 
granted  in  our  pattent,  wee  pray  j-ou  endeavour  to  purchase  their 
tjiile,  that  wee  may  avoyde  the  least  scruple  of  intrusion.'  Accord- 
ingty,  at  the  session  of  the  General  Court,  March  13,  1638-9,  '  Mr. 
Gibons  was  desired  to  agree  with  the  Indians  for  the  land  within 
the  bounds  of  Watertowue,  Cambridge  and  Boston.'  The  deed  of 
conveyance,  or  release  of  title,  I  have  not  been  able  to  find ;  yet 
there  is  sufficient  evidence  that  the  purchase  was  made  of  the 
squaw-sachem,  and  that  the  price  was  duly  paid.  The  General 
Court  ordered,  May  20,  1640, 'that  the  ISl.  8s.  Gd.  layd  out  by 
Capt.  Gibons  shall  bee  paid  him,  vid. :  13?.  8s.  6d.  by  Watertowne 
and  10/.  by  Cambridge ;  and  also  Cambridge  is  to  give  squa- 
sachem  a  coate  everj^  winter  while  shee  liveth.'  This  sale  or  convey- 
ance to  Cambridge  is  recognized  in  a  deed  executed  Jan.  13, 
1639,  by  the  'squa-sachem  of  Misticke'  and  her  husband  "Web- 
cowits,  whereby  they  conveyed  to  Jotham  Gibbons  '  the  reversion 
of  all  that  parcel  of  land  which  lies  against  the  ponds  at  Mistick 
aforesaid,  together  with  the  said  ponds,  all  which  we  reserved  from 
Charlestown  and  Cambridge,  late  called  Newtowne,  and  all  heredi- 
taments and  appurtenances  thereunto  belonging,  after  the  death 
of  me  the  said  squaw-sachem.'  The  inhabitants  of  Cambridge 
lived  on  friendlj'  terms  with  the  Indians. 

"On  the  8th  of  March,  1643,  the  ' squa-sachem '  with  four  other 
Indian  rulers,  voluntarily  put  herself  'under  the  government  and 
jurisdiction  of  the  Massachusetts,  to  be  governed  and  protected  b}^ 
them,'  and  promised  'to  be  true  and  faithful  to  the  said  govern- 
ment.' She  is  supposed  to  have  died  not  long  before  1662,  when 
a  claim  was  made  for  land  in  which  she  had  reserved  a  life  estate. 

"  One  of  the  Indian  chiefs  who  united  with  the  squaw-sachem  in 
this  act  of  submission  to  '  the  government  and  jurisdiction  of  the 
Massachusetts'  was  Cutshamache,  Cutshamakin  or  Kuchamakin, 
who  resided  'at  a  place  called  Neponsitt,  within  the  bounds  of 
Dorchester.'  His  authority  extended  over  those  who  dwelt  at 
Nonantum,  which  was  then  included  in  Cambridge." 


26  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

In  163G,  only  six  years  after  the  settlement  of  Boston,  the  Gen- 
eral Court  voted  £400,  equal  to  a  year's  rate  of  the  whole  colony, 
towards  the  erection  of  a  public  school  or  college.  In  1637,  an 
order  was  passed  by  the  same  honorable  body,  that  the  college 
should  be  at  Newtown,  "  a  place  very  pleasant  and  accommodate," 
and  "  then  under  the  orthodox  and  soul-flourishing  ministry  of  Mr. 
Thomas  Shepherd."  Of  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Shepherd  it  is  testi- 
fied, that  it  was  so  pungent  and  impressive  that  almost  every  Lord's 
day  some  gave  visible  evidence  before  the  congregation  of  being 
moved  by  it ;  so  that  it  was  a  common  thing  for  the  members  of  a 
family  who  were  compelled  by  sickness  or  for  other  cause  to  remain 
at  home,  to  ask  their  friends,  on  their  return  from  the  house  of 
God,— "Who  seemed  to  be  wrought  upon  by  the  word  to-day?" 

The  settlement  of  the  new  town  (Cambridge)  was  begun  in 
1631.  The  town  records  commence  in  November,  1632  ;  the  pro- 
prietors' records  in  1635.  A  house  in  Boston  surmounted  by  a 
thatched  roof  having  taken  fire  from  the  chimney  in  1631,  Deputy 
Governor  Dudley  recorded  the  remark,  "  In  our  new  town,  intended 
to  be  built  this  summer,  we  have  ordered  that  no  man  there  shall 
build  his  chimney  with  wood,  or  cover  his  house  with  thatch." 

The  first  considerable  accession  to  the  population  of  the  new 
town  (Cambridge)  took  place  in  August,  1632.  Rev.  Mr.  Hook- 
er's company,  otherwise  called  the  Braintree  company,  had  begun 
a  settlement  at  Mount  Wollaston,  but  were  ordered  by  the  Court 
to  remove  to  Newtown.  These  settlers  were  forty-seven  in  num- 
ber.*   But  the  territory  of  the  new  town,  with  this  addition,  was  not 


♦In  a  foot  note  to  Dr.  Holmes'  History  of  Cambridge,  it  is  said,  "It  is  highly  prob- 
able that  this  company  came  from  Braintree,  in  Essex  County,  in  England,  and  from 
its  vicinity.  Chelmsford,  where  Mr.  Hooker  was  settled,  is  but  eleven  miles  from 
Braintree ;  and  '  Mr.  Hooker  was  so  esteemed  as  a  preacher  that  not  only  his  own 
people,  but  others  from  all  parts  of  the  county  of  Essex  flocked  to  hear  him.'  " 

The  names  of  this  company,  constituting  the  first  settlers  of  the  town  of  Cam- 
bridge, are  preserved  in  the  Records  of  the  Proprietors,  under  date  of  1G32,  and  are 
as  follows : 


Jeremy  Adams, 
Matthew  Allen, 
John  Benjamin, 
Jonathan  Boswell, 
Mr.  Simon  Bradstreet,t 
John  Bridge, 
Richard  Butler, 
John  Clarke, 

t  Bradstreet  settled  at  Andover,  and  was  afterwards  Ooveruor  of  Massachusetts. 


Anthony  Couldby  or  Colby, 
Daniel  Denuisou, 
Thomas  Dudley,  Esq., 
Samuel  Dudley, 
Edward  Elmer, 
Richard  Goodman, 
"William  Goodwin, 
Garrad  Hadden, 


QUESTION  OF  KEMOVAL.  27 

large  enougli  to  accommodate  the  desires  of  its  population.  Hence 
in  Ma}',  1634,  tlie  people  complained  to  the  General  Court  of  their 
restricted  quarters,  and  desired  leave  to  seek  either  enlargement 
or  removal.  Their  request  was  granted  by  the  Court,  and  Mr. 
Hooker  and  his  company  sent  messengers  to  explore  Ipswich,  and 
the  Merrimac  and  Connecticut  Rivers.  The  report  of  the  messen- 
gers who  went  to  examine  the  Connecticut  valley  was  very  flatter- 
ing, and  produced  a  strong  influence  upon  them ;  and  at  the 
session  of  the  Court  in  September,  they  asked  leave  to 
remove  thither.  "  The  question  of  their  removal  was  a  very 
exciting  one,"  says  Mr.  Jackson,  "  and  was  debated  by  the  Court 
many  days.  On  taking  the  vote,  it  appeared  that  the  Assistants 
were  opposed  to  their  removal,  and  the  Deputies  were  in  favor  of 
it.  Upon  this  grew  a  great  difference  between  the  Governor  and 
Assistants,  and  the  Deputies.  '  So  when  they  could  proceed  no 
further,  the  whole  Court  agreed  to  keep  a  daj^  of  humiUation  in 
all  the  congregations.'  Mr.  Cotton,  b}'  desu'e  of  the  Com't, 
preached  a  sermon  that  had  great  influence  in  settling  the  question.'" 


Stephen  Hart, 
John  Haynes,  Esq.,* 
Thomas  Heate, 
Rev.  Thomas  Hooker, 
Thomas  Hosmer, 
Richard  Havlackenden, 
William  Lewis, 
Richard  Lord, 
John  Masters, 
Abraham  Morrill, 
Hester  Mussey, 
Simon  Oakes, 
James  Olmstead, 
Capt.  Daniel  Patrick, 
John  Prat, 
William  Pentrcy, 


Joseph  Redinge, 
Nathaniel  Richards, 
William  Spencer, 
Thomas  Spencer, 
Edward  Stebbins, 
John  Steele, 
Henry  Steele, 
George  Steele, 
Samuel  Stone, 
John  Talcott, 
William  AVads worth, 
Andrew  Warner, 
Richard  Webb, 
William  Westwood, 
John  White. 


The  same  year,  1C32,  "they  built  the  first  house  of  worship  at  Newtownc  (Cam- 
bridge), with  a  bell  upon  it."  This  item,  which  is  drawn  from  Prince's  History, 
proves  that  the  early  settlers  were  not  summoned  to  worshiji,  at  the  beginning,  if 
they  were  later,  by  the  beat  of  drum.  There  is  no  record  of  the  ViUage  of  New  Cam- 
bridge (now  Newton),  which  indicates  when  a  bell  was  first  used  there.  The 
Indians,  however,  were  assembled  l^y  the  beat  of  drum. 

The  company  arrived  in  Boston  September  4, 1G33.  Mr.  Hooker  was  chosen  pastor 
and  Mr.  Stone,  teacher,  and  they  were  installed  in  their  respective  offices,  after  solemn 
lasting  and  prayer,  October  11, 1633. 


♦John  Haynes  received  the  earliest  and  largest  grant  of  land  in  the  town  in  1634; 
was  chosen  Governor  of  Massachusetts  in  1635;  removed  to  Connecticut  with 
Hooker's  company  in  1636,  and  was  Governor  of  Connecticut  in  1G39.  He  died  in  1654, 
and  this  tract  of  land  passed  to  his  heirs. 


28  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

The  public  sentimeut  at  that  time  appeared  to  be  against  their 
removal.  Boston  and  Watertown  had  offered  them  enlargement, 
and  the  congregation  of  Newtown  accepted  these  offers  and  con- 
cluded not  to  remove. 

By  the  records  of  the  Court  in  September,  1034,  "it  is  ordered 
that  the  ground  about  Muddy  River  belonging  to  Boston  and  used 
by  the  inhabitants  thereof  shall  hereafter  belong  to  Newtown, —  the 
wood  and  timber  thereof  growing  and  to  be  grown  to  be  reserved 
to  the  inhabitants  of  Boston ;  provided,  and  it  is  the  meaning  of 
this  Court,  that  if  Mr.  Hooker,  and  the  congregation  now  settled 
here,  shall  remove  hence,  that  then  the  aforesaid  meadow  grounds 
shall  return  to  Watertown,  and  the  grounds  at  Muddy  River  to 
Boston." 

After  the  question  touching  the  enlargement  of  Newtown  was 
settled,  a  committee  was  appointed  by  the  Court,  consisting  of 
"William  Colbron,  John  Johnson  and  Abraham  Palmer,  to  deter- 
mine the  bounds  between  Newtown  and  Watertown  ;  and  Ensign 
Jennison  to  set  out  the  bounds  between  Newtown  and  Roxbmy, 
about  Muddy  River.     The  following  records  their  action  : 

April,  1635. —  "  It  is  agreed  by  us  whose  names  are  underwritten, 
that  the  bounds  between  Watertown  and  Newtown  shall  stand  as 
they  are  alread}',  from  Charles  River  to  the  Great  Fresh  Pond, 
and  from  the  tree  marked  by  Watertown  and  Newtown,  on  the 
northeast  side  of  the  pond  and  over  the  pond  to  a  white  poplar 
tree  on  the  northwest  side  of  the  pond,  and  from  the  tree  up  into 
the  country,  northwest  by  west,  upon  a  straight  line  by  a  meridian 
compass ;  and  further,  that  Watertown  shall  have  one  hundred 
rods  in  length  above  the  Wear,  and  one  hundred  rods  beneath  the 
Wear  in  length  and  three  score  rods  in  breadth  from  the  river  on 
the  south  side  thereof,  and  all  the  rest  of  the  ground  on  that  side 

of  the  river  to  Ij^e  to  Newtown. 

William  Colbron, 
John  Johnson, 
Abraham  Palmer." 

April,  1635. —  "The line  between  Roxbury  and  Newtown  is  laid 

out  to  run  southwest  from  Muddy  River,  near  that  place  called 

'  Nowell's  Bridge,'  a  tree  marked  on  four  sides,  and  from  the  mouth 

of  the  river  to  that  place ;  the  south  side  is  for  Roxbury  and  the 

north  for  Newtown. 

William  Jennison." 


TOWN  BOUNDS.  20 

"  This  line,"  Mr.  Jackson  says,  "  was  designed  to  carry  out  the 
gift  of  Boston  to  Newtown,  by  which  the  whole  of  Muddj^  River, 
more  or  less,  became  a  part  of  Newtown,  and  so  remained  for 
nearly'  two  years.  It  was  nearlj',  if  not  exactly,  the  same  line  as 
that  which  now  divides  Roxbury  from  Brookline.  Its  length  is  not 
stated  in  Jennison's  report ;  but  it  is  about  six  miles." 

By  this  enlargement  of  lands,  received  from  Boston  and  "Water- 
town,  Newtown  acquired  what  is  now  Brookline,  Brighton  and 
Newton,  excepting  only  such  special  grants  as  had  been  previously 
made  to  individuals.  For  Muddy  River,  now  Brookline,  by  an 
early  grant,  had  been  made  a  part  of  Boston.  These  were  the 
acquisitions  of  Newtown  on  the  south.  On  the  north  and  north- 
west, she  obtained  what  is  now  Arlington,  Lexington,  Billerica, 
part  of  Bedford  and  part  of  Tewksbury,  extending  to  the  Mer- 
rimack River.  She  began,  the  smallest  township  in  the  colon}^  and 
soon  became  the  largest. 

The  territorj',  above  granted,  having  reverted  to  Boston,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  removal  of  Mr.  Hooker  and  his  company  to  Con- 
necticut, the  Court  appointed  a  committee  to  settle  the  boundaries 
between  Newtown  and  Muddy  River.  This  committee  in  April, 
1636,  made  the  following  report : 

"  We  whose  names  are  underwritten,  being  appointed  by  the  Court 
to  set  out  the  bounds  of  the  New  Town  upon  Charles  River,  do 
agree  that  the  bounds  of  the  town  shall  run  from  the  marked  tree 
by  Charles  River,  on  the  northwest  side  of  the  Roxbury  bounds, 
one  and  a  half  miles  northeast,  and  from  thence  three  miles  north- 
west, and  so  from  thence  five  miles  southwest ;  and  on  the  south- 
west side  of  Charles  River,  from  the  southeast  side  of  Roxbury 
bounds  to  run  four  miles  on  a  southwest  line,  reserving  the  propri- 
eties to  several  persons  granted  by  special  order  of  the  Court. 

William  Spencer, 
Nicholas  Danforth, 
William  Jenxison." 

Mr.  Jackson  says,  "  This  description  is  cloudy,  with  some  errors 
in  the  points  of  the  compass,  which  may  have  been  made  in  copy- 
ing the  report.  It  differs  from  the  present  bounds  of  Brookline, 
but  was  intended  to  restore  Mudd}-  River  to  Boston,  or  as  much 
of  it  as  the  committee  judged  expedient." 


30  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

The  following  record  gives  the  action  of  the  town  in  regard  to 
the  boundary  between  Newton  and  Watertown.  It  is  dated  in 
1705. 

"The  subscribers  were  empowered  to  settle  the  line  between 
Newton  and  Watertown;  and  on  the  25th  September,  1705,  did 
mutually  agree,  namely,  beginning  at  Charles  River,  at  high  water 
mark,  at  the  northeast  corner  of  the  farm  formerly  Mr.  Mayhew's, 
and  run  a  straight  line  south-southwest,  two  degrees  west  to  a 
walnut  stump,  forty-one  and  three-quarter  rods  ;  then  turning  and 
running  straight  northwest,  five  degrees  north,  two  hundred  and 
sixteen  rods,  across  Stephen  Cook's  land  and  Smelt  Brook ;  then 
turning  and  running  straight,  northeast  by  north,  eighty  rods  to 
the  river. 

John  Spring, 

Edward  Jackson,    J-   Newton. 

Ebenezer  Stone, 


Jonas  Bond,  |   Watertown." 

Joseph  Sherman,    j 


"  This  settlement  shortened  the  easterly  line  a  few  rods,"  says 
Mr.  Jackson,  "  and  lengthened  the  southerly  and  westerly  lines  a 
few  rods  each.  The  settlement  of  1G35  gave  Watertown  seventy- 
five  acres  on  the  south  side  of  the  river ;  the  settlement  of  1 705 
increased  it  to  about  eight^'-eight  acres,  so  that  Newton  lost  the 
jurisdiction  of  about  thirteen  acres  by  the  settlement  of  1705." 

The  small  portion  of  Watertown  at  present  lying  on  the  south 
of  the  river  has  not  the  exact  dimensions  assigned  to  it  in  1635, 
although  about  the  same  quantity  of  land  (150  acres).  March  1. 
1704-5,  a  committee  (Jonas  Bond,  Esq.,  Capt.  B.  Garfield  and 
Joseph  Sherman)  was  appointed  "  to  find  out  the  line  between 
Watertown  and  Newton,  on  the  south  side  of  Charles  River." 
The  committee  reported  November  IG,  1705,  minutely  describing  the 
line,  as  may  be  seen  in  the  Town  Records,  and  which  is  nearl}'  the 
same  as  that  delineated  in  the  latest  map  of  Newton.  The  line 
began  at  high  water  mark  on  Charles  River  at  the  northeast  corner 
of  the  farm  formerly  Mr.  Maj^hew's,  and  ran  straight  southwest, 
two  degrees  west,  forty-one  and  three-quarter  rods  ;  then  a  straight 
line  west-northwest,  five  degrees  north,  two  hundred  and  sixteen 
rods  ;  then  a  straight  line  northeast  by  north,  eighty'  rods,  down  to 


GRANT  TO  WATERTOWN.  31 

the  river.  It  was  signed  by  the  above  committee  on  the  part  of 
Watertown,  and  by  John  Spring,  Edward  Jackson  and  Ebenezer 
Stone,  on  the  part  of  Newton. 

A  contributor  to  the  Newton  Journal,  interested  in  antiquarian 
investigations  and  evidently  at  home  in  this  period  of  the  earl}^ 
history,  writes  as  follows  : 

"  Watertown  was  settled  as  early  as  September  7, 1G30,  and  stands 
as  the  fourth  oldest  town  in  New  England.  She  originally  claimed 
and  received  very  large  tracts  of  land  lying  upon  the  north  side  of 
Charles  River,  also,  upon  the  south  side  of  the  river.  In  1631 
Cambridge,  or  as  it  was  originally  called  '  New  Town,'  was  settled, 
receiving  as  a  grant  of  land  only  about  one  thousand  acres.  In 
1634,  the  inhabitants  of  New  Town  complained  to  the  General 
Court,  of  straightness  for  want  of  land,  and  desired  leave  of  the 
Court  to  look  out  either  for  enlargement  or  removal.  In  1635  they 
succeeded  in  obtaining  from  Watertown  large  grants  of  land  lying 
both  on  the  north  and  south  side  of  Charles  River,  that  grant  of 
land  upon  the  south  of  the  river  included  all,  or  nearly  all  of  that 
which  is  now  Brighton  and  Newton.  This  grant  of  land  was 
first  called  'The  south  side  of  Charles  River,'  and  sometimes 
'Nonantum,'  the  Indian  name. 

"  AYhen  '  New  Town '  or  '  Cambridge '  received  her  grant  of  land 
in  1635,  of  that  portion  lying  upon  the  south  of  Charles  River 
before  mentioned,  there  was  reserved  and  granted  to  the  town  of 
Watertown,  '  a  strip  two  hundred  rods  long  and  sixty  rods  wide, 
enough  to  protect  then-  fishing  privilege,  and  afterwards  called  the 
Wear  lands.'  This  reservation  will  be  found  by  computation  to 
comprise  seventy-five  acres. 

"  These  fishing  interests  were  a  source  of  income  to  Watertown 
for  some  two  hundred  j^ears,  and  very  many  of  the  citizens  of  both 
Watertown  and  Newton  can  remember  the  alewive  catch  that  was 
yearly  gathered  there  ;  and,  it  is  apparent  to  any  one  who  will  glance 
at  the  map  of  the  territory-,  that  when  Watertown  relinquished  her 
broad  acres  on  the  south  side  of  the  river,  *  which  was  then  an  unex- 
plored wilderness,'  she  believed  her  fishing  interests  to  be  more 
valuable  than  the  territory  given  up  to  '  New  Town  ; '  and,  had  it 
not  been  for  this  source  of  income  to  her  town  treasury,  this  reser- 
vation would  never  have  been  made,  and  the  Charles  River  would 
have  been  the  boundary  line  between  the  two  townships. 

"In  the  3'ear  1679,  when  the  town  lines  were  established  between 


32  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Cambridge  and  'New  Cambridge  or  Cambridge  Village,'  it  was 
expressly  stipulated  '  that  this  Watertown  reservation  on  the  south 
side  of  Charles  River,  200  by  60  rods,  should  be  maintained  and  held 
by  Watertown  for  the  protection  of  her  fish  wears.'  They  did  not 
wish  to  enter  into  co-operation  with  this  new  colony  in  the  carrying 
on  of  the  fish  business,  and  were  very  strenuous  to  have  their  rights- 
protected.  Indeed,  they  became  dissatisfied  and  grasping,  and  in 
1705  called  for  a  commission  to  re-adjust  the  line  for  the  better  pro- 
tection of  their  fishing  interests.  John  Spring,  Edward  Jackson 
and  Ebenezer  Stone  on  the  part  of  '  New  Town,'  with  Jonas  Bond 
and  Joseph  Sherman  of  Watertown,  composed  that  committee. 
Thej'  agreed  upon  a  settlement  which  shortened  the  easterly  line  a 
few  rods,  and  lengthened  the  southerly  and  westerly  lines,  a  few 
rods  each  from  the  original  grant.  In  this  settlement,  Watertown 
had  the  best  end  of  the  bargain,  and  made  a  gain  to  her  area  of 
thirteen  acres,  giving  her  eighty-eight  acres  instead  of  the  original 
seventy-five  granted  her.  This  speaks  well  for  the  temper  and 
consideration  of  the  committee  on  the  part  of  '  New  Town  ; '  for  it 
will  be  seen  they  were  a  majority  of  the  committee.  Since  this 
time  there  have  been  further  re-adjustments  of  these  boundaries, 
and  it  is  evident  in  each  of  these,  Watertown  has  been  sharp 
enough  not  to  *  lose  ground ; '  for  the  total  acreage  of  the  territory 
now  held  by  Watertown  on  the  Newton  side  of  the  river,  including 
the  public  streets  and  Boyd's  and  Cook's  Ponds,  is  nearly  one 
hundred  and  fifty  acres,  or  a  gain  from  what  was  originally  intended 
for  her  fish  protection,  of  nearly  seventy-five  acres. 

"The  present  (1879)  taxable  area  of  this  portion  of  Water- 
town  is  93|  acres.  Its  valuation  in  1878,  was  $801,170.  Its 
population  575.  This  territor}^,  especially  that  part  of  it  known 
as  'Morse  Field,'  has  increased  ver}^  rapidly  in  population  and  val- 
uation during  the  past  ten  years.  In  fact  in  1869,  the 'Morse 
estate,'  then  comprising  about  forty  acres,  paid  a  tax  to  Water- 
town  of  only  $160.  In  1878,  probably  Watertown  received  about 
$3,000  from  this  same  land.  The  people  living  upon  the  southerly 
half  of  these  '  Wear  Lands,'  for  several  j-ears  felt  that  they  ought 
to  be  set  off  from  Watertown  and  annexed  to  Newton,  as  all  theu- 
social,  educational,  business  and  religious  interests  are  with  Newton, 
rather  than  with  Watertown.  Various  attempts  have  been  made 
in  this  regard  by  petitioning  the  Legislature  for  an  act  of  annexa- 
tion ;  but  thus  far  they  have  been  unsuccessful.     It  would   seem 


ANNEXATION  OF  MOKSE  ESTATE.  33 

to  be  not  an  act  of  injustice  to  Watertown  to  ask  her  for  a  re-con- 
veyance of  a  jDortion  of  this  land  which  has  from  time  to  time 
been  gained  from  the  territorial  limits  of  '  New  Town '  and  '  New- 
ton,' especially  considering  the  facts  that  Watertown  would  never 
have  had  a  foothold  upon  the  south  side  of  the  river,  after  the 
grant  to  Cambridge,  except  to  protect  her  fishing  interests  —  that 
for  the  past  forty  or  fifty  years  these  interests  have  ceased  to  exist 
—  that  Watertown  has  nearl}-  scventj^-five  acres  more  than  she  is 
entitled  to  by  the  original  grant  —  that  Newton  now  has  interests 
which  she  must  protect.  By  the  drainage  surveys,  it  has  been 
necessary  to  run  one  of  her  main  drains  through  the  territory,  a 
right  having  been  granted  them  by  the  Legislature  of  1878.  B}' 
this  act  the  laying  of  this  drain  may  involve  the  cit}^  of  Newton 
in  numerous  lawsuits  with  the  citizens  or  the  authorities  of  the 
town  of  "Watertown;  and  it  seems  but  justice  that  this  land 
should  be  annexed,  that  she  may  not  be  subject  to  unnecessarj' 
litigation,  but  be  able  to  run  her  drain  through  this  territory  with 
the  same  safety  that  it  can  be  laid  in  any  of  her  present  limits. 
Also,  that  the  citizens  of  this  tract  are  sufiering  for  a  supply  of 
pure  water,  which  Newton  stands  ready  to  jjrovide.  They  must 
also  look  to  Newton  for  drainage  of  their  lands."  [The  action  of 
the  Legislature  of  1879-80  was  adverse  to  the  annexation.] 

The  donations  of  land  which  Newtown  received  from  Boston 
and  Watertown  were  made  on  the  express  condition  that 
Mr.  Hooker's  compau}-  should  not  remove ;  and,  in  case  of  their 
removal,  these  additions  were  to  revert  to  theu*  original  owners. 
But  the  settlers  of  Boston  on  the  one  hand,  and  Mr.  Hooker's 
company  on  the  other,  had  set  their  hearts  successively  on  two 
darling  projects  ;  the  first  was  to  make  Newtown  the  metropolis  of 
the  colony ;  the  second,  after  a  brief  experiment,  to  remove  to 
Connecticut.  The  shoal  waters  of  Charles  River,  as  compared 
with  the  deep  water  and  eas}'  access  of  Boston  harbor,  made  it 
inexpedient  to  erect  Newtown  into  a  capital. 

The  lack  of  rich  farming  lauds,  cleared  and  all  ready  for  culti- 
vation, made  the  residence  of  Hooker's  compan}'  here  unsatisfactory 
to  them.  And  as  their  onl}-  alternative  the}-  renewed  then*  request 
to  be   permitted   to   remove   to   Connecticut.*     Accordingly  the 

*Mr.  Hooker  settled  in  what  is  now  Hartford.    Therefore  Connecticut  and  its  capi- 
tal city  must  be  regarded  as  the  daughter  of  Newton, 


34  HISTOEY  OF   NEWTON. 

General  Court,  in  1635,  gave  them  leave  to  remove  wherever  they 
pleased,  "  on  condition  that  they  should  continue  under  the  juris- 
diction of  Massachusetts."  Mr.  Trumbull  thus  describes  the  jour- 
ney of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hooker  and  others  in  the  following  year : 

"About  the  beginning  of  June,  Mr.  Hooker,  Mr.  Stone  and 
about  one  hundred  men,  women  and  children,  took  their  departure 
from  Cambridge,  and  travelled  more  than  a  hundred  mUes,  through 
a  hideous  and  trackless  wilderness,  to  Hartford.  They  had  no 
guides  but  their  compass,  and  made  their  way  over  mountains, 
through  swamps,  thickets  and  rivers,  which  were  not  passable  but 
with  great  difficult3\  They  had  no  cover  but  the  heavens,  nor  an}' 
lodgings  but  those  that  simple  nature  afforded  them.  They  drove 
with  them  a  hundred  and  sixty  head  of  cattle,  and  by  the  way 
subsisted  on  the  millic  of  then'  cows.  Mrs.  Hooker  was  borne 
through  the  wilderness  upon  a  litter.  The  people  carried  their 
packs,  arms  and  some  utensils.  They  were  nearly  a  fortnight  on 
their  joiu'ne}'.  This  adventure  was  the  more  remarkable,  as  many 
of  the  company  were  persons  of  high  standing,  who  had  lived  in 
England  in  honor,  affluence  and  delicacy,  and  were  entire  strangers 
to  fatigue  and  danger." 

What  would  the  venerable  Hooker  think  now,  were  he  to 
re-appear,  and  entering  a  car  at  Boston,  to  be  whirled  \\ke  lightning, 
in  four  hours,  to  Hartford  !  And  what  a  change  for  Mrs.  Hooker 
would  it  be,  from  a  litter  to  the  splendidly  cushioned  vehicles  which 
now  traverse  the  route  passed  over  bj"  her  with  so  much  toil, 
and  pain,  and  dela}^ !  But  it  was  this  discipline  of  hardship  and 
trial  that  made  the  fathers  of  New  England  the  stalwart  race  they 
became.     Self-denial  brings  success  and  victor}'. 

Many  of  Mr.  Hooker's  company,  on  their  departure,  sold  their 
lands  and  buildings  in  Newtown  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Shepherd  and  his 
compan}',  who  thus  enjo^'ed  the  advantage  of  finding  a  settlement 
alread}^  partiall}'  cultivated,  and  affording  comfortable  accommoda- 
tions for  themselves  and  their  families. 

Six  3-ears  after  the  settlement  of  Charlestown,  all  Massachusetts 
Bay  contained  but  twelve  plantations,  or  towns.  This  appears 
from  the  records  of  a  Court  held  atNewtowne,  Septembers,  1634  : 
"  It  was  further  ordered  that  the  sum  of  £600  shall  be  levied  out 
of  the  several  plantations  for  publique  uses,  the  one  half  to  be  paid 
forthwith,  the  other  half  before  the  setting  of  the  next  Court,  viz.  : 
Dorchester,  80 ;  Roxbury,   70  ;  Newtowne,   80 ;  Watertown,   60 ; 


THE  SIIAWSIIINE  GRANT.  35 

Saugiis,  50  ;  Boston,  80 ;  Ipswich,  50  ;  Salem,  45  ;  Cbarlestown, 
45;  Meadford,  2G ;  Wessagassctt  (Weymouth),  10;  Barecove 
(Ilmgham),  4." 

From  this  record  it  is  apparent  that  Newtowne  possessed  as  much 
capital  as  any  plantation  at  that  time,  and,  with  two  exceptions, 
more  than  any  other  in  the  colon}'. 

In  1G36  the  rates  levied  upon  the  several  towns  were  as  follows  : 

Newtown,  £2G    5  Salem,  £16            Newbury,      £7  IC 

Dorchester,  2G    5  Charlestown,         15            Hingham,         6 

Boston,  25  10  Ipswich,                 14            Weymouth,     4 

Watertown,  19  10  Saugus,                  11 

Eoxbury,  19     5  Medford,                  9  15 

Thirteen  towns  onl}-  at  that  time  constituted  the  State  of  Massa- 
chusetts. 

The  number  of  those  who  owned  houses  in  Newtown  at  this  time 
was  cight3"-three. 

March  3, 1636.  "  It  is  agreed  that  Newtown  bounds  shall  run  eight 
miles  into  the  country  from  their  meeting-house  ;  and  "Watertown, 
8  ;  Roxbmy,  8  ;  Charlestown,  8." 

The  craving  of  the  settlers  for  more  territory,  though  abated  for 
a  season,  and  apparently-  quieted,  was  by  no  means  extinguished ; 
and  it  became  necessar}''  once  more  for  the  General  Court  to  invent 
and  apph'  a  remedy.  The  special  longing  of  the  farmers  was  for 
meadows,  that  is,  land  free  from  wood,  and  in  a  condition  for 
mowing  fields  without  the  labor  of  clearing,  so  that  they  might 
avail  themselves  at  once  of  the  grass  and  hay  for  the  support  of 
their  herds.  To  meet  theu"  demands,  the  Court  having  extin- 
guished the  Indian  title  within  the  boundaries  of  Cambridge,  insti- 
tuted inquiries  concerning  other  unappropriated  territory  which 
could  be  annexed  to  Newtowne.  A  committee  was  appointed  in 
1636  to  examine  the  Shawshine  country,  and  to  report  whether  it 
was  fit  for  a  plantation.  In  1641  the  following  order  was  passed : 
"  Shawshine  is  granted  to  Cambridge,  provided  they  make  it  a 
village,  to  have  ten  famiUes  there  settled  within  thi'ec  3-ears ;  other- 
wise, the  Court  to  dispose  of  it." 

The  Shawshine  countrj'  was  vague  in  extent,  and  its  character 
little  known.  A  coimnittee  was  appointed,  therefore,  to  make 
examination  of  the  territory  and  bring  in  thek  report  to  the  Court. 
The  report,  made  in  1642,  sheds  some  light  on  the  nature  of  the 


36  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

laud,  and   defines   in   some  degree  the  boundaries  of  Cambridge 
(Newtown) .     It  is  as  follows  : 

"  "Wee,  whose  names  are  underwritten,  being  appointed  to  viewe 
Shawshine,  and  to  take  notice  of  what  fitness  it  was  of  for  a  vil- 
lage, and  according  to  our  apprehensions  make  returne  to  the  Court, 
—  we  therefore  manifest  thus  much ;  that  for  quantity,  it  is  suffi- 
cient; but  for  quality,  in  our  apprehensions,  no  way  fit, —  the  up- 
land being  very  barren,  and  very  little  meadow  thereabouts,  nor 
any  good  timber  almost  fit  for  any  use.  We  went,  after  we  came 
to  Shawshine  house,  by  estimation,  some  fourteen  or  sixteen  miles 
at  the  least  by  compass.  From  Shawshine  house,  wee  began  to  go 
downe  the  r3^er  four  or  five  miles  near  east ;  then  wee  left  that 
point,  and  went  neere  upon  north,  came  to  the  Concord  Eyver,  a 
little  below  the  falls,  about  one  mile  or  near  ;  then  wee  went  up  the 
ryver  some  five  miles,  untill  we  came  to  a  place  called  the  Two  Breth- 
ren ;  and  from  thence  it  is  about  two  miles  and  a  half  to  Shawshine  ; 
and  the  most  part  of  all  the  good  land  is  given  out  akcady  ;  more 
land  there  is  at  the  north  side  of  the  house,  between  the  side  of 
Concord  line  and  the  head  of  Cambridge  line  ;  but  littell  meadow, 
and  the  upland  of  little  worth ;  and  this  is  [all]  that  we  can  say 
herein. 

Simon  Willakd, 
Edward  Con  vers." 

This  report  being  rather  unfavorable  as  to  the  character  of  the 
territory,  the  Court  enlarged  their  grant  to  Cambridge,  and  gave 
them  further  time  to  effect  a  settlement.  The  grant  ran  in  these 
words : 

"  All  the  land  lying  upon  the  Shawshine  River,  and  between 
that  and  Concord  River,  and  between  that  and  the  Merrimack 
River,  not  former^  granted  bj*  this  Court,  arc  granted  to  Cam- 
bridge, so  as  they  erect  a  village  there  within  five  years,  and  so  as 
it  shall  not  extend  to  prejudice  Charlestowne  village,  or  the  village 
of  Cochitawist,  nor  farmes  former^  granted  to  the  now  Governor 
of  1,200  acres,  and  to  Thomas  Dudley,  Esq.,  1,500  acres,  and 
3,000  acres  to  Mrs.  Winthrop ;  and  Mr.  Flint  and  Mr.  Stephen 
Winthrop  are  to  set  out  then"  heade  line  toward  Concord." 

"  This  liberal  grant,"  says  Mr.  Hudson,  in  his  History  of  Lexing- 
ton, p.  37,  "was  made  in  1642  ;  but  no  permanent  settlement  being 
made,  the  church  in  164  4  Avas  about  to  remove  to  Muttakeese  (now 


NAMES  OF  NEWTON.  37 

Yarmouth),  where  a  settlement  had  recently  been  commenced. 
To  counteract  this  movement,  the  General  Court  in  1044  passed 
the  following  order :  '  Shawshine  is  granted  to  Cambridge  without 
an}-  condition  of  making  a  village  there ;  and  the  land  between 
them  and  Concord  is  granted  all,  all  save  what  is  formerly  granted 
to  the  military  company,  provided  the  church  present  continue  at 
Cambridge.' " 

The  hmits  of  this  grant  of  Shawshine,  as  of  most  of  the  grants 
of  that  period,  are  very  indefinite,  and  it  is  not  possible  to  define 
with  precision  what  is  included.  But  it  is  generally  admitted  that 
the  Shawshine  grant  extended  to  the  Merrimack  River.  We  know 
it  included  all  the  town  of  Billerica,  the  greater  portion  of  Bedford, 
and  all  that  portion  of  Lexington  north  of  the  eight-mile  line. 
Billerica  was  incorporated  in  1G55  into  a  town  by  the  consent  of 
Cambridge.  It  was  at  that  time  a  lai'ge  territory,  bounded  on 
Cambridge  Farms  (Lexington) ,  Chelmsford,  Andover,  Woburn  and 
Concord. 

It  is  a  curious  fact  that  this  territory,  represented  as  meagre 
in  extent  on  the  one  hand,  and  poorly  suited  to  cultivation  on  the 
other,  has  come  to  be  not  onl}^  the  home  of  a  busy  and  prosperous 
population,  but  also  the  seat  of  the  best  institutions  of  literatm'e, 
science,  theolog}',  law  and  medicine  in  the  Commonwealth.  A 
sm've}'  of  the  present  situation  of  things  as  compared  with  the 
above  report  and  its  occasion,  recalls  the  remark  of  Mr.  Webster, 
who  once  said,  in  relation  to  the  State  of  New  Hampshh-e,  that 
when,  on  account  of  the  hardness  of  her  soil  and  the  chill  of 
her  climate,  she  could  raise  nothing  else,  she  erected  churches  and 
school-houses,  and  raised  men. 

On  the  establishment  of  Harvard  University,  in  1638,  it  was 
ordered  by  the  General  Court  "  that  Newtown  should  henceforward 
be  called  Cambridge,"  in  compliment  to  the  place  where  so  many  of 
the  ci\dl  and  clerical  fathers  of  New  England  had  been  educated. 
The  large  territory  obtained  on  the  south  side  of  Charles  River, 
comprising  nearly  the  whole  of  what  is  now  Brighton  and  Newton, 
was  at  first  called  "  The  south  side  of  Charles  River,"  and  some- 
times "  Nonantum,"  the  Indian  name.  After  religious  ser^dces 
were  held  regularly  on  the  south  side  of  the  river,  about  1654,  it 
was  called  "Cambridge  Village,"  until  1679  ;  but  by  authority  of 
the  General  Court,  after  December,  1691,  Newtown. 


38  HISTORY  OF    NEWTON. 

Ill  the  year  1798,  as  appears  from  an  article  by  Dr.  Homer  ia 
the  Massachusetts  Historical  Collections  for  that  year,  the  extent 
of  Newton  from  north  to  south,  measming  from  Watertown  Une 
to  Dedham  line,  was  six  miles  and  thu-t3^-six  rods,  the  measure  be- 
ing made  along  the  county-road ;  from  east  to  west,  measuring 
from  the  bridge  at  Newton  Lower  Falls  to  Cambridge  (which  at 
that  date  included  Brighton  or  Little  Cambridge) ,  four  miles  three 
quarters  and  fifty-one  rods.  The  whole  town,  including  the  several 
ponds,  was  at  that  time,  by  careful  estimate,  reckoned  to  embrace 
12,940  acres.  At  the  same  date,  Charles  River,  with  its  various 
windings,  washed  the  edges  of  the  town  for  about  sixteen  miles. 

In  1838,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  acres  of  the  extreme 
southerly  part  of  Newton  were  set  off  to  Roxbmy.  In  1847, 
about  six  hundred  and  forty  acres,  at  the  extreme  northwesterly 
part  of  the  town,  were  set  off  to  Waltham.  In  1838  the  area  of 
the  town  was  about  14,513  acres.  After  the  construction  of  the 
Chestnut  Hill  Reservoir  by  the  Water  Commissioners  of  the  citj'  of 
Boston,  a  slight  change  was  made  in  the  boundary  of  Newton  by  an 
exchange  of  land,  so  that  these  beautiful  sheets  of  water  might  be 
entirely  within  the  limits  of  Boston,  and  under  its  jurisdiction. 
Brighton  having  been  annexed  to  the  city  of  Boston,  the  two  cities 
Newton  and  Boston,  for  a  considerable  distance  near  this  point,  are 
bordering  on  each  other. 


CHAPTER  III. 

FIRST     SETTLERS. SETTLERS     UP     TO    1700. STATISTICS    IN    1645. 

MOVEMENTS   FOR  AN   INDEPENDENT  TOWN. 

The  first  settlers  of  Cambridge  Village  did  not  come  in  a  body, 
but  family  after  family,  one  by  one.  Most  of  them  were,  at  the 
time  of  their  settlement,  in  the  prime  of  life, —  only  two,  so  far  as 
is  known,  being  more  than  fifty  years  of  age,  and  only  five  having 
reached  forty.  The  majority  of  them  were  between  twenty-one 
and  thirty-five.  And  the  hardships  incident  to  life  in  a  new  coun- 
try seem  to  have  been  not  unfavorable  to  health  and  longevity. 
Out  of  thirty,  whose  age  at  the  time  of  their  death  is  recorded, 
only  two  died  under  fifty ;  only  eight  under  seventy ;  and  fourteen 
lived  beyond  eighty. 

It  is  ver}'  instructive  to  recur  to  the  names  of  these  venerable 
men  of  a  past  generation.  Om-  sympathies  are  profoundly  stirred, 
when  we  contemplate  the  scenes  of  trial  through  which  they  must 
have  passed,  the  simple  means  which  were  at  their  command  to 
sustain  life  and  supply  it  with  sources  of  enjo}Tnent,  and  the 
bravery  with  which  they  addressed  themselves  to  the  task  of  work- 
ing out  their  destiny.  They  came  with  vigorous  arms  and  com-a- 
geous  hearts,  resolved  to  win  for  themselves  a  home  in  the  wilder- 
ness, and  to  secure  for  themselves  and  their  posterity  that  liberty 
which  was  denied  them  in  England. 

The  following  table  presents  the  names  of  the  male  settlers, 
found  upon  the  Records  down  to  1700.  "John  Jackson's  pur- 
chase," says  Mr.  Francis  Jackson,  from  whose  work  we  cop}',  in 
the  main,  this  table,  "  is  recorded  upon  the  Proprietors'  Records, 
in  1639.  His  son  John's  grave-stone,  still  standing,  records  his 
death  Oct.  17,  1675,  aged  36,  which  makes  his  birth  the  same 
year  of  his  father's  purchase.  He  had  five  sons  and  ten  daughters, 
and  about  fifty  grandchildren.  We  therefore  begin  our  list  of 
settlers  with  John  Jackson,  sr." 

39 


40 


HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 


This  table  exhibits,  together  with  the  names  of  the  first  settlers 
in  Newton,  several  other  items  of  historical  interest. 

FIRST   SETTLERS    OF   NEWTON.* 


Date 

of 
settle- 
ment. 


1G39 
1G40 
J(;43 
1644 
1047 
1G47 
1U49 
1650 
1G50 
1650 
1650 
1650 
1650 
1654 
1658 
16G1 
1C62 
16G4 
1664 
1664 


Age 

at 
settle- 
ment. 


39 
30 
42 
33 
21 

29 
35 


Names. 


Dea.  John  Jackson  . . . 
Dea.  Samuel  Hyde... 

Edward  Jackson 

John  Fuller 

Jonathan  Hyde 

Richard  Park 

Capt.  Thomas  Prentice 

John  Parker 

Thomas  Hammond 

Vincent  Druce 

John  Ward  t 

James  Prentice 

Tliomas  Prentice,  2nd. 

Thomas  AVisvvall 

John  Kenrick 

Isaac  Williams 

Abraham  Williams  . . . 

James  Trowbridge 

John  Spring 

John  Eliot,  jr 


Where  from. 


London 

do 

do 

England 

London 

Cambridge,  Ms. 

England 

Hinghara,  Ms. . . 
do. 
do. 

Sudbury,  Ms 

England , 

do 

Dorchester,  Ms. 
Boston,  " 

Roxbury,  " 
Watertown,  " 
Dorchester,  " 
AVatertown,  " 
Roxbury,        " 


Date 

of 

Age  at 

death. 

death. 

1G74-5 

75 

1689 

79 

1C81 

791^8 

1698 

87 

1711 

85 

1GG5 

171" 

89 

168G 

71 

1675 

1678 

1708 

82 

1710 

81 

1683 

1686 

82 

1708 

69 

1712 

84 

1717 

81 

1717 

27 

1668 

33 

Inventory. 


£1230    0    0 


2477  19 
534    5 


972    0    0 


412    2    0 

1139  16    2 

271  19    0 

88  16  10 

286  14    0 


340  0    0 

85  6-  9 

240  6    7 

457  2    5 


In  addition  to  these  twenty,  there  were  at  the  time  of  Eliot's 
ordination  (1664)  twelve  young  men  of  the  second  generation,, 
nearly  all  unmarried,  viz. : 

John  Jackson,  jr., 

Sebas  Jackson,         I  ^^^^  ^^  ^.Uvard  Jackson, 
Jonathan  Jackson,    J 

Noah  "Wiswall,  son  of  Thomas  Wiswall, 

John  Kenrick       ^  ^^^,  ^^  j^,^^  Kenrick, 
Ehjah  Kenrick,    j  ' 

Vincent  Druce,  jr.,   K^^^  ^^  y.^^^^^  j^ 
John  Druce,  J 

|™^y^^^ydc,  I  ^^^^  ^f  g,^,^^^^i  jjy^^^ 

Thomas  Park,  son  of  Richard  Park, 
Thomas  Hammond,  jr. 


*  Samuel  Holly  was  in  Cambridge  in  163C,  owned  a  house  and  eighteen  acres  of  land 
adjoining  John  Jackson  in  1639,  six  acres  of  which  he  sold  to  Edward  Jackson  for  £& 
in  1643,  and  died  the  same  year. 

t  John  Ward  had  conveyed  most  of  his  property  by  deed  of  gift  %.o  his  childreu 
before  his  death ;  this  was  also  the  fact  with  regard  to  several  of  the  first  settlers,  and 
of  course  this  property  was  not  included  in  their  inventories. 


SETTLERS  BEFORE  1700. 


41 


Date  of 
settlement. 

Age  at 
settlement. 

Names. 

Where  from. 

Date  of 
death. 

Age   at 
death. 

1C6G 

27 
26 

26 

26 
30 

31 

27 

58 

40 

25 
24 

.30 
30 

38 

24 

40 
24 

Gregory  Cook 

1691 
1720 
1691 
1693 
1695 
1702 
1712 
1697 

1732 
1730 
1736 
1738 
1710 
1694 
1796 

1678 

1692 

1695 
1706 
1733 
1754 

1097 
1740 
1734 

1723 

17.^6 
i736 

1728 
1771 

1732 

1GC7 

Humphroy  Osland 

ICOD 

Bridgewater.. 

1070 

m 

1672 

Boston 

Cambridge ... 
Hingham.. ... 
Charlestown.. 

49 

1C73 

1G74 

1G74 

Joseph  .Miller   

1674 
1675 

Watertown... 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Charlestown.. 
Roxbury 

83 

1075 

85 

1G78 

Isaac  Beach 

90 

1678 

Stejihen  Cook 

91 

1678 
1678 
1678 

Daniel  Rny 

N.  McDaniel  (Scotch) 

1678 
1678 
1678 
1678 
1679 

David  Mead 

John  Parker  (Sonth) 

Simon  Onsi^ 

P.  Stanchet  (or  Hanchet)... 

Waltham     . . . 

Watertown... 
Roxbury 

56 

1680 
1680 
1681 
1082 
1686 
168G 

Nathaniel  Wilson 

Daniel  Macoy  

John  Clark 

John  Miiick 

John  Knapp 

Ebenezer  Stone 

Roxbury 

do 

Brookline 

Charlestown.. 
Watertown . . . 

do. 

54 

72 
92 

1686 

1687 

Williani  Thomas            .   . 

1688 

Jolm  Staples 

82 

168S 
1689 
1692 

Nathaniel  Hoaly 

Thomas  Chamberlain 

.Joseph  Bush 

Cambridge  . . . 

do.          ... 



76 

1692 

1692 
1G93 

Abraham  Chamberlain 

Nathaniel  Parker 

Brookline 

Dedham 

Boston 

ICirt 

AVilliam  Tucker^ 

John  Foot  

1G95 

Andrew  Hall 

1695 

1695 
1696 

Jonathan  Green 

Sebrcan  Carter 

Maiden 

1696 
1697 
1698 

John  Smith 

Ebenezer  Littlcfickl 

John  Holland 

Cambridge  ... 
Dedliam 

Watertown  . . 

1700 

1700 

John  Grimes 

1700 

Samuel  Paris 

1700 

Jonathan  Coolidge 

Watertown. . . 

1700 

Nathaniel  Longlcy 

56 

Such  were  the  names  of  the  men  who  first  cultivated  these  broad 
acres  and  conquered  the  difficulties  incident  to  the  life  of  the  earlj* 
settler.  They  were  forced  to  struggle  with  the  infelicities  of  a 
rigorous  climate  and  a  hard  and  stouy  soil.  They  were  few  in 
number,  surrounded  for  a  time  b}'  untutored  savages  ;  and  all  the 
conveniences  of  hving  were  to  be  created  by  their  own  hands ; 
their  homes  were  to  be  built,  their  streets  to  be  made,  their  bridges 
to  be  thi'own  across  the  brooks  and  to  span  the  river.  The  forests 
were  to  be  changed  into  fruitful  fields,  mills  to  be  erected  on  their 


42 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


streams,  cliui'cb  spires  to  point  heavenward,  and  the  busy  hum  of 
industry  to  take  the  place  of  the  primeval  solitudes.  But  the  men 
were  equal  to  the  emergencies,  and  under  favor  of  a  wise  and  pro- 
tecting Providence,  they  accomplished  what  they  undertook. 

An  Inventory  on  the  cover  of  the  first  Newton  Book  of  Records 
shows  something  of  the  wealth  of  the  early  inhabitants,  as  well  as 
the  relative  value  of  different  articles  at  that  da}-.  The  Inventory 
was  taken  and  values  affixed  by  the  Selectmen.     The  date  is  1645. 


Persons  (rateable), 

135 

at 

£20 

Total, 

£2700 

Houses, 

90 

" 

28 

It 

2520 

Oxen, 

134 

n 

6 

(( 

804 

Cows, 

208 

<( 

9 

<( 

1872 

Horses, 

20 

(( 

7 

<( 

140 

do.       three 

years  old, 

6 

(C 

5 

C( 

30 

do.       two 

U                14 

9 

" 

3 

u 

27 

do.       one 

■  (                U 

5 

(( 

2 

(c 

10 

Heifers,  three 

(t               <( 

42 

(c 

4 

(< 

168 

do.       two 

<(                (1 

74 

" 

0 

10 

11 

185 

do.       one 

((                i( 

79 

(< 

1 

10 

(< 

118  10 

Steers, 

14 

ti 

5 

<( 

70 

Sheep, 

37 

ft 

1 

10 

(C 

65  10 

Swine, 

62 

« 

1 

(t 

G2 

Goats, 

58 

(( 

8 

a 

23  04 

2  barques. 

t( 

1  10 

d  a  shallop, 

<( 

5 

Goods, 

(( 

9  10 

£8801  04 

\  1650.  — A  sale  of  fifty  acres  of  land  was  effected  at  5s.  per  acre, 
probably  a  farm  of  wild  land. 

1648.  —Forty  acres  at  £2. 

In  1656  the  inhabitants  of  Cambridge  Village  formed  a  distinct 
congregation  for  public  worship,  and  the  same  year  petitioned  the 
General  Court  to  be  released  from  paying  rates  for  the  support  of 
the  ministry  at  Cambridge  church.  The  Court's  committee  report- 
ed against  the  petition  and  the  petitioners  had  leave  to  withdraw. 
In  1661  they  renewed  the  petition,  and  the  Court  granted  them 
"  freedom  from  all  church  rates  for  the  support  of  the  ministry  in 
Cambridge,  and  for  all  lands  and  estates  which  were  more  than 
four  miles  from  Cambridge  meeting-house,  the  measure  to  be  in  the 
usual  paths  that  may  be  ordinarily  passed." 

The  petitioners  were  not  satisfied  with  the  dividing  line,  and  in 
1662  they  petitioned  the  Court  for  a  new  line.     In  October,  1662, 


DIVISION  FROM  CAMBRIDGE.  43 

the  Court  appointed  a  committee  to  give  a  hearing  to  the  petition- 
ers and  theu'  opponents.  This  committee  ran  the  line  and  settled 
the  bounds,  so  far  as  ministerial  taxes  were  concerned,  creating 
substantial!}'  the  same  line  that  now  divides  Newton  from  Brighton. 

In  1672  a  new  petition  was  presented  from  the  inhabitants  of 
the  Village,  asking  to  be  set  off  from  Cambridge  and  made  a  town 
b}'  themselves.  In  answer  to  this  petition,  in  1673,  the  Court 
granted  to  the  petitioners  the  right  to  ''  elect  annually  one  Consta- 
ble and  three  Selectmen,  dwelling  among  themselves,"  continuing 
to  be  a  part  of  Cambridge  only  so  far  as  related  to  the  pajTnent  of 
certain  taxes.  But  the  action  of  the  Court  was  not  satisfactory'  to 
the  Village,  and  they  did  not  accept  it  nor  act  under  it. 

Again  in  1677  further  action  was  had  relative  to  the  dividing 
line  between  Cambridge  and  Cambridge  Village  through  referees, 
two  to  be  chosen  by  Cambridge,  two  by  the  Village,  and  these  four 
to  choose  a  fifth.  The  line  of  this  committee  did  not  differ  essen- 
tially from  the  line  run  in  1662, 

In  1678,  fifty-two  out  of  sixty-five  of  the  freemen  of  the  Village 
signed  a  petition  to  the  General  Court,  "  praying  to  be  set  off  from 
the  town  of  Cambridge  and  be  made  a  town  by  itself."  Cambridge 
presented  a  remonstrance,  signed  by  its  Selectmen  ;  but,  notwith- 
standing, the  Court  so  far  granted  the  petition  as  to  order  that  the 
freeholders  should  meet  on  the  27th  of  August,  1679,  and  elect 
Selectmen  and  other  town  officers  to  manage  the  municipal  affairs 
of  the  Village.  This  was  an  important,  but  not  full  concession  on 
the  part  of  the  Court ;  but  the  people  had  to  wait  nearl}'  ten  years 
more  before  they  attained  the  object  of  then*  desire.  The  attitude 
of  the  settlers  in  Cambridge  Village  was  one  of  persistent  deter- 
mination ;  and,  as  if  foreshadowing,  in  those  early  daj^s,  the  spirit 
of  the  revolution  which  occurred  a  century  later,  they  stood  firm 
in  then*  resistance  of  everything  which,  in  their  judgment,  savored 
of  oppression. 

The  several  steps  in  this  history  of  the  separation  are  of  so 
much  importance  that  the}'  are  worthy  to  be  presented  in  complete 
detail,  which  will  be  given  in  a  succeeding  chapter. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

EXTRACTS  FROM  RECORDS  OF  CAMBRIDGE. EXTRACTS  FROM  COLONY 

RECORDS. EXTRACTS  FROM  RECORDS  OF  NEW  CAMBRIDGE. 

EXTRACTS  FROM  LATER  RECORDS  OF  NEWTON. 

These  records  would  be  imperfect  without  a  specimen  of  the 
early  and  quaint  legislation  of  the  colonists  and  townsmen,  while 
the  settlement  was  yet  in  its  infancy.  We  introduce,  from  the 
Cambridge,  Colonial  and  Town  Records,  a  chapter  of  items  which 
have  a  curious  interest.  The  laws  of  a  community  are  an  index 
to  their  civilization.  Their  economical  and  pohtical  arrangements 
are  the  embodiment  of  their  thoughts,  the  exponent  of  their  condi- 
tion, and  the  key  to  their  character.  The  serial  legislation  of  a 
people  is,  in  an  important  sense,  the  history  of  the  people,  and 
furnishes  the  details  of  their  progress  in  individual  and  associated 
Kfe. 

EXTRACTS   FROM   THE   RECORDS   OF   CAMBRIDGE. 
1640. 

The  town  granted  to  Joseph  Cooke  a  farm  of  400  acres  of  the  nearest 
upland  adjoining  to  his  meadows  lying  beyond  Cheese  Cake  Brook,  and 
between  that  and  Charles  I^iver,  and  also  to  go  with  a  straight  line  on  the 
hithermost  side  of  his  meadow  on  this  side  Cheese  Cake  Brook,  down  by 
the  edge  of  the  highland  to  Charles  River— (the  same  land  that  Cooke  sold 
to  John  Fuller  in  1G5S). 

Also,  granted  to  Samuel  Shepard  a  farm  of  400  acres  of  upland,  beyond 
the  aforesaid  farm  granted  to  Joseph  Cooke,  adjoining  unto  the  meadows 
which  were  some  time  in  the  occupation  of  brother  Greene  for  Richard  Sal- 
tonstall,  with  fourscore  acres  of  that  meadow  lying  most  convenient. 

1G44. 
It  is  ordered  by  the  townsmen  that  no  person  with  his  family  shall  corae  as 
an  inhabitant  into  our  town,  without  the  consent  of  the  major  part  of  the 

44 


EXTRACTS  FROM  RECORDS.  45 

townsmen  for  the  time  being,  under  penalty  of  20  shillings  for  every  week ; 
and  no  man  shall  let  out  his  house  to  any  person  coming  from  another  place 
to  settle  him  or  herself  as  an  inhabitant  in  our  town,  Avithout  the  consent  of 
the  major  part  of  the  townsmen,  under  a  penalty  of  20  shillings  a  week  for 
every  such  default. 

1647. 

April  12. —  The  Town  bargained  with  Wabart,  the  Indian  Chief  (Eliot's 
first  convert  to  Christianity),  who  lived  in  a  large  wigwam  on  Nonantum  Hill, 
to  keep  six  score  head  of  dry  cattle  on  the  south  side  of  Charles  River,  and 
he  is  to  have  the  full  sum  of  £8,  to  be  paid  as  follows,  viz.,  30^.  to  James  Cut- 
ler, and  the  rest  in  Indian  corn  at  3s.,  after  Michaeltide  next.  He  is  to  take 
care  of  them  from  the  twenty-first  day  of  this  present  month,  and  to  keep  them 
until  three  weeks  after  Michaelmas,  and  if  any  be  lost  or  ill,  he  is  to  send 
word  unto  the  town ;  and  if  any  be  lost  through  his  carelessness,  he  is  to  pay 
according  to  the  value  of  the  beast  for  his  defect. 

Waban, 
his mark. 

"Waban,  according  to  a  note  by  A.  H.  Ward,  under  the  instruc- 
tion of  the  English,  became  an  excellent  penman,  at  least  so  far 
as  his  signature  was  evidence  of  good  penmanship.  Original  Deeds, 
bearing  his  signature,  are  still  in  existence  ;  in  two,  which  I  have 
seen,  he  wrote  Thomas  (the  prefix  name  given  him  by  the  English) 
over  "Waban,  thus : 

Thomas 

Waban. 

By  an  estimate  of  the  numbers  of  persons  and  of  the  estates  in 
Cambridge  taken  by  the  Selectmen  in  1G47,  it  appears  that  there 
were  in  the  town  at  that  date,  135  ratable  persons  ;  90  houses  ;  208 
cows,  valued  at  £9  per  head  ;  131  oxen,  valued  at  £6  per  head  ;  229 
young  cattle  ;  20  horses,  valued  at  £7  each ;  37  sheep,  at  £1  10s.  ;  62 
swine,  at  £1,  and  58  goats,  at  8s. 

1G48, 

Joseph  Cooke,  Mr.  Edward  Jackson  and  Edward  Goffe  Avere  cliosen  com- 
missioners or  referees  to  end  small  causes,  under  40  shillings, —  and  for  many 
years  succeeding. 

1G49. 

It  is  ordained  by  the  townsmen  that  all  persons  provide  that  tlieir  dogs  may 
do  no  harm  in  corn  fields  or  gardens,  by  scraping  up  the  fish,  under  the  pen- 
alty of  three  pence  for  every  dog  that  shall  be  taken  damage  feasant,  with  all 
other  just  damages. 


46  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

1656. 

The  inliabitants  of  Cambridge  consented  to  pay  each  his  proportion  of  a 
rate  of  £200  towards  building  a  Bridge  over  Charles  River.  This  Bridge, 
from  the  foot  of  what  is  now  Dunster  Street  in  Cambridge,  was  completed 
about  1660,  and  called  "The  Great  Bridge;"  in  modern  times  "Brighton 
Bridge." 

Persons  were  appointed  by  the  Selectmen  to  execute  the  order  of  the 
General  Court,  for  the  impi<ovement  of  all  the  families  within  the  town  in 
spinning,  and  manufacturing  clothes. 

1657. 
The  Deacons,  with  Edward  Jackson,  Goffe,  Stedman  and  Winship,  to  make 
and  levy  a  rate  of  £240  from  the  members  of  [for]  our  pastor,  Mr.  Mitchell. 

1661. 

We  do  agree  and  consent  that  all  the  common  lands  on  the  south  side  of 
the  river,  on  the  east  side  of  Dedham  path,  shall  be  divided  into  propriety  to 
the  several  inhabitants  that  have  an  interest  in  them. 

Mr.  Edward  Jackson,  Lieut.  Thomas  Prentice  and  John  Jackson  vs.  the 
Selectmen  of  Cambridge,  in  a  plea  of  replevin  of  their  goods,  distrained  by 
order  of  said  Selectmen  towards  the  building  of  the  Bridge  over  Charles 
River, — 

The  Jury,  having  heard  the  respective  pleas  and  answer  of  both  parties, 
together  with  the  evidence  and  records  of  Court,  presented  in  the  case, — 
which  arc  on  file, — 

Verdict  for  the  defendants. 

1662. 

A  tree  was  granted  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mitchell  for  a  cider  press,  and  timber 
to  James  Hubbard  for  fencing  his  orchard  and  for  making  him  a  loom. 

In  1662,  two  hundred  and  sixty-seven  acres  of  the  common 
lands  in  Cambridge  Village  [south  side  of  the  river]  were  divided 
among  ninety  proprietors. 

A  large  body  of  lands  at  Shawshine  (now  Billerica)  was 
granted  by  the  General  Court  to  the  Proprietors  of  Cambridge. 
The  Billerica  lands  were  divided  among  the  proprietors  in  1652. 
Of  this  division, 

Edward  Jackson   had   400  acres,  which,  by   his  will,  he   gave  to 

Harvard  College. 
Thomas  Prentice  had  150  acres. 
Samuel  Hyde  had 
John  Jackson  had 
Jonathan  Hyde  had 
John  Parker  had 
Vincent  Druce  had 


80 

do, 

50 

do. 

20 

do. 

20 

do. 

15 

do. 

EXTRACTS  FROM  RECORDS.  47 

1663. 
Edward  Jackson  was  released  from  all  ordinary  trainings,   paying   eight 
shillings  per  annum  to  the  Military  Company  where  he  lives. 

1664. 

January  20. — At  a  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  and  proprietors  of  the  town 
lands,  it  is  agreed  among  them  that  the  persons  hereafter  named  be  a  com- 
mittee to  draw  up  the  list  of  the  names  of  such  inhabitants  as  have  interest 
in  said  common  lands,  as  near  as  may  be  according  to  the  order  and  agree- 
ment of  the  thirteen  men  recorded  in  the  Town  Book,  or  according  to  any 
other  righteous  rule,  as  they  shall  see  meet,  and  the  proportion  to  each  inhabi- 
tant aforesaid  their  just  right  for  number  of  acres  in  the  common  lands  on 
the  south  side  of  the  river,  yet  undivided. 

Also,  in  a  distinct  list,  to  proportion  and  allot  in  a  way  of  free  gift  so  much 
of  the  said  lands  unto  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  that  have  no  interest  with 
respect  to  quality,  desert  or  standing  in  the  town,  and  bearing  public  charges, 
according  as  said  committee  shall  think  equal  and  just;  and  the  said  com- 
mittee, having  drawn  up  the  list  aforesaid,  to  call  all  the  aforesaid  inhabitants 
together,  and  present  the  same  unto  them  for  their  final  approbation. 

At  which  meeting,  the  major  vote,  either  affirmative  or  negative,  shall  be 
conclusive  in  this  matter. 

The  committee  are  as  follows,  namely,  all  the  Selectmen  of  Cambridge, 
Lieut.  Winship,  Edward  Shepard,  Richard  Robins,  Philip  Cooke,  John 
Shepard  and  David  Fiske ;  and  if  it  should  appear  that  the  major  part  of  the 
aforesaid  inhabitants  do  vote  in  the  affirmative,  and  agree  to  what  is  to  them 
presented,  then  there  shall  be  a  proceeding  to  draw  lots,  according  to  what  is 
agreed  to,  [in]  such  a  method  and  manner  as  shall  be  proposed  by  said  com- 
mittee for  the  division  of  all  the  common  lands  on  the  south  side  of  the  river; 
and  the  committee  are  desired  to  despatch  the  work  as  soon  as  conveniently 
they  can, — the  townsmen  to  appoint  time  and  place  of  meeting. 

Voted  in  the  affirmative,  the  day  and  year  above  named. 

By  this  vote,  2675^^  acres  of  the  common  lands  in  Cambridge  Village  were 
divided  among  133  proprietors.  Of  these,  Edward  Jackson  had  30  acres, 
John  Jackson  20  acres  and  Thomas  Prentice  9  acres. 

16G8. 

Elder  Wiswall,  Edward  Jackson  and  John  Jackson  were  appointed  to  cate- 
chise the  children  at  the  new  church  at  the  Village. 

Samuel  Hyde  was  notified  to  appear  before  the  Selectmen  to  answer  for 
falling  trees  on  the  highway  against  his  own  land; — to  which  he  replied,  that 
when  he  gave  the  land  for  a  highway,  he  conditioned  to  reserve  the  timber 
and  wood  for  his  own  use ;  and  he  was  promised  the  same  by  John  Jackson, 
John  AVard  and  John  Parker. 

Samuel  Hyde  complains  against  Edward  Jackson  for  leaving  out  of  his 
invoice  15  acres  of  English  grass  and  120  acres  of  inclosed  pasture, —  also, 
of  John  Jackson,  for  leaving  out  ten  acres  of  meadow  and  an  ox  from  his 
invoice. 


48  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

1676. 
At  a  town  meeting  called  to  consider  about  fortifying  the  town  against  the 
Indians,  it  was  judged  necessary  that  something  be  done  for  the  fencing  in 
the  town  with  a  stockade,  or  something  equivalent.  Materials  were  accord- 
ingly provided;  but  King  Philip's  war  being  soon  after  terminated,  the  town 
ordered  that  the  Selectmen  should  improve  the  timber  that  was  brought  for 
the  fortifications  for  the  repairing  of  the  Great  Bridge 

This  bridge  was  rebuilt  in  1690,  at  the  expense  of  Cambridge 
and  Newton,  with  some  aid  from  the  public  treasury,  and  crosses 
Charles  River  south  of  the  College,  on  the  way  from  Cambridge  to 
Brookliiie  and  Roxbury.  Before  the  erection  of  a  bridge  at  this 
place,. there  was  a  ferr^^  from  a  wharf  at  the  foot  of  Water  Street 
in  Cambridge  to  the  highway  leading  to  Roxbury. 

1678. 
The  law  of  fidelity  to  the  country  to  be  administered  to  all,  of  sixteen  years 
of  age  and  upwards. 

1689. 

Capt.  Thomas  Prentice,  commander  of  a  troop  of  horse  in  the  Lower 
Middlesex  Regiment,  presented  the  nomination  of  oflicers  for  said  comjiany, 
viz.:  William  Bond,  Lieutenant;  Jonathan  Hammond,  Cornet,  and  John 
Powle,  Quarter  Master. 

Ordered,  that  Capt.  Prentice  and  Mr.  Noah  Wiswall  be  desired  to  gather 
up  the  arms  belonging  to  the  Indians  of  Natick,  which  have  been  pawned  by 
several  persons. 

EXTRACTS  FROM  COLONY  RECORDS. 

Some  of  the  early  Records  of  the  Colony, —  whose  control 
embraced  the  administration  of  Newtown, —  are  equall}"  curious 
and  interesting  with  the  preceding.  The  legislation  for  the  Colony 
prescribed  the  status  of  the  legislation  for  Newtown  likewise  ; 
and  the  legislation  of  Newtown  (Cambridge)  extended  its  sway 
over  the  entire  territory  embraced  in  Cambridge  and  New  Cam- 
bridge,—  the  latter  being  a  part  of  the  former.  We  give  here  a 
few  specimens  which  cannot  properly  be  included  under  am'  other 
head.     They  show  the  spirit  of  the  times  when  they  originated. 

The  following  extracts  are  from  the  late  A.  H.  Ward's  manu- 
script compilations. 

At  the  Court  held  in  Newtowne,  September  3,  1634,  "it  was  ordered  that 
no  person  shall  take  tobacco  publiquely,  under  the  penalty  of  eleven  shillings, 


EXTRACTS  FROM  COLONY  RECORDS.  49 

nor  privately,  in  his  own  house  or  in  the  house  of  another,  before  strangers, 
and  that  two  or  more  shall  not  take  it  anywhere,  under  the  aforesaid  penalty 
for  each  offence." 

"  At  a  Court  holden  at  Newtowne  on  the  second  day  of  the  ninth  month, 
1637,  it  was  ordered  that  no  person  shall  be  allowed  to  sell  cakes  and  bunns, 
except  at  funerals  and  weddings." 

1660. 

None  are  to  be  freemen  but  such  as  are  in  full  communion  with  the  chixrch 
of  Christ. 

1671. 

The  ministers  who  supplied  the  pulpit  of  the  church  at  New  Cambridge, 
between  the  death  of  Mr.  Eliot  and  the  settlement  of  Mr.  Hobart  seem  to 
have  been  unfairly  dealt  with  by  the  parish  in  the  matter  of  compensation  for 
their  services.  Accordingly  they  sued  the  inhabitants  of  the  Village  for  their 
pay,  and  a  trial  was  had  before  the  County  Court  in  1671.  On  a  full  hearing 
of  both  parties,  according  to  the  County  Court  Records,  "the  Court  ordered 
that  payment  be  made  to  those  ministers  that  had  labored  among  them,  indif- 
ferently, to  one  as  well  as  to  another  (all  animosity  among  themselves  not- 
withstanding), according  as  the  Selectmen  of  the  town  had  formerly  advised 
in  the  case." 

1674. 

It  is  ordered  by  this  Court  that  Cambridge  Village  shall  henceforth  be  a 
distinct  military  company  of  themselves,  and  so  to  be  exercised  according  to 
law.     James  Trowbridge,  a  Lieutenant  by  appointment. 

Ordered,  that  Captain  Thomas  Prentice  do  send  for  some  of  the  Indians 
that  have  submitted  themselves  to  the  justice  of  this  Court,  to  fetch  in  or 
destroy  the  enemy  that  yet  lies  out;  and  in  case  they  bring  in  any  of  the 
sacliems,  they  shall  have  a  suitable  reward. 

1677. 

It  is  ordered  by  this  Court  that  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Eliot,  relict  and  sole  execu- 
trix of  the  late  Mr.  John  Eliot,  of  Cambridge  Village,  with  the  consent  of 
the  overseers  of  the  will,  be  and  they  hereby  are  enabled  with  full  powers  to 
alienate  and  sell  the  house  and  lands  in  that  place,  lately  belonging  to  the 
deceased,  unto  Mr.  Nchemiah  Hobart,  minister  of  that  place,  or  to  any  other 
person  or  persons; — forasmuch  as  the  said  house  goes  to  decay  daily,  and 
repairs  will  far  exceed  the  rent,  and  the  widow  and  son  must  suffer  thereby  : — 
provided  it  be  done  according  to  the  terms  of  the  will. 

All  persons,  inhabitants  as  well  as  strangers,  are  to  take  the  oath  of  fidelity 
to  the  country,  etc.,  and  all  who  refuse  shall  not  have  the  benefit  of  our  laws, 
to  implead,  sue,  or  recover  any  debt  in  any  Court,  nor  have  any  protection 
while  they  continue  in  such  obstinate  refusal ;  and  the  names  of  all  who  refuse 
to  take  the  oath  are  to  be  returned  to  the  Court. 
4 


50  HISTOllY  OF   NEWTON. 

The  Court  order  and  enact  that  the  Sabbath  laws  be  twice  read  annually, 
in  March  and  September,  by  the  minister ;  and  the  Selectmen  are  ordered  to 
see  to  it  that  there  be  one  man  appointed  to  inspect  every  ten  families  of  his 
neighbors,  which  titliing  men  are  empowered  to  do,  in  the  absence  of  the  Con- 
stable, to  apprehend  all  Sabbath  breakers,  etc.,  and  carry  them  before  a  Magis- 
trate, or  other  authority,  or  commit  them  to  prison,  as  any  Constable  may  do, 
to  be  proceeded  with  according  to  law. 

And  for  the  better  putting  in  restraint  and  securing  the  offenders  who  trans- 
gress against  the  Sabbath  laws  in  the  meeting-house,  or  by  abusive  carriage 
or  misbehavior,  by  making  any  noise  or  otherwise  during  the  daytime,  being 
laid  hold  of  by  any  of  the  inhabitants,  shall  by  the  said  person  appointed  to 
inspect  tliis  law,  be  forthwith  carried  and  put  into  the  cage  in  Boston,  wliich 
is  appointed  to  be  forthwith  erected  by  the  Selectmen,  to  be  set  up  in  the 
market  place,  and  in  such  other  towns  as  the  County  Court  shall  appoint, 
there  to  remain  till  authority  sliall  examine  the  person  of  the  offender,  and 
give  order  for  his  punishment  as  the  matter  may  require,  according  to  the 
laws  relating  to  the  Sabbath. 

1678. 

Forasmuch  as  it  hath  too  often  happened  that  through  differences  of  opin- 
ion in  several  towns,  and  on  other  pretences,  there  have  been  attempts  by 
some  persons  to  erect  new  meeting-houses, —  although  on  pretence  of  the 
public  worship  of  God  on  the  Lord's  day,  yet  thereby  laying  foundations,  if 
not  for  scliism,  and  seduction  to  errors  and  heresies, —  for  perpetuating  divi- 
sions and  weakening  such  places  where  they  dwell,  in  comfortable  support  of 
the  ministry,  orderly  settled  among  them—  for  prevention  thereof,  it  is  — 

Ordered,  that  no  person  whatever,  without  the  consent  of  the  freemen  of 
the  town  where  they  live,  first  orderly  had  and  obtained  at  a  public  meeting 
assembled  for  that  end,  etc.,  and  every  i:)erson  or  persons  transgressing  this 
law,  every  such  house  or  houses  where  such  persons  shall  so  meet  more  than 
three  times,  with  the  land  whereon  such  houses  stand,  and  all  private  ways 
leading  thereto,  shall  be  forfeited  to  the  use  of  the  country,  or  demolished, 
as  the  Court  shall  order. 

1680. 

A  Society  of  Baptists  were  censured  by  the  Governor  in  open  Court,  and 
prohibited  meeting  as  a  Society  in  the  public  place  they  have  built,  or  any 
other  public  house,  except  such_  as  have  been  allowed  by  lawful  authority. 


EXTRACTS    FROM   RECORDS   OF   NEW   CAMBRIDGE. 

1679. 

June  27. —  First  town  meeting.  Selectmen  and  other  town  officers  chosen, 
in  anticipation  of  the  separation  of  New  Cambridge  from  Cambridge,  which 
took  place  January  8,  1688. 


EXTRACTS  FROM   RECORDS.  51 

1081. 

January  20. —  Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  provide  weights  and  measures 
for  standards,  for  tlie  use  of  the  inliabitants. 

John  Spring  chosen  Sealer  of  weights  and  measures. 

Voted,  that  a  rate  be  made  for  tlie  procuring  the  weights  and  measures,  and 
for  repairing  the  glass  about  the  Meeting-IIouse,  and  to  pay  John  Fuller, 
senior,  wliat  he  has  laid  out  for  the  raising  of  the  new  end  of  the  Meeting- 
house. 

Voted,  that  no  barley  shall  be  brought  in  to  Mr.  Hobart,  for  his  rate,  after 
the  first  of  February. 

Voted,  tliat  what  had  been  recorded  in  the  Old  Book,  that  was  of  moment, 
should  be  transcribed  into  the  New  Book,  and  that  Sergeant  Ward  and  Noah 
Wiswall  should  see  that  it  be  done ;  and  accordingly,  it  was  forthwith  done 
in  their  presence. 

1685. 
Captain  Prentice  and  Edward  Jackson  were  appointed  a  committee  to  warn 
John  Jackson,  who  came  from  Rowley,  to  leave  the  town. 

Voted,  that  there  be  added  to  Mr.  Hobart's  maintenance  £5  to  the  former 
£65,  making  his  salary  £70 ;  and  one  third  to  be  paid  in  money,  without 
abatement. 

1686. 

A  committee  was  chosen  to  treat  with  Cambridge,  about  our  freedom  from 
their  town. 

1687. 

John  Ward  and  Noah  Wiswall  were  joined  to  our  Selectmen,  to  treat  with 
the  Selectmen  of  Cambridge  to  lay  out  a  highway  from  our  meeting-house 
to  tlie  Falls,  probably  to  go  through  some  of  the  common  lands. 

1688. 
Jonatlian  Spring,  Edward  Jackson,  Abraham  Jackson  and  James  Prentice 
chosen  a  committee  about  the  Great  Bridge. 

1689. 

Chose  Ensign  John  Ward  deputy  this  session ;  and  he  was  instructed  to 
advocate  an  enlargement  of  freemen, —  that  all  free-holders,  that  are  of  an 
honest  conversation  and  competent  estate,  may  have  their  vote  in  all  civil 
elections. 

He  served  fifty-four  days,  and  was  paid  one  shilling  and  six  pence  per  day. 

Mr.  Ward  was  elected  deputy  from  New  Cambridge  eight  times 
by  his  fellow-citizens,  and  as  the  first  of  a  long  series  doubtless 
did  efficient  service.  It  was  the  day  of  small  things,  bttt  the  begin- 
ning of  a  worth}'  succession. 


52  HISTORY  OF  NEAVTON. 

The  first  person  who  died  in  Newton,  after  it  was  incorporated, 
was  Nathaniel  Hanunond,  son  of  Thomas  Hammond,  sr.  He  died 
May  29,  1691,  aged  48. 

The  first  couple  married  in  Newton,  after  it  was  incorporated, 

were  Josiah   Bush   and   Hannah  ,   December     25,    1691, 

(Chiistmas  day) .  They  were  married  by  James  Trowbridge,  the 
first  Town  Clerk,  and  had  three  children. 

1693. 

Paid  Joseph  Fuller  20s.  for  killing  three  wolves. 

Appointed  Dr.  Williams,  Deacon  Trowbridge  and  John  Fuller,  senior, 
committee  for  contributions. 

1G95. 

Voted,  that  a  lawyer  be  employed  against  Cambridge ;  and  if  one  cannot 
be  had,  then  Captain  Thomas  Prentice,  Captain  Williams  and  John  Fuller, 
senior,  be  joined  with  the  Selectmen  to  implead  Cambridge. 

The  Town  Treasurer  paid  William  Ward  £3  Oj.  lOd.  for  killing  wolves. 

1696. 

Paid  Thomas  Wiswall  6/8  for  killing  a  wolf. 

Voted,  that  a  new  meeting-house  be  built,  and  placed  near  the  old  one ; 
and  Captain  Prentice,  John  Fuller,  senior.  Captain  Williams,  John  Ward, 
senior,  Jonathan  Hyde,  senior,  John  Spring  and  Nathaniel  Healy  be  a  com- 
mittee to  treat  with  workmen  for  building  the  same. 

1697. 

Voted,  that  John  Brewer,  of  Sudbury,  be  employed  master-workman,  to 
build  the  new  meeting-house. 

Voted,  to  go  on  with  the  work  of  building,  and  John  Spring,  Jeremiah 
Fuller,  Nathaniel  Healy  and  John  Hyde  shall  oversee  the  work  and  give 
directions  for  the  getting  of  the  timber,  that  so  every  quarter  of  the  town 
may  get  a  part  of  the  timber,  if  they  please. 

Voted,  i-200  for  carrying  on  the  work. 

Voted,  that  seats  for  the  boys  be  made  from  the  west  door  to  the  northwest 
corner  of  the  house. 

Voted,  that  the  vacant  room  on  the  east  and  north  side  of  the  house,  to 
the  pulpit,  is  granted  for  the  setting  up  of  pews  for  women,  but  they  shall  not 
be  sold  to  a  stranger. 

1698. 

Voted,  that  a  vane  be  provided  to  set  upon  the  turret  of  the  meeting- 
bouse. 


EXTRACTS  FROM  RECORDS.  53 

The  vote  to  build  this  second  meetiug-hoiise  was  passed  in 
March,  1696  ;  the  work  was  commenced  in  the  spring  of  1697  and 
completed  early  in  1698.  The  building  stood  on  the  westerly  side 
of  Centre  Street,  opposite  the  bur^'ing-grouud,  near  the  spot  after- 
wards occupied  by  the  house  of  the  late  Gardner  Colby,  Esq- 
The  place  was  once  owned  and  occupied  by  John  Spring,  who 
probably  gave  the  land  to  the  town  for  that  purpose.  It  was 
voted  that "  the  building  committee  should  seat  the  meeting-house, 
and  that  age  and  gifts  (towards  the  building)  should  be  the  rule 
the  committee  should  go  by."  This  custom  of  "  seating  the  meet- 
ing-house "  was  a  shred  of  the  old  aristocrac}'  of  the  mother  coun- 
try.    It  created  much  ill  feeling,  until,  finally,  it  was  abolished. 

The  first  meeting-house  was  still  standing  in  1717  ;  but  it  is  not 
known  for  what  purpose  it  was  then  used. 

1G99. 
Voted,  to  build  a  school-house  before  the  last  of  November,  IG  feet  by  14. 

Voted,  30  shillings  to  Daniel  Ray,  to  look  after  the  meeting-house  and  the 

swine. 

1700. 

John  Staples  was  hired  to  keep  the  town  school  at  five  shillings  per  day. 
Lt.  John  Spring  was  allowed  twenty  shillings  for  sweeping  and  cleaning  the 
meeting-house. 

1707. 

Thomas  Oliver  and  Edward  Jackson  were  ordained  Deacons,  and  publicly 
inducted  into  office.  The  one  was  son-in-law,  the  other,  son,  of  Edward 
Jackson,  senior. 

March  3.  —  Voted,  that  those  that  shall  kil  black  birds  from  ye  :  1 :  of 
April  til  the  last  of  May,  and  bring  their  heads  to  the  Court  or  Select  men, 
shall  be  alowed  twelve  pence  for  dosen  out  of  the  town  rate. 

At  a  town  meeting  March  ye  3  :  1707,  for  the  choice  of  oficers,  they  elected 
five  *'  survaighers  of  highways,"  and  Jonathan  Cooledge  &  Richard  Wooderd 
chosen  to  take  care  of  hogs,  that  they  are  yoked  and  ringed  according  to  law. 

Voted,  that  the  select  men  shall  be  Asesores,  to  ases  the  contrey  rates. 

1711. 

March  5. —  Voted,  that  once  in  the  year,  upon  the  thanksgiving  day  that 
falls  in  the  year,  that  there  shal  be  a  contrybution  for  the  poor,  and  that  it 
shal  be  put  into  the  town  treasury,  and  to  be  ordered  to  tlie  poor  by  the 
selectmen  as  they  see  need. 

March  9. —  Voted,  that  sheep  shal  go  at  liberty  upon  the  commons. 

Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  and  commity  that  is  chosen  shall  go  over  the 
highways  in  town,  and  revue  the  marks  and  settle  them,  so  far  as  they  can, 
without  charge  to  the  town. 


54  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

At  the  same  town  meeting,  the  citizens  appointed  fence  viewers,  tithing 
men,  a  sealer  of  leather,  a  person  to  take  care  of  hogs,  and  one  to  provide  a 
school  master  and  agree  with  him. 

In  1717,  au  act  was  passed  by  the  town  to  prevent  the  destruction 
of  deer, —  which  proves  that  at  this  date  deer  roamed  in  the  forests 
of  Newton. 

1732. 

March  31. —  Voted,  that  two  pence  per  head  shall  be  paid  out  of  the  town 
treasury  for  every  old  black  bird  yt.  shall  be  killed  in  this  town,  from  the  first 
day  of  April  until  the  last  day  of  June ;  and  two  pence  per  head  for  every  jay 
bird  yt.  shall  be  killed  at  any  time  of  the  year  ensuing;  provided,  always, 
that  the  birds  shall  be  brought  to  some  one  of  the  Selectmen,  constable  or 
town  clerk ;  as  also  for  every  gray-headed  wood-pecker,  two  pence  per  head 
for  every  one  that  shall  be  killed  within  the  year. 

1733. 

March  8. —  Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  or  Overseers  of  the  Poor  shall  have 
power  to  provide  a  house,  to  set  idle  and  disorderly  persons  on  work  for  one 
year  next  ensuing;  and  that  one  of  the  school  houses,  in  the  recess  of  the 
school,  shall  be  a  work  house  for  such  idle  and  disorderly  persons 

1741. 

An  act  was  passed  by  the  General  Court  to  prevent  the  destruction  of  deer 
and  thereupon  Deer  Reeves  were  chosen  to  see  the  law  executed. 

1741. 

Samuel  Miller,  Isaac  Williams  and  Richard  Park  were  chosen  to  take  care 
with  respect  to  the  free  passage  of  fish  up  and  down  Charles  River. 

1796. 

Voted,  to  have  a  stove  to  warm  the  meeting-house. 

Voted,  that  the  deacons  have  liberty  to  sit  out  of  the  deacons'  seat,  if 
they  choose. 

1800. 

March, — Voted,  to  disannul  the  ancient  mode  of  seating  parishioners  in 
the  mfceting-house. 

1820. 

October  16. — Joseph  Jackson  and  Ebenczer  Cheney  were  elected  delegates 
to  the  Convention  for  the  purpose  of  altering  or  revising  the  Constitution  of 
Massachusetts. 


EXTRACTS  FROM  RECORDS.  55 


EXTRACTS  FKOM  LATER  RECORDS  OF  NEWTON. 

To  these  early  and  quaint  Records,  wc  add  a  few  of  more 
recent  date,  showing  the  progress  of  the  town  in  legislation  and 
economy. 

A  resolution  was  passed  b}^  the  town  April  4,  1842,  proposed 
by  the  late  Marshall  S.  Rice,  as  follows  : 

Resolved,  that  we  review  with  regret  the  want  of  confidence  we  have  be- 
trayed for  a  few  years  past  in  Heavenly  Wisdom,  to  guide  us  in  our  town 
affairs,  by  not  seeking  it ;  and  that  hereafter  we  will  return  to  the  custom  of 
our  fathers,  and  have  our  town  meetings  ojjened  by  prayer.  And  the  Select- 
men are  hereby  requested  to  engage  the  officiating  clergymen  of  Newton  to 
attend  for  that  purpose,  alternately,  as  near  as  may  be. 

1844. 

March  25. —  The  town  voted  to  dispense  with  the  election  of  tithing  men. 
In  the  progressive  advancement  of  society  the  office  had  become  a  mere 
form. 

1845. 

March. —  The  town  for  the  first  time  voted  a  tax  of  one  dollar  per  head 
on  dogs. 

1846. 

May  4. —  By  vote  of  the  town,  the  Selectmen  were  ordered  to  procure  a 
fire-proof  safe  for  the  preservation  of  the  Records  and  important  documents 
belonging  to  the  town.  When  Newton  became  a  city,  this  safe  was  given 
to  Marshall  S.  Rice,  Esq.,  the  last  town  clerk,  who  had  served  in  that  capacity 
from  1846  to  1873,  to  universal  acceptance.  It  was  a  fitting  gift  to  a  worthy 
recipient. 

1846. 

November  9. —  Voted,  to  authorize  the  Selectmen  to  give  or  sell  sufficient 
land  near  the  Poor  House  for  a  Railroad  depot.  [At  this  date  the  Poor 
House  was  the  old  Pigeon  estate,  Auburndale.] 

1848. 

April  3. —  A  law  was  passed  requiring  that  dogs  should  be  licensed,  at  a 
charge  of  two  dollars  each. 

The  pound,  near  the  First  Baptist  Church  at  Newton  Centre,  was  sold  this 
year.  Its  location  was  a  little  east  of  the  site  of  the  Unitarian  church,  and  the 
street  which  crosses  the  railroad  near  that  point  was  known  as  Pound  Lane, 
£now  Cypress  Street], 


56  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

1849. 
May  21.  — Voted,  to  sell  the  Powder  House  and  its  contents  at   Newton 
Centre.     [The  Powder  House  stood  at  the  junction  of  Lyman  Street  with  the 
Common.] 

In  March,  1851,  the  Selectmen  were  authorized  by  vote  of  the 
town,  to  purchase  gravel  and  land  for  repairing  the  streets  of  the 
town. 

In  March,  1862,  provision  was  made  for  the  annual  election  of 
truant  officers. 

March,  1865,  the  town  voted  the  sum  of  sis  hundred  dollars  to 
provide  a  suitable  lock-up  at  Newton  Corner. 

Under  date  of  March,  1865,  the  town  adopted  a  design  pre- 
sented for  a  corporate  town  seal. 

In  March,  1866,  Voted,  to  purchase  a  crushing  machine,  alone, 
or  jointly  with  some  adjacent  town,  to  prepare  rubble  for 
macadamizing  the  principal  roads.  The  Selectmen  were  authorized 
to  emplo}^  night  pohce,  according  to  their  discretion. 

18G7. 
March. —  Voted,  to  appropriate  i^30,000   to  purchase  land  for  building  a 
school-house  at  Newton  Centre ;   §12,000  for  the  same  purpose  at  Newton 
Upper  Falls,  and  §26,000  at  Newton  Lower  Falls. 

The  votes  passed  at  the  town  meetings,  as  the  period  drew  near 
when  the  town  of  Newton  was  to  become  the  City  of  Newton,  gave 
abundant  proof  of  the  spirit  of  progress.  May  3,  1869,  the  town 
voted  to  employ  an  Engineer  of  roads,  and  renewed  the  vote  passed 
three  years  before,  to  buy  a  stone-crusher.  May  10,  1869,  appro- 
priated a  sum  not  exceeding  $2,400  to  purchase  a  piano  for  each 
of  the  Grammar  schools.     Also, 

Voted,  to  pay  for  gas,  oil  and  care  of  lights,  whenever  the  citi- 
zens furnish  suitable  lamps  and  erect  them,  free  of  charge  to  the 
town,  in  places  approved  by  the  Selectmen. 

In  March,  1870,  an  espenditm-e  of  $1,000  was  authorized  for 
evening  schools  next  winter. 

March,  1871. —  Voted,  to  instruct  the  School  Committee  to 
appoint  a  Superintendent  of  schools. 

March  6,  1871,  appropriated  $500  to  fit  up  an  armory  for  Co.  L, 
First  Reolment  Massachusetts  Infantry. 


CHAPTER  V. 

LOOKING   TOWARDS    SEPARATION    FROM    CAMBRIDGE. PETITION    FOR 

FREEDOM   FROM   CHURCH   RATES. —  PETITION   TO   THE    COURT    TO 
BE    SET    OFF    FROM    CAMBRIDGE. PROTEST    OF   THE     TOWN. 

Previous  to  August  27,  1679,  the  town  meetings  were  held  at 
Cambridge,  and  all  the  town  officers  were  chosen  there.  After 
this  date,  meetings  were  held  at  Cambridge  Village,  by  the 
freemen  of  the  Village  only,  without  dictation  or  interference  from 
Cambridge  or  elsewhere.  They  took  into  their  own  hands  the 
management  and  control  of  the  prudential  affairs  of  the  Village 
on  that  da}',  as  fully  and  completely  as  an}^  other  town,  and  con- 
ducted them  according  to  the  will  and  pleasure  of  the  majorit}^ 
of  the  freeholders  in  the  Village,  until  Newton  became  a  city.  It 
is  probably  true,  however,  that  Cambridge  and  Cambridge  Village 
were  taxed  together  for  a  considerable  number  of  years  for  State 
and  County  purposes.  It  could  not  have  made  much  difference 
whether  the  State  or  County  authorities  doomed  them  together  or 
separately ; —  their  proportion  would  have  been  about  the  same 
either  way.  They  were  also  held  to  pay  their  proportionable  parts 
towards  the  repair  of  the  Great  Bridge.  This  they  were  compelled 
to  do  until  1700,  and  even  later.  Nor  were  they  allowed  to  send 
a  Deputy  to  the  General  Court  until  1688.  For  town  purposes 
they  were  independent ;  but  for  County  and  State  purposes  they 
were  to  a  certain  extent  connected  with  Cambridge  and  a  part  of 
it,  until  1688,  when  the  separation  was  fully  consunmaated,  and 
Newton  became  a  free  and  independent  corporation.  The  long 
struggle,  the  setting  forth  of  arguments,  the  heart-burnings,  the 
alternating  tides  of  purposes  formed  and  balked,  of  anticipations 
and  disappointments,  extending  through  a  period  of  thirty-five 
3'ears,  form  an  interesting  and  characteristic  chapter  of  historj-, 
worthy  to  be  presented  in  detail  in  the  following  pages.     It  was 


58  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

in  these  civil  conflicts  that  the  early  settlers  and  their  sons  were 
trained  for  the  sterner  strussles  which  were  in  reserve  for  later 
years. 


"ao 


In  the  choice  of  Deputies  to  tlae  General  Court,  the  Village  had  no  cause 
to  complain,  as  a  Deputy  was  chosen  from  the  Village  for  twenty  years.  But 
no  Selectman  was  ever  chosen  from  the  Village  during  the  whole  time  they 
formed  a  part  of  Cambridge,  about  forty  [fifty]  years,  except  once,  in  1605, 
(Mr.  Edward  Jackson).  The  other  town  officers  chosen  from  the  Village 
from  1664  to  1679,  were  highway  surveyors,  constables,  fence  viewers  and 
hog-reeves.  No  assessors  or  other  town  officers  were  appointed  from  the 
Village.  The  men  chosen  from  the  Village  to  fill  these  minor  offices,  before 
tlie  Village  became  a  town,  were  Edward  Jackson,  Jonathan  Jackson,  John 
Fuller,  Samuel  Hyde,  Thomas  Prentice,  Thomas  Wiswall,  John  Ward,  Jona- 
than Hyde,  James  Prentice,  James  Trowbridge,  Thomas  Prentice,  jr., 
Daniel  Bacon,  Noah  Wiswall,  Job  Hyde,  John  Kenrick,  Isaac  Williams, 
John  Spring  and  Gregory  Cook. 

Deacon  John  Jackson,  the  first  settler  in  the  Village,  and  nine 
others  were  dead,  when  the  town  of  Newton  became  wholly  inde- 
pendent. 

The  heroic  and  aspiting  spirit  of  the  early  inhabitants  prompted 
them  constant^  to  seek  something  better  and  higher  than  that 
which  they  had  already  acquired.  It  was  not  mere  uneasiness  and 
discontent.  It  was  the  spirit  of  enterprise,  and  the  conception 
of  and  reaching  forth  towards  the  perfect,  Avhich  forbade  them 
to  be  satisfied  with  the  present,  if  something  better  could  be 
attained. 

They  turned  their  attention  first  to  securing  relief  from  the 
•charge  of  sustaining  the  ministry  in  Cambridge.  When  this  was 
accomplished,  the}'  aimed,  as  justlj'  they  might  do,  to  be  re- 
lieved from  the  tax  of  supporting  the  Cambridge  Grammar  school, 
and  maintaining  the  Great  Bridge  between  what  was  .afterwards 
Brighton  and  Cambridge,  and  which  was  properly  a  county,  and 
not  a  town,  charge.  The  next  move  was  for  an  independent  town. 
Still  later,  having  secured  a  church  of  their  own,  and  a  meeting- 
house, within  their  own  town  limits,  some  of  them  began  to  groan 
imder  the  burden  of  too  long  a  ride  on  the  Sabbath  to  attend 
divine  service.  The  question  grew  in  importance  and  interest. 
Their  grievances  seemed  to  swell  in  magnitude.  They  petitioned 
the  town  for  relief;  and,  after  the  example  of  the  importunate 
widow  in  the  Scriptures,  the}'  continued  then-  efforts  till  they 
obtained  their  desire. 


ANSWER  TO  THE  PETITION.  59 

It  was  in  this  way  that,  while  town  and  parish  limits  were 
co-extensive,  first,  liljerty  was  given  to  half  a  dozen  families 
nearest  Roxburv  to  worship  and  to  pa}'  their  ministerial  taxes 
there.  This  was  the  thin  edge  of  the  wedge,  which  was  finally  to 
be  driven  completely  home,  and  to  cleave  the  log  asnnder.  In 
process  of  time  they  secured  the  erection  of  the  meeting-house  of 
the  First  Parish  at  a  point  nearer  the  centre  of  the  town,  its  present 
location.  After  nearly  sixtj'  ^-ears,  the  West  Parish  was  formed  with 
church  and  meeting-house,  and  the  citizens  of  that  district  began 
house-keeping  for  themselves.  Not  far  from  that  time  the  First 
Parish  Church  and  Society  became  independent  of  the  town, 
the  ecclesiastical  and  civil  relations  of  the  townsmen  having  he- 
come,  as  they  should  be,  disjoined  the  one  from  the  other.  The 
First  Baptist  Church  was  formed  in  its  vicinity,  its  members  being 
drawn  from  all  parts  of  the  town.  About  thirty  j-ears  later'  the 
Lower  Falls  had  a  church  and  society.  The  ecclesiastical  elements 
of  the  town  had  crystallized  in  their  distinctive  forms,  and  the  old 
methods  of  the  primitive  settlers  had  substantialh'  disappeared. 

The  successive  steps  leading  to  these  results  are  very  interesting. 

The  first  settlers  of  Cambridge  Village,  in  their  zeal  to  be 
independent  of  the  town  of  Cambridge,  commenced  the  first  move- 
ment in  that  direction  ver}'  gentl}^,  in  the  latter  part  of  1G54  or 
about  the  beginning  of  1655,  at  which  time  the}'  began  to  hold 
religious  meetings  for  public  worship  in  Cambridge  Village.  They 
asked,  first  of  all,  to  be  released  from  paj'ing  rates  to  the  church 
at  Cambridge,  on  the  ground  that  they  were  about  to  establish 
the  ordinances  of  Christ  among  themselves,  and  distinct  from  the 
town.     Their  request  was  answered  by  the  Selectmen  as  follows  : 

Meeting  of  the  Selectmen,  March  12,  1655.  —  In  answer  to  the  request  of 
some  of  our  beloved  brethren  and  neighbors,  the  inhabitants  on  the  other  side 
of  the  river,  that  they  might  liave  the  ordinances  of  Christ  among  them,  dis- 
tinct from  the  Town ;  —  the  townsmen,  not  well  understanding  what  they  intend 
or  do  desire  of  the  Town,  nor  yet  being  able  to  conceive  how  any  thing  can  be 
granted  in  tliat  respect,  but  the  fraction  will  prove  destructive  to  the  wliole 
body, — do  not  see  ground  to  give  any  consent  for  any  division  of  the  Town. 
Also,  we  hope  it  is  not  the  desire  of  our  Ijretliren  so  to  accommodate  them- 
selves by  a  division  as  thereby  utterly  to  disenable  and  undo  the  clmrch  of 
Christ,  with  whon^  they  have  made  so  solemn  an  engagement  in  the  Lord, 
which  is  apparent  to  us  will  be  the  effect  thereof;  and  therefore  do  desire 
that  we  may  join,  both  hand  and  heart,  to  worship  the  Lord  together  in  one 
place,  until  the  Lord  shall  be  pleased  to  enlarge  our  hands,  and  show  us  our 
way  more  clear  for  a  division. 


60  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

It  is  stated  by  Dr.  Holmes,  in  his  History  of  Cambridge,  that 
the  inhabitants  of  Cambridge  Village  had  become  so  numerons  by 
the  year  165G  as  to  form  a  distinct  congregation  for  public  worship, 
when  an  "  abatement  was  made  of  one  half  of  their  proportion  of 
the  ministry's  allowance,  during  the  time  they  were  provided  with 
an  able  minister  according  to  law." 

The  petition  to  the  town  finding  no  favor,  the  people  of  Cam- 
bridge Village  next  determined  to  try  what  virtue  there  might  be 
in  an  appeal  to  the  Great  and  General  Court,  and  in  1G56,  "John 
Jackson  and  Thomas  Wiswall,  in  behalf  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
Village,  petitioned  the  General  Court  to  be  released  from  paying 
rates  for  the  support  of  the  ministr}'  at  Cambridge  church." 

The  town  of  Cambridge  remonstrated  against  this  petition,  and 
the  petitioners  had  leave  to  withdraw.  They  were  silenced,  for 
the  time,  but  not  satisfied.  But  the  object  thc}^  had  in  view  was 
too  important,  and  they  were  men  of  too  much  perseverance  to 
sit  down  quietly  and  submit.  The  fire  smouldered  for  a  season, 
but  soon  broke  forth  anew.  They  had  tested  the  townsmen  and 
the  Court  in  vain  ;  but  they  were  not  discouraged. 

Having  waited  till,  in  their  judgment,  a  better  spirit  prevailed, 
and  new  circumstances  had  come  into  existence  more  favorable  to 
their  plea,  again  in  IGGl  they  presented  a  petition  to  the  General 
Court,  asking  to  be  released  from  paj'ing  church  rates  to 
Cambridge.  Meetings  for  pubhc  worship  had  been  held  in  the 
place  for  four  or  five  years.  As  there  was  a  hall  suitable  for  such 
a  purpose  in  Edward  Jackson's  house,  near  the  present  dividing- 
line  between  Newton  and  Brighton,  it  is  conjectured,  in  the  ab- 
sence of  records,  that  the  meetings  Avere  held  there.  In  1G60  the 
first  meeting-house  in  Cambridge  Village  was  erected,  which  greatly- 
strengthened  their  case;  and  according^,  in  IGGl,  the  Court 
"  granted  them  freedom  from  all  church  rates  for  the  support  of 
the  ministr}'  in  Cambridge,  and  for  all  lands  and  estates  which 
were  more  than  four  miles  from  Cambridge  meeting-house,  —  the 
measure  to  be  in  the  usual  paths  that  may  be  ordinarily  passed," — 
so  long  as  "  the  south  side  of  the  river  shall  maintain  an  able 
ministry." 

The  inhabitants  of  the  Village,  however,  were  not  satisfied  with 
the  dividing  line,  and  the  next  year  they  petitioned  the  Court  for 
a  new  line.  The  action  of  the  Court  on  this  petition  was  as 
follows : 


ACTION   OF  THE  COURT.  61 

1GG2. 

October. —  In  answer  to  the  petition  of  John  Jackson  and  Thomas  Wis- 
wall,  in  behalf  of  the  inhabitants  of  Cambridge  Village,  as  a  full  and  final 
issue  of  all  things  in  controversy  between  the  town  of  Cambridge  and  the 
petitioners,  the  Court  judge  it  meet  to  order,  appoint  and  fully  empower  Maj. 
William  Hawthorne,  of  Salem,  Capt.  Francis  Norton,  of  Charlestown,  and 
Capt.  Hugh  Mason,  of  Watertown,  as  a  committee  to  give  the  petitioners,  or 
some  in  their  behalf,  with  some  invited  in  behalf  of  the  town  of  Cambridge, 
opportunity  to  make  their  desires  known,  and  Major  Hawthorne  to  appoint 
the  time  and  place  for  the  hearing  of  what  all  parties  can  say,  so  it  be  some 
time  before  the  next  Court  of  election.  And  on  the  hearing  thereof,  to  issue 
fully  and  absolutely  conclude  and  determine  what  they  shall  judge  necessary 
and  just  to  be  done,  as  to  the  determining  the  four-mile  bounds,  that  so  this 
Court  may  no  more  be  troubled  thereabouts. 

And  SO  in  1GG2  the  committee  above  named  ran  the  line  and 
settled  the  bounds  between  Cambridge  and  Cambridge  Village,  so 
far  as  related  to  the  matter  of  ministerial  support.  This  line  be- 
came the  town  line  on  the  separation  of  Cambridge  Village  from 
Cambridge,  and  is  substantia^  the  same  line  that  now  divides 
Newton  and  Brighton  [Boston] . 

The  organization  of  the  First  Church  in  July,  16G4,  and  the  ordi- 
nation of  the  first  minister,  Rev.  John  Eliot,  jr.,  consummated  the 
ecclesiastical,  though  not  the  civil,  separation  of  Cambridge 
Village  from  Cambridge. 

But  the  inhabitants  were  not  yet  contented.  Their  territory  was 
large  and  the}^  were  ambitious  to  be  recognized  as  in  all  respects 
an  independent  town.  A  formal  movement  in  this  du'cction  was 
first  made  in  1672,  when  Edward  Jackson  and  John  Jackson,  in 
behalf  of  the  inhabitants  of  Cambridge  Village,  petitioned  the 
Court  to  be  set  off  from  Cambridge,  and  made  an  independent 
town  by  themselves. 

In  answer  to  this  petition,  we  find  under  date  of  Maj'  7,  1673, 
this  record : 

This  Court  doth  judge  meet  to  grant  to  the  inhabitants  of  said  Village  an- 
nually to  elect  one  Constable  and  three  Selectmen,  dwelling  among  them- 
selves, to  order  the  prudential  aflfliirs  of  the  inhabitants  there,  according  to 
law ;  only  continuing  a  part  of  Cambridge  in  paying  county  .and  country 
rates,  as  also  town  rates,  so  far  as  refers  to  the  Grammar  school,  bridge  over 
Charles  River,  and  their  proportion  of  the  charges  of  the  Deputies  of  Cam- 
bridge; and  this  to  be  an  issue  to  the  controversy  between  Cambridge  and 
them. 


62  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

The  Village  was  not  satisfied  by  this  action  of  the  Court,  and 
the  inhabitants  declined  to  accept  it  or  act  under  it. 

"Further  action  was  had,"  says  Mr.  Jackson,  under  date  of 
1677,  "relative  to  the  dividing  line  between  Cambridge  and  the 
Village,  both  parties  agreeing  to  submit  to  referees,  mutually 
chosen." 

The  Village  chose  Capt.  Thomas  Prentice,  James  Trowbridge,  Noah  Wis- 
wall  and  Jonathan  Hyde,  a  committee  to  settle  the  line  by  reference ;  two 
referees  to  be  chosen  by  the  Village,  two  by  Cambridge,  and  they  four  to 
choose  a  fifth.  The  referees  thus  chosen  were  Richard  Calicot,  William 
Symes,  AVilliam  Johnson,  William  Bond  and  Richard  Louden.  The  result 
of  this  reference  was  a  line  described  as  follows:  "Corner  near  the  widow 
Jackson's  orchard  and  a  chestnut  tree  in  Mr.  Edward  Jackson's  pasture,  and'. 
to  continue  until  it  comes  to  the  river ;  then,  southerly,  by  a  heap  of  stones, 
four  miles  from  Cambridge  meeting-house ;  thence  to  continue  until  it  comes 
at  Boston  [Brookline]  bounds."     This  award  was  dated  July  27,  1677. 

At  the  session  of  the  General  Court  commencing  May  8,  1678, 
the  following  petition  was  presented,  signed  by  nearly  all  the  free- 
men of  the  Village.  Mr.  Jackson  says  it  was,  "  no  doubt,  drawn 
up  by  Mr.  Edward  Jackson,  sr." 

To  the  Honored  Governor,  Deputy  Governor,  together  with  the  Honorable' 
Magistrates  and  Deputies  of  the  General  Court,  now  sitting  in  Boston : 

The  humble  petition  of  us,  the  inhabitants  of  Cambridge  Village,  on  the' 
south  side  of  Charles  River,  showeth,  that  the  late  war,  as  it  has  been  a  great 
charge  to  the  whole  colony,  so  to  us  in  particular,  both  in  our  estates  and. 
persons,  by  loss  of  life  to  some,  and  others  wounded  and  disabled  for  their  live- 
lihood, besides  all  our  other  great  charges,  in  building  of  our  meeting-house, 
and  of  late,  enlargement  to  it,  as  also  our  charge  to  the  minister's  house ; 
and  as  you  know  the  Lord  took  that  worthy  person  from  us  in  a  little  time,, 
and  now  in  great  mercy  hath  raised  up  another  in  the  place,  who  hath  a 
house  in  building  for  him,  which  requires  assistance.  As  also  we  are  now, 
by  the  great  mercy  of  God,  so  many  families,  that  a  school  is  required  for 
the  education  of  our  children,  according  to  law,  besides  our  public  charge  of 
the  place ;  yet,  notwithstanding,  this  last  year  the  townsmen  of  Cambridge 
have  imposed  a  tax  upon  us,  amounting  to  the  sura  of  three  country  rates, 
without  our  knowledge  or  consent,  which  we  humbly  conceive  is  a  very  harsh 
proceeding  for  any  townsmen,  of  their  own  will  and  power,  to  impose  upon 
the  inhabitants  what  taxes  they  please,  and  to  what  end,  without  ever  calling 
the  inhabitants  to  consider  about  such  charge.  Nevertheless,  for  peace' sake, 
the  inhabitants  of  our  place  did  meet  together,  and  jointly  consent  to  give 
the  town  of  Cambridge  the  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds,  and  to  pay  it  in 
three  years,  without  desiring  any  profit  or  benefit  from  them,  of  wood,  tim- 
ber, or  common  lands,  but  only  our  own  freedom,  being  content  with  our- 
proprieties,  which  some  of  us  had  before  Cambridge- had  any  right  there,. 


PETITION  FOR  FREEDOM. 


63 


which  tender  of  ours  they  having  rejected,  as  also  to  grant  to  us  our  free- 
dom from  them, — 

We  do  most  humbly  commend  our  distressed  condition  to  the  justice 
and  mercy  of  this  honored  Court,  that  you  will  please  to  grant  us  our  free- 
dom from  Cambridge,  and  that  we  may  be  a  township  for  ourselves,  without 
any  more  dependence  upon  Cambridge,  which  hath  been  a  great  charge  and 
burthen  to  us  ;  and  also,  that  j'ou  would  please  to  give  the  place  a  name  ;  and 
if  there  should  be  any  objection  against  us,  that  the  honored  Court  will  ad- 
mit our  reply  and  defence.  So,  hoping  the  Almighty  will  assist  you,  in  all 
your  concerns,  we  rest  your  humble  petitioners. 


Mr.  Edward  Jackson, 
Captain  Thomas  Prentice, 
John  Fuller,  senior, 
John  Kenrick,  senior, 
Isaac  Williams, 
John  Ward, 
Joseph  Miller, 
Thomas  Prentice,  jr., 
John  Kenrick,  jr., 
John  Mason, 
William  Robinson, 
Thomas  Greenwood, 
John  Parker,   (south,) 
Humphrey  Osland, 
Joseph  Eartlett, 
Isaac  Bacon, 
Jacob  Bacon, 
Samuel  Trusedale, 
Simon  Onge, 
Jonathan  Fuller, 
John  Parker,  (cast,) 
Job  Hyde, 
Widow  Jackson, 
Edward  Jackson,  jr., 
Daniel  Ray, 
Thomas  Prentice,   jr., 
Fifty-two  ill  all. 


Jonathan  Hyde,  senior, 
Thomas  Park,  senior, 
James  Trowbridge, 
Noah  Wiswall, 
Thomas  Hammond, 
Jonathan  Hyde,  jr., 
James  Prentice,  senior, 
David  Me.ade, 
Vincent  Druce, 
John  Hyde, 
Ebenezer  Wiswall, 
Elijali  Kenrick, 
Sebas  Jackson, 
Samuel  Hyde,  jr., 
Neal  McDaniel, 
John  Fuller,  jr., 
Joshua  Fuller, 
John  Alexander, 
John  Prentice, 
Nathaniel  Hannnond, 
Abraham  Jackson, 
Stephen  Cook, 
Richard  Park, 
Joseph  Fuller, 
Isaac  Beach, 
Peter  Stanchct. 


FREEMEN    IN    THE    VILLAGE    WHO    DID    NOT    SIGN    THE    PETITION. 


Rev.  Nehomiali  Hobart, 
Elder  Thomas  Wiswall, 
Dca.  Samuel  Hyde, 
Daniel  Bacon, 
John  Spring, 
Daniel  McCoy, 


John  Woodward, 

Henry  Seger, 

Thomas  Park,  jr., 

John  Park, 

Samuel  Hyde,  son  of  Jona., 

James  Prentice,  jr. 


64  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

In  answer  to  the  petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  Cambridge  Village,  on  the 
south  side  of  the  river,  the  Court  judgeth  it  meet  to  grant  them  a  hearing  of 
the  case  mentioned  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  the  next  session  in  October,  and 
all  parties  concerned  are  ordered  to  have  timely  notice. 

At  the  time  appointed  the  Selectmen  of  Cambridge  presented  a 
long  protest.  On  account  of  its  historical  statements,  and  the 
general  view  it  furnishes  of  the  state  of  affaii's  at  that  period,  we 
present  it  without  abbreviation. 

The  answer  of  the  Selectmen  of  Cambridge  to  the  petition  exhibited 
against  thom  by  their  brethren  and  neighbors  of  the  village  on  the  south  side 
of  Charles  River. 

To  omit  what  they  express  by  Avay  of  narration,  declaring  the  loss  of  lives 
and  estates  to  them  sustained  by  the  late  war,  the  death  of  their  former  min- 
ister, and  their  having  now  got  another  for  whom  a  house  is  building,  etc.,  the 
impertinency  and  absurdity  of  their  argument  therein  being  obvious  to  all 
intelligent  minds, — we  shall  only  concern  ourselves  with  what  they  make 
the  main  of  their  petition,  which  may  be  divided  into  these  two  parts  : 

I.  The  cause  on  our  part,  viz.,  the  hard  usage  by  the  townsmen  of  Cam- 
bridge, i.  e.  imposing  upon  them  a  tax,  of  their  own  will  and  power,  and  what 
they  please,  and  to  what  end  they  please. 

For  answer  hereunto,  the  Cambridge  townsmen  have  imposed  a  tax  (as 
they  call  it),  if  they  intend  no  more  than  the  making  of  a  rate  for  the  paying 
of  the  charges  of  the  whole  town,  and  putting  upon  them  their  just  proportion 
of  the  charge  of  those  things  properly  belonging  to  them  to  bear  their  part 
of,  according  to  the  order  of  the  General  Court  with  reference  to  them,  made 
May  7,  1673,  and  then  declared  to  be  the  issue  of  the  controversy  between 
the  town  and  the  petitioners.  Thus  far  we  own  to  be  a  truth.  But  whereas 
they  charge  us  that  we  have  thus  done;  1,  of  our  own  will;  2,  of  our  own 
power;  3,  what  we  please  ;  4,  to  Avhat  end  we  please, — these  are  high  and  sad 
accusations,  which  we  cannot  own  to  be  true.  For,  1.  It  was  not  by  our 
will  that  any  taxes  have  been  imposed  on  themor  any  other  of  the  inhabitants, 
but  their  own  will,  so  declared  in  orderly  town  meetings,  legally  warned, 
whereat  themselves  either  were  or  might  have  been  present,  and  had  their 
votes.  2.  Nor  was  it  of  our  own  power,  but  by  the  authority  of  the  General 
Court,  committing  to  us  by  the  law,  as  we  are  Selectmen  of  the  town,  power 
for  the  ordering  of  the  prudentials  of  the  town,  and  levying  what  is  necessary 
for  the  payment  of  the  annual  disbursements  regularly  made  for  the  town's 
occasions.  3.  Nor  have  we  imposed  upon  the  town  in  general,  or  the  peti- 
tioners, what  we  please.  The  rule  that  we  have  observed  in  raising  our  rates 
being  to  make  them  no  greater  than  is  of  absolute  necessity  for  the  payment 
of  the  town's  debts,  which  must  in  the  end  fall  considerably  short  by  reason  of 
the  town's  poverty ;  and  upon  each  inhabitant  in  particular  according  to  a  list 
of  their  persons  and  rateable  estates.  4.  Nor  have  we  improved  the  moneys 
raised  to  what  end  we  please,  but  have  tixithfully  disposed  of  the  same  for  the 
end  for  which  we  raised  it,  namely,  the  payment  of  the  town's  just  debts.     If 


PROTEST  OF  CAMBRIDGE.  65 

herein  ■we  have  transgressed  the  line  of  our  power,  we  beg  iiardon  (and  direc- 
tion for  the  future)  of  this  honored  Court.  If  our  accusers  shall  deny  the 
truth  of  -what  we  assert,  either  in  general  or  any  one  article,  we  crave  liberty 
to  put  in  our  further  defence  and  evidence. 

II.  That  which  is  the  main  of  their  petition  they  thus  express,  viz.,  "that 
wc  may  be  a  township  of  ourselves,  without  any  more  dependence  on  Cam- 
bridge." And  this  their  petition  they  strengthen  with  two  arguments ;  the 
first  is  prefatory  to  their  petition,  wherein  they  say  "they  plead  only  for  their 
freedom,  being  content  with  their  own  propriety;"  the  second  is  subsequent, 
"because  their  dependence  on  Cambridge  hath  been  a  great  charge  and  bur- 
then to  them." 

Wc  shall  begin  with  their  arguments  why  they  would  be  free  from  Cam- 
bridge. To  the  first,  whereas  they  say  that  "  they  plead  only  for  their  freedom, 
being  contented  with  their  own  proprieties."  We  answer  1.  That  the  inhabitants 
of  Cambridge,  now  dwelling  on  the  north  side  of  Charles  River,  have  well  nigh 
three  thousand  acres  of  land  that  is  laid  out  into  several  lots,  some  ten,  some 
twenty,  some  forty  acres,  more  or  less,  that  they  are  at  this  time  seized  of, 
and  by  them  kept  for  herbage,  timber,  wood  and  planting  lands,  as  they  shall 
have  occasion  for  to  use  the  same,  all  which  is  by  the  petitioners  included 
within  the  line  of  division  between  the  town  and  them;  and  therefore,  they 
do  not  say  words  of  truth  when  they  say  they  are  content  with  their  own  pro- 
prieties. 2.  Nor  is  it  true  that  they  plead  only  for  freedom;  for  they,  having 
obtained  these  our  lands  and  proprieties  to  be  within  the  line  of  that  division 
and  payable  to  the  ministry,  they  Avould  become  our  masters  and  charge  us 
for  our  lands  and  cattle  that  wc  shall  put  thereon  to  all  their  common  charges, 
if  they  may  obtain  to  be  a  distinct  township. 

To  their  second  argument,  viz.,  that  their  dependence  on  Cambridge 
hath  been  a  great  charge  and  burden  to  them.  For  answer  hereto,  first,  we 
shall  say  something  that  hath  reference  to  them  more  generally,  and,  second- 
ly, we  shall  distinguish  between  the  persons  that  are  petitioners,  and  speak 
something  more  particularly.  1.  More  generally.  They  well  know,  be- 
fore their  settlement  in  that  place,  that  all  those  lands  that  they  now  petition 
for  did  belong  to  Cambridge,  and  were  the  grant  of  the  General  Court  to 
them,  for  their  enabling  to  maintain  the  ordinances  of  God  among  them,  and 
all  other  common  charges  inevitably  arising  in  a  township ;  so  that  what  they 
call  a  burden  will  appear  to  be  no  more  than  their  duty  which  they  owe  td 
the  town ;  and  if,  in  that  sense,  charge  and  burden  may  be  admitted  as  a  just 
plea,  may  not  the  servant  as  well  petition  the  Court  to  be  freed  from  his 
master,  the  tenant  from  his  landlord,  or  any  single  town,  petition  his  Majesty 
to  have  their  freedom,  and  be  a  distinct  colony,  and  plead  that  the  annual 
charges  for  maintenance  of  government  and  the  peace  of  the  Common- 
wealth is  to  them  a  great  charge  and  burden?  2.  Their  charge  and  burden 
hath  not  been  greater  than  their  brethren  and  neighbors  ;  for  we  have  not, 
by  burdening  or  charging  tliem,  eased  ourselves  of  our  just  dues  and  pro- 
portion in  any  kind ;  and  although  their  accommodations  for  enabling  them 
to  bear  and  discharge  their  dues  are  far  better  than  those  of  the  town,  yet  it 
seems  that  what  they  call  great  (and  we  may,  without  wronging  our  case 

5 


66  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

freely  concede  to  the  truth  thereof,  that  when  all  our  shoulders  bear,  ami 
hands  and  hearts  join  together,  \vc  find  it  so  by  daily  experience),  they  are 
content  that  we  should  bear  it  alone,  not  pitying  us,  though  we  should  sink 
and  break  under  it;  for  tliey  know  full  well  tliat  their  withdrawing  will  not 
abate  the  weight  of  our  burden :  for  the  Bridge  must  be  maintained ;  the 
school  must  be  kept  up ;  the  Deputies  must  be  sent  to  the  General  Court ;  and 
they  have  no  other  charge  or  burden  imposed  upon  them  by  us  than  their  just 
proportion  of  that  which  these  do  ordinarily  require.  3.  They  know  full 
well  that  such  hath  been  the  tenderness  of  the  town  towards  thera  at  all  times, 
that  they  have  evermore  chosen  a  Constable  that  hath  been  resident  among 
them  ;.and  for  the  Selectmen  also  they  have  desired  that  they  might  constant- 
ly have  some  of  them  joined  with  those  of  the  town,  partly  for  their  help, 
and  partly  that  they  might  more  easily  have  help  from  them,  and  be  satisfied 
in  the  equity  and  justice  of  their  proceedings  in  all  respects.  So  that  we 
know  they  cannot  and  dare  not  to  plead  tliat  we  have  at  any  time  been  un- 
willing to  execute  the  power  of  the  Selectmen  for  gathering  the  rates  due  to 
their  minister  or  otherwise  more  properly  belonging  to  them,  nor  that  we 
have  carried  crossly,  proudly  or  perversely  towards  them.  If  we  have,  let 
us  be  accused  to  our  faces,  and  not  back-bitten  and  slandered  as  we  have 
been  in  the  other  particulars  whereof  they  accuse  us. 

Thus  far  in  answer  to  the  petitioners'  second  argument  in  general.  We 
shall  now  make  answer  thereto  more  particularly.  And  here  we  must  divide 
the  petitioners  into  two  sorts ;  first,  those  that  were  dwellers  in  the  town  be- 
fore they  went  to  inhabit  on  the  other  side ;  second,  another  sort  are  those 
that  came  from  other  towns. 

1.  Those  that  jjroceeded  from  the  town,  who,  knowing  the  straightness 
and  want  of  accommodations  to  be  had  among  their  brethren  there,  and  the 
lands  on  that  side  of  the  water  being  then  of  small  value,  procured  to  them- 
selves large  and  comfortable  accommodation  for  a  small  matter.  We  have 
confidence  that  these  dare  not  to  say  that  their  being  in  Cambridge  hath  been 
any  charge  or  burthen  to  them.  They  must  and  will  own  that  God  hath 
there  greatly  blessed  them;  that  whereas  we  on  the  town  side,  of  £1,000  that 
we  or  our  parents  brought  to  this  place,  and  laid  out  in  tlie  town  for  the  pur- 
chasing, at  dear  rates,  what  we  now  enjoy,  cannot,  divers  of  us,  show  £100  ; 
they  may  speak  just  contrary  or  in  proportion.  We  could,  if  need  were, 
ftistance  some  whose  parents  lived  and  died  here,  who,  when  they  came  to 
this  town,  had  no  estate,  and  some  were  helped  by  the  chavity  of  the  church ; 
and  others,  yet  living,  that  Avell  know  they  may  say  truly,  with  good  Jacob, 
"  Over  this  Jordan  came  I  with  this  staff; "  and  so  may  they  say,  over  this 
river  went  I,  with  this  spade,  hoe  or  other  tool,  and  now  through  God's  bless- 
ing am  greatly  increased.  Yet  here  we  would  not  be  understood  to  include 
every  particular  person ;  for  we  acknowledge  that  Mr.  [Edward]  Jackson 
brought  a  good  estate  to  the  town,  as  some  others  did,  and  hath  not  been 
wanting  to  the  ministry  or  any  good  work  among  us  ;  and  therefore  we  would 
not  reflect  upon  him  in  the  least. 

2.  There  arc  another  sort  of  persons  that  did  not  proceed  from  the  town, 
but  came  from  other  ttiwns,  where  there  had  been  much  division  and  contcn- 


PROTEST   OF   CAMBRIDGE.  (57 

tion  among  them,  wlio,  though  they  knew  the  distance  of  the  place  from  the 
public  meeting-house,  the  dependency  thereof  on  Cambridge,  which  thoy  now 
call  a  great  charge  and  burden,  yet  this  they  then  did  choose,  and  we  are 
assured  will  own,  generally  at  least,  that  they  have  there  increased  their 
estates  far  beyond  Avhat  those  of  the  town  have,  or  are  capable  to  do.  We 
might  instance  also  in  the  inventories  of  some  of  them,  whose  purchase  at 
the  first  cost  them  a  very  small  matter,  and  their  stock  and  household  stuff 
we  judge  to  be  proportionable ;  and  yet,  when  they  deceased,  an  inventory 
amounting  to  more  than  £1,100  is  given  into  the  Court.  (Witness  John  Jack- 
son's inventory,  £1,230;  Richard  Park's  £972;  and  old  Hammond's  £1,139.) 
And  others,  that  are  yet  living  have  advanced  in  some  measure  suitable.  But 
poor  Cambridge  quickly  felt  the  sad  effects  of  their  coming  among  us ;  for 
though  some  of  them  came  from  their  dwellings  very  near  the  meeting-houses 
in  other  towns,  and  these  beforehand  knew  the  distance  of  their  new  dwell- 
ings from  Cambridge  ;  yet  this  did  not  obstruct  them  in  their  settlement  there ; 
but  before  they  were  well  warm  in  their  nests,  they  must  divide  from  the  town. 
And  though  such  was  the  endeared  love  of  our  brethren  and  neighbors  that 
went  from  us  to  this  church  and  the  ministry  thereof,  that  it  was  long  before 
they  could  get  them  (at  least  Avith  any  considerable  unanimity)  to  join  with 
them,  yet  they  would  petition,  some  few  of  them  in  the  name  of  the  rest,  to 
the  honored  General  Court  for  their  release  from  the  town. 

And  when  the  Court,  being  tired  out  with  their  eager  pursuit  and  more 
private  fawnings  and  insinuations,  granted  them  committee  upon  committee, 
to  hear  and  examine  the  ground  of  their  so  great  complaints,  at  last  all  issued 
in  a  declaration  of  the  unreasonableness  of  their  desire,  with  reference  to  the 
town,  and  unreasonableness  on  their  part,  as  may  appear  by  the  return  of  the 
committee  made  to  the  General  Court,  October  14,  1657;  the  Avorshipful 
Richard  Russell,  Esq.,  Major  Lusher  and  Mr.  Ephraim  Child  subscribing  the 
same ;  and  was  accepted  by  the  Court. 

Yet  here  they  rested  not,  but,  in  the  year  IGGl,  petitioned  the  Court,  and 
then  obtained  freedom  from  rates  to  the  ministry,  for  all  lands  and  estates  more 
than  four  miles  from  Cambridge  meeting-house ;  and  tills  being  all  that  they 
desired,  although  we  were  not  at  that  time  advantaged  with  an  opportunity  to 
send  any  one  to  speak  in  the  town's  behalf,  yet  considering  the  impetuousness 
of  their  spirits  and  their  good  words,  pretending  only  the  spiritual  good  of 
their  families  that  could  not  travel  (women  and  children)  to  the  meeting-house 
at  Cambridge,  we  rested  therein,  hoping  now  they  would  be  at  rest. 

But  all  this  did  not  satisfy  them ;  but  the  very  next  year,  October,  1GG2, 
they  petition  the  Court  again.  And  then,  as  a  full  and  final  issue  of  all  things 
in  controversy  between  Cambridge  town  and  the  petitioners,  there  is  another 
committee  appointed,  to  come  upon  the  place  and  determine  the  bounds  or 
dividing  line  between  the  town  and  them.  The' result  whereof  was  such  that 
whereas  their  grant  was  for  all  the  lands  that  were  above  four  miles  from  the 
town,  they  now  obtain  the  stating  of  a  line  that  for  the  generalty  is  (by  exact 
measure)  tried  and  proved  to  be  very  little  above  three  miles  from  Cambridge 
meeting-house.  Yet  did  not  Cambridge  (thus  pilled  and  bereaved  of  more 
tlian  half  the  lands,  accomraodable  to  their  town,  at  once)  resist,  (jr  so  much 


68  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

as  complain,  but  rested  therein, — the  Court  having  declared  their  pleasure 
and  given  them  their  sanction,  that  this,  as  above  said,  should  be  a  final  issue 
of  all  things  between  the  town  and  the  petitioners. 

All  this  notwithstanding,  these  long-breathed  petitioners,  finding  that  they 
had  such  good  success  that  they  could  never  cast  their  lines  into  the  sea  but 
something  was  catched,  they  resolve  to  bait  their  hook  again,  and  as  they  had 
been  wont,  some  of  them  for  twenty  years  together,  to  attend  constantly  the 
meetings  of  the  town  and  Selectmen,  whilst  there  was  any  lands,  wood  or 
timber  that  they  could  get  by  begging,  so  now  they  pursue  the  Court  for 
obtaining  what  they  would  from  them,  not  sparing  time  or  cost  to  insinuate 
their  matters,  with  reproaches  and  clamors  against  poor  Cambridge ;  and  have 
the  confidence  in  the  year  1672  again  to  petition  the  Court  for  the  same  thing, 
and  in  the  same  words  that  they  now  do,  viz.,  "that  they  may  be  a  township 
of  themselves,  distinct  from  Cambridge.  And  then  the  Court  grants  them 
further  liberty  than  before  they  had,  viz.,  to  choose  their  own  Constable  and 
three  Selectmen  amongst  themselves,  to  order  the  prudential  aifairs  of  the 
inhabitants  there,  only  continuing  a  part  of  Cambridge  in  paying  Country 
and  County  rates,  as  also  town  rates  so  far  as  refers  to  the  Grammar  school, 
bridge,  and  Deputy's  charges,  they  to  pay  still  their  proportion  with  the  town. 
And  this  the  Court  declares  once  more  to  be  a  final  issue  to  the  controversy 
between  Cambridge  and  them. 

Cambridge  no  sooner  understands  the  pleasure  of  this  honored  Court,  but 
they  quietly  submitted  thereunto ;  and  we  hope  our  brethren  neither  can  nor 
dare  in  the  least  to  accuse  us  (first  or  last)  of  refusing  to  acquiesce  in  the 
Court's  issue,  although  we  may  and  must  truly  say  we  have  been  not  a  little 
grieved  when  by  the  more  private  intimations  and  reproachful  backbitings  of 
our  neighbors,  we  have,  in  the  minds  and  lips  of  those  whom  we  honor  and 
love,  been  rendered  either  too  strait-laced  to  our  own  interest,  or  unequally 
minded  towards  our  brethren.  And  did  not  this  honored  Court,  as  well  as 
we,  conclude  that  the  petitioners,  having  exercised  the  patience  of  the  Court 
by  their  so  often  petitioning,  as  well  as  giving  trouble  to  the  town  by  causing 
them  to  dance  after  their  pipes  from  time  to  time  far  twenty-four  years,  as 
will  appear  by  the  Court  Records,  in  which  time  they  have  petitioned  the 
Court  near,  if  not  altogether,  ten  times,  putting  the  town  to  great  charges  in 
meeting  together  to  consider  and  provide  their  answers,  and  to  appoint  men 
to  attend  the  Court,  and  the  committees  that  have  been  from  time  to  time 
appointed  by  the  Court,  as  also  the  charges  of  entertaining  them  all,  which 
hath  been  no  small  disturbance  to  their  more  necessary  employments  for  their 
livelihood,  and  expense  of  their  time  and  estates,  — yet,  all  this  notwithstand- 
ing, we  are  summoned  now  again  to  appear  before  this  honored  Court  to 
answer  their  petition  exhibited  for  the  very  same  thing,  nothing  being  added 
save  only  sundry  falsehoods  and  clamorous  accusations  of  us;*  so  that  now 
it  is  not  so  much  Cambridge,  as  the  arbitrary  and  irregular  acting  of  them  and 
their  townsmen  that  they  plead  to  be  delivered  from,  as  being  their  bondage 
and  burden. 

It  now  remains  that  we  speak  something  as  to  the  main  of  their  petition, 
which  they  thus  express,  i.  e.,  "  that  we  may  be  a  township  of  ourselves,  with- 

*  A  Machiavellian  practice. 


PROTEST  OF  CAMBRIDGE.  09 

out  any  more  depemlonce  on  Cambridge."     The  reasons  why  we  apprehend 
they  may  not  have  this  their  petition  granted  them  may  be  taicen  from  — 
I.     The  injustice  of  this  their  request,  which  may  thus  appear, — 

1.  If  it  would  be  accounted  injustice  for  any  neighboring  towns,  or  other 
persons,  to  endeavor  the  compassing  so  great  a  part  or  any  part  of  our  town 
limits  from  us,  it  is  the  same  and,  in  some  sense,  far  worse  for  those  that 
belong  to  us  so  to  do.  This,  wo  conceive,  is  plain  from  God's  word,  that 
styles  the  child  that  robs  his  father  to  be  the  companion  of  a  destroyer,  or,  as 
some  render  the  word,  a  murderer;  although  the  child  may  plead  interest  in 
his  father's  estate,  yet  he  is  in  God's  account  a  murderer,  if  he  takes  away 
that  whereby  his  father's  or  mother's  life  should  be  preserved;  and  this,  we 
apprehend  not  to  be  t\ir  unlike  the  case  now  before  this  honored  Court. 

2.  All  practices  of  this  nature  are  condemned  by  the  light  of  nature 
(Judges  XI :  24).  They  who  had  their  grants  from  the  heathen  idolaters  did 
not  account  it  just  that  they  should  be  dispossessed  by  others  ;  and  idolatrous 
Ahab,  although  he  was  a  king,  and  a  very  wicked  king  also,  and  wanted  not 
power  to  eifect  what  he  desired,  and  was  so  burthened  for  the  want  of 
Naboth's  vineyard  that  he  could  neither  eat  nor  sleep,  and  when  denied  by 
his  own  subject  tendered  a  fall  price  for  the  same,  yet  he  had  so  much  con- 
science left  that  he  did  not  dare  to  seize  the  same  presently,  as  the  petitioners 
would  so  great  a  part  of  our  possessions  as  this,  were  it  in  their  power. 

3.  The  liberty  and  property  of  a  colony,  so  likewise,  in  its  degree,  of  a 
township,  is  for  more  to  be  insisted  upon  than  the  right  of  any  particular 
person,  the  concerns  thereof  being  eminently  far  greater,  in  all  respects,  both 
civil  and  ecclesiastical. 

4.  The  General  Court  having,  forty-five  years  since  or  more,  made  a  grant 
of  the  land  petitioned  for  to  Cambridge  town,  the  Court's  grant  being  made 
to  each  town  and  person,  as  his  Majesty's  royal  charter  is  to  this  honored 
Assembly  and  the  whole  colony; — wo  have  confidence  that  such  is  their 
wisdom  and  integrity,  that  they  will  not  deem  it  to  be  in  their  power  *  to  take 
away  from  us,  or  any  other  town  or  person,  any  part  of  what  they  have  so 
orderly  granted  and  confirmed  to  them. 

5.  Had  we  no  grant  upon  record,  which  is  indubitably  clear  that  wo 
have,  none  in  the  least  questioning  the  same,  yet  by  the  law  of  possession 
it  is  ours,  and  may  not,  without  the  violation  of  the  law  and  faith  of  the  hon- 
ored Court,  be  taken  from  us. 

II.  Could  the  petitioners  obtain  what  they  ask,  without  crossing  the  law  of 
justice,  yet  we  apprehend  it  would  bo  very  unequal;  and  that  may  thus  ap- 
pear,—  because  Cambridge  town  is  the  womb  out  of  which  the  petitioners 
have  sprung,  and  therefore  ought  in  the  first  ijlace  to  be  provided  for ;  and  the 
question  in  equity  ought  to  be,  not,  what  do  the  petitioners  crave  and  might 
be  convenient  for  them,  but,  what  may  Cambridge  spare?  Now  that  Cam- 
bridge cannot  spare  what  they  desire,  we  shall  thus  prove  : 

1.  From  the  situation  of  our  town,  being  planted  on  a  neck  of  land, 
hemmed  about  by  neighboring  towns.  Water  Towne  coming  on  the  one  side 


*It  was  no  dishonor  to  Paul,  that  had  all  church  power,  that  he  could  do  nothing 
against  the  truth ;  nor  diminutive  to  the  power  of  God  himself,  that  he  is  a  God  that 
cannot  lie. 


70  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

within  lialf  a  mile  of  our  meeting-house,  and  Charlestown  as  near  on  the 
other  side,  so  that  our  bounds  is  not  much  above  a  mile  in  breadth  for  near 
three  miles  together ;  and  on  the  south  side  the  river,  the  petitioners  have 
gained  their  line  (as  we  before  related)  to  come  very  near  within  three 
miles  of  our  meeting-house. 

2.  The  most  desirable  part  of  Ihe  best  and  most  accommodable  lands  of 
these  near  lands  to  the  town,  are  belonging  to  Mr.  Pelham  and  others  that 
live  not  in  the  town,  so  that  the  far  greater  number  of  those  that  live  in  the 
town  are  put  to  hire  grass  for  their  cattle  to  feed  upon  in  the  summer  time, 
which  costs  them  [at]  the  least  twelve  shillings  and  some,  fifteen  shillings  a 
head  in  money,  for  one  cow,  the  summer  feed ;  and  corn  land,  they  have  not 
sufficient  to  find  the  town  with  bread. 

3.  Cambridge  is  not  a  town  of  trade  or  merchandise,  as  the  seaport 
towns  be  ; '  but  what  they  do  must  be  in  a  way  of  husbandry,  although  upon 
never  so  hard  terms,  they  having  no  other  way  for  a  supply. 

4.  By  the  same  reason  that  the  petitioners  plead  immunity  and  freedom, 
our  neighbors  that  live  fiir  nearer  to  Concord  than  to  us  may  plead  the  like, 
and  with  far  greater  reason  ;  and  should  they  have  a  township  granted  them 
also,  there  would  be  nothing  left  for  Cambridge,  no,  not  so  much  commonage 
as  to  feed  a  small  flock  of  sheep. 

That  our  town  is  thus  situated,  narrow  and  long  on  each  wing,  there  needs 
no  proof;  it  is  sufficiently  known  to  sundry  members  of  this  honored  Court. 
And  that  we  are  in  other  respects  circumstanced  as  we  have  related,  "Water- 
town  and  Charlestown  nipping  us  up  close  on  each  side,  so  as  that  we  must 
be  no  town  nor  have  no  church  of  Christ,  nor  ministry  among  us,  in  case  we 
be  clipped  and  mangled,  as  the  petitioners  would  have,  we  conceive  there 
needs  not  further  evidence  than  our  testimony.  We  know  not  why  we  should 
not  'be  believed.  We  conceive  tliat  the  honor  of  God  and  of  this  Court  is 
more  concerned  in  providing  against  the  laying  waste  an  ancient  town  and 
church  of  Christ,  settled  in  this  place  for  more  than  forty  years,  than  any  of  us 
can  be  to  our  personal  interest ;  —  nothing  that  we  here  enjoy,  as  to  our  outward 
accommodation,  being  so  attractive  as  that  we  should  be  forced  here  to  con- 
tinue, if  we  are  disabled,  to  maintain  God's  ordinances.  Yet  for  evidence  of 
the  truth  of  what  we  thus  assert,  we  might  allege  the  removing  of  Mr. 
Hooker  and  the 'whole  church  with  him  to  Hartford,  and  that  for  this  very 
reason,  because  they  foresaw  the  narrowness  of  the  place  was  such  that  they 
could  not  live  here.  Also,  the  endeavor  of  Mr.  Shepard  and  the  church  witli 
him,  before  his  death,  to  remove  in  like  manner;  and  that  for  no  other  reason 
but  this,  because  they  saw,  after  many  years'  hard  labor  and  expense  of  their 
estates  that  they  brought  with  them  from  England,  that  they  could  not  live  in 
this  place.  Also  we  may  add  that  the  committee,  which  the  honored  General 
Court  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  estate  of  the  town,  14th,  8mo,  57,  made 
their  return  that  they  found  the  state  of  Cambridge  to  be  as  wo  have  declared. 

We  do  freely  own  that  as  our  place  is  straitened,  so  the  charges  are  great 
for  the  maintenance  of  our  Great  Bridge  and  schools,  etc.,  besides  all  other 
charges  common  to  other  places.  Shall  this  be  an  argument  therefore  to 
countenance  any  to  seek  to  pluck  from  us  our  own  right,  and  to  pull  away 


PROTEST   OF   CAMBRIDGE.  71 

their  shoulders,  to  wlioni  of  right  it  appertains  to  bear  a  part  with  us,  and 
have  far  the  greatest  part  of  tlie  accommodation  tliat  sliould  upiiold  the  same? 
We  would  not  speak  passionately ;  hut  let  not  this  lionored  Court  be  offend- 
ed, if  we  speak  a  little  affectionateh'.  "We  know  not  wherein  Ave  have 
offended  this  honored  Court,  or  why  poor  Cambridge,  above  all  other  towns 
in  the  country  must  be  thus  hampered  from  Court  to  Court,  and  never  can 
have  an  end  in  twenty-four  years'  time,  although  the  Court  have  declared  and 
given  in  their  sanction  that  this  and  the  other  determination  should  be  a  final 
issue,  never  to  be  troubled  more  with  the  petitioners  ;  yet  still  their  petitions 
and  clamors  are  received,  and  we  compelled  to  make  answer  thereto.  If  we 
have  transgressed  in  any  kind,  and  this  Court  or  any  [of]  the  members  thereof 
have  a  prejudice  against  us,  we  humbly  entreat  that  our  offence  may  be  de- 
clared. And  if  Ave  have  been  such  arbitrary  taxmasters  as  the  petitioners 
render  us,  that  Ave  may  either  be  convicted,  or  recompense  given  us  for  our 
constant  damage  by  their  unjust  molestation  of  us  from  time  to  time,  for  the 
just  vindication  of  our  innocency  against  the  unjust  calumnies. 

Also,  Ave  do  humbly  entreat  this  honored  Court  that,  Avhereas  the  petitioners, 
at  the  time  of  their  first  grant  which  they  obtained  from  this  Court,  then 
pleaded  that,  for  and  towards  the  maintenance  of  the  ministry  in  that  place, 
they  might  liave  the  lands  and  estates  on  that  side  the  river  that  were  more 
than  four  miles  from  the  town,  that  Ave  might  have  the  lino  stated  accordingly ; 
the  Avliole  being  our  own,  as  Ave  have  before  pleaded  and  proved;  and 
Ave  having  need  thereof,  we  conceive  Ave  cannot  in  justice  be  denied  the 
same.  Also,  whereas  they  have  not  submitted  unto  nor  rested  in  the  Court's 
last  grant  made  them  for  the  choice  of  a  Constable  and  three  Selectmen 
apiong  themselves,  but  have  carried  it  frowardly  one  towards  another,  and  in 
like  manner  towards  the  town  from  whom  they  proceeded  and  unto  Avhora 
they  of  right  belong,  Ave  humbly  entreat  that  the  said  order  may  be  re- 
versed, and  that  we,  being  all  one  body  politic,  may  have  a  joint  choice  in 
the  Selectmen  and  Constables  of  the  town,  according  as  the  law  doth 
determine  the  right  and  privilege  of  each  toAvn. 

Finally,  we  humbly  entreat  that  this  our  defence  may  be  entered  in  the 
Court's  register,  there  to  remain,  for  the  vindication  of  our  just  right,  in 
perpetuam  ret  niemoriani. 

Praying  that  the  God  of  wisdom  and  truth  may  direct  and  guide  this 
honored  Court  in  their  issuing  of  this  and  all  other  their  most  weighty  con- 
cerns, we  subscribe  ourselves,  honorable  Sirs,  your  humble  and  dutiful 
servants  and  suppliants. 

John  Cooper,  "] 

William  Manning, 
John  Stone, 
Walter  Hastings, 
Francis  Moore, 
Nathaniel  Sparhawk, 

CXMBBIDGE  23,  8,  1678. 


j    Selectmen 
>         of 
Cambridge. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

FIRST     SELECTMEN     CHOSEN. DATE     OF      THE     INCORPORATION      OP 

NEWTON. AGREEMENT     BETWEEN     THE      SELECTMEN     OF    CAM- 
BRIDGE  AND    CAMBRIDGE    VILLAGE. ORDER    OF   THE   GENERAL 

COURT. OLD    AND     NEW    STYLE. — -THE     NAME*     OF    NEWTON. 

DIMENSIONS     AND     CONTENTS      OF     THE     TOWN. THE     POPULA- 
TION.—  freeman's  oath. 

It  is  no  wonder  that  this  pungent  and  earnest  remonstrance 
from  the  Selectmen  of  Cambridge  alarmed  the  Court,  and  con- 
vinced them  that  action  must  be  taken.  A  time  was  appointed  for 
the  hearing  of  the  parties.  But  debate  and  indecision  continued 
to  rule  the  day.  The  sturdy  petitioners  of  Cambridge  Village 
were  determined  to  be  satisfied  with  nothing  less  than  that  which 
they  had  hitherto  sought  to  obtain.  The  town  of  Cambridge, 
jealous  of  such  as  undertook  to  escape  from  bearing  a  part  of  its 
bmxlens, —  and  the  State,  through  its  G-eneral  Court,  dreading  to 
participate  in  a  dispute,  in  the  settlement  of  which  one  party  or 
the  other  was  sure  to  be  discontented,  delayed  action, —  hoping, 
doubtless,  that  time  might  change  the  aspect  of  affairs,  and  render 
the  decision  a  less  difficult  one.  Meantime,  a  Town  Book  had 
been  procured  in  anticipation  of  the  expected  result. 

Its  first  record  is  that  a  town  meeting  was  held  "27,  G,  1G79, 
'by  vu'tue  of  an  order  of  the  General  Coml,'  at  which  meeting  the 
first  Board  of  Selectmen  was  duly  elected,  namely,  Captain 
Thomas  Prentice,  John  Ward  and  James  Trowbridge  ;  and  Thomas 
Greenwood  was  chosen  Constable."  Another  town  meeting  was 
held  on  the  30th  of  January-,  1G81-2, —  at  which  meeting  it  was 
voted,  "  that  the  Selectmen  should  provide  weights  and  measures 
for  standards,"  and  John  Spring  was  chosen  Sealer  of  the  same. 
It  was  also  voted  "  that  Sergeant  John  "Ward  and  Noah  AViswall 

72 


MISTAKE  OF  DATE.  73 

should  commence  a  new  Record  Book,  and  copy  all  that  was  of 
moment  from  the  old  book ;  and  several  other  votes  were  passed." 

These  acts,  however,  were,  in  some  sense,  premature.  The}' 
foreshadowed  the  independent  town,  rather  than  proved  its  exis- 
tence ;  and  an  independent  town  the  settlers  were  determined  to 
have.  In  the  language  of  Ex-Mayor  J.  F.  C.  Hydo,  in  his  excel- 
lent Centennial  oration, — 

Thoy  offered  to  purchase  their  freedom  of  the  mother  town,  but  this  could 
not  be  accomplished.  Cambridge,  it  is  true,  proposed  to  compromise,  but 
our  f;ithers  would  then  accept  nothing  short  of  an  independent  town.  For 
years  they  had  not  only  supported  their  own  minister  and  church,  but  had 
also  been  taxed, — and  that  without  their  consent,  which  was  very  repugnant 
to  their  ideas  of  justice, —  to  pay  tlie  yearly  expenses  of  Cambridge. 

And  the  time  anticipated  drew  near.  Perseverance  was  rewarded 
by  success.  Events  steadily  tended  to  bring  about  the  result  which 
the  inhabitants  of  New  Cambridge  aimed  to  secure.  Newton  was 
to  have  an  honorable  place  and  name  among  the  towns  of  the 
Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts.  But  patience  to  wait  was  still 
required,  until  the  "  set  time  "  should  come. 

Rev.  Mr.  Paige  in  his  "History  of  Cambridge,"  pp.  92-96,  after 
the  record  of  the  above  remonstrance  of  the  Selectmen  of  Cam- 
bridge, records  the  following  considerations,  which  prove  that  the 
true  birth-day  of  the  town  of  Newton  was  not  in  1679,  as  has 
generally  been  assumed,  but  January  11,  1687-8,  old  style,  or 
January  11,  1688,  new  style.     He  says, — ■ 

In  Jackson's  "History  of  Newton,"  it  is  stated  that  "the  result  was  that 
the  Court  granted  the  prayer  of  the  petition,  and  Cambridge  Village  was  set 
off  from  Cambridge,  and  made  an  independent  township.  The  doings  of 
the  Court  in  this  case  are  missing,  and  have  not  as  yet  been  found,  and  there- 
fore we  do  not  know  the  precise  conditions  upon  which  the  separation  took 
place.  But  the  Town  Record  is  quite  sufficient  to  establish  the  fact  of  sepa- 
ration. The  very  first  entry  upon  the  new  Town  Book  records  the  doings  of 
the  first  town  meeting  held  27,  6,  1G79,  by  virtue  of  an  order  of  the  General 
Court,  at  which  meeting  the  first  Board  of  Selectmen  were  duly  elected,  viz.. 
Captain  Thomas  Prentice,  John  Ward  and  James  Trowbridge,  and  Thomas 
Greenwood  was  chosen  Constable."  1G91,  December  8. — "In  answer  to  a 
petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  Cambridge  Village,  lying  on  the  south  side  of 
Charles  River,  sometimes  called  New  Cambridge,  being  granted  to  be  a  town- 
ship, praying  tliat  a  name  may  be  given  to  said  town,  it  is  ordered  that  ic  be 
henceforth  called  New  Town."  This  order  of  the  General  Court,  for  a  name 
only,  has  been  mistaken  by  historians  for  the  incorporation  of  tho  town, 
whereas  the  petitioners  had  been  an  independent  town  for  twelve  years.  The 
chilli  was  born  on  the  27th  of  August,  1G79,  but  was  not  duly  christened  until 
the  Sth  of  December,  1091. 


74  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

It  is  evident  that  the  township  was  incorporated  before  December  8,  1691, 
(or  rather  December  18,  the  session  of  the  Court  commenced  December  8 ; 
but  the  order  adopting  a  name  was  obtained  ten  days  later).  This  order 
plainly  enougli  recognized  the  Village  as  already  a  distinct  township.  More- 
over in  1689,  when  a  General  Court  assembled,  after  Andros  was  deposed 
and  imprisoned,  Ensign  John  Ward  appeared  as  a  Deputy  from  New  Cam- 
bridge,* and  was  admitted  to  a  seat,  apparently  without  objection.  So  far 
Mr.  Jackson  has  a  good  case.  But  other  facts  of  public  notoriety  would 
justify  grave  doubts  whether  the  town  was  incorporated  so  early  as  1G79. 
It  is  a  very  suspicious  circumstance,  scarcely  reconcilable  with  such  an  early 
date  of  incorporation,  that  for  seven  years  following  1679,  until  the  charter 
government  was  overturned  in  168G,  the  Village,  or  New  Cambridge,  never 
assumed,  as  a  town  distinct  from  Cambridge,  to  send  a  Deputy  to  the  General 
Court;  but  did  not  miss  representation  a  single  year  for  half  a  century  after 
the  government  was  established  under  the  new  charter.  People  as  tenacious 
of  their  rights  as  the  inhabitants  of  the  Village  manifestly  were,  both  before 
and  after  incorporation,  would  not  bo  likely  to  let  the  newly  acquired  right 
of  representation  lie  dormant  for  seven  years,  during  a  period  of  intense 
political  excitement.  The  election  of  a  Constable  and  three  Selectmen  in 
1G79  by  no  means  furnishes  countervailing  proof  of  incorporation ;  for  this 
is  precisely  what  the  inhabitants  were  autliorlzed  to  do  by  the  order  passed 
May  7,  1673,  which  was  never  understood  to  convey  full  town  privileges,  and 
which,  for  aught  that  appears  to  the  contrary,  was  the  order  mentioned  in  the 
Town  Record,  dated  27,  6,  1679. f 

There  is  much  force  in  the  following  records : 

The  Records  of  Cambridge  show  that  Constables  were  elected  by  that 
town  for  the  Village,  after  1679,  as  follows,  viz.  : 

1684,  John  Prentice. 


1680,  James  Prentiss. 

1681,  Sebeas  Jackson. 

1682,  Edward  Jackson. 

1683,  Abraham  Jackson. 


1685,  Thomas  Parker,  senior. 

1686,  Ebenezer  Wiswall. 

1687,  Joseph  Wilson. 


After  1688  none  distinctly  described  as  for  the  Village. 

In  1688  a  committee  was  chosen  by  the  inhabitants  to  make  the  rate  for  the 
minister  for  the  ensuing  year,  and  a  rate  for  the  town.  Por  the  Village,  chose 
Noah  Wiswall  to  join  with  Selectmen,  to  make  a  rate  for  the  Village. 


*  In  1C89  Ensign  John  Ward  was  chosen  Deputy  of  Cambridge  Vill.age,  which  then 
included  what  is  now  Newton,  and  he  was  instructed  to  advocate  an  enlargement  of 
freemen  —  tliat  all  the  freeholders  that  .are  of  an  honest  conversation  and  competent 
estate,  may  liave  their  vote  in  all  civil  elections.  Mr.  \Vard  served  tif ty-four  days, 
and  was  paid  one  shilling  and  sixpence  per  day. 

tAt  the  close  of  their  elabor.ate  "  answer,"  the  Selectmen  of  Cambridge  allege  that 
the  petitioners  "  have  not  submitted  unto  nor  rested  in  the  Court's  last  grant  made 
to  them  for  the  choice  of  a  Constable  and  three  Selectmen,"  etc.  It  seems  highly 
probable  that  having  again  failed  in  their  efforts  to  obtain  incorporation  in  1078,  and 
despairing  of  present  success,  the  petitioners  determined  to  exercise  the  power 
granted  in  1C73,  and  .accordingly  elected  a  Constable  and  three  Selectmen  August  27, 
1C79.  Such  action  would  sufficiently  account  for  the  Record  bearing  that  date  in  what 
Jackson  styles  "The  New  Town  liook." 


ARTICLES   OF   AGREEMENT.  75 

Mr.  Paige  continues  thus  : 

But  the  evidence  in  the  case  is  not  wholly  of  this  negative  character.  One 
of  the  documents  published  by  Mr.  Jackson  indicates  Avith  some  distinctness 
a  different  day  [January  11,  1687-8],  as  the  true  date  of  incorporation  into 
a  distinct  town. 

"We  refer  to  the  Articles  of  Agreement  between  the  Selectmen 
of  the  two  towns,  bearing  date  in  the  fall  of  1688,  as  follows  : 

ARTICLES  OF   AGREEMENT. 

Made  September  17,  1GS8,  between  the  Selectmen  of  Cambridge  and  the 
Selectmen  of  Cambridge  Village,  in  behalf  of  their  respective  towns. 

That  whereas  Cambridge  Village,  by  order  of  the  General  Court  in  the  late 
Government  [Andros?]  was  enjoined  to  bear  their  proportion  in  the  charges 
of  upholding  and  maintaining  the  Great  Bridge  and  school,  with  some  other 
things  of  a  public  nature  in  the  town  of  Cambridge, —  also,  there  having 
been  some  difference  between  the  Selectmen  of  both  of  said  towns  concern- 
ing the  laying  of  rates,  for  the  end  above  said, —  Therefore  as  a  full  and  final 
end  and  issue  of  all  controversy  past,  and  for  the  prevention,  of  trouble  that 
might  therein  arise,  it  is  mutually  agreed  by  the  Selectmen  aforesaid  that  the 
Village  shall  pay  to  the  town  of  Cambridge  the  sum  of  £5  in  merchantable 
corn  at  the  former  prices,  at  or  before  the  first  day  of  May  next  ensuing  the 
date  above,  in  full  satisfaction  of  all  dues  and  demands  by  the  said  town  from 
the  said  Village  on  the  account  above  said  from  the  beginning  of  the  world 
to  the  eleventh  of  January,  1687-8  ;  provided  always,  and  it  is  to  be  hereby 
understood,  that  the  town  of  Cambridge,  on  consideration  of  £4  in  current 
country  pay  already  in  hand  paid  to  the  Village  above  said,  shall  have  free 
use  of  the  highjvay  laid  out  from  the  Village  meeting-house  to  the  Falls 
forever  without  any  let,  molestation  or  denial. —  Also,  that  the  Constable  of 
the  Village  shall  pay  to  the  town  of  Cambridge,  or  [all?]  that  is  in  their 
hands  unpaid  of  their  former  rates  due  to  the  town  of  Cambridge  above  said. 
In  witness  whereof  the  Selectmen  above  said  have  hereunto  set  their  hands 
the  day  and  year  first  above  written. 


John  Spring,  J>        Selectmen  John  Cooper, 

Edward  Jackson,    >  of  Samuel  Andrews, 

James  Prentice,      5  A''^w  Cumbridge.     Walter  Hastings, 

David  Fiske, 
Samuel  Stone, 
Jonathan  Remington, 


Selectmen 

of 
Cambridge. 


The  following  receipt  shows  that  the  first  instabneut  of  the 
sum  stipulated  in  the  above  agreement  was  duly  paid : 

April  30,  1G89.— Received  of  John  Clark,  Constable  of  New  Cambridge, 
£5  in  corn,  at  the  common  price ;  that  is,  at  four  shillings  the  bushel,  Indian 
at  three  shillings,  and  oats  at  two  shillings  the  bushel.     By  me, 

Samuel  Andrews. 


76  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

What  seems  probable  by  reference  to  January  11,  1687-8  in  the  foregoing 
agreement  is  rendered  certain  by  two  documents  which  Mr.  Jackson  probably 
never  saw,  but  which  arc  yet  in  existence.  One  is  an  Order  of  Notice  pre- 
served in  the  Massachusetts  Archives  CXXVIII.  7  :  "To  the  Constables  of 
the  town  of  Cambridge,  or  either  of  them.  You  are  hereby  required  to  give 
notice  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  town,  that  they  or  some  of  them  be  and 
appear  before  his  Excellency  in  council  on  Wednesday  next,  being  the  11th 
of  this  inst.,  to  show  cause  why  Cambridge  Village  may  not  be  declared  a 
place  distinct  by  itself,  and  not  longer  be  a  part  of  the  said  town,  as  hath 
been  formerly  petitioned  for  and  now  desired :  and  thereof  to  make  due 
return.  Dated  at  Boston  the  Gth  day  of  January,  in  the  third  year  of  his 
Majesty's  reign,  Annoque  Domini  1687.     By  order,  etc.,  J.  West,  D.  Sec'y." 

What  was  the  result  of  this  process  does  not  appear  on  record ;  for  the 
Eecords  of  the  Council  during  the  administration  of  Andros  were  carried 
away,  and  no  copy  of  the  portion  embracing  this  date  has  been  obtained. 
Fortunately,  however,  a  certified  copy  of  the  Order,  which  is  equivalent  to 
an  Act  of  Incorporation,  is  on  file  in  the  office  of  the  Clerk  of  the  Judicial 
Courts  in  Middlesex  Co. : — "  At  a  Council  held  at  the  Council  Chamber  in 
Boston,  on  Wednesday,  the  eleventh  day  of  January,  1687, —  present  his 
Exc'y  Sir  Edmund  Andros,  Kt.,  etc. 

William  Stoughton,         1  John  Usher,  ) 

WAIXmNXHS,  J  FKANCISNICHOLSOX,     J 

"  Upon  reading  this  day  in  Council  the  petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  Cam- 
bridge Village,  in  the  County  of  Middlesex,  being  sixty  families,  or  upwards, 
that  they  may  be  a  Village  and  place  distinct  of  themselves,  and  freed  from 
the  town  of  Cambridge,  to  which,  at  the  first  settlement,  they  were  annexed ; 
they  being  in  every  respect  capable  thereof,  and  by  the  late  authority  made 
distinct  in  all  things,  saving  paying  towards  their  school  and  other  town 
charges,  for  which  they  are  still  rated  as  a  part  of  that  town ;  and  also  the 
answer  of  the  town  of  Cambridge  thereto ;  and  hearing  what  could  be  alleged 
on  either  part,  and  mature  consideration  had  thereupon;  those  who  appeared  on 
the  behalf  of  the  town  of  Cambridge  being  contented  that  the  said  Village 
be  wholly  separated  from  them  as  desired,  and  praying  that  they  may  be 
ordered  to  contribute  towards  the  maintenance  of  Cambridge  Bridge,  and 
that  other  provision  be  made  as  formerly  usual  to  ease  the  town  therein  : — 
Ordered,  that  the  said  Village  from  henceforth  be  and  is  hereby  declared 
a  distinct  Village  and  place  of  itself,  wholly  freed  and  separated  from  the 
town  of  Cambridge,  and  from  all  future  rates,  payments  or  duties  to  them 
whatsoever.  And  that  for  the  time  to  come  the  charge  of  keeping,  amend- 
ing and  repairing  the  said  bridge  called  Cambridge  Bridge,  shall  be  defrayed 
and  borne  as  foUoweth,  that  is  to  say, — two  sixtlis  parts  thereof  b}'  the  town 
of  Cambridge ;  one  sixth  part  by  the  said  Village,  and  three  sixths  parts  at 
the  public  charge  of  the  County  of  Middlesex.     By  order  in  Council,  etc. 

"John  West,  Dep'y  Sec'y. 


T|IE   TRUE  DATES.  77 

"This  is  a  true  copy  taken  out  of  the  Original,  4th  day  of  Decern.,  88. 
"  As  attests  Laur.  Hammond.  Cler." 

There  remains  no  reasonable  donbt  that  the  ViHage  was  released  from 
ecclesiastical  dependence  on  Cambridge  and  obligation  to  share  in  the  expen- 
ses of  religious  worship  in  1661,  became  a  precinct  in  1673,  received  the 
name  of  Newton  in  December,  1691,  and  was  declared  to  be  "a  distinct  Vil- 
lage and  place  of  itself,"  or,  in  other  words,  was  incorporated  as  a  separate 
and  distinct  town  by  the  order  passed  January  11,  1687-8,  old  style,  or  Januarv 
11,  1688,  according  to  the  present  style  of  reckoning.* 

The  orders  in  Council  are  dated  January,  1687 ;  but  that  this  was  in  the 
Old  Style,  calling  March  25th  the  first  day  of  the  year,  and  thus  equivalent 
to  January,  1G8S,  commencing  the  year  as  we  now  do  with  the  first  day  of  Jan- 
uary, is  certain,  because,  1,  according  to  the  present  style  Wednesday  was 
not  the  eleventh  day  of  January  in  1687,  but  it  was  in  1688;  and,  2,  King 
Charles  II.  died  February  6,  1684-5,  and  consequently  the  thii'd  year  of  the 
reign  of  James  II.  did  not  commence  until  February  6,  16S6-7;  and  the  onlv 
January  in  that  third  year  was  in  1687-8,  that  is,  in  1688,  by  the  present  style 
of  reckoning. 

The  above  Record  of  the  Council  may  be  verified  by  referring  to 
the  files  in  the  office  of  the  Clerk  of  the  Judicial  Courts  in  Middlesex 
County,  where  it  rested  in  obscurit}-  for  man}'  years,  till  it  was 
brought  to  light  by  the  researches  of  the  historian  of  Cambridge 
above  referred  to,  and  was  presented  to  the  Historical  Society  in 

*OLD  AND  NEW  STYLE. 

The  distinction  between  Old  Style  and  New  Style,  in  dates,  is  thus  explained.  The 
Julian  year,  so  called,  consisted  of  three  hundred  and  sixty-flve  days  and  six  hours, 
which  was  too  much  by  about  eleven  minutes.  In  1582,  Pope  Gregory  undertook  to 
reform  the  calendar.  This  excess  of  eleven  minutes,  in  the  period  between  the  Coun- 
cil of  Nice  (A.D.  325)  and  the  time  of  Gregory,  amounted  to  about  ten  days.  To  make 
all  right,  it  was  ordered  in  1582  that  that  year  should  consist  of  only  365  davs,  and 
that  ten  days,  between  October  4  and  October  14,  should  be  cancelled  in  the  calendar 
of  that  year.  To  prevent  future  discrepancies,  it  was  also  ordered  that  no  initial 
year  of  a  century  should  be  leap-year,  excepting  each  four  hundredth  year.  This  plan 
expunged  three  days  in  every  four  hundred  years,  at  the  i-ate  of  nearly  eleven  min- 
utes per  year  during  that  time,  leaving  an  error  of  only  one  day  in  five  thousand  and 
two  hundred  years. 

The  calendar  arranged  by  Julius  Caesar  was  tho  Jillian  Period  or  Old  Style ;  the 
Gregorian  was  the  New  Style.  All  Roman  Catholic  countries  (the  Western  Church) 
adopted  the  New  Style  at  once.  Great  Britain  and  her  colonies,  being  prejudiced 
against  anything  of  Papal  origin,  did  not  adopt  the  New  Style  till  1752,— or  one  hun- 
dred and  forty  years  after  the  change  ordered  by  Gregory.  Russia  and  her  depend- 
encies (the  Greek  or  Eastern  church)  still  adhere  to  the  Old  Style.  Previous  to  1752, 
England  recognized  the  hixtorical  year,  beginning  January  1;  the  legal  and  ecclesias- 
tical year,  beginning  March  25.  The  change  of  style  adopted  by  Great  Britain  in  1752 
fixed  January  1  as  the  commencement  of  the  year,  and  abolished  the  distinction 
between  the  legal  and  historical  year.  The  difference  in  the  commencement  of  the 
respective  years  led  to  a  system  of  double  dating  from  January  1  to  March  25,— which 
was  expressed  sometimes  as  February  10, 1734-5, —  sometimes  as  February  10, 173  4-5 
—  the  four  denoting  the  legal,  the  five  the  historical  year. 


78  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

order  to  correct  certain  errors  in  dates  that  had  been  current  in 
the  received  History  of  Newton. 

From  this  it  appears  that  the  second  item,  engraved  in  1873  and 
perpetuated  for  six  years  on  the  corporate  seal  of  the  city  of  Nevr- 
ton, —  "incorporated  a  town  1679," — is  incorrect,  and  should  have 
been  "incorporated  a  town  1688." 

It  is  a  singular  fact  that  an  error  in  regard  to  the  birth-da}-  of 
the  town  could  have  been  perpetuated  nearty  two  centuries,  and 
that  no  curious  investigator  of  history  should  have  discovered  the 
mistake.  The  possibility  of  such  an  occurrence  confirms  our  im- 
pression of  the  importance  of  original  and  rigid  examination  of 
the  sources  of  history.  It  is  unsafe  and  unwise,  in  questions  of 
moment,  to  substitute  tradition  for  written  records,  or  to  rest  in 
general  belief  without  having  recourse  to  documentary  testimony. 

It  is  also  an  interesting  circumstance,  that  while,  b}^  her  separa- 
tion from  Cambridge,  Newton  lost  in  territory,  she  found,  in  due 
time,  more  than  she  lost.  By  the  limitation  of  her  boundaries  she 
cut  herself  off  from  Master  Corlet's  "  fair  grammar  schoole,"  though 
she  retained  as  much  right  in  the  college  as  belonged  to  anj-  and 
every  town  in  the  Commonwealth.  She  was  deprived  of  the  pres- 
tige of  the  great  men  whose  dignity  and  learning  brought  fame  to 
the  colony ;  but  she  has  since  been  the  mother  of  governors  and 
statesmen,  of  ministers  and  missionaries,  of  patriots  and  saints. 
And  in  the  progi'css  of  years  she  added  to  her  reputation,  as  the 
scene  of  that  great  enterprise,  the  translation  of  the  Bible  into  the 
dialect  of  her  aborigines  and  the  first  Protestant  missionarj'  efforts 
on  this  continent.  Subsequentl}',  she  had  the  first  Normal  school 
for  young  ladies  (continued  from  Lexington) ,  several  of  the  earhest 
and  the  best  academies  and  private  schools,  and,  finall}^,  the 
Theological  Institution  whose  professors  have  been  and  are  known 
and  respected  in  all  lands,  and  whose  alumni  have  carried  the  gifts 
of  learning  and  the  gospel  to  every  part  of  the  earth.  She  left 
the  rustic  church  near  the  college,  by  the  inconvenience  of  attend- 
ing which  she  was  so  sorely  tried ;  but  she  has  attained  to  thirty 
churches  within  her  own  borders. 

The  frequent  recm-rence  in  this  history  of  the  phrases, — "  became 
a  freeman,"  or  "  took  the  ^freeman's  oath,"  will  justify  a  brief 
explanation  of  them.  To  acquire  all  the  privileges  of  a  citizen  was 
deemed  by  the  fathers  a  boon  greatly  to  be  desired,  and  therefore 
a  blessing  not  to  be  conferred  lightly.     Thej'  guarded  scrupulouslj^ 


NAME   OF   NEWTON.  79 

the  elective  franchise,  and  allowed  no  man  to  vote  who  could  be 
supposed  capable  of  trifling  with  so  sacred  an  obligation.  The 
provisions  of  the  freeman's  oath,  however,  opened  the  door  to 
(;vils  which  in  later  times  proved  of  grave  importance.  The  free- 
man's oath  is  explained  in  the  words  of  Rev.  F,  A.  Whitnej^,  of 
Brighton, —  "  To  become  a  freeman,  one  must  be  a  member  of  the 
church.  Permission  having  then  been  obtained  from  the  General 
Court,  or  from  the  Quarterly-  Court  of  the  County,  the  freeman's 
oath  was  taken  before  a  magistrate.  In  1664,  those  might  be 
made  freemen  who  brought  certificates  from  clergymen  acquainted 
with  them,  of  their  being  correct  in  doctrine  and  conduct.  Free- 
men only  could  hold  offices  or  vote  for  rulers.  And  yet  many 
church  members  refused  to  take  the  freeman's  oath,  from  unwilhng- 
ness  to  serve  in  any  pubhc  affair.  The  oath,  as  altered  and  amended 
by  the  General  Court  May  14,  1634,  ran  thus  :  '  I,  A.  B.,  being  by 
God's  providence  an  inhabitant  and  freeman  within  the  jurisdic- 
tion of  this  Commonwealth,  do  freely  acknowledge  myself  to  be 
subject  to  the  government  thereof,  and  therefore  do  here  swear,  by 
the  great  and  dreadful  name  of  the  Everlasting  God,  that  I  will 
be  true  and  faithful  to  the  same,'  etc.,  etc.  Records  of  Massa- 
chusetts.     The  custom  of  making  freemen  ceased  about  1G88." 

After  Cambridge  Milage  was  set  off  from  Cambridge  and  oi'gan- 
ized  as  an  independent  town  by  virtue  of  the  order  of  the  General 
Court,  it  was  more  often  called  New  Cambridge  until  1691.  "  This- 
name,"  sa3'S  Mr.  Jackson,  "was  not  given  by  the  Court,  nor  is 
there  any  vote  in  relation  to  it  upon  the  Town  or  Court  Records. 
It  appears  to  have  been  assumed  by  the  leading  inhabitants,  and 
generally  acquiesced  in  b}^  the  public.  Captain  Thomas  Prentice, 
John  Ward,  Ebenezer  Stone  and  other  leading  men  wrote  the  name 
Neio  Cambridge  in  their  deeds  and  other  papers,  dated  between 
1679  and  1691.  John  Ward  was  chosen  Deputy  to  the  General 
Court  from  New  Cambridge  in  1680,  and  so  entered  on  the  Court 
Records.  The  change  of  name  from  '  Cambridge  Village '  to  '  New 
Cambridge'  b}-  the  i)ublic  was  gradual,  and  never  became  uni- 
versal. It  produced  some  confusion,  and  the  Inhabitants  petitioned 
the  Coiu't,  more  than  once,  to  give  the  town  a  name." 

On  the  8tli  of  December,  1G91,  the  General  Court  passed  the  following 
order  :  "  In  answer  to  the  petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  Cambridge  Village, 
sometimes  called  New  Cambridge,  lying  on  the  south  side  of  Charles  Kiver, 
being  granted  to  be  a  township,  i^raying  tlaat  a  name  may  be  given  unto  the- 


80  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

said  town, —  it  is  ordered,  that  it  be  henceforth  called  'Newtown'; — 
very  naturally  and  properly  restoring  the  ancient  name,  which  was  discon- 
tinued by  the  Court  in  1638,  for  the  reason  already  stated  "  (p.  37). 

On  the  Court  Records  the  name  appears  in  two  words — New 
town,  as  in  the  Court  Records  of  1631.  The  process  of  changing 
it  to  the  fonn  in  modern  use  seems  to  have  been  a  gradual  one. 
The  town  clerks  followed  the  order  of  the  Court  in  spelling  the 
name  until  1766,  when  Judge  Fuller  obtained  the  office,  who  alwaj^s 
spelt  it  on  the  Town  Records  New/.on.  The  question  of  the 
orthography  was  never  put  to  vote ;  the  usage  of  seventy-five 
years  graduall}'  prepared  the  way,  and  justified  him  in  assuming 
tlie  responsibility  of  omitting  the  w. 

The  number  of  freemen  within  the  limits  of  the  town  in  1688 — 
the  date  of  its  complete  separation  from  Cambridge, —  was  about 
sixty-five.  In  forty  j^ears, —  from  1639  to  1679, —  fortj^-two  free- 
men became  permanent  settlers, —  some  from  England,  others  from 
the  neighboring  towns.  During  the  same  period,  thirty  of  their 
sons  had  reached  their  majoritj^, —  making,  in  all,  seventy-two.  But 
five  had  deceased  and  two  had  removed, —  leaving  the  sum  total, 
sixty -five.  There  were  six  dwelling-houses  in  Cambridge  Village 
in  1639, —  all  being  situated  near  the  present  dividing  line  between 
Newton  and  Brighton,  and  all  on  farms  adjoining  one  another. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

GRANTS   OP    LAND. WATERTOWN's    GRANT  TO  NEWTON. BROOKLINE 

OWNED   BY   BOSTON. BOSTON'S    GRANT    TO    NEWTON. BOUND- 
ART   BETWEEN   BOSTON  AND  CAMBRIDGE. BETWEEN  CAMBRIDGE 

AND   NEW   CAMBRIDGE. DISTRIBUTION  OF   LANDS. 

We  must  now  revert  to  the  period  that  elapsed  between  the 
commencement  of  the  settlement  of  Cambridge  (1631)  and  the 
estabHshment  of  Newton  as  an  independent  town  (1688).  Many- 
incidents  and  arrangements  falUng  within  that  period  belong  to 
the  history  of  the  territory  and  internal  economy  of  the  town  of 
Newton. 

In  conformity  with  the  customs  of  the  period,  large  grants  of 
land,  out  of  the  waste  and  wilderness  territoiy,  were  given  to 
towns  and  individuals.  And  the  indefiniteness  of  these  grants, 
one  overlapping  and  including  another,  often  resulted  in  serious 
disputes  and  complications,  which  the  inhabitants  and  the  General 
Court  found  very  difficult  to  disentangle.  The  fragmentary 
records  of  the  period  seem  to  unply  that  before  Newtowne  (Cam- 
bridge) was  commenced,  large  portions  of  territory  had  ah'cady 
been  gi'anted,  as  Charlestowu,  Mcdford  and  Woburn  on  the  north- 
east, and  Watertown,  Waltham  and  Weston  on  the  west  and  north- 
west. And  a  commission  appointed  to  lay  out  a  road  from  Boston, 
westward,  in  due  time  reported  to  the  body  by  which  they  were 
commissioned  that  they  had  laid  out  a  road  twelve  miles,  to  Wes- 
ton, and,  "  in  their  opinion,  that  was  as  far  westward  as  a  road 
would  ever  be  needed."  Boston  and  Roxbmy  bounded  Cambridge 
on  the  remaining  sides,  leaving  little  room  for  growth  of  territor}- 
on  the  part  of  Cambridge,  without  infringement  on  the  lands  of  her 
neighbors.  Notwithstanding,  the  people  had  a  great  desire  for 
6  81 


82  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

more  space,  complaining  that  tliey  were  cii'cumscribecT,  involving' 
themselves  in  disputes  about  boundaries  with  theu*  neighbors  and 
with  the  General  Court  in  reference  to  the  extension  of  their  limits. 
At  the  session  of  the  General  Court,  held  September  25,  1634,  it 
was  ordered  "  that  with  the  consent  of  Watertown,  the  meadow  on 
this  syde  Watertown  weire,  contaj^ning  about  thirty  acres,  be  the 
same  more  or  less,  and  now  used  by  the  inhabitants  of  New  Towne, 
shall  belong  to  said  inhabitants  of  New  Towne,  to  injoy  to  them 
and  their  heirs  forever."  At  the  same  time,  an  order  was  passed 
granting  to  Newtowuc  lauds  about  Muddy  River  (Brookline)  on 
certain  conditions  (see  page  28) .  But  Mr.  Hooker's  company 
maintaining  that  they  were  actually'  suffering  for  want  of  room, 
and  representing  that  unless  their  territory  were  extended  they 
should  leave  the  settlement,  they  first  explored  the  grounds  offered 
them  at  Ipswich  and  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Merrimack, —  with 
which  they  were  dissatisfied  ;  and,  finall}^,  accepted  the  proffer  of 
the  territor^^  on  which  was  afterwards  built  the  city  of  Hartford. 
The  Coiu-t  of  Assistants,  September  7,  1630,  ordered  that  the 
town  upon  Charles  River  be  called  Watertown.  The  place  was 
then  an  unexplored  wilderness,  and  the  inhabitants  of  Watertown 
claimed  a  large  tract  on  the  south  side  of  Charles  River, —  all  of 
which  they  gave  up  to  Newton  except  a  strip  two  hundred  rods 
long  and  sixty  rods  wide,  enough  to  protect  theii'  fishing  privilege, 
afterwards  called  the  Wear  (Weir)  lands.  "  All  the  rest  of  the 
ground  on  that  side  of  the  river,  the  Coui't  ordered,  was  to  belong 
to  Newtown"  (Cambridge).  "This  grant, —  all  the  rest,"— says 
Mr.  Jackson,  "  was  the  earliest  made  to  Newtown  on  the  south  side 
of  the  river." 

The  following  is  from  the  observations  of  Mr.  Jackson  : 
How  much  Watertown  owned  on  the  one  side,  and  Boston  on  the  other,  no 
one  can  now  tell.  Probably  neither  of  them  ever  knew,  nor  did  the  Court 
itself  know, —  as  it  ajipears  from  its  own  record  in  the  case  of  their  special 
grant  to  Simon  Bradstreet  of  five  hundred  acres  of  land  on  the  south  side  of 
Charles  River,  with  the  condition  that  "  he  was  to  take  no  part  of  it  within  a 
mile  of  Watertown  Wear,  in  case  the  bounds  of  Watertown  shall  extend  so 
far  on  that  side  the  river." 

Boston  early  obtained  a  grant  of  Muddy  River  (Brookline),  where  the 
alloters  were  authorized  to  "  take  a  view  and  bound  out  what  may  be  suffi- 
cient there."  In  Boston  the  lands  assigned  within  the  peninsula  were  of 
limited  extent.  But  at  Muddy  River  and  Mount  Wollaston,  four  hundred 
acres  were  sometimes  given  to  a  single  individual.  William  Ilibbins'  allotment 
at  Muddy  River  was  four  hundred  and  ninety -live  acres,  bounding  southwest 
upon  Dcdham. 


BOUNDARY   LINES.  83 

The  extreme  vagueness  of  these  two  grants, — "all  the  rest,"  on  the  one 
hand,  and  "  what  may  be  sufficient,"  on  the  other, —  we  may  be  sure  covered 
all  that  is  now  Brookline,  Brighton  and  Newton,  except  the  special  grants 
that  had  been  previously  made  to  individuals,  and  what  belonged  to  the 
Indians. 

The  condition  upon  which  Boston  gave  Muddy  River  to  Newtown 
having  been  broken  by  the  removal  of  Mr.  Hooker's  compau}^ 
to  Connecticut,  that  territory  reverted  to  Boston,  and  the  Court 
appointed  a  committee  to  settle  the  boundaries  between  Newtown 
and  Muddy  river.      (See  page  29.) 

Tlie  line  indicated  in  the  Report  of  the  committee  not  being 
satisfactory  (doubtless  because  it  was  blindly  expressed  and  vari- 
ously construed), — the  towns  of  Boston  and  Cambridge  mutually 
chose  committees  from  their  own  citizens,  20,  11,  1G39,  to  form 
a  new  boundary  line,  as  follows  : 

We,  whose  names  are  underwritten,  being  appointed  by  the  towns  to  which 
we  belong,  to  settle  the  bounds  between  Boston  (Muddy  River)  and  Cam- 
bridge, have  agreed  that  the  partition  shall  run  from  Charles  River,  up  along 
the  channel  of  Smelt  Brook,  to  a  marked  tree  upon  the  brink  of  said  brook, 
near  the  first  and  lowest  seedy  meadow;  and  from  that  tree,  in  a  straight  line, 
to  the  great  red  oak,  formerly  marked  by  agreement,  at  the  foot  of  the  great 
hill,  on  the  northernmost  end  thereof;  and  from  the  said  great  red  oak  to 
Dedham  line,  by  the  trees  marked  by  agreement  of  both  parties,  this  2,  8, 1640. 

Thomas  Oliver, 
William  Colbron, 


for  Boston. 


Richard  Champney, 
John  Bridge, 
Gregory  Stone, 
Joseph  Isaac, 
Thomas  Marett, 


for  Cambridge. 


"  This  line  from  Charles  River,  following  the  brook  to  the  northerly 
end  of  the  great  hill,  is  the  same  as  it  now  is.  But  as  the  line 
ends  at  Dedham,  it  is  plain  that  there  has  been  an  alteration  at  the 
southwest  end  of  Brookline,  as  no  part  of  that  town  now  comes 
within  one  mile  and  a  quarter  of  Dedham." 

In  1GG2  a  line  of  division  between  Cambridge  and  New  Cam- 
bridge, or  Cambridge  Village,  was  agreed  upon,  as  akeady  related, 
with  reference  to  the  pa3'ment  of  ministerial  taxes.  This  division 
became  a  town  boundary  on  the  separation  of  the  Village  from 
Cambridge,  and  is  substantially  the  same  line  which  divides  New- 
ton from  Brighton,  (now  Boston) . 

The  above  specifications  relate  to  the  easterly  and  southeasterly 
bounds  of  Newton.     At  all  other  parts  it  bounds  upon  Charles 


84  HISTORY  OE  NEWTON. 

River,  excepting  the  two  hundred  rods  upon  the  river,  reserved  to 
Watertown  by  order  of  the  General  Coui't  in  April,  1G05. 

1647. 
Laid  out,  on  the  south  side  of  the  river,  near  Watertown  mill,  ten  acres 
land  to  John  Jackson;  ten  acres  to  Randolph  Bush;  ten  acres  to  John  Ken- 
dall or  (Holly's)  house  [Kendall  married  Holly's  widow]  ;  and  forty  acres 
to  Edward  Jackson,  adjoining  that  already  laid  to  his  brother,  John  Jackson, 
and  to  himself  for  Rcdsen's  house,  provided  he  satisfy  Mr.  Corlet  for  the 
town's  gift  to  him ;  and  eleven  acres  to  Richard  Park,  abutting  on  Mr.  Jack- 
son's land  east  and  west ;  and  the  highway  to  Dedham  [now  Centre  Street] 
runs  through  it. 

These  transactions  date  back  to  the  period  before  Cambridge 
VUlage  became  an  independent  town.  •  In  process  of  time  Cam- 
bridge adopted  the  policy  of  making  over  all  the  common  lands 
on  the  south  side  of  the  river  to  private  parties  (p.  46) .  This 
method  of  procedure  indicates  how  dim  were  the  expectations 
of  the  authorities  in  respect  to  the  future  value  of  the  lands,  aris- 
ing out  of  the  growth  of  the  population.  That  land  in  Newton 
would  ever  be  sold  at  one  dollar  or  more  per  square  foot  doubt- 
less surpassed  the  most  extravagant  dreams  of  those  simple- 
hearted  and  modest  men.  And  he  who  should  have  advocated 
the  reserving  of  these  acres  in  anticipation  of  such  an  augmenta- 
tion of  value  would  have  been  deemed  a  fit  subject  for  the  wards 
of  an  insane  hospital.  The  advantage  accruing  from  this  gener- 
ous distribution  was  that  the  soil  was  the  more  rapidly  subdued 
and  brought  under  profitable  cultivation. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


THE  FIRST  SETTLERS. 


•BIOGRAPHICAL   NOTICES. 


According  to  the  ^dews  of  the  late  Hon.  William  Jackson,  who 
was  a  dUigent  investigator,  and  whose  manuscripts  have  greatly 
aided  in  the  preparation  of  this  volume,  twenty-two  land-holders 
came  into  Newton  and  established  their  residence  here  between 
1639, —  the»  date  of  the  coming  of  Mr.  John  Jackson, —  and 
1664, —  the  date  of  the  organization  of  the  first  church.  The  fol- 
lowing are  their  names,  which  diifer  in  two  or  three  instances  from 
the  catalogue  on  page  40,  owing  to  circumstances  which  the  in- 
telligent and  careful  reader  will  be  at  no  loss  to  explain : 


John  Jackson, 
Samuel  Hides  (Hyde), 
Edward  Jackson, 
Jonathan  Hides  (Hyde)  , 
John  Fuller, 
Thomas  Prentice, 
Abraham  Williams, 
Thomas  Park, 
James  Prentice, 
John  Spring, 


Daniel  Bacon, 
Richard  Parks, 
John  Sherman, 
John  Ward, 
John  Parker, 
Thomas  Wiswall, 
Vincent  Druce, 
John  Kenrick, 
Rev.  John  Eliot, 
James  Trowtjridge, 
Isaac  Williams. 


Thomas  Hammond, 

To  these,  some  historians  add  the  names  of  William  Healy  and 
Gregor}'  Cook ;  some  also  suppose  that  there  was  a  third  family 
bj'  the  name  of  Prentiss. 

The  first  settler,  1639,  was  John  Jackson.  Says  Mr.  Jackson, 
a  descendant,  in  his  histoiy,  "John  Jackson  bouglitof  Miles  Ives,- 
of  Watertown,  a  dwelling-house  and  eighteen  acres  of  land.  This 
lot  was  ver}'-  near  the  present  dividing  line  between  Newton  and 
Brighton,  twenty-four  rods  upon  Charles  River,  and  extending 
southerly  one  hundred  and   twenty    rods.      Same    year,  Samuel 

85 


86  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Holly  owned  a  lilvc  lot  and  dwelling-house,  adjoining  Jackson's  es- 
tate, and  Randolph  Bush  owned  a  like  lot  and  house,  adjoining 
Samuel  Holly's  estate,  and  Wilham  Redson  or  Reds3'n  owned  four 
acres  and  a  dwelling-house,  adjoining  Bush's  estate,  and  William 
Clements  owned  six  acres  and  a  dwelling-house,  adjoining  John 
Jackson's  west,  and  Thomas  Maj-hew  owned  a  dwelling-house  near 
the  spot  where  Gen.  Michael  Jackson's  house  stood.  These  six 
dwelling-houses  were  in  the  Village  in  1639,  and  perhaps  eai'her. 
Samuel  Holly  was  in  Cambridge  in  1636,  and  died  in  1643,  but 
left  no  descendants  in  the  town.  We  cannot  tell  who  occupied 
the  houses  of  Mayhew, /Clements,  Bush  and  Redson ;  the}'  were 
transient  dwellers  there,  and  were  soon  gone.  Edward  Jackson 
bought  all  these  houses,  and  the  lands  appurtenant,  before  1648, 
and  all  except  Mayhew's  were  in  what  is  now  Brighton." 

We  give  below  a  brief  notice,  so  far  as  possible,  of  these  first 
settlers. 

John  Jackson  was  baptized  in  the  parish  of  Stepney,  London, 
June  6,  1602.  He  was  the  first  settler  of  Cambridge  Village  who 
removed  thither  and  died  in  the  place.  He  brought  a  good  estate 
with  him  from  England.  He  took  the  freeman's  oath  in  1641.  He 
was  one  of  the  first  deacons  of  the  church,  and  gave  an  acre  of 
land  for  the  church  and  cemetery',  in  the  centre  of  which  the  first 
meeting-house  was  erected  in  1660.  This  acre  constitutes  the 
oldest  part  of  the  old  cemetery  on  Centre  Street.  He  labored  long 
and  earnestly,  by  petitioning  the  General  Com't  and  otherwise,  to 
have  Cambridge  Village  erected  into  an  independent  town  ;  but  he 
did  not  live  to  see  the  object  accomphshed.  He  died  January  30, 
1674-5,  aged  about  73  years.  His  widow,  Margaret,  died  August 
28,  1684,  aged  60.  His  son,  Edward,  was  slain  b}'  the  Indians  at 
Medfield,  in  their  attack  upon  and  burning  of  that  town,  Feb.  21, 
1676.  His  house  was  near  the  place  where  Mr.  Smallwood's  shop 
afterwards  stood.  The  cellar  yet  remains,  and  the  pear  trees  now 
standing  there,  are  supposed  to  have  been  planted  b}'  him.  Abra- 
ham was  the  only  one  among  his  sons  who  reared  a  famih". 
^  Samuel  Holly  (included  b}-  some  writers  among  the  earl}'  pro- 
prietors) was  in  Cambridge  in  1636,  owned  a  house  and  eighteen 
acres  of  land  in  Cambridge  Village  adjoining  John  Jackson  in  1639. 
Six  acres  of  this  land  he  sold  to  Edward  Jackson  in  1643  for  £5. 
He  died  in  1643. 


LIVES  OF   FIRST  SETTLEES.  87 

Samuel  Hyde  was  born  in  1610.  He  came  to  Boston  in  the 
ship  Jonathan,  leaving  London  in  April,  1639.  He  was  the  second 
settler  in  Cambridge  Village,  abont  1640.  In  1647,  he  and  his 
brother  Jonathan  bought  of  Thomas  Danforth  forty  acres  of  laud. 
In  1652,  they  bought  two  hundred  acres  of  the  administrators  of 
Nathaniel  Sparhawk.  They  held  this  land  in  common  until  1662, 
%vhen  it  was  divided.  He  was  one  of  the  first  deacons  of  the 
church.  He  had  by  his  wife  Temperance,  Samuel,  Joshua,  Job, 
Sarah  and  Elizabeth.  Sarah  married  Thomas  Woolson,  of  Water- 
town,  1660;  Elizabeth,  Humphrey  Osland,  1667.  Samuel  ll3'de 
conveyed  to  his  son-in-law  Osland  a  piece  of  his  land  on  the  west 
side  of  the  Dedham  road,  in  1678,  on  which  the  latter  had  pre^i- 
ousl}^  built  a  house,  being  part  of  the  same  land  now  owned  by 
E.  C.  Converse,  Esq.  Mr.  Hj^de  died  in  1689,  aged  79,  and  his 
wife  Temperance  soon  after. 

His  descendants,  Samuel  of  the  fifth  generation,  and  George  of 
the  sixth,  have  resided  upon  and  owned  a  part  of  the  same  land. 
His  son  Job  married  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  John  Fuller.  He  and 
his  wife  both  died  in  November,  1685.  His  father,  Dea.  Samuel 
Hyde,  took  and  j^rovided  for  half  their  children,  and  John  Fuller 
the  other  half.  His  son  Samuel  married  Hannah  Stedman,  in 
1673.  His  house  was  burnt  in  1709,  and  with  the  assistance  of 
his  neighbors  raised  again  in  fourteen  daj's.  He  died  in  1725, 
and  his  wife  in  1727.  His  house  stood  on  the  east  side  of  Centre 
Street,  near  where  Mr.  Freeland's  now  stands.  The  descendants 
of  Samuel  Hyde  of  the  seventh  generation  still  occupied  a  por- 
tion of  his  estate  in  1879. 

Edw.\jjd  Jackson,  senior,  brother  of  John  Jackson,  was  born 
in  London,  England,  about  1602.  He  lived  in  the  parish  of 
White  chapel,  and  was  b}'  trade  a  nail  maker.  Tradition  affirms 
that  his  youngest  son  by  Ms  first  marriage,  Sebas  Jackson,  was 
born  on  the  passage  to  this  country.  lie  bought  land  of  Samuel 
Holly  in  Cambridge  Village  in  1643,  took  the  freeman's  oath  in 
1645,  and  the  next  j^ear  purchased  in  Cambridge  Village  a  farm 
from  Governor  Bradstreet,  of  500  acres,  for  £140,  long  known  as 
the  Mayhew  farm ;  Bradstreet  having  purchased  it  of  Thomas 
Mayhew  in  1638,  with  all  the  buildings  thereon,  for  six  cows. 
This  five  hundred  acre  farm  commenced  near  what  is  now  the 
division  line  between  Newton  and  Brighton  and  extended  westward, 
including  what  is  now  Newtonville,  and  covering  the  site  where 


88  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Judge  Fuller's  mansion  house  stood.  The  site  where  Gen.  Michael 
Jackson's  mansion  house  stood,  was  near  the  centre  of  the 
Ma^'hew  farm ;  and  a  few  rods  nearer  the  brook,  stood  the  old 
dwelling-house  conveyed  with  the  land  in  Mayhew's  deed  to  Brad- 
street  ;  of  course  it  was  built  previous  to  1G38,  and  therefore  highly 
probable  that  it  was  the  first  dwelling-house  built  in  Newton ; 
the  cellar  hole,  a  few  rods  from  the  brook,  is  still  visible. 

In  the  lading  out  of  the  highway  in  1708,  which  passed  b}^  the 
old  house,  the  description  is,  "  crossing  the  brook  near  where 
the  old  house  stood."  The  house  which  was  erected  before  1638, 
was  gone  before  1708  ;  it  had  stood  about  the  allotted  space  of 
three  score  years  and  ten.  It  was  probably  the  first  residence  of 
Edward  Jackson,  senior,  in  Cambridge  Village,  from  his  first  com- 
ing in  1642  or  '43,  until  his  marriage  in  1649,  and  perhaps  for  many 
more  j^ears.  At  his  death  in  1681,  his  then  dwelling-house  stood 
about  thi'ee-quarters  of  a  mile  east  of  the  old  house,  and  is  de- 
scribed as  a  spacious  mansion  with  a  hall,  designed,  no  doubt,  for 
religious  meetings. 

He  was  chosen  one  of  the  representatives  from  Cambridge  to 
the  General  Court  in  1647,  and  continued  to  be  elected  to  that  office 
annually  or  semi-annualh'  for  seventeen  j'ears  in  all,  and  was  other- 
wise much  engaged  in  public  life.  He  was  Selectman  of  Cam- 
bridge in  1665  ;  chairman  of  a  committee  appointed  in  1653  to 
lay  out  all  necessar}'  highway's  on  the  south  side  of  the  ri^-er ; 
chairman  of  a  committee  appointed  to  la}^  out  and  settle  high- 
wa3's  as  need  should  require  in  Cambridge  Village,  and  one  of 
the  coimnissioners  to  end  small  causes  in  Cambridge  for  several 
years.  "  He  was  constantly  present  with  the  Rev.  John  Ehot  at 
his  lectures  to  the  Indians  at  Nonantum,  to  take  notes  of  the  ques- 
tions of  the  Indians  and  of  the  answers  of  Mr.  Eliot.  He  was 
one  of  the  proprietors  of  Cambridge,  and  in  the  division  of  the 
common  lands  in  1662,  he  had  fom-  acres,  and  in  1664  he  had 
thirt}'  acres.  He  was  also  a  large  proprietor  in  the  Billerica  lands, 
and  in  the  di\dsion  of  1652  he  had  fom-  hundred  acres,  which  by 
his  will  he  gave  to  Harvard  College,  together  with  other  bequests. 
He  was  the  author  and.  first  signer  of  the  petition  to  the  General 
Court  in  1678, —  prapng  that  Cambridge  Village  might  be  set  off 
from  Cambridge,  and  made  an  independent  town  by  itself.  The 
remonstrance  to  this  petition  by  the  Selectmen  of  Cambridge 
(pp.   64-71)    bears    honorable    testimony   of  Edward    Jackson. 


LIVES  OF  rmST  SETTLERS.  89 

Captain  Edward  Johnson's  History  of  New  England  contains  a 
short  notice  of  many  of  the  leading  men  of  his  time,  among 
whom  he  classed  Edward  Jackson,  and  says,  '  He  could  not  endure 
to  see  the  truth  of  Christ  trampled  under  foot  by  the  erroneous 
party.'"  He  died  June  17,  1G81,  aged  seventy-nine  3'ears  and 
five  months.  In  the  inventory  of  his  estate,  it  appears  that  he 
left  two  men-servants,  appraised  at  £5  each.  He  was  probably 
the  first  slave-holder  in  Newton.  He  divided  his  lands  among 
his  children  in  his  lifetime.  He  had  eight  children  in  England, 
one  born  on  the  passage,  and  ten  born  in  this  country,  and  up- 
wards of  sixty  gi'audchildren.  His  second  marriage,  in  March, 
1649,  was  with  EUzabeth,  daughter  of  John  Newgate,  and  widow 
of  Rev.  John  Oliver,  H.  C.  1645,  the  first  minister  of  Rumney 
Marsh  (Chelsea) ,  by  whom  he  had  four  daughters  and  one  son. 
His  wife  survived  him  twenty-eight  years,  and  died  September  30, 
1709,  aged  ninety-two  years. 

He  was  a  land  surveyor,  and  not  long  before  his  death  surveyed 
his  own  lands,  and  made  a  division  of  them  to  his  children,  put- 
ting up  metes  and  bounds. 

It  is  a  remarkable  fact  in  relation  to  these  two  brothers  men- 
tioned, John  and  Edward  Jackson,  that  while  Edward  had  but 
three  sons,  and  John  five,  there  are  multitudes  of  Edward's 
posterity  who  bear  his  name,  and  not  more  than  three  or  four  of 
John's.  Forty-four  of  Edward's  descendants  went  into  the  revo- 
lutionar}^  army  from  Newton,  and  not  one  of  John's.  But  in  1852 
there  were  but  thi*ee  families  in  the  town,  of  his  descendants  that 
bore  his  name. 

John  Fuller  was  born  in  1611,  and  settled  in  Cambridge  Vil- 
lage in  1644.  In  December,  1658,  he  purchased  of  Joseph  Cooke 
seven  hundred  and  fifty  acres  of  land  for  £160,  bounded  north  and 
west  by  Charles  River,  south  by  Samuel  Shepard,  and  east  by 
Thomas  Park.  His  house  stood  on  the  south  side  of  the  road,  on 
the  west  side  of  the  brook,  and  witliin  a  few  rods  of  both  road  and 
brook.  By  subsequent  purchase  he  increased  his  farm  to  one  thou- 
sand acres.  Cheese  Cake  Brook  ran  through  it.  He  had  six  sons 
and  two  daughters.  His  son  Isaac  died  before  him.  He  divided 
his  farm  between  the  other  five  sons,  viz.,  John,  Jonathan,  Joseph, 
Jeremiah  and  Joshua.  This  tract  of  land  was  long  known  as  the 
"  Fuller  Farm,"  or  "  Fuller's  Corner."  He  was  a  maltster ;  was  a 
Selectman  from  1684  to  1694.     He  died  in  1698-9,  aged  87 ;  his 


90  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

wife  Elizabeth  died  1700.  The}^  left  five  sons,  two  daughters  and 
fort3'-five  grandchildren.  The  inventory  of  his  property  amounted 
to  £534  5s.  Od.  His  will  provides  that  none  of  the  land  bequeathed 
to  his  sons  should  be  sold  to  strangers,  until  first  offered  to  the 
nearest  relation.  Twent3"-two  of  his  descendants  went  into  the 
revolutionary  army  from  Newton.  (See  his  will  in  the  Probate 
Office,  9th  volume.) 

The  ages  of  his  five  sons  at  death  were  as  follows  :  John  75, 
Jonathan  74,  Joseph  88,  Jeremiah  85,  Joshua  98.  Joshua  was 
married  a  second  time  when  88  years  old  to  Mary  Dana,  of  Cam- 
bridge, in  1742,  who  was  in  her  75th  year. 

Edward  Jackson  and  John  Fuller  came  into  the  Village  about 
the  same  time,  probablj*  knew  each  other  in  England,  were  the 
largest  land-owners  in  the  Village,  divided  their  lands  among  their 
children  in  their  lifetime,  confirming  the  division  by  their  wills, 
and  had  a  far  greater  number  of  descendants  than  an}^  of  the  other 
early  settlers  of  the  town. 

Jonathan  Hyde,  senior,  brother  of  Dea.  Samuel  Hyde,  was 
born  in  1626,  and  came  into  the  village  of  New  Cambridge  in 
1647.  He  piu'chased  two  hundred  and  forty  acres  of  land  in  Newton, 
with  his  brother  Samuel,  which  the}^  owned  in  common  until  1661. 
In  1656,  he  bought  eighty  acres  of  land,  which  was  one-eighth  of 
the  tract  recovered  by  Cambridge  from  Dedham,  in  a  lawsuit.  He 
settled  upon  the  land,  and  increased  it  by  subsequent  purchases  to 
several  hundred  acres.  His  house  was  about  sixty  rods  north  of  the 
Centre  meeting-house.  He  bought  and  sold  much  land  in  the  town. 
In  his  deeds  he  was  styled  Sergeant.  He  had  twenty-three  chil- 
dren, all  of  whom,  with  one  exception,  bore  Scriptm'e  names, — fif- 
teen by  Marj'^  French,  daughter  of  William  French  of  Billerica,  and 
eight  by  Mary  Eediat,  daughter  of  John  Rediat  of  Marlborough, with 
whom  he  made  a  marriage  covenant  in  1673,  in  which  it  was  sti^D- 
ulated,  that  in  case  he  should  die  first,  she  should  have  his  house, 
barn  and  about  one  hundred  acres  of  land.  This  part  of  his 
homestead  was  boimded  b^'  the  highway  from  Watcrtown  to  Ded- 
ham one  hundred  and  sixty  rods,  and  one  hundred  deep,  and  south 
by  the  farm  of  Elder  Wiswall,  reserving  a  highway  one  rod  wide, 
next  to  "Wiswall's.  This  higliway  ran  from  the  Common,  by  the 
north  bank  of  Wiswall's  Pond,  and  for  a  century  was  known  by 
the  name  of  Blanden's  Lane.  The  front  of  this  lot  extended  from 
this  lane,  northerly,  to  about  opposite  the  road  leading  to  the  east 


LIVES   OF   FIRST   SETTLERS.  91 

part  of  tlie  town.  This  farm,  therefore,  was  very  near  the  centre 
of  Newton,  and  inchided  the  spot  where  the  Centre  meeting-house 
now  stands.  Pie  was  admitted  a  member  of  the  church  in  1661, 
and  was  Selectman  the  same  year.  A  few  years  before  his  death 
he  settled  his  own  estate  by  making  deeds  of  gift  of  his  real  estate 
to  eleven  of  his  children,  convej'ing  about  four  hundred  acres  with 
several  dwelling-houses  thereon.  The  other  twelve  had  probably 
died  before  him,  or  were  otherwise  provided  for.  In  1705,  he  gave 
to  John  Kenrick  and  others,  Selectmen  of  Newton  and  their  suc- 
cessors in  office,  "  half  an  acre  of  his  homestead,"  for  the  use  and 
benefit  of  the  school  in  the  southerly  part  of  the  town.  It  is  sup- 
posed that  he  also  gave  a  large  part  of  the  Common  on  Centre 
Street  for  a  training  field,  in  the  days  of  military  pageants  ;  but  no 
record  of  this  gift  has  j'et  been  found.  The  same  j^car  he  deeded 
to  his  children  a  cartway  through  the  homestead  to  the  Dedham 
highway,  "  to  be  used  with  gates  forever."  That  cartway  is  now 
the  highwa}-,  and  the  northwestern  boundary  of  the  triangular 
place  once  the  estate  of  the  Rev.  Joseph  Grafton,  subsequently  of 
IMichael  Tombs,  Esq.,  and  in  1875  of  the  late  George  C.  Rand, 
Esq.  He  was  Selectman  in  1091.  He  died  October  5,  1711, 
aged  85,  leaving  a  multitude  of  grandchildren.  His  first  wife 
died  May  27,  1672,  aged  39  ;  the  second,  September  5,  1708. 
^^n^iCHARD  Park  was  a  proprietor  in  Cambridge  in  1636,  and  of 
Cambridge  Farms  (Lexington),  1642.  In  1617  there  was  a  divi- 
sion of  lands,  abutting  on  Mr.  Edward  Jackson's  land,  east  and 
west,  and  the  highway'  to  Dedham  was  laid  out  through  it ;  his 
dwelling-house  was  probably  erected  on  this  lot ;  it  stood  within  a 
few  feet  of  the  spot  now  occupied  by  the  Eliot  church.  This 
ancient  house  was  pulled  down  about  1800.  The  spot  was  near 
the  four  mile  line,  or  the  division  line  between  Cambridge  and  Cam- 
bridge Village. 

He  owned  a  large  tract  of  land  in  the  Village,  bounded  west  by 
the  Fuller  fanii,  north  by  Charles  River,  cast  b3^the  Dummer  farm, 
and  east  and  south  by  the  Maj'hew  farm  (Edward  Jackson's) ,  con- 
taining about  six  hundred  acres.  By  his  will,  dated  12,  5,  1665, 
he  bequeaths  to  his  onl}'  son,  Thomas,  this  tract  of  land,  with  the 
houses  thereon,  after  the  decease  of  his  wife,  Sarah.  This  only 
son,  Thomas,  married  Abigail  Dix,  of  Watertown,  1653,  and  had 
five  sons  and  four  daughters,  among  whom  his  tract  of  land  was 
divided  in  1694  (Thomas  having  deceased),  and  the  contents  then 


92  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

were  about  eight  hundred  acres,  Thomas  having  added,  by  pur- 
chase, about  two  hundred  acres,  and  built  a  corn-mill  upon  Charles 
River,  near  where  the  Bemis  Factory  now  is. 

In  1657,  Richard  was  one  of  a  committee  with  Mr.  Edward 
Jackson,  John  Jackson  and  Samuel  Hyde,  to  lay  out  and  settle 
highways  in  Cambridge  Village.  In  1663,  he  was  released  from 
training,  and  therefore  past  sixty  3'ears  of  age.  He  died  in  1665. 
In  his  will,  witnessed  by  Elder  Wiswall  and  Hugh  Mason,  he 
names  his  Avife,  Sarah,  two  daughters,  and  his  onl}'-  son,  Thomas. 
One  of  his  daughters  married  Francis  Whittemore,  of  Cambridge. 
His  inventory,  dated  August  19,  1665,  amounted  to  £872.  His 
widow,  Sarah,  was  living  at  Dusbmy,  in  1668. 

Henry  Parke  of  London,  merchant,  son  and  heir  of  Edward 
Parke,  of  London,  merchant,  deceased,  conveyed  land  in  Cam- 
bridge, to  John  Stedman,  in  1650.  Edward  may  have  been  the 
ancestor  of  the  first  settlers  of  that  name  in  New  England,  viz., 
of  Dea.  William  of  Roxbury,  Richard  of  Cambridge  Village,  Sam- 
'uel  of  Mystic,  and  Thomas  of  Stonington. 

"  During  the  contest  between  the  Village  and  Cambridge,  to  be  set 
off,  he  sent  a  petition  to  the  Court  in  1661,  pra3dng  to  retain  his 
connection  with  Cambridge  church.  The  Cambridge  church  owned 
a  farm  in  Billerica,  of  one  thousand  acres,  and  other  propert3^ 
And  in  1648  it  was  voted  b}'  the  church  '  that  every  person  that 
from  time  to  time  hereafter  removed  from  the  church  did  thereby 
resign  their  interest  to  the  remaining  part  of  the  church  propert}'.' 
This  vote  may  have  been  the  reason  of  his  sending  that  petition  to 
the  Court." 

Captain  Thomas  Prentice  was  born  in  England  in  1621.  He 
was  in  this  country  November  22,  1649,  as  shown  by  the  recorded 
bu'th  of  his  children,  Thomas  and  Elizabeth,  (twins) . 

He  was  chosen  Lieutenant  of  the  companj'  of  horse  in  the  lower 
Middlesex  regiment,  in  1656,  and  Captain  in  1662.  In  1661  he 
purchased  thi-ee  hundred  acres  of  land  in  the  Pequod  country. 
This  tract  was  in  Stonington,  Connecticut.  Two  hundred  and 
thirty  acres  of  this  land  was  appraised  in  his  inventory  at  £109  in 
1685.  His  grandson,  Samuel,  married  Esther  Hammond,  and  set- 
tled upon  this  land  in  1710.  In  1663,  he  purchased  of  Elder  Frost 
of  Cambridge,  eight^'-five  acres  of  land  in  the  easterly'  part  of 
Cambridge  Village,  adjoining  John  Ward's  land.  This  was  his 
homestead  for  about  fifty  years.     In  1705,  he  conveyed  it  by  deed 


LIVES  OF  FIRST  SETTLERS.  93 

of  gift  to  his  grandson,  Captain  Thomas  Prentice.  His  house  was 
on  the  spot  where  the  Ilai'back  House  now  stands.  He  was  one  of 
the  Cambridge  proprietors,  and  in  the  division  of  the  common  lands 
he  had  a  dividend  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  Billerica,  in 
1652,  and  nine  acres  in  Cambridge  Village,  in  16G4. 

He  was  greatly  distinguished  for  his  bravery  and  heroism  in 
Philip's  war.  This  war  broke  out  in  1G75.  On  the  2Gth  of  June, 
a  company  of  infantry  under  Captain  Henchman,  from  Boston,  and 
a  company  of  horse  under  Captain  Prei>tice,  from  Cambridge  Vil- 
lage and  adjoining  towns  (twenty  from  the  Village  and  twent}'- 
one  from  Dedham) ,  marched  for  Mount  Hope.  In  their  first  con- 
flict with  the  Indians,  in  Swanzey,  William  Hammond  was  Irilled, 
and  Corporal  Belcher  had  his  horse  shot  under  him,  and  was  him- 
self wounded  ;  and  on  the  first  of  July  they  had  another  encounter 
with  the  Indians,  on  a  plain  near  Rehoboth,  four  or  five  of  whom 
were  slain,  among  them  Thebe,  a  sachem  of  Mount  Hope,  and 
another  of  Philip's  chiefs.  In  this  affau',  John  Drucc,  son  of 
Vincent  (one  of  the  first  settlers  of  the  Village),  was  mortally* 
wounded.  He  was  brought  home  and  died  at  his  own  house  next 
day. 

On  the  10th  of  December,  five  companies  of  infantry  and  Captain 
Prentice's  troop  of  horse  marched  from  Massachusetts  and  from 
PljTnouth  Colonjs  to  Narragansett.  On  the  IGth,  Captain  Prentice 
received  advice  that  the  Indians  had  burned  Jeremiah  Ball's  house, 
and  Irilled  eighteen  men,  women  and  children.  He  marched  im- 
mediatel}^  in  pursuit,  killed  ten  of  the  Indians,  captured  fifty-five 
and  burned  one  hundred  and  fifty  wigwams.  "  This  exploit,"  says 
the  historian  of  that  day,  "  was  perfonned  by  Captain  Prentice,  of 
the  Horse." 

On  the  21st  of  January,  1G76,  Captain  Prentice's  troops  being  in 
advance  of  the  infantry,  met  with  a  party  of  Indians,  captm'ed 
two,  and  killed  nine  of  them.  On  the  18th  of  April  following, 
the  Indians  made  a  vigorous  attack  on  Sudbur3\  Captains  Wads- 
worth  and  Brockelbank  fought  bravely  in  defence,  but  were  over- 
powered, and  eighteen  of  their  men  took  refuge  in  a  mill.  When 
notice  of  this  attack  reached  Captain  Prentice,  he  started  imme- 
diately for  Sudbur}-,  with  a  few  of  his  compau}^,  and  reached  that 
town  with  but  six  beside  himself.  The  remnant  of  Captain  AV ads- 
worth's  men  defended  the  mill  bravely  until  night,  when  they  were 
relieved,  and  the  Indians  put  to  flight.     In  short,  all  accounts  agree 


94  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

that  Captain  Prentice  rendered  most  invaluable  services  tbrougliout 
the  war.  He  was  constantly  on  the  alert,  and  by  his  bold  and  rapid 
marches,  he  put  the  enemy  to  the  sword  or  flight,  and  made  his  name 
a  terror  to  all  the  hostile  Indians.  After  Philip  was  slain,  in  Jul}-, 
1676,  terms  of  peace  were  offered  to  all  Indians  who  would  come 
in  and  sm'render.  A  Nipmuck  sachem,  called  John,  with  a  num- 
ber of  his  men,  embraced  this  offer,  and  b}'  order  of  the  General 
Court  were  given  in  charge  to  Captain  Prentice,  who  kept  them 
at  his  house  in  Cambridge  Village. 

Prentice  had  been  in  command  of  this  company  fifteen  years 
when  Phihp's  war  broke  out,  and  was  then  55  years  old.  He  was 
hard}',  athletic  and  robust,  and  capable  of  enduring  great  fatigue. 
He  continued  to  ride  on  horseback  to  the  end  of  his  long  life,  his 
death  being  occasioned  by  a  fall  from  his  horse. 

Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  the  Indian  couA^erts  maintained 
unshaken  their  fidelity  to  the  English,  such  was  the  prejudice 
against,  and  fear  of  them,  that  the  General  Court,  on  the  breaking 
*  out  of  Philip's  war,  ordered  them  to  be  removed  to  Deer  Island  in 
Boston  harbor,  and  Captain  Prentice,  with  his  troopers,  was  charged 
with  the  execution  of  this  order.  Their  number,  including  men, 
women  and  children,  was  about  two  hundred. 

Although  Prentice  was  a  terrible  enem}-  to. the  hostile  Indians, 
he  was  a  warm  friend  and  counsellor  and  had  the  full  confidence 
of  the  friendl}'  tribes.  For  man}^  years.  General  Gookin  was,  b}- 
the  appointment  of  the  General  Court,  the  magistrate  for  man- 
aging, advising  and  watching  over  the  friendty  Indians.  After 
his  death,  the  Indians  residing  at  Natick,  Punkapoag,  "Wam- 
essik,  Ilassenamaskok  and  Kecumuchoag,  all  united  in  a  peti- 
tion to  the  General  Court,  in  1691,  that  Captain  Prentice  might  be 
appointed  then*  ruler. 

Prentice  was  appointed  one  of  a  committee  to  proceed  to  Quin- 
sigamond  (Worcester),  with  a  view  of  forming  a  settlement  there. 
He  was  one  of  the  owners  of  the  first  fift^'-eight  houses  built  there, 
and  had  a  grant  of  fifty  acres  of  land  for  his  public  services. 
He  was  a  Representative  to  the  General  Court  in  1672,  '73  and 
'74.  In  1689  he  was  appointed  chairman  of  a  committee  for  re- 
building the  town  of  Lancaster,  which  was  destroj-ed  by  the 
Indians  during  Philip's  war. 

Captain  Prentice  and  his  wife,  Grace,  had  fom-  sons  and  fom* 
daughters.     Two  of  his  sons  died  in  childhood.     The  other  two 


LIVES  OF  FIRST  SETTLERS.  95 

were  married.  Thomas,  the  oldest,  had  three  sons,  and  died  in 
1685,  and  the  old  Captain  had  the  bringing  up  of  the  three  grand- 
sons, to  whom  he  gave  a  good  education,  and  all  his  estate. 
Thomas,  the  oldest  grandson,  was  a  leading  man  in  Newton,  a 
Captain  of  infantry,  and  died  in  1730.  The  second  grandson, 
John,  married  a  daughter  of  Edward  Jackson,  and  died  at  the 
age  of  35,  leaving  no  children.  The  third  grandson,  Samuel, 
married  Esther,  daughter  of  Nathaniel  Hammond,  and  settled  in 
Stoughton,  Connecticut.  Numerous  descendants  have  proceeded 
from  this  marriage. 

Captain  Prentice's  wife,  Grace,  died  October  9,  1G92.  He  died 
July  G,  1710,  aged  89,  and  was  buried  under  arms,  by  the  com- 
pany of  troops,  on  the  8th  of  July.  He  settled  his  own  estate,  by 
deeds  of  gift  to  his  grandchildren.  He  was  undoubtedly  one  of 
the  most  substantial  men  of  his  age,  and  had  the  entire  confidence 
of  his.  associates  in  Cambridge  Village.  Edward  Jackson's  will, 
made  in  1G81,  has  testimony  to  this  effect,  as  follows  : 

"  I  bequeath  to  mj'  honored  friend,  Captain  Thomas  Prentice, 
one  diamond  ring." 

John  WxVrd  was  borii  in  England,  in  1G2G.  He  was  the  oldest 
sou  of  Wilham  Ward,  who,  with  his  second  wife,  Elizabeth,  and 
other  children,  came  from  Yorkshire  or  Derbyshire  and  settled  iu 
Sudbury,  where  he  had  lands  assigned  to  him  in  1G40. 

He  married  Hannah,  the  daughter  of  Edward  Jackson,  about 
1650  ;  was  Selectman  nine  years,  from  1679,  and  a  Representative 
eight  years,  being  the  fii'st  ever  sent  from  Cambridge  Village. 
His  dwelling-house  was  constructed  for  a  garrison-house,  about 
1661,  and  used  as  such  dming  King  Philip's  war.  Tliis  ancient 
building  stood  where  the  late  Ephraim  AVard's  (a  descendant  from 
John)  now  stands,  and  was  demohshed  in  1821,  having  stood 
about  one  hundred  and  seventy  j^ears,  and  sheltered  seven  genera- 
tions. This  house,  and  forty -five  acres  of  land,  was  conve3'ed  to 
John  and  Hannah,  by  his  father-in-law,  Edward  Jackson,  by  deed, 
dated  March  10,  IGGl,  witnessed  b}'  John  Jackson  and  John  Spring. 
He  owned  about  five  hundred  acres  of  land,  which  he  distributed 
among  his  sons  by  deeds  of  gift,  in  1701.  He  was,  by  trade,  a 
tm-ner.  He  had  eight  sons  and  five  daughters.  He  made  his  will 
in  1707,  and  died  July  1,  1708,  aged  82.  His  wife,  Hannah,  died 
April  24,  1704,  aged  73. 

There  were  twelve  of  this  name  among  the  first  settlers  of  New 
Entilaud. 


96  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Thomas  Hammond,  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  of  Hingham,  took 
the  freeman's  oath  there  9th  of  March,  1637,  had  land  granted  to 
him  there  in  1636,  and  all  his  children  were  born  and  baptized 
in  Hingham.  He  sold  his  lands  in  Hingham  in  1652,  and  his 
dwelling-house  in  1656.  In  1650,  he  and  Vincent  Druce  bought 
of  Nicholas  Hodgden  land  in  Cambridge  Village,  and  in  1658  they 
bought  of  Thomas  Brattle  and  others  six  hundred  acres,  partly  in 
Cambridge  Village  and  partly  in  Muddy  Eiver.  They  held  this 
land  in  common  until  1664,  when  a  division  was  made  between 
them.  The  dividing  line  was  one  hundred  rods  in  length,  running 
over  the  great  hill.  The  pond  was  in  Hammond's  part,  and  has 
been  called  by  his  name  ever  since.  He  also  bought,  in  1656,  three 
hundred  and  thirtj^  acres  of  Esther  Sparhawk.  His  wife's  name 
was  Elizabeth.  They  had  two  sons  and  two  daughters.  He  died 
30th  of  September,  1675,  leaving  a  will  written  by  his  own  hand,  but 
not  signed,  in  which  he  calls  himself  aged,  —  gives  his  wife  his 
dwelling-house,  etc.,  during  her  Ufe  and  divides  his  lands  among 
his  children.  His  inventory  was  taken  by  Elder  Wiswall  and  John 
Spring,  and  amounted  to  £1,139  16s.  2d.  He  had  four  children, 
and  upwards  of  twenty  grandchildren. 

John  Pakker  was  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  of  Hingham.  He 
probabl}'  came  over  in  the  ship  James,  of  London,  in  1635.  He  had 
land  granted  to  him  in  Hingham  in  1636  and  1640.  He  was  a  car- 
penter. He  removed  from  Hingham,  and  bought  a  tract  of  land 
in  the  easterty  \Dart  of  Cambridge  Village,  in  March,  1650,  adjoin- 
ing the  lands  of  John  Ward  and  Vincent  Druce.  By  his  wife, 
Joanna,  he  had  five  sons  and  five  daughters.  He  died  in  1686, 
aged  71.  His  estate,  appraised  by  Captain  Isaac  Williams  and 
John  Spring,  amounted  to  £412  2s.  His  will  is  dated  Sept.  7, 
1686,  and  recorded  in  the  Suffollc  Registry,  11th  volume. 

This  Parker's  homestead  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  Hon. 
Ebenezer  Stone,  soon  after  Parker's  death,  and  is  now  owned  by 
Mr.  John  Kingsbury. 

The  Newton  Parkers  have  descended  from  two  distinct  families, 
viz.,  from  John  and  Joanna,  of  Hingham,  and  from  Samuel  and 
Sarah,  of  Dedham.  Nathaniel  was  a  prominent  man  of  Newton, 
being  the  son  of  Samuel  and  Sarah,  born  in  Dedham  March  26, 
1670.  At  the  time  of  the  erection  of  the  third  meeting-house,  he 
owned  the  land  on  which  it  was  placed,  the  contents  of  which  was 
one  and  a  half  acres  and  twenty  rods,  which  he  sold  for  £15,  and 
conveyed  it  to  the  Selectmen  of  Newton,  in  August,  1716. 


LIVES  OF  FIRST  SETTLERS.  97 

Vincent  Druce  was  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  of  Ilingham, 
being  there  in  1G36.  He  had  land  granted  him  there  in  1G3G  and 
1637.     His  son  John  was  baptized  in  Hingham  in  April,  1641. 

In  1650,  Nicholas  Hodgden,  of  Boston  (now  Brookline),  con- 
veyed to  Thomas  Hammond  and  Vincent  Druce  of  Cambridge,  a 
tract  of  land  in  the  easterly  part  of  Cambridge  Village,  adjoining 
John  Parker's  land,  which  land  was  originall}'  granted  by  the  town 
of  Cambridge  to  Robert  Bradish. 

The  estates  of  Hammond  and  Druce  were  held  in  commonalty 
till  1664,  when  they  agreed  upon  a  division,  the  pond  falling  in 
Hammond's  portion. 

The  highway'  from  Cambridge  Village  to  Muddy  River  (Brook- 
line),  was  laid  out  through  these  lands  in  1658.  John  Ward  con- 
vej'ed  to  Druce  one  hundred  and  thirty  acres  of  land  bounded  east 
b}'  the  Roxbmy  line,  and  north  by  Muddy  River  line. 

The  old  Crafts  house,  situated  on  the  Denny  place,  of  late  thor- 
oughly repaired  and  painted,  and  looking  not  unlike  the  houses 
seen  on  eountrj^  roads,  which  were  formerly  used  as  taverns,  was 
built  b3'  Vincent  Druce  in  the  latter  part  of  the  seventeenth  or  the 
beginning  of  the  eighteenth  century,  and  is  therefore  nearl}'  two 
hundred  3-ears  old.  Vincent  Druce  had  two  sons,  Vincent  and 
John.  Obadiah  Druce,  son  of  John,  and  perhaps  nephew  of 
Vincent,  jr.,  inherited  the  house,  and  spent  his  days  there.  John 
Druce,  the  third  of  the  name,  graduated  at  Harvard  University  in 
1738,  and  settled  as  a  pli3-sician  in  Wrentham.  The  first  John 
Druce  was  a  soldier  in  Captain  Prentice's  troop  of  horse,  and  was 
mortally  wounded  in  the  fight  with  the  Indians  near  Swansey  in 
1675,  and  brought  home  and  died  in  his  own  house,  aged  thirty- 
four.  He  was  probably  the  first  victim  who  fell  in  that  war  from 
Cambridge  Village.  Vincent  Druce  died  Januar}',  1678,  leaving  a 
will,  recorded  in  Suffolk  Records,  Vol.  6. 

James  Prentice,  senior,  and  Thomas  Prentice,  jr.,  both  of 
Cambridge,  purchased  of  Thomas  Danforth,  four  hundred  acres  of 
land,  in  Cambridge,  in  March,  1650  ;  and  in  1657  they  purchased 
one  hundred  acres,  of  Danforth,  "being  the  farm  that  James 
Prentice  now  dwells  on,  bounded  northeast  b^'  land  of  John 
Jackson,"  part  of  which  is  now  the  ancient  burial-place.  This 
Prentice  farm  was  on  the  eastcrl}'  side  of  Centre  Street,  and 
extended  from  the  burial-place,  southwesterly^,  be3-ond  the  house 
occupied  b3'  the  late  Marshall  S.  Rice,  Esq.  James  and  Thomas,  jr. , 
7 


98  HISTOllY  OF   NEWTON. 

or  2d,  were  probably  brothers,  and  doubtless  came  into  Cambridge 
Village  the  same  year  with  Captain  Thomas  Prentice. 

The  ancient  Prentice  house  was  demolished  in  1800  ;  it  stood 
a  few  rods  southeast  of  the  house  afterwards  occupied  by  the  late 
Joshua  Loring. 

James  Prentice  married  Susanna,  the  daughter  of  Captain 
Edward  Johnson,  of  Woburn,  and  had  one  son,  James,  and  five 
daughters.  Captain  Johnson,  by  his  will,  dated  1672,  gives  his 
grandson,  James  Prentice,  £15,  and  also  makes  a  small  bequest  to 
Susanna  and  Hannah  Prentice,  the  daughters  of  his  son-in-law, 
James  Prentice.  He  was  Selectman  in  1G94.  He  died  March  7, 
1710,  aged  eighty-one.  His  son  James,  and  his  widow  Susanna, 
administered  on  his  estate,  which  amounted  to  £286  14s.  James 
sold  out  his  father's  estate  for  £60,  in  1711,  to  his  five  sisters,  "  all 
single  women,"  and  probably  left  the  town. 

Thomas  Prentice,  2d,  purchased  of  Thomas  Danforth  four 
hundred  acres  of  land,  in  Cambridge,  in  March,  1650,  and  one 
hundred  acres  in  1657.  Both  parcels  were  conveyed  to  James 
Prentice  and  Thomas  Prentice,  jr.,  the  one  hundred  acres  being 
described  as  "  the  farm  that  James  Prentice  now  dwells  on."  He 
married  Rebecca,  daughter  of  Edward  Jackson,  senior,  by  his  first 
wife,  who  was  born  in  England,  about  1632,  and  had  six  sons  and 
one  daughter.  There  is  no  record  of  the  births,  marriages,  or 
deaths,  of  the  parents  or  childi'en  of  this  family.  Edward  Jackson, 
hy  his  will,  gave  him  one  hundred  acres  of  land,  called  "  Bald 
Pate  meadow,"  and  several  other  tracts  of  land,  and  to  his  wife 
Rebecca,  a  gold  ring,  with  this  motto,  ^'■Memento  3forex"  (Mori). 
When  he  came  into  the  Village  he  was  called  Thomas,  jr.  ;  when 
Captain  Thomas  Prentice's  son  Thomas  was  grown  up,  he  was 
called  Thomas,  while  the  Captain  was  called  and  widely  known  b}' 
his  military  title.  Edward  Jackson,  b}'  his  will,  made  bequests  to 
both  these  Prentices  in  1681.  The  one  he  styles  Thomas  Prentice, 
and  the  other  Captain  Thomas  Prentice. 

In  1706  he  conveyed  land  to  his  grandsons,  Thomas  and  Samuel, 
and  in  1714  he  convej^ed  land  to  his  sons,  Thomas  and  John,  in 
which  convej^ance  ho  names  his  son  Edward.  There  is  an  affi- 
davit of  his,  signed  Thomas  Prentice,  senior,  dated  1713,  and 
recorded  with  the  deeds,  stating  that  "  sixty  jj-ears  ago  he  held  one 
end  of  a  chain  to  lay  out  a  higlnvay  over  Weed}'  Hill,  in  Cam- 
bridge Village."     Supposing  him  to  be  twenty-one  j'cars  old  then, 


LIVES   OF  FIRST   SETTLERS.  99 

his  biiih  would  have  been  in  1632.  He  lived  to  a  great  age,  but 
the  time  of  his  death  is  unkuown. 

Elder  Thomas  Wiswali.  was  a  prominent  man  among  the  first 
settlers  of  Dorchester.  He  came  to  this  country  about  1637  ;  was 
Selectman  in  Dorchester  in  1644  and  '52,  and  highway  surveyor 
in  Cambridge  Village  in  1656,  having  removed  into  the  Village  in 
1654.  He  was  one  of  the  signers  of  a  petition  for  the  support  of 
a  free  school  in  Dorchester  in  1641,  took  the  freeman's  oath  in 
1654,  and  was  one  of  the  petitioners  to  the  General  Court  for 
having  the  inhabitants  of  Cambridge  Village  released  from  paying- 
taxes  to  Cambridge  Church.  In  1657,  he  and  his  wife  conveyed  to 
his  son  Enoch,  of  Dorchester,  his  homestead  in  Dorchester,  which 
formerl}"  belonged  to  Mr.  Maverick. 

In  1664,  he  was  ordained  ruling  elder  of  the  Cambridge  Village 
church.  His  homestead  in  the  Village  consisted  of  three  hundred 
acres,  including  the  pond  which  still  bears  his  name.  His  house 
was  upon  its  south  bank,  now  owned  hy  Mr.  Luther  Paul.  He  had 
four  sons  and  three  daughters,  with  upwards  of  thirt}^  gi-andchil- 
dreu.  His  last  wife,jvas  Isabella  Farmer,  widow,  from  Ansly, 
in  England.  He  died  intestate,  December  6,  1683,  aged  eight}'. 
His  inventory  amounted  to  £340.  There  is  no  monument  to  his 
memorj'  unless  the  pond  be  such.  Surely  none  could  be  more 
beautiful  or  enduring.  It  was  his,  and  has  for  two  centuries  been 
known  as  "  Wiswall's  Pond."  In  the  deed  conve^ang  his  estates  in 
Dorchester  to  his  son  Enoch,  signed  by  himself  and  his  wife,  the 
latter  makes  her  cross  mark.  On  the  day  of  the  ordination  of  John 
Eliot,  jr.,  as  pastor  of  the  First  Church,  he  was  ordained  Ruling 
Elder,  or  assistant  pastor,  "  in  inspecting  and  disciplining  the 
flock."  In  1668  he  was  appointed  by  the  authorities  of  Cam- 
bridge to  catechize  the  children.  The  inventor}'  of  his  estate 
specified  £340,  two  hundred  and  seven  acres  of  land  and  fom' 
Bibles.  There  is  no  monument  to  his  memor}'.  His  son,  Noah, 
married  Theodosia,  daughter  of  John  Jackson,  and  had  two  sons 
and  six  daughters.  He  was  slain  on  the  Sabbath,  Jul}'  6,  1690,  in 
an  engagement  with  the  French  and  Indians,  at  Wheeler's  Pond, 
afterwards  Lee,  New  Hampshire.  His  son,  Ichabod,  became  min- 
ister of  Duxbury. 

John  Kenkick  was  born  in  England  in  1605,  was  in  Boston  as 
early  as  1639,  and  then  a  member  of  the  church.  He  took  the 
freeman's  oath  in  1640 ;  owned  a  wharf  on  the  easterly  side  of 


100  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

the  town  dock,  since  called  Tjmg's  wharf,  which  he  sold  in  1652, 
and  purchased  two  hundred  and  fifty  acres  of  land  in  the  southerlj^ 
part  of  Cambridge  Village,  in  1658.  His  house  was  near  the 
bridge  across  Charles  River,  which  has  been  called  Kenrick's  Bridge 
from  that  day  to  this.  His  first  wife,  Anna,  died  November.  1656. 
He  died  August  29,  1686,  aged  eight3'-two.  His  second  wife, 
Judith,  died  at  Roxbury,  August  23,  1687.  He  had  two  sons, 
John  and  Elijah,  and  one  daughter,  Hannah,  who  married 
Jonathan  Metcalf,  of  Dedham.  John  had  nine  daughters  and  two 
sons,  and  Elijah  three  daughters  and  three  sons.  In  his  will,  dated 
three  j'ears  earlier,  he  states  his  age  to  be  "  about  sevent3'-eight." 
He  left  in  his  will  a  bequest  to  his  pastor,  Rev.  Nehemiah  Hobart, 
four  acres  of  meadow,  or  £10,  at  the  option  of  his  son  John. 

Captain  Isaac  Williams  was  the  second  son  of  Robert  Williams, 
of  Roxbur}',  who  came  from  Norwich,  England,  the  common 
ancestor  of  many  distinguished  men,  who  have  honored  the  country 
of  their  birth.  Isaac  was  born  in  Roxbury,  September  1,  1638. 
He  married  Martha,  daughter  of  Deacon  William  Park,  of  Rox- 
bur}'^,  about  1661,  and  settled  in  the  west  part  of  the  Village.  His 
second  wife  was  Judith  Cooper.  He  owned  five  hundred  acres  of 
land,  adjoining  John  Fuller's  farm  on  the  west.  Thomas  Park, 
John  Fuller  and  Isaac  Williams  were  the  first,  and  probably  at 
that  time,  the  onl}^  settlers  of  West  Newton.  Williams'  house  was 
about  thirty  rods  northeasterly  of  the  West  Parish  meeting-house, 
near  the  brook,  and  on  land  afterwards  owned  by  Mrs.  Whitwell. 
He  was  a  weaver  b}' trade,  and  represented  the  town  in  the  General 
Court  six  years,  and  was  Selectman  three  years.  His  farm  was 
divided  among  his  three  sons,  two  hundred  and  fifty  acres  to  Isaac, 
one  hundred  to  Eleazer,  and  to  Ephraim  one  hundred  and  fifty 
and  the  mansion  house.  This  land  was  granted  by  the  town 
of  Cambridge  to  Samuel  Shepard,  in  1640.  In  1652,  Robert 
Barrington,  Esq.,  obtained  judgment  against  the  estate  of  Samuel 
Shepard,  and  this  tract  was  appraised  at  £150,  to  satisfy  the  exe- 
cution. Deacon  William  Park,  of  Roxbmy,  the  father  of  Isaac 
Williams'  first  v/ife,  paid  the  execution,  and  took  this  tract  of  land 
for  his  son-in-law. 

Captain  Williams  died  February  11,  1707,  aged  sixty-nine,  and 
was  buried  under  arms  by  the  Company  of  Foot.  He  was  twice 
married,  and  had  twelve  children,  and  upwards  of  fifty  grand- 
children.    His  son  William  graduated  at  Harvard  College  in  1683, 


LIVES   OF  FIRST   SETTLERS.  101 

and  became  minister  of  Hatfield.  His  sou  Epiiraini  married 
Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Abraham  Jackson,  and  Ephraim,  son  of 
this  Ephraim,  was  the  founder  of  Williams  College. 

Gregory  Cooke  was  a  Constable  in  Cambridge  Village  in  1GG7  ; 
afterwards  Selectman  inMendon,  in  1GG9  and  1G70,  and  proprietor 
of  fort}'  acres  of  land  there.  He  was  of  Watertown  in  1673  and 
1684.  In  1665  Abraham  Williams  convej-ed  to  him  his  late  man- 
sion place  and  about  six  acres  of  land  at  Newton  Corner,  near  the 
Watertown  line.  This  mansion  house  was  on  the  site  of  the  resi- 
dence formerl}'  of  Henry  Fuller.  It  was  demolished  in  1823, 
being  then  about  a  hundred  and  fifty  j'ears  old.  He  was  a  shoe- 
maker b}^  trade,  and  died  January  1,  1G90-1. 

Abraham  Williams  came  from  Watertown,  where  he  took  the 
freeman's  oath  in  1G.'32.  He  purchased  a  dwelling-house  and 
twelve  acres  of  land  of  John  Callon  in  August,  1654.  In  1662 
he  purchased  of  William  Clemens  a  dwelling-house  and  six  aci'cs 
of  land,  in  what  is  now  Newton,  very  near  the  Watertown  line. 
He  married  Joanna,  sister  of  John  Ward,  about  IGGO,  by  whom 
he  had  two  sons  and  two  daughters,  and  perhaps  others  ;  two  of 
them  were  born  in  Cambridge  Village.  After  living  in  the  Village 
about  eight  years,  he  sold  his  place  to  Gregory  Cooke,  and 
removed  to  Marlboro'  in  1668,  near  Belchar's  Pond.  Ho  was  a 
Colonel  in  the  militia,  and  represented  Marlboro'  in  the  General 
Court.  He  kept  a  public  house  in  that  town,  which  was  long  known 
by  the  name  of  the  "Williams  Tavern,"  where  he  died  Dec.  29, 
1712,  aged  84.  His  widow  Joanna  died  Dec.  8,  1718,  aged  90. 
His  will  was  dated  Dec.  18,  1711. 

Dea.  James  Tro"\vbridge  was  born  in  Dorchester,  and  baptized 
there  in  1638.  His  father  was  Thomas  Trowbridge,  one  of  the 
early  settlers  of  Dorchester,  a  merchant,  and  was  engaged  in  the 
Barbadoes  trade ;  he  came  from  Taunton,  England,  where  his 
father  founded  a  large  charit}'  for  poor  widows,  which  is  still  admin- 
istered for  their  benefit.  TJiomas  v/ent  home  to  Taunton  in  1644, 
leaving  his  three  sons  in  charge  of  Sergeant  Jeffries,  of  Dorches- 
ter, who  removed  with  those  sons  to  New  Haven  about  1638. 
Thomas,  tlie  father,  died  in  Taunton,  England,  about  1670. 
James  returned  from  New  Haven  to  Dorchester  about  1656,  where 
he  married  Margaret,  the  daughter  of  Major  Humphrey  Atherton, 
December  30,  1659,  and  had  three  children  in  Dorchester,  and 
removed  to  Cambridge  Village ;  his  wife  Margaret  was  dismissed 


102  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

from  Dorchester  to  form  the  chm'chin  Cambridge  Village,  in  1664, 
After  the  death  of  John  Jackson  he  became  deacon  of  the  church. 
He  was  one  of  the  first  Board  of  Selectmen  formed  in  the  Village, 
in  August,  1679,  and  continued  in  that  office  nine  years. 

In  1675  he  purchased  of  Deputy  Governor  Danforth,  eighty-five 
acres  of  land  with  a  dwelHng-house,  standing  where  Mr.  Nathan 
Trowbridge's  house  stood  in  later  times,  which  he  had  occupied 
for  some  years  ;  bounded  by  the  highwaj's  west  and  south,  a  nar- 
row lane  north,  his  own  land  east,  the  dividing  line  being  straight 
through  the  swamp.  He  was  a  Lieutenant,  Clerk  of  the  Writs  in 
1G91  and  1693,  and  Representative  in  the  General  Com-t  in  1700 
and  1703.  He  had  five  sons  and  nine  daughters,  and  upwards  of 
eighty  grandchildren.  His  first  wife  died  June  17,  1672  ;  second 
wife  was  Margaret,  the  daughter  of  Deacon  John  Jackson ;  she 
died  September  16,  1727,  aged  48.  He  died  May  22,  1717,  aged 
81,  leaving  a  will  dated  1709. 

Rev.  John  Eliot,  Jr.,  was  the  son  of  Rev.  John  Eliot,  the 
apostle  to  the  Indians.  He  was  born  in  Roxbur}',  August  31, 
1636,  and  graduated  at  Harvard  College  in  1656.  He  began  to 
preach  in  1658,  in  his  twenty-second  j^ear.  He  gained  consider- 
able proficiency  in  the  Indian  language,  and  aided  his  father  in 
missionar}^  work  until  his  settlement  as  first  pastor  of  the  church 
in  Newton.  He  was  ordained  July  20,  1664.  The  church  was 
organized  the  same  day.  After  his  ordination,  he  preached  once 
a  fortnight  to  the  Indians  at  Stoughtou,  and  occasionally  at  Natick. 
A  tender  and  inviolable  aftection  existed  between  him  and  his  peo- 
ple. He  is  said  to  have  been  "  an  accomphshed  person,  of  comely 
proportion,  ruddy  complexion,  cheerful  countenance,  and  quick 
apprehension ;  a  good  classical  scholar,  and  having  considerable 
scientific  knowledge,  for  one  of  his  age  and  period."  He  died 
October  13,  1668,  aged  33, —  four  years  and  three  months  after 
his  ordination, —  and  was  buried  within  a  few  feet  of  the  pulpit 
whei'e  he  preached.  His  homestead  was  on  the  west  side  of  the 
Dedham  road,  about  sixty  rods  north  of  the  cemeter}',  and  the 
well  from  which  he  drew  his  water  is  still  in  use,  on  the  Edmands 
property,  on  the  west  side  of  Centre  Street. 

Bj''  his  will,  he  desired  that  his  house  and  land  should  be  pre- 
served for  his  son  John,  for  his  inheritance,  to  enter  upon  after  his 
mother's  decease.  It  continued  to  be  the  property  of  his  son  John, 
as  long  as  he  lived.  After  his  death,  it  was  sold  to  Henry 
Gibbs,  Esq.,  for  £415,  in  October,  1733,  by  order  of  the  General 


LIVES   OF  FIRST  SETTLERS.  103 

Court,  on  the  petition  of  his  executors.  Their  petition  states 
that  the  place  was  given  to  him  b}^  his  father's  will,  and  the}- 
pray  that  it  may  be  sold  for  the  purpose  of  raising  money  to  carry 
his  son  John  (then  seventeen  years  old)  through  College,  at  New 
Haven.  It  was  bounded,  by  the  deed,  east  b}"  the  Dedham  high- 
wa}' ;  south  bj^  lands  of  John  Spring ;  north  and  west  by  lands 
of  Rev.  John  Cotton.  Colonel  John  Chandler,  of  Worcester, 
acted  as  attorney'  for  the  executors.  Henry  Gibbs,  Esq.,  sold  the 
Eliot  homestead  to  the  Rev.  John  Cotton,  in  1736,  for  £300. 
The  heu's  of  the  Jlev.  John  Cotton  sold  it  to  Charles  Pelham,  Esq. , 
in  April,  1765. 

Lieutenant  John  Spring  was  born  in  England  in  1630  and 
came  to  this  country  in  1634  with  his  parents,  John  and  Eleanor, 
who  settled  in  Watertown.  The  son  married  Hannah,  daughter 
of  "William  and  Anabel  Barsham  of  Watertown,  and  removed  to 
Cambridge  Village  about  1664.  His  house  stood  on  the  west 
side  of  Centre  Street,  opposite  the  old  cemeteiy,  very  near  the 
house  of  the  late  Gardner  Colb}'.  He  built  the  first  giist  mill  in 
Newton,  on  Smelt  Brook,  near  the  centre  of  the  town.  "  He  was 
Selectman  eight  years,  from  1686,  Representative  three  j^ears, 
sealer  of  weights  and  measures,  Ueutenant,  pound-keeper,  tithing- 
man,  sweeper  of  the  meeting-house,  etc.  It  is  supposed  that  he 
gave  the  land  for  the  second  meeting-house,  1796,  which  stood 
very  near  his  own  house,  and  the  town  afterwards  re-conveyed  it 
to  his  sou  John  ;  but  he  never  thought  it  worth  his  while,  it  seems, 
to  put  any  deeds  on  record."  He  died  May  18,  1717,  aged  87. 
He  had  ten  children,  the  first  nine  being  daughters,  and  a  multi- 
tude of  grandchildren.  His  wife  died  August  18,  1710,  aged  73. 
He  was  a  veiy  active  and  useful  man  in  the  Village. 

Daniel  Bacon  was  an  early  settler  in  Bridgewater,  and  took  the 
freeman's  oath  in  1647.  His  family  removed  to  Cambridge  Village 
about  1669.  He  was  a  tailor  by  trade.  He  purchased  several 
parcels  of  land  in  Cambridge  Village  and  Watertown,  portions  of 
which  were  afterwards  conve3-ed  to  Oakes  Angler,  General  WilUam 
Hull  and  others,  and  on  a  part  of  one  of  these  parcels  was  erected 
the  Nouantum  House.     He  died  in  1691. 

Captain  John  Sherman  was  one  of  the  earty  settlers  of  Water- 
town.  His  grandson  WiUiam,  a  shoemaker,  was  the  father  of 
Roger  Shei-man,  one  of  the  signers  of  the  Declaration  of  Inde- 
pendence, Roger  Sherman  was  born  in  Newton,  April  19,  1721, 
near  the  Sldnner  place  on  Waverly  Avenue. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

SPECIAL  GRANTS  OF  LAND  BY  THE  GENERAL  COURT. —  CONVEYANCES 

OF  ESTATES. FROM  PROPRIETORS'  RECORDS. FROM  RECORDS 

OF  SUFFOLK  COUNTY. FROM  RECORDS  OF  MIDDLESEX  COUNTY. 

In  the  very  early  periods  of  Cambridge,  long  before  Cambridge 
Village  was  a  separate  settlement,  even  in  the  conception  of  the  first 
settlers  around  the  College,  special  grants  of  land  were  made  to 
individuals  by  the  General  Court.  Many  of  these  grants  fell 
within  the  territorial  limits  of  what  was  afterwards  Newton,  and 
therefore  belong  to  the  records  of  its  history.  We  take  the  fol- 
lowing extracts  from  the  Records  of  the  General  Court : 

1G32. 
November. — "Mr.  Phillips  hath  thirty  acres  land  granted  him  on  the  south 
side  Charles  Eiver,  beginning  at  a  creek  a  little  higher  than  the  first  Pines, 
and  so  upwards  towards  the  Wear."  This  was  claimed  by  Watertown  ;  "  but 
in  1G34  the  Court  ordered  that  the  meadow  (marsh)  on  this  side  the  Water- 
town  wear,  about  thirty  acres,  shall  belong  to  Newtown." 

1G34. 
April  1.  — "  There  is  one  thousand  acres  of  land  and  a  great  pond  (Wiswall's 
Pond)  granted  to  John  Haynes,  Esq. ;  five  hundred  acres  to  Thomas  Dudlej', 

Esq. ;  acres  to   Samuel  Dudley,  and  two  hundred  acres  to  Daniel 

Dennison, —  all  lying  and  being  above  the  Falls  on  the  east  side  of  Charles 
lliver,  to  enjoy,  to  them  and  their  heirs  forever;  and  five  hundred  acres  to 
Simon  Bradstreet,  northwest  of  the  land  of  John  Ilaynes,  Esq. ;  he  shall 
take  no  part  of  it  within  a  mile  of  Watertown  wear,  in  case  the  bounds  of 
Watertown  shall  e.xtend  so  far  on  that  side  the  river."  In  1643,  "Bradstreet 
had  liberty  to  take  his  five  hundred  acres  in  any  other  place,  not  yet  granted 
to  another." 

1G41. 
June. —  Mr.  Mayhew  shall  enjoy  one  hundred  and  fifty  acres  of  land  on 
the  south  side  of  Charles  River,  by  Watertown  wear. 

1G43. 
]\Ir.  Mayhew  is  granted  three  hundred  acres  land  in  regard  to  his  charge 
about  the  bridge  by  Watertown  mill,  and  the  bridge  to  belong  to  the  country. 

104 


EXTRACTS  FROM  RECORDS.  ;05 

1G34. 
The  Court  ordered  that  the  constable  and  four  men,  of  the  chief  inhabitants 
of  every  town,  to  be  cliosen  by  the  freemen  with  the  advice  of  some  one  or 
more  of  the  assistants,  shall  make  survey  of  the  houses  and  lands  improved, 
or  enclosed,  as  granted  by  special  order  of  the  Court,  of  every  free  inhabi- 
tant there,  and  shall  enter  the  same  in  a  book,  with  their  bounds  and  quantity 
by  the  nearest  estimation,  and  shall  deliver  a  transcript  thereof  into  Court 
within  six  months  next  ensuing;  and  the  same,  so  entered  and  recorded,  shall 
be  sufficient  assurance  to  every  such  free  inliabitant,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  of 
such  estates  of  inheritance,  and  also,  the  same  course  to  be  had  respecting 
town  lots.  And  every  sale  or  grant  of  such  house  or  lots  shall  from  time  to 
time  be  entered  in  said  book  by  said  constable  and  four  inhabitants,  or  their 
successors. 

The  lavish  grants  of  land  to  these  early  settlers  by  the  General 
Court  set  the  former  days  in  striking  contrast  with  modern  times. 
An  acre  of  ground  then  was  held  no  more  valuable  than  a  few 
square  yards  now.  But  the  discrepancy  in  the  worth  of  lands,  at 
the  two  contrasted  periods,  is  no  greater  than  the  difference  in  the 
cu'cumstauces,  the  number,  the  wealth  and  the  dispositions  of  the 
people.  Once  they  were  few  ;  now  they  are  many.  Then  their 
path  led  through  hardship,  and  self-denial,  and  comparative  pov- 
erty ;  now,  luxury  of  every  kind  abounds.  Then  their  wants  were 
natural ;  now,  artificial.  The  riches  they  coveted  most  of  all  was 
the  broad  acres  of  mother  earth.  As  gold  and  silver  is,  at  pres- 
ent, so  much  "  condensed  world,"  and  represents  to  us  an  appre- 
ciable amount  of  enjo^'ment,  so  the  lands  which  they  cultivated 
represented  to  them  all  which  the  human  heart  craves.  And  the 
government,  whose  strength  and  dignity,  whose  stability  and  suc- 
cess depended  on  an  industrious,  enterprising  and  contented  popu- 
lation, had  an  interest  in  stimulating  industry  and  enterprise,  in 
rewarding  labor,  in  increasing  the  quantity  of  land  subdued  by 
toil,  and  capable  of  yielding  a  profitable  return  to  the  farmer,  and 
thus  an  added  value  to  the  real  property  of  the  State.  These 
grants  were  not  designed  to  build  up  great  landed  properties,  as  in 
England,  and  to  create  an  aristocracy  ;  but  to  encoiu-age  the  de- 
velopment of  the  resources  of  the  country,  and  to  distribute  the 
soil  in  such  a  way  as  to  bring  it  in  the  least  possible  time  to  ^icld 
the  largest  possible  returns. 

CONVEYANCES    OF    ESTATES. 

The  successive  ownership  of  portions  of  real  estate  has  a  lively 
interest  for  the  antiquarian,  beyond  its  more  legal  importance. 


lae  HISTORY    or   KEWTON. 

Territory,  accurately  mapped  out,  and  presented  to  the  eye  with 
the  early  names  known  within  it  and  on  its  borders,  seems  to  be 
peopled  with  living  men,  and  we  almost  consciously  mingle  with 
them  in  their  surroundings  and  in  their  daily  pursuits.  The  early 
history',  both  of  property  and  men,  receives  valuable  illustration 
from  such  descriptions  of  real  estate  and  the  transfer  of  titles. 
We  find  materials  for  this  class  of  illustrations,  in  addition  to  what 
has  gone  before,  in  the  Records  of  the  Proprietors  of  Cambridge, 
and  in  the  Deeds  registered  in  the  Suffolk  and  Middlesex  Counties. 

FKOM   THE    RECOKDS    OF    THE    PROPRIETORS    OF    CAMBRIDGE. 

1G39. 

John  Jackson  bought  of  Miles  Ives  one  dwelling-house  with  eighteen  acres 
land  on  the  south  side  of  Charles  River  in  Cambridge  bounds ;  bounded 
southeast  on  Samuel  Holly ;  northeast  vipon  the  river ;  southwest,  being  the 
upper  end  of  it,  joining  the  Common,  and  set  out  by  stakes  ;  northwest  with 
a  brook  [creek],  and  he  to  reach  to  the  middle  of  it. 

Samuel  Holly,  one  dwelling-house  with  eighteen  acrQ3  of  land,  southeast 
on  Randolph  Bush ;  northeast  on  the  river ;  northwest  on  John  Jackson,  and 
southwest  on  the  Common. 

Randolph  Bush,  one  dwelling-house  and  eighteen  acres  of  land,  westerly 
on  Samuel  Holly;  east  on  William  Redsen;  Common  lands,  south;  the 
river,  Edward  Howe  and  Abraham  Child,  north. 

1640. 
Joseph    Cooke  was   granted  four   hundred   and  fifty  acres  land  beyond 
Cheesecake  brook ;  Charles  River,  north  ;  Common  lands,  south ;  and  Her- 
bert Pelham,  Esq.,  west;  and  four  hundred  acres  to  Samuel  Shepard,  beyond 
the  land  granted  to  Joseph  Cooke,  bounding  east  on  Cooke. 

1641. 
Thomas  Parish  was  granted  one  hundred  acres  land  on  the  left  hand  of  the 
great  plain  towards  Mr.  Haynes'  farm,  between  two  brooks,  on  the  southeast 
side  of  Chestnut  Hill,  Avith  a  swamp  on  the  southeast.  [Both  these  brooks 
cross  Centre  Street,  one  a  little  south  of  the  First  Parish  church,  and  the 
other  a  little  north  of  the  old  burying  ground.  Thomas  Parish  sold  this  land 
by  his  attorney  Danforth  to  James  and  Thomas  Prentice  1657.] 

1642. 
William  Redsen,  one  dwelling-house  and  four  acres  land,  west  by  Ran- 
dolph Bush ;  south  and  east  by  the  Common. 

1647. 
Samuel  and  Jonathan  Hyde  bought  forty  acres  land,  bounded  by  Richard 
Park  north ;  late  Mayhew's  farm  west ;  Dedhara  highway  southeast ;  and  Com- 
mon lands  southwest. 


EXTRACTS  FROM  RECORDS.  107 

Thomas  Danforth  sold  to  John  Jackson  twenty  acres  land,  highway  to  Rox- 
burynortli;  William  Clemens  west;  Thomas  Danforth  southwest;  common 
lands  southeast. 

1650. 

The  Common  lands  recovered  of  Dedham,  not  formerly  granted  or  disposed 
of,  are  sold  to  Edward  Jackson,  Edward  Goffe,  John  Jackson  and  Thomas 
Danforth,  for  £20,  according  to  agreement  by  the  town,  25,  10,  1G50. 

1G61. 
The  town  do  agree  and  consent  that  all  tlie  Common  lands  on  the  south 
side  of  the  river,   on  the  east  side  of  Dedham  path,  shall  be  divided  into 
propriety  to  the  several  inhabitants  that  have  an  interest  therein. 

1G6-1. 
The  town  of  Cambridge  formerly  gave  to  Thomas  Shepard,  the  late  pastor, 
three  hundred  acres  land  beyond  Watcrtown  mill,  adjoining  thnt  which  was 
Mayhew's;  also  two  hundred  acres  more,  near  Samuel  Shepard's  farm. 
[These  five  hundred  acres  were  probably  granted  to  Shepard  at  his  settle- 
ment in  1G3().  He  died  in  1649,  about  which  time  they  doubtless  passed  into 
the  hands  of  Richard  Park;  the  conveyance,  however,  is  not  upon  record. 
They  are  no  doubt  part  of  the  same  lands  bequeathed  by  his  will  in  1665  to 
his  son  Thomas  Park,  and  were  divided  among  the  children  of  Thomas  in 
1693-4.] 

FKOBI   SUFFOLK   DEEDS. 

1638. 

Thomas  Mayhew,  of  Watertown,  merchant  [formerly  Medford],  grants 
unto  Simon  Bradstreet,  of  Ipswich,  in  consideration  of  six  cows,  all  that  his 
farm,  containing  by  estimation  five  hundred  acres,  lying  in  Cambridge,  with 
all  the  buildings  thereto  belonging ;  and  this  was  by  indenture,  dated  29tli 
September,  1638. 

September  18,  1643. 

Thomas  Carter,  of  Woburn,  pastor,  granted  unto  Edward  Jackson,  of  Cam- 
bridge, naylor,  his  meadow  [marsh]  at  the  Pines,  which  he  bought  of  Rob- 
ert Feake,  which  lyeth  in  Cambridge  between  the  Pines  and  a  certain  piece 
of  meadow  now  in  the  hands  of  Emery  ISTorcross,  about  six  acres,  more  or 
less,  and  the  greater  part  abutting  on  Charles  River,  and  some  smallest  of  it 
on  Mr.  Philips'  land,  in  consideration  of  £15. 

7.  8.  1643. 
Samuel  Holly,  of  Cambridge,  grants  unto  Edward  Jackson,  of  the  same 
town,  six  acres  of  land  lying  on  the  south  side  of  the  way  that  leads  to  Rox- 
bury,  and  joins  east  to  the  land  now  in  the  tenure  of  the  said  Jackson ;  it  is 
forty  rods  long  from  the  highway  towards  the  Common,  and  twenty-four  rods 
broad;  in  consideration  of  £5  in  hand  paid  by  said  Jackson. 

1646. 
Simon  Bradstreet,  of  Andover,  gent.,  granted  unto  Mr.  Edward  Jackson, 
of  Cambridge,  naylor,  in  consideration  of  £140  already  paid,  his  farm  of  five 


108  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

hundred  acres,  which  was  lately  in  the  tenure  of  Thomas  Mayhew,  adjoining 
the  Wear  lands,  bounded  with  pastor  Shepard  north ;  Elder  Charapney  west 
[east]  ;  and  the  Common  south  and  east,  with  all  the  rights  and  privileges, 
yea,  appurtenances ;  and  this  ^^as  by  an  absolute  deed,  with  warranty  and 
bond  of  £2,  to  secure  it  from  any  claim,  either  himself  or  Thomas  Mayhew. 
This  deed  was  acknowledged  by  Bradstreet  before  Governor  Winthrop. 

30.  G.   1658. 
Thomas  Brattle  and  others  conveyed  to  Thomas  Hammond  and  Vincent 
Druce,  of  Cambridge,  six  hundred  acres  at  Muddy  River,  called  the  "Roy- 
ton  Farm,"  surveyed  by  John  Oliver,  bounded  north  partly  on  Roxbury  line, 
and  south  partly  on  the  Cambridge  line ;  consideration,  £100. 

FROM    MIDDLESEX    DEEDS. 

G.  G.   1G50. 
Nicholas   Hodgsden  and  vrife  Elizabeth,  of  Boston  [Brookline],  to  John 
Parker,  for  £8  6s.  8d.,  one  third  of  all  the  land  he  bought  of  Robert  Bradish. 

1650. 
Nicholas  Hodgsden  to  Thomas  Hammond  and  Vincent  Druce,  both  of 
Hingham,  joint  purchasers  of  sixty-seven  acres  of  land  on  Cambridge  Hill; 
also,  twenty-nine  acres  more,  adjoining  John  Parker's  land,  north-northwest 
and  northeast. 

April  6,  1652. 

Administrators  of  Dea.  Nathaniel  Sparhawk  to  Samuel  and  Jonathan  Hyde, 
two  hundred  acres  land,  part  of  which  is  bounded  with  Roxbury  highway 
north;  Richard  Champney  southiast;  Steplien  Day  west;  and  twenty  acres 
more,  part  of  which  is  lying  within  the  Indian  fence. 

1-1.  9.  1656. 
Esther  Sparhawk,  daughter  of  Nathaniel  Sparhawk,  to  Thomas  Hammond, 
for  £40,  three  hundred  and  thirty  acres  of  land  granted  by  the  town  of  Cam- 
bridge to  her  father,  now  in  posscss'ion  of  said  Hammond ;  John  Ward  and 
Thomas  Prentice  north ;  land  of  Robert  Bradish  south  and  west. 

1656. 

Thomas  Woolson,  of  Cambridge,  to  Jonathan  Hyde,  eighty  acres  of  land, 
being  one  eighth  of  the  land  recovered  from  Dedham,  bounded  with  Thomas 
Wiswall's  farm  south.  [The  same  land  that  Cambridge  sold  to  Edward  Goffe, 
and  Goffe  to  Woolson.] 

March,  1657. 

Thomas  Danforth,  attorney  to  Thomas  Parish,  of  Naylond  County,  Suffolk, 
England,  to  James  and  Thomas  Prentice,  jr.,  one  hundred  acres  land  for  £61, 
being  all  that  farm  whereon  James  Prentice  now  dwells ;  northwest  by  Ded- 
ham highway  [Centre  Street]  ;  southwest  by  land  of  William  Clemens ;  and 
northeast  by  land  of  John  Jackson. 


EXTRACTS  FROM  RECORDS.  109 

January,  1G58. 
Richard  Parker  and  wife  Ann,  of  Boston,  to  John  Kcnrick,  two  hundred 
and  fifty  acres  of  land,  which  he  formerly  purchased  of  Thomas  Mayhew ; 
Cliarles  River  west ;  the  Haynes  farm  north ;  John  Jackson  and  others  east, 
with  farm,  house  and  barn  thereon,  for  £200. 

December,  1G58. 
Joseph  Cooke,  of  Cambridge,  to  John  Fuller,  for  £1G0,  seven  hundred  and 
fifty  acres  land,  north  and  west  hy  Charles  River,  the  winding  part  of  the 
river  west ;  east  by  Thomas  Park,  and  south  by  Samuel  Shepard's  farm,  being 
a  straight  line  between. 

1061.  • 
Edward  Jackson  to  his  son-in-law,  John  Ward,  and  Hannah  his  wife,  all 
that  tract  of  land  where  they  have  entered  and  built  their  house,  being  forty- 
five  acres  [which  he  bought  of  Elder  Frost],  bounded  by  the  highway  to 
Hammond's  south;  Captain  Prentice  west ;  John  Jackson  east;  and  highway 
north.     [This  deed  Avas  not  acknowledged  until  fourteen  years  after  its  date.] 

1663. 
Elder  Frost,  of  Cambridge,  to  Captain  Thomas  Prentice,  eighty-five  acres ; 
Jolm  Ward  east,  Samuel  Hyde  north ;  William  Clemens,  James  and  Thomas 
Prentice,  jr.,  west;  Common  lands  south. 

1669. 

William  Clemens,  jr.,  to  Daniel  Bacon,  of  Bridgewater,  tailor,  twenty- 
five  acres  of  land  he  lately  purchased  of  Richard  Dummer,  of  Boston;  high- 
way from  Watertown  to  Roxbury  south ;  land  of  said  Clemens  east ;  and 
Charles  River  northeast,  for  £60. 

1672. 

Jeremiah  Dummer,  of  Boston,  to  Gregory  Cooke,  one  hundred  and  twelve 
acres  land,  partly  in  Cambridge  [Newton]  and  partly  in  Watertown,  with 
house  and  barn  thereon,  for  £145  ;  highway  east ;  Edward  Jackson  and  Daniel 
Bacon  south ;  Charles  River  north ;  Thomas  Park  west. 

1673. 
Thomas  Hammond  to  Thomas  Greenwood,  seven  acres  land  adjoining 
Captain  Prentice  and  John  Ward.  Greenwood  also  bought  Isaac  Parker's 
homestead  in  1686,  house,  barn  and  twenty-four  acres ;  east  by  Thomas  Ham- 
mond ;  south  by  Nathaniel  Hammond ;  west  by  Jonathan  Hammond ;  and  north 
by  John  Druce.     He  also  bought  about  forty  acres  of  others. 

1675. 
Thomas  Danforth  to  James  Trowbridge,  the  now  mansion  place  of  said 
Trowbridge,  with  house,  barn,  out-houses  and  eighty-five  acres  of  land ; 
bounded  with  the  narrow  lane  north ;  Samuel  Hyde  and  highway  west ;  high- 
way south;  and  land  of  said  Danforth  east;  the  dividing  line  being  straight 
througli  the  swamp. 


110  HISTORY  OE  NEWTON. 

1678. 
Samuel  Hyde,  deacon,  to  his  son-in-law,  Humphrey  Osland,  shoemaker,  a 
piece  of  land  upon  which  said  Osland  has  erected  a  house ;  bounded  with 
highway  east ;  his  own  land  north ;  and  by  John  Crane  west  and  south. 

1681. 
Richard  Robbins,  of  Cambridge,  to  John  Woodward,  weaver,  and  his  wife, 
Rebecca,  daughter  of  said  Robbins ;  north  by  a  way  leading  to  the  Lower 
Falls ;  south  by  Charles  River ;  east  by  land  of  Esquire  Pelham ;  and  west 

by  Thomas  Crosswell. 

1689. 

Agreement  between  the  proprietors  of  great  Ball  Pate  meadow,  to  main- 
tain the  same  and  keep  open  the  ditch  through  the  meadow,  every  one  doing 
his  part  according  to  his  proportion  of  the  meadow ;  and  also  to  fence  said 
meadow  against  swine  and  great  cattle.  Thomas  Prentice,  senior,  seventy 
rods  on  the  south  side  of  the  meadow,  by  his  son's  house,  which  is  twenty 
rods  more  than  his  proportion  because  he  has  a  greater  advantage  in  flowing 
than  the  others ;  Jonathan  Hyde,  senior,  twenty-five  rods ;  Jonathan  Hyde, 
jr.,  twenty-five  rods;  John  Hyde,  twenty-five  rods;  William  Hyde,  twenty- 
five  rods ;  Thomas  Sadgrove,  twenty-five  rods  ;  Erossman  Drew,  twenty-five 
rods. 

Signed  by  the  above  named  parties. 

Witness :  Thomas  Greenwood, 
Thomas  Chamberlain. 

1698. 

Eleazer  Hyde  to  his  brother  Daniel  Hyde  twenty  acres  land ;  east  by  Jona- 
than Hyde  ;  south  by  the  pond  called  Haynes'  pond;  west  by  Daniel  Hyde; 
and  north  by  Ichabod  Hyde.     [All  sons  of  Jonathan  Hyde,  senior.] 

Jonathan  Hyde,  senior,  and  wife  Mary  to  his  son  William  Hyde,  forty 
acres  of  upland  and  five  of  meadow ;  southwest  by  Thomas  Danforth ;  north 
by  Ichabod  Hyde ;  and  east  by  his   own  land.     Also,  ten  acres  more  in  1700. 

Also,  to  his  son  Daniel  Hyde,  thirty-five  acres  where  he  hatli  entered  and 
built  his  now  dwelling-house ;  north  by  Captain  Prentice ;  west  by  William 
Hyde;  south  by  Samuel  Hyde;  and  east  by  Ichabod  Hyde.  Also,  ten  acres 
more,  adjoining  Samuel  and  William. 

Also,  to  his  son  Ichabod  Hyde  forty-two  acres,  where  he  has  erected  his 
now  dwelling-house ;  north  by  Captain  Prentice ;  west  by  Daniel  Hyde  ;  south 
by  Eleazer  Hyde.  Also,  twenty-four  acres  more,  north  by  the  highway. 
Also,  ten  acres  more. 

Eleazer  Hyde,  weaver,  to  his  brother  Daniel  Hyde,  twenty  acres ;  east  by 
Jonathan,  senior;  south  by  the  pond  called  Haynes' pond;  west  by  Daniel 
Hyde ;  and  north  by  Ichabod  Hyde. 

February,  1702. 
Jonathan  Hyde,  senior.  Sergeant,  gives  and  bequeaths  to  John  Kenrick, 
Nathan  Healy  and  William  Ward,  Selectmen  of  Newton,   half  an  acre  of 
land,  bounded  northeast  by  the  highway  to  Dedham;  northwest  by  his  own 


EXTRACTS  FROM  RECORDS.  Ill 

land ;  being  ten  rods  on  tlie  highway,  and  eiglit  rods  wide  southwest,  for  the 
use  and  benefit  of  the  school  in  the  southerly  part  of  the  town ;  to  be  em- 
ployed and  improved  by  said  Kenriok,  Ilealy  and  Ward,  or  any  two  of  them, 
and  such  as  shall  be  chosen  after  them  to  succeed  in  said  trust  by  a  majority 
of  the  votes  of  the  families  at  said  south  end  of  the  town,  for  whom  said 
school  is  now  principally  accommodated  to  the  ends  aforesaid. 

"Witness :  Joun  Woodward,  Jonathan  Hyde. 

IIannau  Woodwaed, 

James  Hyde. 

1703. 

Jonathan,  senior,  to  his  son  Samuel  Hyde  [jr.]  forty-five  acres  of  land 
that  his  dwelling-house  now  standeth  upon ;  south,  partly  by  the  great  pond 
called  AViswall's  pond,  and  partly  by  the  Haynes'  farm,  with  a  way  one  rod 
wide  on  the  south  side  to  come  from  his  house  to  the  great  road,  on  condition 
not  to  sell  it  to  strangers  except  through  want  or  necessity ;  but  to  one  of 
Jonathan  Hyde,  senior's,  heirs,  by  the  name  of  Hyde.  In  an  agreement 
between  his  father  Jonathan  and  brother  Eleazer,  May,  1703,  Samuel  binds 
himself  that  the  rod-wide  way  shall  be  free  to  bring  herap  or  flax  to  the  pond 
and  sheep  to  washing,  or  such  liiie  necessary  occasions  to  come  to  the  pond 
through  his  land,  from  the  pond  to  the  north  end  of  the  stone  wall,  and  so 
along  upon  the  land  that  his  honored  father  Jonathan  Hyde  left  him  with  the 
one-rod-wide  way  between  the  land  of  Thomas  Wiswall  and  said  Jonathan 
Hyde  to  the  great  road.  This  agreement  was  signed  by  Jonathan  Hyde, 
senior,  and  wife  Mary ;  Eleazer  Hyde  and  wife  Hannah,  and  Samuel  Hyde. 
Witnessed  by  Samuel  Hyde  and  Thomas  Wiswall.  Acknowledged  before 
Jonas  Bond,  May  28,  1703. 

Jonathan  and  Eleazer  Hyde  to  their  brother  Samuel  Hyde,  of  Newton,  a 
tract  of  land  bought  of  Thomas  Wiswall;  east  partly  on  land  of  Jonathan 
Hyde,  senior,  and  partly  on  land  of  said  Samuel;  south  by  the  great  pond 
called  Noah  Wiswall's  Pond  and  the  Haynes'  farm;  west  on  land  of  William 
Wilcox ;  north  on  land  of  William  Hyde,  Daniel  Hyde,  Ichabod  Hyde,  and  the 
northeast  corner  by  a  walnut  tree  by  the  drain.  [This  was  an  excavation  to 
obtain  water  from  Wiswall's  Pond,  to  increase  the  power  of  Smelt  Brook. 
It  passed  through  the  low  ground  west  of  the  house  of  Joshua  Loring,Esq., 
on  Beacon  and  Crescent  Streets.] 

Thomas  Wiswall  to  Samutl  Hyde  three-quarters  of  an  acre  on  the  north- 
erly side  of  the  great  pond ;  south  by  the  pond ;  west  by  said  Hyde ;  north 
by  Jonathan  Hyde ;  and  southeast  by  the  stone  wall  lying  on  both  sides  of 
the  drain  that  runneth  out  of  the  said  pond  [see  the  preceding  item].  [Hyde 
bought  this  for  the  convenience  of  himself  and  brothers  to  go  to  the  pond.] 

Jonathan  Hyde,  senior,  to  his  son  John  Hyde,  forty-six  acres ;  southeast 
by  Jonathan  Hyde,  jr. ;  northwest  by  Nehemiah  Hobart ;  and  northeast  by 
Boston  [Brookline]  line.     Also,  ten  acres  adjoining. 

Jonathan  Hyde,  senior,  to  his  son  Joseph  Hyde,  forty-five  acres  where  he 
has  erected  his  now  dwelling-house;  south  by  Henry  Seger;  east  by  Eleazer 
Hyde;  and  west  by  the  way  between  tlie  division  of  lots. 


112  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

Jonathan  Hyde,  senior,  grants  to  his  children  a  cartway  through  his  lot, 
from  his  east  gate  by  Dedham  highway  to  his  west  gate  behind  his  barn, —  a 
way  witli  gates  forever. 

1705. 

Jonathan  Hyde,  senior,  to  his  son,  Jonathan  Hyde,  jr.,  fifty  acres ;  west  by 
John  Hyde;  south  by  Benjamin  Wilson;  east  by  Payne's  land.  Also, 
another  tract  in  1709. 

November,  1705. 

Samuel  Hyde,  2d,  of  Newton,  to  Daniel  Hyde,  ten  acres  for  £10 ;  Haynes' 
farm  west  and  land  of Wilcut ;  northeast  by  his  other  land. 

Witnesses,  Archibald  Magoy,  Signed,  Samuel  Hyde, 

Jonathan  Hyde,  Hannah  Hyde. 

Jacob  Hyde. 

1710. 

Jonathan  Hyde,  senior,  to  his  son  Jacob  Hyde,  all  his  now  dwelling-house, 
barn,  out-houses  and  fifty-six  acres  land;  north  by  Thomas  Prentice;  Avest 
by  heirs  of  Ichabod  Hyde ;  from  the  brook  to  Thomas  Prentice's  land ;  north 
and  northeast  by  daughter  Osland ;  east  by  the  highway. 

Also,  to  his  daughter  Anna  thirty  acres;  east  by  Dedham  road;  west  by 
Hannah  Hyde,  widow  of  Ichabod ;  north  by  Jacob  Hyde. 

Jonathan  Hyde,  senior,  to  his  son-in-law  John  Osland  and  Sarah  his  wife, 
sixteen  acres  woodland  (called  Ragland) ;  west  by  John  Spring  and  John 
Prentice.     Also,  twelve  acres  east  by  highway. 

1712. 

Mary  Eliot,  widow  of  Rev.  Joseph  Eliot,  of  Guilford,  Connecticut  (brother 
of  Rev.  John,  of  Cambridge  Village),  gives  to  her  son,  Rev.  Jared  Eliot,  of 
Connecticut,  three  hundred  acres  of  land  in  Newton,  being  part  of  Governor 
Haynes'  farm;  east  by  land  of  John  and  Eleazer  Ward;  west  by  John 
Hobart;  north  by  William  Tucker  and  Samuel  Hyde;  and  south  by  Joseph 
Parker  and  Jonathan  Ward. 

1713. 

Edward  Jackson,  of  London,  England,  mariner,  son  of  Jonathan  Jackson, 
of  Boston,  deceased,  and  grandson  of  Edward  Jackson,  senior,  sells  to 
Nathaniel  Healy,  for  £10,  the  ten  acres  given  him  by  his  grandfather  Jack- 
son's will. 

1715. 

Jared  Eliot  and  wife  Hannah,  of  Killingly,  Connecticut,  to  John  Ham- 
mond, three  hundred  and  seventy  acres  of  land,  in  four  jjarcels,  for  £0,000. 
[Part  of  Governor  Haynes'  farm.] 

Eleazer  Williams  and  wife  Mary  [Hobart],  of  Mansfield,  Connecticut,  and 
Abigail  and  Sarah  Hobart,  of  Newton,  to  Rev.  John  Cotton,  the  homestead 
of  their  honored  father,  Nehemiah  Hobart,  one  hundred  acres  of  land,  with 
the  buildings  thereon,  for  £850,  in  Province  bills  of  credit;  east  by  John 
Eliot,  Esq.,  Thomas  Train  and  the  county  road;  northerly  by  Thomas  Train, 
Edward,  Jonathan  and  Joseph  Jackson;  south  by  John  Eliot.  Esq.,  and  John 
Spring. 


EXTRACTS  FROM  RECORDS.  113 

May,  171G. 
Nathaniel  Parker  to  the  Selectmen  of  Newton,  two  hundred  and  sixty  rods 
land  for  £15,  beginning  at  a  chestnut  tree  in  the  fence  on  the  Dedham  road, 
near  Jonathan  Woodward's  house,  thence  sixteen  and  a  half  rods  on  the  road 
to  a  stake  and  stones  in  the  fence  of  said  highway;  then  turning  east  and 
running  north,  sixteen  rods,  to  a  stake,  and  then  east,  running  to  a  stake  in 
the  fence  of  the  aforesaid  highway,  sixteen  rods,  to  said  chestnut  tree. 

Nathaniel  Parkeb. 

The  third  meeting-house  was  built  on  this  land. 

1717. 
Abraham  Jackson  to  his  son  Captain  John  Jackson,  a  deed  of  gift,  several 
parcels  of  land,  some  partly  in  Newton  and  parti}'  in  Cambridge,  with  dwell- 
ing-house and  barn  and  thirty  acres  adjoining;  west  by  townway;  south  by 
Indian  lane.  Also,  twenty  acres  at  Chestnut  Hill  (except  four  acres  to  Isaac 
Beach  and  the  land  on  which  the  meeting-house  now  standeth,  so  long  as  the 
town  shall  see  cause  to  improve  it  for  the  use  they  now  do).  Also,  twelve 
acres  pasture  land  in  Cambridge,  east  on  Joseph  Champney  and  Ebenezer 

Stratton. 

1721. 

John  Ward  to  Ms  son-in-law  William  Trowbridge,  deed  of  gift,  the  west 
end  of  his  dwelling-house,  where  said  Trowbridge  now  dwelleth,  and  thirteen 
acres  of  land  adjoining,  and  one  quarter  part  of  the  grist-mill  and  stream. 

1722. 
Isaac  Williams,  of  Roxbury,  to  his  brother  Ephraim  Williams,  of  Newton, 
one  quarter  part  of  the  corn  mill  in  Newton,  which  was  his  honored  father's. 

172G. 
Samuel  Miller  gives  to  the  town  of  Newton  four  rods  of  land  for  the  west 
school-house,  near  his  dwelling-house,  on  the  proprietors'  way,  so  long  as 
the  school-house  shall  be  continued  there,  for  the  use  of  schooling  and  for 
no  other  use. 

1733. 

Jonathan  Ellsworth,  Esq.,  executor  of  the  estate  of  John  Eliot,  Esq.,  of 
Windsor,  Connecticut,  and  Mary,  his  widow,  petitioned  the  General  Court  of 
Massachusetts  to  sell  the  place  in  Newton  given  him  by  his  father's  will,  for 
the  purpose  of  raising  money  to  carry  his  son  John  (then  seventeen  years 
old)  through  college  at  New  Haven. 

(The  place  was  sold  to  Henry  Gibbs,  Esq.,  for  £415 ;  bounding  east  by  the 
Dedham  road;  south  by  John  Spring;  west  and  nortli  by  Rev.  John  Cotton.) 

1735. 
Captain  Joseph  Puller,  gent.,  to  my  successor,  Captain  Ephraim  Williams, 
and  the  mihtary  company  now  under  his  command,  for  love,  good  Avill  and 
affection,  freely  and  absolutely  give  and  grant  unto  said  Captain  Williams  and 
his  successors,  and  to  said  military  foot  company  forever,  for  their  benefit 
and  use,  a  certain  tract  of  land  in  Newton,  being  one  hundred  and  thirty-six 
8 


114  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

rods,  bounded  on  all  sides  by  town  ways,  as  may  appear  by  a  plan  drawn 
upon  this  deed. 

Witness  John  Cotton  and  John  Spring  and  acknowledged  before  John 
Greenwood. 

1736. 

Ephraim  Fenno,  cordwainer,  from  Boston,  purchased  thirty-three  acres 
land  in  Newton  for  £750 ;  east  by  Dedham  road,  with  a  way  of  one  rod  wide ; 
south  by  the  drain  and  Jonathan  Murdock,  always  excepting  the  lands  sold  to 
the  town  where  the  meeting-house  now  stands  and  the  way  to  it,  as  it  was 
staked  out.  [This  place  was,  later,  the  estate  of  the  Rev.  Joseph  Grafton, 
then  of  Michael  Tombs,  Esq.,  and  then  of  the  late  George  C.  Rand,  Esq.] 

1742. 

William  Clark  to  Norman  Clark  all  his  rights  in  the  pond,  and  one  hundred 
and  eighty-five  acres  land  [part  of  Gov.  Ilaynes'  farm]  ;  south  and  west  on 
land  of  Jared  Eliot  and  Francis  Blanden. 

"  Elder  Wiswall,  John  Spring,  Joseph  Bartlett  and  Captain  Isaac 
Williams  and  others,"  says  Mr.  Jackson,  "  neglected  to  record  the 
deeds  of  their  farms,  nor  is  there  anything  upon  record  to  show 
how  Richard  Park,  senior,  came  by  the  six  hundred  acres  abutting 
northerly  upon  Charles  River,  which  he  willed  to  his  only  son 
Thomas  ;  nor  any  record  of  the  homestead  of  Rev.  John  EUot,  jr. 
He  probably  never  had  any  deed  of  his  twenty  acres  adjoining 
John  Spring  ;  it  evidently  belonged  to  the  southerly  corner  of  the 
Mayhew  farm,  and  doubtless  was  given  to  him  by  Edward  Jackson, 
senior,  who  also  gave  pastor  Hobart  twenty-five  acres  adjoining 
Eliot,  in  1681." 


CHAPTER  X. 

HOW  THE   EARLY  TOWN   OP   NEWTON   WAS   DIVIDED    AMONG 
THE   INHABITANTS. 

It  is  interesting  to  trace,  as  far  as  we  are  able,  the  early  divi- 
sions of  the  town  of  Newton,  as  the}'  were  determined  by  the  first 
settlers.  In  the  remote  periods,  some  owned  more,  some  less. 
And  the  large  estates  ver}'  early  began  to  be  broken  up  into 
smaller  ones,  partly  by  the  sale  of  lands,  partly  by  gifts  and 
bequests,  when,  from  time  to  time,  the  fathers,  dpng,  distributed 
their  real  estate  among  theu*  children.  It  does  not  come  within 
the  limits  of  our  plan  to  give  the  history  of  the  ownership  of 
ever}'  piece  of  land  in  Newton ;  nor  can  it  be  done,  with  an 
assurance  of  any  more  than  approximate  accuracy.  Such  minute 
information  belongs  to  another  department.  Some  general  notices, 
however,  may  be  attempted,  which  will  be  of  interest  to  the  pres- 
ent inhabitants.  A  surve}'  of  the  map  of  1700  furnishes  a  good 
view  of  the  division  of  the  territory  of  Newton  among  the  early 
proprietors,  and  of  the  relative  location  of  their  estates.  But  a, 
statement  of  the  same  in  brief  detail  will  be  appropriate. 

East  of  the  lino  of  Newton,  in  the  territory  which  was  after- 
wards Brighton,  and  comiuencing  near  the  station  on  the  Boston 
and  Albany  Railroad  known  recently  as  Faneuil,  la}',  in  succes- 
sive order,  the  estates  of  William  Radsou  (Redsen),  Reynold 
(Randolph)  Bush,  Samuel  HoUey,  John  Jackson  and  William 
Clement,  aU  of  the  date  of  1G39, —  the  latter's  estate  having  fo'' 
its  wcsterl}'  boundary  the  extreme  northeastern  line  of  Newton., 
and  of  that  part  of  Watertown  (Wier)  which  lies  on  the  south  sidr 
of  Charles  River.  Three  of  these  estates  were,  at  a  later  period 
absorbed  into  the  estate  of  Edward  Jackson,  senior,  adjoining  tht 
last  of  them,  and  formed  the  northeastern  corner  of  the  origina 
Cambridge  Village  or  Newton. 

115 


116  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

The  southwcsterlj'  part  of  Edward  Jackson's  estate  passed  to 
Rogers  (1646)  and  Angier  (1730) .  Southwest  of  Edward  Jackson 
was  Samuel  Hastings  and  Hon.  Ebenezer  Stone  (168G)  ;  sueces- 
soi's,  John  Jackson  (1700),  Philip  Norcross  (1720),*  Captain 
Joseph  Fuller  (1700)  ;  then  John  Jackson  (1647),  twenty  acres, 
Captain  John  Jackson  (1708)  and  Eichard  Parke  (1647). 

West  of  Edward  Jackson,  senior,  and  south  of  the  boundary 
line  of  Watertown  on  the  south  side  of  Charles  River  ( Wier  lands) , 
was  Gregory  Cook  (1672),  a  hundred  and  twelve  acres,  on  the 
west  side  of  Centre  Street.  The  northern  part  of  this  estate 
acquired  the  names  of  Abraham  WiUiams  (1662),  Daniel  Bacon 
(1668),  Stephen  Cook  (1679),  and  just  across  the  line,  in  Water- 
town,  Daniel  Cook  (1722). 

Richard  Dana  (married  Mary  Trowbridge)  lived  in  Newton  in 
1763.  He  was  the  son  of  Thomas  and  Marj^  His  house  was  at 
the  foot  of  Indian  Lane,  Brighton.  His  grandfather  was  Richard, 
of  Cambridge,  now  Brighton,  the  common  ancestor  of  all  of  that 
name  in  the  country.  Of  this  family  came  Nathan  Dana,  who 
afterwards  became  a  Baptist  minister,  and  was  one  of  the  founders 
of  the  Fu'st  Baptist  Chm'ch  in  Newton. 

Southwest  of  Hon.  Ebenezer  Stone  and  John  Jackson,  was 
Samuel  Hjde  (1640),  one  hundred  acres,  on  both  sides  of  Centre 
Street,  but  chiefly  on  the  east  side.  Successor,  Samuel  H3^de,  jr. 
On  the  southerly  end  of  this  estate,  Job  Hyde  (1664).  West  of 
Samuel  Hyde,  across  Centre  Street,  and  originally  part  of  his 
estate,  numphrey'*"Oslaud  (1668)  and  John  Osland  (1700). 

William  Baldwin  lived  on  land  afterwards  owned  by  J.  Wiley 
Edmands,  Esq.,  nearly  opposite  the  cottage  which  stands  north  of 
the  late  Gardner  Colb^^'s  mansion.  He  had  a  son,  Enoch,  who 
resided  in-  the  old  garrison  house  which  stood  on  land  formerly  of 
Israel  Lombard,  later  of  E.  C.  Converse,  Esq.  Enoch's  son  Enoch 
was  President  of  the  Shoe  and  Leather  Dealers'  Bank,  and  his  son 
Aaron,  of  the  Washington  Bank,  Boston. 

South  of  Gregory  Cook  was  the  Thomas  Mayhew  farm,  con- 
veyed to  Simon  Bradstreet  in  1638,  and  bj^him  to  Edward  Jackson, 
senior,  in  1646,  live  hundi-ed  acres.  It  was  on  the  west  side  of  Cen- 
tre Street,  embraced,  for  a  considerable  distance,  both  sides  of 
Washington  Street,  extending  westwardly  from  Newton  Corner, 


*  Philip  Norcross  occupied  tlio  spot  where  the  Eliot  church  now  stands.    He  was  the 
son  of  Nathaniel,  of  Watertown.    He  had  seven  sons  and  four  daughters. 


LOCATION  OF  ESTATES.  117 

and  in  the  progress  of  time  formed  part  or  the  whole  of  the  estates  of 
several  early  proprietors,  as  Isaac  Jackson  (1729),  Isaac  Jack- 
son, jr.  (1758);  Sebas  Jackson  (1G71), —  successors,  James 
Jackson  (1719),  Timothy  Jackson  (1750),  Timothy  Jackson,  Esq. 
(1782),  Hon.  AVilliam  Jackson, —  on  the  northwestern  part  of  the 
farm;  Edward  Jackson  (1695), —  successor,  Michael  Jackson; 
Colonel  Michael  Jackson,  Michael  Jackson,  jr.,  farther  west;  Sebas 
Jackson  (1733),  Phineas  Jackson  (1798),  on  the  south  side  of 
Washington  Street ;  on  the  west  side  of  Centre  Street,  Rev.  John 
Eliot,  jr.  (1G64),  Rev.  Nehemiah  ITobart  (1G79), —  successors, 
Rev.  John  Cotton  (1714),  Charles  Pelham ;  Abraham  Jackson, 
north  of  the  centre  of  the  tract,  on  a  road  afterwards  discontinued. 
This  farm,  to  the  south,  extended  over  the  estate  of  the  late  Thomas 
Edmands,  Esq.,  and  to  the  southwest  included  the  estate  of  Cap- 
tain Joseph  Fuller  (1680), —  successors.  Lieutenant  Joseph  Fuller 
(1719),  Judge  Abraham  Fuller  (1758),  General  William  Hull 
(1781),  Governor  William  Claflin.  The  Maj-hew  farm,  therefore, 
covered  much  of  the  territory  of  Newtonville. 

Southwest  of  Abraham  Fuller  was  Jonathan  Fiske, —  successor, 
Jonathan  Cooke,  and  on  the  wooded  highlands  farther  west,  Samuel 
Cook, —  successors,  Stephen  Cook,  J.  Bullough. 

West  of  Gregory  Cook  and  the  Majhew  farm  was  the  land  of 
Richard  Park  (1650),  six  hundred  acres.  This  estate  extended 
southwest  from  Charles  River  to  the  vicinity-  of  the  present  Newton 
Cemetery.  In  this  strip  of  territory,  are  the  names,  beginning 
at  the  north,  near  the  river,  of  Thomas  Park  (1653),  son  of 
Richard  Park  (1690)  ;  Joseph  Adams  (1740),  Deacon  Joseph 
Adams  (1775)  ;  farther  south,  Thomas  Beals  ;  Deacon  Joseph  Ward 
(1733),  Deacon  Enoch  Ward  (1784)  ;  south  of  these  names, 
Edward  Park  (1695), —  successors,  Edward  Park  (1730),  Dr. 
Edward  Durant  (1762),  on  a  road  intermediate  between  Washing- 
ton Street  and  Homer  Street,  called  the  Natick  road,  afterwards 
discontinued.  To  the  southwest,  on  Cheesecake  Brook,  was 
Samuel  Hastings  (1748),*  the  old  Shepard  House   (1640),  near 


*The  Hastings  family  in  the  last  century  formed  a  large  part  of  the  population  of 
Newton  Corner.  Samuel,  the  father  (d.  177G),  had  a  tan  yard  near  the  W'cst  Parish 
meeting-house.  He  removed  to  Anglers  Corner.  His  son  Samuel  was  a  tanner,  and 
resided  in  the  house  of  Mrs.  Kobert  Murdock;  Thomas  was  a  trader,  and  lived  in 
George  Hall's  house;  Daniel  was  a  stone  cutter,  and  lived  in  Aaron  Hyde's  house; 
John,  a  baker,  in  William  Locke's  house.  Joseph  Stacy  was  a  trader  in  Boston; 
Stephen  removed  to  Vermont. 


118  mS':rORY  OF  KEWTON. 

which  was  the  West  Parish  meeting -house,  and  at  the  southwest- 
ern part,  Peter  Durell  (1751), —  successor,  Solomon  Flagg. 

West  of  Richard  Park  was  the  Fuller  farm,  John  Fuller  (1658), 
at  first  consisting  of  seven  hundred  and  fift}^  acres  ;  but  by  subse- 
quent purchases  extended  to  more  than  a  thousand.  This  territory 
was  bounded  north  and  northwest  by  the  river,  and  formed  the 
northwestern  portion  of  Newton,  On  the  northeast  corner  of  this 
estate  was  Henr}-  Craft, —  successor.  Captain  Amariah  Fuller  ;  west- 
erly', across  Cheesecake  Brook,  Jonathan  Fuller  (1684), —  succes- 
sors, Jonathan  Fuller  (1717),  Captain  Edward  Fuller  (1759),  Ezra 
Fuller;  still  farther  westward,  John  Fuller,  jr.  (1682),  Stephen 
White,  Benjamin  White ;  south  of  Jonathan  Fuller,  was  Joshua 
Jackson  (1749),  Major  Daniel  Jackson  ;  and  cast  of  them,  John 
Fuller  (1644).  Farther  west,  John  Fuller  (1709), —  successor. 
Captain  Joseph  Fuller ;  Richard  Fuller, —  successor,  Park,  border- 
ing on  the  bend  of  the  river.  At  the  extreme  southwestern  part 
of  the  farm  was  Deacon  Joseph  Fuller  (1776), —  successor,  Josiah 
Fuller  (1789).  Near  the  middle  of  the  tract  of  land  was  Lieuten- 
ant Jeremiah  Fuller  (1694), —  successors.  Captain  Joshua  Fuller 
(1747),  Lieutenant  Joshua  Fuller  and  David  Fuller  (1773),  Dea- 
con Joel  Fuller  (1815).  South  of  the  middle  was  Josiah  Bond 
(1720),  Phineas  Bond  (1749). 

Southwest  of  the  Fuller  farm  was  Captain  Isaac  Williams 
(1659),  five  hundred  acres.  All  the  names  in  this  tract  of  land, 
in  the  map  of  1700,  were  on  the  easterly  side.  Isaac  Williams,  jr. 
(1686)  ;  John  Knapp  (1688)  ;  Captain  Isaac  Williams  (1661),— 
successors,  Colonel  Ephraim  Williams  (1714),  Jonathan  Park,  jr. ; 
Dr.  Samuel  Wheat  (1735),* — successor.  Captain  Thomas  Eustis  ; 
Eleazer  Williams  (1695), —  successors.  Captain  Thomas  Oliver 
(1708),  Goddard  Taylor  and  Colonel  Nathan  Fuller. 

Southwest  of  Captain  Isaac  Williams  was  the  Robinson  Farm, 
about  two  hundred  acres,  covering  the  territory  since  called 
Auburndale,  and  extending  to  Charles  River.  On  this  territory 
stood  Nathaniel  Whittemore's  tavern  (1724),  the  Bourne  House, 
at  the  southeast  p?,rt ;  then  John  Pigeon,  Henry  Pigeon,  Joel 
Houghton,  north  of  the  tavern ;  near  the  middle,  WiUiam  Upham 


*  Dr.  Samuel  Wheat  came  to  Newton  in  1730.  His  ancestor  was  Moses  Wheat,  of 
Concord,  whose  will  says  that  he  came  from  Bermuda,  and  was  also  a  physician.  The 
house  of  Dr.  iiamuel  Wheat  was  near  the  meeting-house  in  West  Newton. 


LOCATION  OF  ESTATES.  119 

(1740),  Elisha  Seavcrns,  Elisha  Ware;  near  the  northeast  part, 
WiUiam  Robinson  (1G78), —  successors,  William  Robinson,  jr. 
(1705),  John  Robinson  (1753),  Jonathan  WiUiams  (1769), 
EHsha  Hall,  M.  Collier. 

Northeast  of  Aubui-udale  was  Benjamin  Child  (1722), —  succes- 
sors, John  Durell,  Joshua  Washbm-n ;  southeast  was  Deacon 
Thomas  Greenwood  (1719),  eighty-six  acres, —  successor,  Alex- 
ander Shepard,  jr.,  (1774).  South  of  Auburndale,  extending  to 
Charles  River,  was  Daniel  Jackson  (1773). 

On  the  road  from  West  Newton  to  Newton  Lower  Falls,  we  find 
on  the  north  side  of  the  road,  on  the  earl}^  map,  the  following  suc- 
cession of  estates  :     Rev.  Wilham  Greenough,  Ephraim  Jackson, 

Samuel  Jackson,  Joshua  Jackson, Brown,  William  Chenc}- 

(1745),  Daniel  Cheney  (1780),  William  T.  Ward;  Joseph  Jack- 
son (1754),  Joseph  Jackson  (1788)  ;  John  Myget  or  M3'gate 
(1743),  Joseph  Gosson ;  David  Hagar ;  Jonathan  Willard  (1708)  ; 
Pratt;  Stoddard;  Hoogs ;  John  Leverett  (1703)  to  John  and 
Nathaniel  Hubbard  ;  Ilubbards  to  Jonathan  Willard  (1732) .  This 
brings  us  to  "  the  wading  place  "  on  the  river,  above  which  were 
the  mills. 

Rctiu-ning  to  the  Dr.  (Greenough  estate,  on  the  south  side  of  the 
road,  between  that  point  and  the  Lower  FaUs,  we  find  Joseph 
Miller  (1675), — successors,  Thomas  Miller  (1713),  Thomas  Miller, 
jr.  (1740) ;  Alexander  Shepard,  senior,  (1748), —  successor,  Jere- 
miah Allen;  Eben.  Bartlett  (1736), —  successors,  Ehsha  Bartlett 
(1791),  Peregrine  Bartlett;  Henry  Seger  (1686), —  successors, 
Henry  Seger  (1709),  son  Caleb  Seger,  son  Henry  Seger,  son  Gill 
Seger.  At  the  Falls,  OUver  Pratt  (1734), —  successors.  Colonel 
Ephraim  Jackson  (1755),  Edward  Jackson  (1795),  Nathaniel 
Wales. 

Pursuing  our  way  southerly,  along  the  Sherburne  road,  from 
Newton  Lower  Falls  to  Newton  Upper  Falls,  we  have  on  the  right, 
in  succession,  the  places  of  Robert  Ball ;  Josiah  Davenport  (1731), 
—  successors,  John  Davenport  (1755),  Michael  Welsh  (1795);  Job 
Seger  (1709), —  successors,  Josiah  Seger  (1738),  Littlefield  ;  eJohn 
Mason  (1689), —  successors,  Daniel  Mason  (1729),  WilUam  Mason 
(1750) ;  Daniel  Woodward  (1704), —  successor,  Daniel  Woodward, 
jr.  (1739);  Matthias  Collins  (1778),  Matthias  CoUins,  jr.; 
Jonathan  Woodward  (1712)  ;  Colonel  Nathan  Fuller,  as  a 
tavern,  (1763).     John  Woodward  (1681), —  successors,  Ebenezer 


120  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Woodward  (171G),  Deacon  John  Woodward  (1747),  Deacon 
Ebenezer  Woodward  (1781),  Deacon  Elijah  F.  Woodward  (1810), 
Samuel  N.  Woodward  (1842).  This  was  the  Woodward  farm 
(1681),  still  in  the  same  name,  and  extending  to  Charles  River. 
Returning  on  the  Sherburne  road  to  Henry  Seger's,  and  travelling 
again  southerty,  we  have  first  the  land  of  Deacon  John  Staples 
(1G90),— successors,  Moses  Craft  (1729),  Joseph  Craft  (1753), 
WiUiam  Wiswall,  2d,  (1788),  Da\dd  Kinmonth,  W.  C.  Strong; 
and  on  the  northwest  corner  of  this  estate,  John  Child  (1715). 
Next  to  Deacon  Staples,  southerly,  was  Eleazer  Hyde  (1700), — 
successor,  Eleazer  Hyde,  jr.;  Captain  John  Clark  (1734), — 
successors,  William  Clark  (1741),  Daniel  Clark  (1787). 

On  the  westerly  portion  of  Homer  Street,  parallel  to  the  Sher- 
burne road  and  northeast  of  it,  was  Samuel  Craft, —  successors, 
Samuel  Murdock,  Esq.,  Jonathan  Stone;  Joseph  Hyde, —  succes- 
sor, John  King ;  and  on  the  east  side  of  the  same,  James  Hyde 
(1702), —  successors,  Amos  Hyde  (1768),  Charles  Hyde  ;  Thomas 
Brown,  Amos  Hyde,  Benjamin  Hj'de  ;  Jonathan  Trowbridge, — ■ 
successor,  Samuel  Dix.  East  of  Joseph  Hyde,  was  Joseph  Fuller, 
—  successors,  John  Murdock,  Nicholas  Thwiug. 

At  the  Upper  Falls,  southwest  of  the  Governor  Haynes'  farm, 
beginning  westwardl}'  on  the  river,  we  have  the  estates  of  Nathan- 
iel Parker  (1708), —  successors,  Noah  Parker  (1720),  Thomas 
Parker  (1768),  General  Simon  Elliot  (1782)  ;  Joseph  Chene}- 
(1702), —  successors,  Joseph  Cheney,  jr.  ( ),  General  Ebene- 
zer Cheney;  James  Chene}',  senior  (1732), —  successors,  Aaron 
Cheney,  Asa  Williams.  Still  farther  south  is  the  land  of  John 
Kenrick  (1658),  two  hundred  and  fifty  acres.  It  was  formerly 
owned  bj^  Thomas  Mayhew  ; — successors,  John  Kenrick  (1G58), 
John  Kenrick,  jr.  (1690)  ;  Caleb  Kenrick,  Caleb  Kenrick,  jr.^ 
Caleb  Kenrick  at  the  western  part,  and  in  the  northeastern, 
William  Marean  (1720), —  successors,  William  Marean,  jr.. 
Parker. 

Returning  northwestwardly,  we  come  to  the  Governor  Haynes'' 
farm  (1634),  which  formed  nearly  a  rectangle,  embracing  one 
thousand  and  thirty-four  acres.  The  southerly  line  of  this  tract 
of  land  was  near  the  Upper  Falls  ;  the  northerl}-  line,  at  Newton 
Centre,  extending  from  a  point  near  the  residence  of  Samuel  M. 
Jackson,  Esq.,  to  a  point  a  little  north  of  the  residence  of  Gusta- 
vus  Forbes,  Esq.     It  reached  from  *'the  Great  Meadows"  on  the 


LOCATION  OF  ESTATES.  121 

southeast  to  "  Alcock's  Swamp  on  the  southwest.  On  the  south- 
erly part  of  this  farm  was  Stephen  Winchester  (1720), — successors, 
Stephen  Winchester,  jr. ,  Amasa  Winchester,  Amasa  Winchester, 
jr.  ;  in  the  westerly  part,  Daniel  Plamraond  (1751)  ;  John  Ham- 
mond (174G),  bought  of  Jared  Eliot,  of  Connecticut, —  succes- 
sors, Enoch  Hammond,  Lieutenant  John  Marean,  Edward  Mitchell ; 
William  Parker  (1694) , —  successors,  AViUiam  Clark  to  son  Norman 
Clark  one  hundred  acres,  Norman  Clark,  jr.,  the  Baptist  or  Wis- 
wali's  Pond.  North  of  the  middle  of  the  farm,  on  the  circuitous 
Sherbm-ne  Road,  was  Ebenezer  Parker  (1724), —  successors,  Sam- 
uel Parker  (1770)  ;  Elisha  Parker  (1751), —  successor,  Jonathan 
Parker.  Opposite  the  "Parkers,  was  Lieutenant  Ebenezer  Wiswall 
(1680), —  successor,  Nathaniel  Parker  (1694),  one  hundred  and 
twenty  acres.  On  the  northerly  part  of  the  Haynes '  farm  was  Elder 
Thomas  Wiswall  (1654), —  successors,  son  Captain  Noah  Wiswall 
(1684) ,  grandson  Lieutenant  Thomas  Wiswall  (1690) ,  great  grand- 
son Captain  Noah  Wiswall  (1720) ,  Luther  Paul ;  then  Pound  Lane 
leading  to  West  Roxbmy,  the  Dr.  King  estate,  at  the  foot  of  the 
westerly  slope  of  the  Institution  Hill,  and  bordered  on  the  west  by 
the  southerly  end  of  the  Common  at  Newton  Centre. 

West  of  the  northern  part  of  the  Governor  Haynes'  farm,  and 
adjoining  it,  was  the  estate  of  Jonathan  Hyde,  senior,  (1656).  It 
extended  from  near  the  southwesterly  end  of  the  pond,  along  the 
westerly  side  of  Centre  Street,  to  a  point  north  of  the  residence 
of  Thomas  Nickerson,  Esq.  It  extended  westward  nearly  a  hun- 
dred rods  bej'ond  Bullough's  Pond,  and  included,  on  the  south  and 
east,  the  residences  of  Samuel  Hj^de  (1702),  son  of  Jonathan 
Hyde,  senior,  Francis  Blanden  (1725)  ,* — successors,  Francis Blan- 
den,  jr.,  Phineas  Blanden  ;  in  the  middle,  Joshua  Murdock  (1745) , 
Elisha  Murdock  (1793)  ;  Daniel  Hyde  (1689),  son  of  Abraham; 
west  of  the  meeting-house,  Jacob  Hyde  (1710),  Aaron  Hyde; 
Ephraim  Fenno,  the  triangular  farm,  afterwards  owned  and  occu- 
pied b^^llev.  Joseph  Grafton, — -successors,  Michael  Tombs,  George 
C.  Rand,  Esq.  ;  northwest  of  the  meeting-house,  Benjamin  Eddy 
(1731)  ;  north,   on  Centre  Street,   Rev.  Jonas  Meriam    (1758), 


•Francis  Blanden  was  in  Newton  in  1714.  His  bouse, on  tlie  noitliwest  side  of  Wis- 
waU's  Pond,  was  in  later  times  known  as  the  residence  of  Mr.  Joseph  White,  son  of 
Deacon  Ebenezer  Wliite.  He  had  eight  sons  and  eight  daughters.  The  name  con- 
tinued on  the  records  down  to  1800.  Hannah,  daughter  of  Francis,  had  an  illegiti- 
mate son,  Caleb.  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Francis  Blanden,  jr.,  had  live  children; 
Abigail,  two;  Mary,  one;— all  illegitimate. 


122  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Rev.  Jonathan  Homer,  D.  D.  (1782), — successors,  Martin  Morse, 
Hon.  Alden  Speare. 

North  of  the  land  of  Jonathan  Hyde,  senior,  was  Lieutenant 
John  Spring,  extending  from  Centre  Street,  westwardl}',  to  the 
mill,  including  Mill  Street,  and  the  site  of  the  second  meeting-house, 
and  reaching  north  to  the  estate  of  Rev.  John  Eliot,  jr. 

A  small  portion  of  land  intervening,  south  of  Mill  Street,  was 
convej'cd  by  John  Jackson,  senior,  to  Noah  Wiswall, —  successors, 
John  Prentice,  Henry  Gibbs.  Lieutenant  John  Spring's  owner- 
ship of  the  estate  bearing  his  name  is  dated  1666, —  successors. 
Ensign  John  Spring  (1704),  Daniel  Spring  (1745).  At  the  west- 
ern limit,  bordering  on  BuUough's  Pond,  was  Ichabod  Hyde 
(1G98). 

Between  Lieutenant  John  Spring  and  the  southwestern  portion 
of  the  Mayhew  farm,  was  a  tract  of  land  mainl}'  in  the  territory 
since  called  Newtonville,  and  occupied  chiefly  by  the  name  of 
Trowbridge.  On  this  tract  we  find  the  name  of  John  Ward,  jr. 
(1681) , —  successors.  Deacon  William  Trowbridge  (1701) ,  William 
Spring  (1730) ,  David  Spring  (1760) ,  Captain  Edmund  Trowbridge 
(1770)  ;  Deacon  James  Trowbridge  (1664),  Deacon  William 
Trowbridge, —  successors,  Thaddeus  Trowbridge  (1750),  Samuel 
Trowbridge  (1781),  Nathan  Trowbridge  (1811). 

On  the  east  side  of  Centre  Street,  directly  north  of  the  Haynes' 
farm,  the  first  estate  was  of  Joseph  Bartlctt  (1668), — successors, 
Joseph  Bartlett,  jr.  (1698),  Joseph  Bartlett  (1730).  This  estate 
extended  eastwardly,  joining  the  land  of  Thomas  Hammond. 
North  of  Joseph  Bartlett  was  John  Clark  (1681), —  successors. 
Captain  Thomas  Clark  (1728),  Joseph  White  (1762),  Deacon 
Ebenezer  White  (1793)  .*  The  next  estate  was  Henry  Gibbs,  Esq. 
(1742), —  successors,  Gibbs  Eddy,  John  Eddy,  Marshall  S.  Rice  ; 
next  was  land  of  Thomas  Cushiug ;  a  tract  of  land  granted  to 
Thomas  Parish  (1641),  and  by  Parish  to  Prentice  (1650),  one 
hundred  acres,  between  the  two  brooks ;  N.  Hyde.  James  and 
Thomas  Prentice  (1656),  one  hundred  acres, —  successors.  Dr. 
John  Prentice  (1696),  Robert  Prentice  (1735),  Robert  Prentice, 
jr.  (1775),  Joshua  Loring.  This  brings  us  to  the  burial  ground. 
The  land  next  north  of  it  was  granted  to  John  Jackson,  senior 
(1650),  and  called  Chestnut  Hill,  extending  eastwardly  to  Waverly 
Avenue, —  successors.  Colonel  Joseph  Ward  (1792),  forty  acres. 


♦Deacon  Ebenezer  White  was  grandson  of  Philip  White,  who  in  1733  had  his  resi- 
dence near  the  Theological  Institution  estate. 


LOCATION  OF  ESTATES.  123 

afterwards  Charles  Brackett,  Esq.  East  of  the  burial  ground, 
William  Clements,  jr.,  held  nine  acres  in  IGGO. 

Returning  to  the  northern  part  of  Newton  in  the  vicinity  of 
Nonantum  Hill, —  at  the  northeastern  slope  of  Nonantum  Hill 
was  "Waban's  wigwam.  Immediately  south  of  Nonantum  Hill 
was  Edward  Durant  (1734), —  successor,  Edward  Durant,  jr. 
(1742)  ;*  John  Kenrick,  Esq.,  senior,  John  A.  Kenrick ;  Thomas 
Trowbridge  (1708), —  successor,  Judge  Trowbridge;  Obadiah 
Curtis  ;  Deacon  Bowles  ;  John  Mirick  (1682) ,  —  successor,  Samuel 
Miriek;  on  the  northeast  of  this  section,  Daniel  Robbins  (1737), 
—  successors,  John  Robbins  (1740),  Solomon  Robbins  (1750); 
on  the  southeast,  Thomas  Brown  (1723), —  successor,  Ebenezer 
Brown. 

Southwest  of  Nonantum  Hill  was  the  land  of  Captain  Thomas 
Prentice  (1063),  eight^'-live  acres;  at  the  westerly  part  of  it,  we 
find  the  names  of  Edward  Prentice  (1705), —  successor,  Edward 
Prentice,    jr.    (1729)  ;    at   the   northern   part,    Captain   Prentice 

( ), —  successors,  son  Thomas   Prentice,  grandson  Captain 

Thomas  Prentice  ;  Thomas  Harbach  ;  Captain  John  Clark  (1730) , — 
successor,  James  Ward  ;  Joshua  Flagg.  East  of  Captain  Pren- 
tice was  Edward  Jackson,  senior,  to  John  Ward  (1661), —  succes- 
sors, son  Richard  Ward  (1701),  Deacon  Ephraim  Ward  (1740), 
John  Ward  (1772),  Samuel  Ward  (1790),  Ephraim  Ward.  At 
the  western  part  of  the  estate  stood  a  "  Garrison  House." 

Between  Nonantum  Hill  and  Thomas  Hammond,  near  the  north- 
eastern limit  of  Newton  was  the  land  of  Eleazer  Hammond 
(1703), —  successors,  Ephraim  Hammond  (1741),  Major  Thomas 
Hovey  (1790),  Dejicon  Nathaniel  Pettee,  A.  Lawrence,  and  still 
farther  east,  Cambridge  Hill.  Next  south  was  Eleazer  Chamber- 
lain (1750), —  successors,  John  Thwing  (1757)  ;  Simon  Stone 
(1732),  James  Stone  (1767),  Jonathan  Stone,  Daniel  Stone. 

Southwest  was  John  Parker,  senior,  (1650).  On  this  land  we 
find,  to  the  east,  John  Parker,  jr.  (1686),  Hon.  Ebenezer  Stone ; 
in  the  middle,  Thomas  Hammond  (1714), — successors,  Joseph 
Hammond  (1744),  Thomas  Haimnond  (1788)  ;  westwardl}^,  Isaac 
Parker   (1682), — successors,    Thomas    Greenwood    (1686),  John 


♦Edward  Duraut,  of  French  descent,  owned  the  place  and  built  the  house  after- 
wards occupied  by  Captain  John  Kenrick,  and  still  later  by  his  son  John  A.  Kenrick. 
He  came  into  Newton  about  1740,  and  was  active  and  distinguished  in  the  time  of  the 
revohitiou. 


124  HISTORY  OF  ^^E^VTON. 

Greenwood  (1G95),  Josiah  Greenwood  (1731),  Ebenezer  Green- 
wood (1798). 

Thomas  Hammond  (1650)  owned  a  large  tract  of  land  on  the 
eastern  side  of  Newton,  and  extending  into  the  adjoining  town  of 
Brookline.  Hammond's  Pond  is  nearly  in  the  middle  of  it.  North- 
west of  the  pond  was  the  house  of  Thomas  Hammond,  jr.  (1G62), 
— successors,  Thomas  Hammond  (1694),  Joshua  Hammond  (1740), 
Captain  William  Hammond  (1770),  Judge  Lowell.  Northeast 
of  the  pond,  Nathaniel  Hammond  (1675), — successor,  Nathaniel 
Hammond,  jr.  (1708)  ;  Colonel  Benjamin  Hammond  (1749)  ; 
Vincent  Druce  (1650), —  successors,  Vincent  Druce,  jr.  (1667), 
John  Druce  (1700)  ;  Ebenezer  Keurick,  Jonatlian  Hammond. 
Within  the  limits  of  BrookUne,  beginning  at  the  north,  counted 
as  belonging  to  Newton,  because  so  man}'  of  their  associations 
were  there,  was  the  great  house  of  Deacon  Elhanan  "Winchester, 
afterwards  owned  by  Ebenezer  White,  then  Joseph  White,  and 
iinall}'  Ebenezer  Richards,  whence  the  name  "  Richards'  Hotel."* 

In  Miss  Harriet  F.  Wood's  "  Historical  Sketches  of  Brookline," 
we  find  an  interesting  account  respecting  a  large  tract  of  land 
lying  partly  in  BrookUne  and  partly  in  Newton,  south  of  the  old 
Sherburne  Road  (Newton  Street) ,  east  of  Hammond's  Pond,  nearly- 
west  of  the  ancient  estates  of  Deacon  Elhanan  Winchester  and 
Vincent  Druce,  and  at  the  eastern  foot  of  Bald  Pate  Hill.  The 
account  is  as  follows  : 

On  the  vrestern  side  of  Newton  Street  there  is  an  extensive  tract  of  land 
which  is  comparatively  an  unknown  region.  Once  heavily  timbered,  the 
original  forest  was  cut  away,  and  no  heavy  timber  has  since  been  allowed  to 
grow  there.  Yet  it  is  an  unreclaimed  wild,  covered  with  birches,  alders,  red 
maples,  and  many  trees  of  larger  growth.  Bears  lingered  there  long  after 
they  were  exterminated  elsewhere,  and  foxes,  musk  rats,  minks,  owls  and 
other  wild  game  have  until  recently  tempted,  and  do  perhaps  still  tempt 
adventurous  sportsmen  to  tramp  through  these  rocky  and  swampy  fastnesses. 


*  Ebenezer  Richards  kept  this  place  as  a  public  house  for  several  years.  ^Anlen 
the  "Woroester  turnpike  was  opened,  a  gate  was  placed  across  the  turnpike,  in  the 
rear  of  the  tavern.  'It  was  a  convenient  resort  for  teamsters,  and  parties  from  Bos- 
ton, bent  on  pleasure,  often  went  thither  for  a  game  of  nine-pins.  It  was  also  much 
frequented  for  gay  parties  and  balls.  It  was  discontinued  as  a  tavern  about  1830 ;  and 
afterwards  ownel  successively  by  Henry  Pettes,  of  Boston,  and  Mark  W.  Sheafe, 
of  Portsmouth.  Still  neater  the  border  of  Newton  and  Brookline  was  the  house  build 
bv  Rev.  Jonathan  Hyde  in  1751,  afterwards  owned  by  Thaddeus  H.vde  and  then  Arba 
Hvde.  This  house  was  demolished  in  ISll  by  order  of  the  Selectmen  as  being  insecure. 
The  large  cellar  of  it  is  still  visible.  To  the  south,  amid  the  forests,  was  Erosamoud 
Drew's  saw-mill  near  the  town  line,  on  Pond  Brook  (since  fihed  up),  which  llowed  out 
from  Hammond's  Pond  and  afterwards  joined  Palmer  Brook,  in  South  Newton,  and 
was  conveyed  iu  172G  by  Erosamoud  or  Erasmus  Drew  to  Nathaniel  Parker. 


DREW'S  SAW-MILL.  125 

The  land  lying  hereabouts,  on  both  sides  of  the  street,  both  in  Brookline 
and  in  Newton,  to  the  extent  of  several  hundred  acres,  was  in  the  year  IGoO 
conveyed  by  Nicholas  Hodgden  of  Boston  and  Brookline,  to  Thomas  Ham- 
mond and  Vincent  Druce,  the  same  who  built  the  old  house  on  the  Denny 
place. 

Erosamon  Drew,  whose  name  is  spelled  in  old  documents  in  six  different 
ways,  came  in  his  youth  from  Ireland.  He  married  Bethiah,  daughter  of 
Vincent  Druce.  The  elder  Druce,  who  seems  to  have  been  a  wealthy  man  for 
those  days,  left  considerable  property  to  this  son-in-law. 

A  most  curious  and  elaborate  old  deed,  dated  in  1G83,  conveys  a  tract  of 
sixty-four  acres  of  woodland  for  fifty-five  pounds  to  Erosamon  Drew  from 
*' Vincent  Drusse  and  Elizabeth,  his  wife,"  in  which  an  imperfectly  scrawled 
V  for  his  name  and  E  for  hers  are  their  only  attempts  at  penmanship. 

An  examination  of  some  recent  maps  indicates  a  slight  curving  bit  of  road- 
way near  Newton  line,  diverging  from  the  street  on  the  left,  and  joining  it 
again  at  Newton  line.  The  passers-by  upon  the  street  would  scarcely  notice 
the  grassy  entrance  to  this  curve,  and  perhaps  fail  to  observe,  unless  atten- 
tion were  called  to  it,  an  old  roof,  to  be  seen  almost  on  a  level  with  the  street, 
below  the  brow  of  the  hill.  Yet  this  curved  bit  of  road  was  the  original 
street  or  old  road  dipping  down  into  the  valley,  for  what  good  reason  nobody 
now  living  knows,  unless  it  was  because  down  here  was  •'  Erosamond  Drew's 
Saw-Mill,"  and  there  must  be  a  way  to  get  to  it. 

A  brook,  which  is  the  natural  outlet  to  Hammond's  Pond,  flows  through  the 
swampy  lot  opposite  and  under  the  road.  It  is  nearly  concealed  by  rank 
bushes  and  young  trees,  beyond  which  is  a  large  open  meadow,  which  still 
annually  yields  many  tons  of  hay.  This  extensive  tract  is  the  property  of 
numerous  owners,  and  is  designated  in  ancient  deeds  as  "  the  Grate  meddows." 
also  ''  Saw-Mill  meadows,"  and  far  and  near,  colloquially  as  "  Ponica."  These 
meadows  were  flowed  to  obtain  water-power  enough  to  run  the  saw-mill,  on 
leaving  which,  after  passing  under  the  old  roadway,  the  water  emptied  into 
another  tract  of  land,  called  "  Bald  Pate  Meadows ;  "  there  forming  a  mill-pond 
for  another  saw-mill  which  stood  a  short  distance  below,  many  years  since 
in  the  edge  of  Newton.  Its  site  was  plainly  to  be  seen  a  few  years  ago  (and 
miy  be  still),  though  it  long  since  yielded  to  the  superior  advantages  of  its 
Brookline  rival. 

Below  the  level  of  the  road  down  the  declivity  of  the  hill,  and  standing  end- 
wise to  the  now  deserted  and  grassy  roadway,  was  a  low  house  (the  roof  of 
which  was  before  mentioned),  falling  into  ruins,  and  since  obliterated.  It 
was  not  less  than  two  hundred  years  old,  and  perhaps  more.  This  was  Eros- 
amon Drew's  house,  and  over  the  brook  close  to  it  stood  his  saw-mill,  and 
here  all  the  sawing  of  boards  for  miles  around  was  accomplished.  The  owner 
of  the  saw-mill  was  evidently  a  thrifty  and  good  citizen,  as  he  held  various 
offices  of  trust  in  the  town  of  Brookline,  being  one  of  the  selectmen,  assessor 
a  member  of  the  grand  jury,  and  one  of  the  committee  on  building  the  Pirst 
church. 

An  old  deed  of  Isaac  Hammond  in  1693  conveys  land  bordering  on  the 
«aw-mill  lot  to  Erosamon  Drew.     By  another  deed,  in  April,  1731,  Drew  con- 


126  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

veyed  ten  acres  of  his  land  to  his  son-in-law,  Samuel  White,  "by  reason  and 
in  consideration  of  the  love,  good-will  and  affection  which  he  hath  and  doth 
bear  toward  him,"  which  was  certainly  a  very  substantial  proof  of  his  satis- 
faction with  his  daughter's  marriage. 

This  deed  was  witnessed  by  James  Allen,  the  first  minister  of  Brookline, 
and  "  high  scot;" but  Erosamon  Drew's  signature,  alas,  was  only  "his mark," 
a  round  scrawl,  for  he  could  not  write  his  name.  The  deed  was  acknowledged 
before"  Samuel  Sewall,  J.  Pacis,"  and  rounds  off  in  sonorous  Latin,  "  annoque 
regni  regis  Georgii  Magnae  Britannias  quarto,  etc." 

In  August  of  the  same  year,  by  another  deed  he  gave  his  house  and  all  his 
movable  property  to  his  son-in-law,  wife  and  two  children,  for  his  being 
"  helpful  to  him  in  his  old  age."  In  fact  from  1711  to  this  last  date  (1731)  he 
seems  to  have  been  at  short  intervals  bequeathing  all  his  worldly  goods  to 
this  beloved  son-in-law.  The  grave-stones  of  all  the  Drews  are  stiil  to  be 
seen  in  Newton  Cemetery.  The  last  of  the  Drews  was  gone  before  the  mid- 
dle of  the  last  century,  and  large  portions  had  been  sold  off  the  Druco  and 
Hammond  property,  and  that  part  of  Samuel  White's  land  which  he  inherited 
from  his  wife's  father. 

In  the  Revolutionary  times  this  great  tract,  which  still  lies  wild,  was  in  the 
hands  of  the  Tories,  who,  it  is  said,  secured  some  of  King  George's  cannon 
and  hid  them  in  the  thick  woods,  intending  when  the  right  time  came  to  use 
them  for  the  royal  cause.  But  that  time  never  came,  and  the  Tories  were 
forced  to  escape  to  the  British  Provinces,  where  they  stayed  till  their  prop- 
erty was  confiscated.  It  was  sold,  and  divided  among  many  owners,  and  so 
remains.  The  old  saw-mill  came  into  the  hands  of  Captain  Curtis,  of  Jamaica 
Plain,  and  afterwards  of  Edward  Hall,  formerly  a  blacksmith  on  Washington 
Street,  Brookline. 

For  many  years  Erosamon  Drew's  old  house  was  called  the  "  huckleberry- 
tavern,  "because  the  tenant  then  occupying  it  was  skilful  in  making  a  kind  of 
wine  from  the  abundant  huckleberries  of  the  surrounding  pastures,  and  on 
election  days  and  other  festive  occasions,  the  scattered  residents  of  the  adja- 
cent parts  of  Brookline  and  Newton  often  resorted  thither  for  the  mild  stim- 
ulants of  society  and  huckleberry  wine.  The  old  saw-mill  was  taken  down 
about  twenty-nine  or  thirty  years  ago;  time,  with  the  slow  fingers  of  decay, 
is  taking  down  the  old  house.  It  is  a  curious  old  place,  the  roof  behind 
sloping  almost  to  the  ground.  A  part  of  the  old  flume,  and  some  of  the 
stone  underpinning  of  the  saw-mill  are-  still  to  be  seen. 

The  extensive  meadows  through  which  the  brook  flows,  and  which  were 
once  rich  with  cranberry  vines, are  now  all  bush-grown.  The  old  road, 
down  which  teams  drew  heavy  logs,  and  took  away  the  finished  boards,  is  so 
narrow,  rough  and  winding,  as  to  be  almost  unsafe.  At  the  side  of  the  road, 
near  the  end  of  the  house  is  a  little  patch  fenced  with  brush,  which  in  1872 
bloomed  with  purple  amaranths  and  well  kept  flowers,  whicli  lent  brightness 
to  the  otherwise  neglected  spot.  The  picturesque  old  place  is  a  fit  one  for 
the  location  of  the  scenes  of  a  poem  or  a  tale. 

The  extreme  south  part  of  the  town  alone  remains  to  be  account- 
ed  for.     This  seems  to  have  been  originally  the  second  natm-al 


LOCATION  OF  ESTATES.  127 

centre  of  population  and  interest,  and  here  a  large  number  of 
smaller  proprietors  found  their  residence.  This  section  of  the  town 
was  natm-ally  distributed  into  three  divisions  by  the  pubho  roads 
nearly  parallel,  all  running  eastwardly  from  the  Haynes'  farm. 
The  most  northerly  of  these  roads  was  the  prolongation  of  Pound 
lane,  that  is,  the  West  Roxbury  Road ;  it  commenced  near  the 
house  of  Samuel  C.  Jackson,  Esq.,  and  continued  to  West  Roxbury. 
The  middle  road  commenced  near  the  South  Burial  Place,  and  con- 
tinued along  the  edge  of  Brook  farm,  to  the  town  line  and  Ded- 
ham,  and  was  named  the  Dedham  road.  The  southernmost  skirted 
the  east  or  more  properly  the  southeast  border  of  the  John  Kenrick 
land,  and  terminated  in  the  forest.  Thi-ee  cross-roads,  nearly  par- 
allel, extended  between  the  West  Roxbury  road  and  the  Dedham 
road.  Two  cross-roads  extended  from  the  Dedham  road  in  a  west- 
erly direction, —  the  first  crossing  the  Kenrick  land  to  Kenrick's 
bridge ;  the  other  reaching  the  house  of  Edward  Hall,  and  there 
terminating.  The  following  proprietors  occupied  land  in  this  sec- 
tion of  the  town : 

On  the  easterly  side,  commencing  at  the  southerly  border  of  the 
Haynes'  farm,  and  near  the  house  of  Samuel  C.  Jackson,  Esq.,  on 
the  right  were  the  Great  Meadows,  so  called  ;  at  the  easterl}'  end 
of  this  tract  was  situated  Jonas  Jackson  (1745).  Southerly  from 
this  were  four  plots  of  land  belonging,  in  the  order  of  location,  to 
Jonathan  H^'de,  senior  (1G98),  Captain  Thomas  Prentice,  Esq. 
(1705),  Edward  Jackson,  senior,  and  John  Jackson.  The  land  of 
Jonathan  Hyde,  senior,  included  Bald  Pate  Hill  on  the  south,  and 
was  bounded  on  the  east  by  Bald  Pate  Meadow ;  and  included,  at 
the  northern  or  northeastern  part,  John  Hyde,  his  son,  forty-six 
acres  (1703), —  successors,  John  Hyde,  jr.  (1729),  Elisha  Hyde, 
Gershom  Hyde ;  at  the  southerly  part,  Jonathan  Hyde,  his  son, 
fifty  acres  (1G98).  South  of  Jonathan  Hyde  was  the  land  of 
Captain  Thomas  Prentice,  Esq.  (1705),  to  his  grandson,  Samuel 
Prentice,  a  hundred  acres, —  successor,  Thaddeus  Whitney  (1772). 
South  of  Captain  Thomas  Prentice  was  Edward  Jackson,  senior ,^ 
and  liis  successors,  by  will  (IGSl)  to  Thomas  Prentice,  a  hundred 
acres,  the  latter  to  his  son  Thomas  Prentice,  jr.  (1711),  Timothy 
Whitney  (1728),  Moses  Whitney  (1739),  Timothy  Wliitney 
(1793).     Captain   Thomas   Draper    (1738), —  successors,   James 

Richards, Woodward.     In  the  extreme  southeast  corner  of 

the  town,  John  Ward,  senior,  to  Vincent  Druce  (1680),  a  hundred 


128  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

and  tliirt^'  acres.  "West  of  this  was  William  Ward  (1689), —  suc- 
cessors, JoliQ  Ward,  jr.  (1760),  Joshua  Newell,  E.  White. 

Returning  to  the  first  (northernmost)  cross-road,  near  the  north- 
western corner  was  the  Ministerial  wood  lot ;  then,  Thaddeus  Hyde 
(1872);  Timoth}'- Hyde  (1739),  thirty-six  acres;  Jeremiah  Rich- 
ardson (1761),  Thomas  Richardson;  then  the  widow,  Good}' 
Davis,  (died  1752,  aged  one  hundred  and  sixteen).  On  the  sec- 
ond cross-road  was  Thomas  Hastings,  Thaddeus  Richards, —  suc- 
cessor, John  Dana;  Jonathan  D3-]ve  (1710), —  successors,  Jona- 
than Dj'ke,  jr.  (1742),  Simon  Pond  (1770),  Noah  King  (1795), 
Noah  S.  King  (1843),  Bald  Pate  Hill  east,  Oak  Hill  west;  and 
between  Jonathan  Dj'ke  and  Deacon  Wiswall,  James  Richards, — 
successors,  James  Richards,  jr.,  Solomon  Richards.  South  of 
Palmer  Brook,  on  the  third  cross-road,  John  Jackson,  senior 
(1660),  extending  from  the  West  Roxbury  road  to  the  Dedham 
road.  Within  this  allotment,  Philip  White  (1705), —  successors, 
Isaac  Child  (1745),  Daniel  Child  (1783)  ;  Joshua  Gay  (1745). 

On  the  Dedham  road,  on  the  easterly  side,  south  of  South  Mead- 
ow Brook,  was  David  Richardson  (1724), —  successors,  Samuel 
Richardson,  Benjamin  Richardson,  Deacon  Reuben  Stone.  The 
next  farm  southerly  was  of  Jonathan  Richardson, —  successors, 
Jonas  Stone,  jr.,  Elijah  Stone,  extending  easterly  to  Good}'  Da^'is. 
The  next  was  of  Richard  Clark  (1700), —  successors,  Robert 
Murdock,  jr.  (1718),  Deacon  Jeremiah  Wiswall.  Next  was  John 
Wilson  (1713), —  successors,-  John  Wilson,  jr.,  Daniel  Richai'ds, 
George  Richards.  By  Palmer  Brook,  John  Palmer  (1740), —  suc- 
cessors, Thomas  Palmer  (1760),  William  Palmer  (1811).  The 
next  laud  belonged  to  John  Jackson,  senior,  (1660),  then  Nathan- 
iel Healy  (1690), —  successors,  John  Healy,  John  Corey.  The 
southernmost  proprietor  was  Benjamin  Wilson. 

Returning  to  the  west  side  of  the  Dedham  road,  first  bounding 
on  Nathan  Pettee  (1707),  one  hundred  acres  of  the  Haynes'  farm, 
was  Deacon  Jonas  Stone  (1724), —  successors,  Captain  Jonas 
Stone  (1745),  Ebenezer  Stone  (1788),  Samuel  Stone;  next, 
Andrew  Hall  (1705),  forty-three  acres, —  successors,  John  Hall 
(1723),  Samuel  Hall  (1782).  Then  Robert  Murdock,  senior, 
(1703),  a  hundred  and  twenty  acres, —  successors,  Lieutenant 
Robert  Hall,  Captain  Jeremiah  Wiswall  (1750).  Next  on  the 
corner  was  school  laud,  half  an  acre,  given  to  the  town  by  Jona- 
than   Hyde,   senior   (1703),   near  the  present   chapel.       Then, 


LOCATION  OF  ESTATES.  129 

Daniel  Richards, — successors,  Jacob  Chamberlain  (1700),  son 
John  Chamberlain  (17G3).  Then,  Daniel  Colburn  (1710),— suc- 
cessors, Samuel  Fiske  (1722),  Phineas  Jackson,  Tliomas  Has- 
tings; then,  Edward  AVard  (1700),  sixty-two  acres, —  successors, 
Timothy  Ward  (1741),  John  Mathews,  John  Mayo.  At  the 
extreme  southern  limit,  Nathaniel  Wilson,  senior  (1G80), —  suc- 
cessors, sons  Benjamin,  Isaac  and  Moses. 

Returning  to  the  road  skirting  the  John  Kenrick  land,  the  lli-st 
estate  on  the  east  side  was  of  John  Ward  (1700), —  successor. 
Rev.  Nathan  Ward  (17GG)  ;  then,  John  Ward  (1748)  ;  Samuel 
Truesdale  (1G79),  a  hundred  and  twentj'  acres;  then  Israel 
Stowell, —  successors,  Samuel  L^-on,  John  Hall,  Solomon  Hall, 
David  Hall. 

On  the  cross-road  joining  the  Dedham  road  on  the  east  to  the 
road  bounding  the  John  Kenrick  land  on  the  west,  east  of  Samuel 
Truesdale  was  Elijah  Kenrick  (1GG9), —  successor,  son  John  Ken- 
rick (1712).  East  of  Elijah  Kenrick  was  John  Grimes  (1700), 
—  successor,  James  Grimes  (1740). 

With  this  "  key  to  the  situation,"  a  person  may  travel  over  the 
few  great  roads  of  earlier  Newton,  and  identify,  with  tolerable  cer- 
tainty, the  lands  of  nearly  every  proprietor.  The  larger  estates, 
in  many  parts,  have  been  divided  into  smaller  ones.  Numerous 
intersecting  streets  have  been  opened  for  the  convenience  of  the 
inhabitants.  The  one  or  two  churches,  with  the  roads  leading  to 
them,  which  were  an  object  of  so  much  jealous  care,  have  increased 
to  thu't3%  The  few  scattered  residences  have  condensed  them- 
selves into  nine  or  ten  villages,  some  of  them  nearly  contin- 
uous, and  the  whole  into  a  thriving  city.  But  the  liills  and  plains 
where  the  people  lived,  and  the  streets  in  which  thej^  moved,  are 
clearl}'-  marked  and  easily  found. 
9 


CHAPTER  XI. 


BOUNDARIES   OF    ESTATES. 


Supplementary  to  the  preceding  chapter,  we  give,  in  this  con- 
nection, the  location,  dimensions  and  boundaries,  so  far  as  we  are 
'able,  of  many  estates  of  residents  of  Newton  in  the  earUer  period, 
with  other  matters  of  interest  thereto  belonging.  The  items  are 
arranged  under  the  names  of  the  citizens  in  alphabetical  order,  for 
convenience  of  reference. 

Adams,  Joseph  (d.  1799),  bought  of  Wilham  Park,  in  1750, 
fifty-three  acres  of  land,  with  the  buildings  thereon,  for  £320, 
being  the  east  part  of  the  Park,  farm,  near  Watertown  line.  The 
house  was  afterwards  occupied  by  Joseph  Faxon.  The  homestead 
was  divided  among  the  sons  of  Mr.  Adams,  Joseph,  Roger  and 
Smith,  who  settled  thereon. 

Angier,  Oakes  (d.  1789),  kept  a  pubhc  house  ver}^  near  the 
site  of  the  Nonantum  House,  Newton  Corner.  He  purchased  the 
place  of  Samuel  Jackson,  Esq.,  in  1731.  The  land  was  partly  in 
Newton  and  jDartly  in  Watertown,  with  house  and  barn  thereon. 
It  was  bounded  west-and  south  by  the  county  road,  which  led  from 
Watertown  to  Roxbury.     See  Daniel  Bacon. 

Bacon,  Daniel,  (d.  1691).  In  1669  Gregory  Cook  conveyed 
to  Daniel  Bacon  a  dwelling-house  and  barn  and  six  acres  of  land, 
bounded  by  the  highway  east,  Edward  Jackson  south,  and  the 
Dummer  farm  north  and  west, —  being  the  same  place  which 
William  Clements  conveyed  in  1662  to  Abram  Williams.  Mr. 
Bacon  piu-chased  several  other  parcels  of  land  in  the  same  vicinity. 
Some  of  his  land  was  entailed  by  the  will  of  his  father-in-law. 
Reed.  In  1669,  William  Clements,  jr.,  conveyed  to  Daniel  Bacon 
twenty-five  acres  of  land  for  £60,.  which  he  bought  of  Richard 
Dummer, —  bounded  southerly  by  the  highway  from  AYatertown  to 
Roxbury,  and  northeast  on  Charles  River, —  bciiig  partly  in  New- 
ton and  partly  in  Watertown.     On  this  tract  Isaac  and  John,  his 

130 


BOUNDARIES  OF  ESTATES.  131 

sons,  settled ;  John's  part  was  within  the  bounds  of  Watertown. 
Isaac's  part  was  afterwards  owned  by  Oakes  Angier,  General 
William  Hull  and  others.  A  part  of  it  was  afterwards  occupied  bj' 
the  Nonantum  House.  Mr.  Bacon  purchased,  besides,  in  1688, 
of  Nathaniel  Stcdmau,  of  Boston,  twent}'  acres,  bounded  by  the 
highwa}'  to  Nonantum,  east. 

Bacon,  Jacob,  grandson  of  Daniel  Bacon,  settled  at  the  south 
part  of  Newton,  adjoining  Roxbury  line.  In  1710  he  sold  twent}' 
acres  of  land  to  "VYilliam  Ward. 

Baldwin,  William,  married  a  daughter  of  Noah  Wiswall,  and 
lived  near  the  Pelham  house,  belonging  to  the  estate  of  Rev.  John 
Cotton,  on  Centre  Street,  north  of  the  Shannon  estate,  on  the  site 
of  the  former  residence  of  Mr.  John  Cabot. 

Bakber,  Joun,  kept  the  tavern  in  West  Newton  near  the  West 
Parish  meeting-house  (1765)  ;  the  place  bears  the  name  of  the  Old 
Tavern  House. 

Bartlett,  Joseph  (d.  1702),  lived  on  the  north  side  of  the  hill 
occupied  by  the  Newton  Theological  Institution,  about  ninety  rods 
southeast  of  the  railroad  station.  He  mortgaged  liis  house  and 
four  acres  of  land  to  Thomas  Prentice,  senior.  His  gTcat  grand- 
son, Da^dd  Bartlett,  was  one  of  the  early  members  of  the  First 
Baptist  Church. 

Barton,  James,  (d.  1729).  In  1688,  Jonathan  Jackson,  son  of 
Edward  Jackson,  senior,  conveyed  to  James  Barton  one  hundred 
and  three  acres  of  land  for  £130, —  bounded  west  and  north  by 
land  of  Thomas  Park,  east  by  land  of  his  brother  Sebas  and 
others, —  being  the  land  bequeathed  to  him  by  his  father,  and 
which  formed  the  north  and  west  part  of  the  Mayhew  farm.  Mr. 
Barton  purchased  other  lands,  extending  over  the  Watertown  line. 
He  erected  his  dwelling-house  on  the  south  side  of  Charles  River, 
just  within  the  bounds  of  Watertown. 

Beach,  Isaac,  (d.  1735).  Abraham  Jackson,  son  of  John  Jack- 
son, sen.,  conve3'cd  to  Isaac  Beach  in  1686  four  acres  of  land, 
bounded  "  east  and  south  b}^  the  way  to  the  meeting-house,"  that 
is,  the  road  leading  from  Centre  Street,  on  the  southern  border  of 
the  burial  place  where  the  first  meeting-house  was  located,  to  the 
east  part  of  the  town  ;  and  west  by  the  burial  place.  He  built  his 
house  on  this  lot.  In  1727  he  gave  this  homestead  to  Isaac  Jack- 
son, sen.,  whom  he  brought  up  from  a  child. 

Beale,  Gershom  (d.  1723),  bought  five  acres  of  land  of  Joshua 
Fuller  at  Newton  Upper  Falls,  in  1712. 


132  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

BixBY,  Jonathan  (d.  1714),  had  Ms  dwelling-house  and  farm  at 
Newton  Upper  Falls,  the  northwestern  part,  on  the  bank  of  Charles 
River. 

Blanden,  Francis  (d.  1754),  from  Canada,  of  French  descent, 
had  his  house  on  the  north  bank  of  Wis  wall's  Pond  (northwest 
angle) ,  on  the  same  spot  where  Samuel  Hyde,  jr.,  lived,  and  man}' 
years  in  later  times,  Mr.  Joseph  White. 

Bond,  Phineas.  The  Bonds  lived  on  the  Fuller  farm,  the  south- 
ern part,  remotest  from  Charles  River. 

Bowles,  Dea.  William,  from  Roxbuiy,  where  he  was  deacon, 
owned  the  place  at  the  east  part  of  the  town  afterwards  occupied 
by  Obadiah  Curtis,  nearl}'  opposite  the  estate  of  Col.  Joseph 
Ward  ;  and  near  the  site  of  Rev.  Dr.  Freeman's  house  ;  late  Fran- 
cis Skinner. 

BuLLOuGH,  John.  The  Bullough  estate  was  in  the  vicinity  of 
Bullough's  Pond.  The  reputation  of  one  of  the  family  was 
dubious,  although  most  of  them  were  good  and  worthy  people. 

BuERAGE,  Epheaim.  TMs  family  lived  north  of  the  Trowb ridges 
at  Newtonville. 

Bush,  Randolph,  in  1642  owned  a  house  and  eighteen  acres  of 
land  near  Newton  Corner. 

Cheney,  John,  lived  near  the  Upper  Falls. 

Cheney,  Joseph  (d.  1749),  inherited  part  of  the  lands  of  his 
wife's  father,  Capt.  Noah  Wiswall,  and  lived  in  the  southwest  part 
of  Newton.  In  1748,  he  bought  a  tract  of  land  of  John  Ham- 
mond for  £500,  bounded  northwest  on  John  AVoodward. 

Child,  Daniel,  married  Rebecca  Richards  ;  lived  near  Brook 
farm. 

Clark,  John,  (d.  1G95).  His  father,  Hugh  Clark,  conveyed  to 
him  by  deed  of  gift,  in  1681,  sixt3'-seven  acres  of  land,  on  the 
east  side  of  Centre  Street  at  the  Common.  His  house  was  on  the 
site  of  the  house  formerl}'  of  Dea.  Ebenezer  White,  sen.,  later  of 
Timothy  Walker.  He  built  a  saw-mill  at  the  Upper  Falls  on  Charles 
River,  and  owned  land  adjoining. 

Clark,  John,  JR.  (d.  1730),  conveyed  to  his  brother  William 
thu'ty-five  acres  of  land,  bounded  south  by  Stephen  Winchester, 
north  by  Ebenezer  Woodward,  east  by  the  highway  to  the  Lower 
Falls,  west  by  land  of  WilUam  Clark. 

Clark,  William  (d.  1737),  conveyed  to  Noah  Parker  in 
1725  seven  acres  of  land,  bounded  west  by  the  river,  east  and 


BOUNDARIES  OF  ESTATES.  •  133 

south  by  land  of  his  own,  north  by  Gershom  Bates  ;  also  one-fourth 
part  of  mills,  stream  and  dam  at  the  Upper  Falls. 

Clarke,  Dr.  Samuel,  from  Boston  (d.  1830),  father  of  Dr. 
James  Freeman  Clarke,  and  son-in-law  of  General  Hull,  occupied 
for  a  season  the  estate  long  owned  b}'  Joshua  Loring,  corner  of 
Centre  and  Cotton  Streets. 

Clements,  William,  in  1G39  owned  house  and  six  acres  of  land 
near  the  line  of  Cambridge,  which  he  sold  to  Edward  Jackson,  sen., 
in  104:7.  He  also  owned  the  Cook  house,  which  he  sold  to  Abram 
Williams  in  1GG2  ;  also,  other  lands. 

Clements,  William,  jk.  (d.  1G91),  owned  house  and  land  ad- 
joining Captain  Prentice,  near  Chestnut  Hill.  He  bought  twent}'- 
five  acres  of  Richard  Dummer,  and  sold  it  to  Daniel  Bacon  in 
1G69. 

Collins,  Mattuias  (d.  1785),  bought  one  hundred  acres  of 
land  of  Joseph  Craft  on  the  Sherburne  road,  adjoining  John 
Woodward. 

CooKE,  Gregoky  (d.  1G90),  bought  of  Samuel  Hyde,  in  16G8, 
sixteen  acres  of  land,  bounded  east  by  Centre  Street,  west  by  land 
of  Edward  Jackson,  sen.,  and  south  by  land  of  said  Hyde.  His 
descendants  lived  here  till  about  the  time  of  the  Revolution.  Capt. 
Phineas  Cooke  was  the  last  of  the  name  who  owned  it.  Later  it 
belonged  to  Mr.  Nathaniel  Brackett.  In  IGGo,  Abraham  Williams 
conveyed  to  Gregor}:  Cooke  his  late  mansion  and  about  six  acres 
of  laud,  bounded  east  by  the  highway  from  Watertown  to  Rox- 
bur}',  south  by  land  of  Edward  Jackson,  sen.,  north  and  west  by 
the  Dummer  farm.  This  mansion  house  was  at  Newton  Corner, 
near  the  Watertown  line.  In  1672,  Jeremiah  Dummer,  of  Boston, 
conveyed  to  Gregoiy  Cooke,  shoemaker,  one  hundred  and  twelve 
acres  of  land,  with  a  house  and  barn  thereon,  lying  partly  in  Cam- 
bridge and  partly  in  Watertown,  bounded  east  by  the  highway, 
south  b}^  land  of  Edward  Jackson,  sen.,  and  Daniel  Bacon,  west 
by  land  of  Thomas  Park,  and  north  by  Charles  river.  The  old, 
sharp-roofed  house  stood  on  the  site  afterwards  occupied  b}^  Henry 
Fuller's. 

CooKE,  Stephen,  jr.,  owned  house,  land  and  grist-mill  in 
Watertown,  which  he  convej'ed  by  deed  of  gift  to  his  son,  John 
Cooke. 

Cooke,  Capt^un  Phineas  (d.  1784),  built  the  house  at  New- 
ton Corner,  near  the  Watertown   line,   owned  and  occupied  by 


134  •  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

General  Hull,  after  the  war.  His  uncle,  Daniel  Cooke,  left  Mm 
a  large  estate. 

Cooke,  Daniel  (d.  1754),  received  from  his  father,  Stephen 
Cooke,  jr.,  in  1735,  by  deed  of  gift,  his  homestead,  partly  in  New- 
ton and  partly  in  Watertown. 

Cotton,  Rev.  John  (d.  1757),  purchased  of  the  heii's  of  his 
predecessor.  Rev.  Nehemiah  Ilobart,  in  1715,  about  one  hundred 
acres  of  land,  with  the  dwelling-house  and  barn  thereon.  The 
house  was  afterwards  owned  and  occupied  by  Charles  Pelham, 
Esq. ,  and  was  known  as  the  Pelham  house  ;  it  was  afterwards  the 
property  of  John  Cabot,  whose  daughter  was  the  wife  of  Theodore 
Parker.  The  house  has  been  removed.  It  stood  on  the  corner  of 
Centre  and  Cabot  Streets, 

Cotton,  Dr.  John,  son  of  the  minister,  (d.  1758).  The  admin- 
istrator of  his  estate  sold  six  and  a  half  acres  of  land  and  house 
to  Samuel  Cooke,  bounded  west  by  Dedham  Road.  Probably  the 
place  soon  after  owned  by  Dr.  John  King, —  the  site  of  the  present 
residence  of  Deacon  Gustavus  Forbes. 

Ckaft,  Moses  (d.  17G8),  purchased  ninctj'-three  and  a  half  acres 
of  land  of  Nathaniel  Parker,  in  Newton,  in  1729,  on  the  Sher- 
burne road,  and  lived  with  Dea.  John  Staples,  in  the  same  vicinity. 

Curtis,  Solomon,  settled  at  Newton  Lower  Falls  ;  also,  his  sons, 
Allen  C.  and  Wilham  Cm'tis. 

Dana,  John  (d.  1793),  son  of  Benjamin,  the  ancestor  of  all  of 
that  name,  lived  in  the  south  part  of  Newton. 

Davenport,  Joseph,  son  of  John  Davenport  and  grandson  of 
Thomas  Davenport,  born  August  30, 1701,  was  a  clothier,  and  set- 
tled about  1731  at  Newton  Lower  Falls,  on  the  right  of  the  road 
leading  to  the  Upper  Falls,  where  he  died  March  12,  1752.  His 
wife  was  Sarah  Ware,  daughter  of  Ebenezer  Ware,  of  Needham. 

Davenport,  Benjamin  (d.  Dec.  28,  1833),  sou  of  Joseph  Dav- 
enport, born  in  Newton  June  16,  1743,  lived  in  Newton,  nearly 
oi[)posite  the  present  poor-house.     He  died  in  Needham. 

Davenport,  Joseph,  son  of  Benjamin  Davenport,  born  Aug.  18, 
1773,  lived  at  Newton  Upper  Falls,  and  died  at  Cambridge  Ma}' 
28,  1849.     He  had  seven  children,  all  born  in  Newton. 

DoLBEAR,  Benjamin,  lived  near  the  Upper  Falls. 

Downing,  Robert.  His  homestead  was  on  the  east  side  of 
Centre  Street,  near  the  old  burial  place. 

Draper,  Captain  Thomas  (d.  17G9),  lived  at  the  south  part  of 
the  town,  near  the  Roxbuiy  line. 


BOUNDAKIES  OF  ESTATES.  135 

DuRANT,  Captain  Edward  (d.  1740),  in  1732  bought  ninety- 
one  acres  of  land  in  Newton,  of  Daniel  Bobbins  and  Daniel 
Trowbridge  for  £1,800,  bounded  east  and  west  by  the  highway,  and 
north  by  land  of  Captain  John  Jackson.  The  estate  \c\y  on  the 
southern  part  of  Nonantum  Hill,  north  of  John  Kenrick. 

Druce,  Vincent.  In  1650  Nicholas  Hodgden  of  Boston 
(Brookhne) ,  conveyed  to  Thomas  Hammond  and  Vincent  Druce 
land  in  the  easterly'  part  of  Newton,  adjoining  John  Parker's  land, 
on  the  north,  northwest  and  northeast,  which  land  was  granted  by 
the  town  of  Cambridge  to  Robert  Bradish.  Messrs.  Druce  and 
Hammond  held  this  land  in  common  until  1664,  when  a  division 
was  made  between  them.  The  dividing  line  was  one  hundred  rods 
in  length,  running  over  "  the  gi-eat  hill."  The  pond  was  in  Ham- 
mond's part,  and  has  ever  since  borne  his  name.  The  (old)  road 
through  these  lands  to  Muddy  River  (Brookhne)  was  laid  out  in 
1G58.  John  Ward  conveyed  to  Vincent  Druce  one  hundred  and 
thirtj'  acres  of  woodland,  bounded  east  by  Roxbury  line,  north  by 
Brookhne  line,  and  south  and  west  by  other  land  of  said  John 
AV^ard.     Mr.  Druce's  dwelling-house  was  near  Brookhne  line. 

Dyke,  Jonathan  (d.  1759),  Hved  on  the  old  Jonathan  Hj'de 
homestead. 

Eliot,  Benjamin  (d.  1798),  purchased  six  and  a  half  acres  of 
land,  in  1731,  a  little  north  of  the  Centre  meeting-house,  and  there 
settled.  In  1756,  he  bought  eight  acres  on  the  plain,  near  the 
same  meeting-house  and  school-house,  westwardl}-. 

Eliot,  Rev.  John,  jr.,  (d.  1668).  "Eliot's  homestead  of 
twenty  acres  was  the  southerly  corner  of  the  Maj^hew  farm,  and 
was  situated  on  the  westerly  side  of  Centre  Street,  about  sixty 
rods  north  of  the  burial  place.  The  well  where  he  drew  his  water, 
very  near  the  spot  where  his  dwelling-house  stood,  belongs  to  the 
estate  of  the  late  Thomas  Edmands."  His  estate  continued  to  be 
the  property  of  his  son  John  as  long  as  he  lived.  After  his  death, 
it  was  sold  to  Henry  Gibbs,  Esq.,  in  1733,  for  £415,  hy  order  of 
the  General  Court,  on  the  petition  of  the  executors  of  Eliot's  will, 
to  raise  money  to  cany  his  son  John,  then  seventeen  years  old, 
through  college  at  New  Haven.  B3'  the  deed  it  was  bounded  east 
by  Centre  Street,  south  by  land  of  John  Spring,  north  and  west 
by  land  of  Rev.  John  Cotton.  Heniy  Gibbs  sold  the  EUot  home- 
stead to  the  Rev.  John  Cotton  in  1736,  for  £300.  The  heirs  of 
Rev.  John  Cotton  sold  it  to  Charles  Pelham,  Esq.,  in  1765. 


136  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Elliot,  General  Simon  (d.  1810),  from  Boston,  erected  snuff- 
mills  at  Newton  Upper  Falls  about  1780,  and  owned  extensively  in 
that  part  of  the  town  in  mills,  lands  and  water  power.  He  lived 
in  the  house  formerly  Noah  Parker's. 

EsTY,  Reuben,  lived  in  the  West  Parish. 

Fenno,  Epiikaim  (d.  17G7),  from  Boston,  in  1736,  purchased 
thirty-three  acres  of  land  in  Newton  Centre,  for  £750,  bounded 
east  by  Centre  Street,  southwest  by  Homer  Street,  northAvest  by 
Grafton  Sti-eet,  being  the  triangular  farm,  afterwards  the  home- 
stead of  Rev.  Joseph  Grafton,  then  of  Michael  Tombs  and  lastly 
of  George  C.  Rand,  Esq. 

Freeman,  Rev.  James  (d.  1835),  lived  on  Waveiiy  Avenue 
nearly  opposite  Mr.  Charles  Brackett,  (the  Skinner  place) . 

Fuller,  John  (d.  1099),  settled  in  Newton  about  1644.  In 
1658,  he  purchased  of  Joseph  Cooke,  of  Cambridge,  seven  hun- 
dred and  fifty  acres  of  land  for  £160,  bounded  north  and  west  by 
Charles  River, —  the  winding  part  of  the  river  west ;  east  by  land 
of  Thomas  Park,  south  by  farm  of  Samuel  Shepard.  His  house 
stood  on  the  south  side  of  the  brook,  and  within  a  few  rods  of  both 
road  and  brook.  B3-  subsequent  purchase,  he  increased  his  estate 
to  upwards  of  one  thousand  acres  ;  Cheesecake  Brook  ran  through 
it,  and  the  tract  was  long  known  as  the  "  Fuller  Farm."  By  his 
will  dated  1696,  he  divided  it  among  his  five  surviving  sons,  with 
the  proviso  that  they  should  not  sell  to  any  stranger,  until  they  or 
their  next  relative  should  have  the  offer  of  it.  He  and  Edward 
Jackson  were  the  largest  land-owners  in  the  village.  The}^  divided 
their  lands  among  their  children  in  their  lifetime,  confirming  the 
division  by  their  wills.* 


*Mr.  Seth  Davis  says  in  1847,  "  The  southeast  corner  of  this  estate  was  marked  by 
a  large  oak-tree  which  was  standing,  until  within  a  few  years,  at  the  northeast  cor- 
ner of  the  farm  improved  by  William  Bacon.  This  tree  is  perhaps  the  only  land- 
mark that  has  existed  without  variation  in  the  town  until  so  late  a  period. 

"  As  no  house  is  recognized,  on  this  lot  of  more  than  a  mile  square,  and  bounded  on 
each  side  by  a  single  farm,  no  more  than  one  house  probably  existed  in  that  section 
in  1058.  And  it  is  probable  that  no  house  existed  on  these  seven  hundred  and  lifty 
acres  for  more  than  twenty  years  afterwards,  as  in  1C7G,  April  15,  this  John  Fuller 
purchased  of  one  John  Magoon  twenty-two  acres  of  land  with  a  dwelling-house  and 
barn;  also  live  acres  near  the  Falls  on  Charles  River.  This  house,  purchased  of  John 
Magoon,  is  said  to  have  stood  on  the  same  spot  where  the  third,  fourth  and  lif th 
meeting-houses  in  the  tirst  parish  were  built.  Subsequently  to  this  purchase  by  John 
Fuller,  he  with  his  six  sous,  whose  names  all  began  with  I,  as  no  J's  were  then  used, 
settled  on  the  aforesaid  seven  hundred  and  fifty  acres  of  land,  which  was  known  as 
'  Fuller's  Corner'  for  nearly  a  century.  Two  farms  were  owned  and  improved  by  John 
Fuller's  descendants  until  1847  and  subsequently." 


e 


A 


Or.<  (    /  ,j 


BOUNDARIES  OF  ESTATES.  137 

Fuller,  Jonathan,  son  of  Joliu  Fuller,  senior  (d.  1722),  lived 
on  the  spot  afterwards  occupied  b}'  Captain  Ezra  Fuller. 

Fuller,  Joseph,  son  of  John  Fuller,  senior,  (d.  1740).  His 
father-in-law,  Edward  Jackson,  gave  him  twent3'-three  acres  of 
land  out  of  the  westerly  end  of  the  Mayhew  farm,  which  he 
bought  of  Governor  Bradstreet,  and  from  his  father  he  inherited 
two  hundred  acres  more.  On  this  estate  he  erected  his  mansion 
house,  covering  the  same  spot  where  his  grandson  Judge  Fuller 
lived,  the  site  of  the  mansion  of  General  William  Hull,  and  later 
of  Governor  Clafliu,  in  Newtonville.  This  farm  descended  to  his 
son  Joseph,  his  grandson  Abraham,  and  his  great-granddaughter 
Sarah,  who  married  Colonel  William  Hull  in  1781.  In  1766, 
Abraham  FuUer  built  an  addition  to  his  father's  old  house,  of  which 
he  had  lately  come  into  possession,  and  in  1814  General  William 
Hull  removed  the  old  part  which  had  been  built  b}'  Joseph  Fuller 
in  1680,  and  built  a  new  addition,  so  that  the  house,  as  removed 
and  afterwards  occupied  b}-  J.  L.  Roberts,  Esq.,  was  built  partly 
in  1766  and  partly  in  1814. 

Fuller,  Elisha,  son  of  Jonathan  Fuller  (d.  1794) ,  lived  near  the 
hill  now  covered  by  the  Newton  Theological  Institution. 

Fuller,  Col.  Nathan  (d.  1822) ,  had  in  the  West  Parish  a  home- 
stead of  fift3'-five  acres,  appraised  at  $2,890.  He  gave  to  the  West 
Parish  an  acre  and  a  half  of  land  for  a  bmying  place,  in  1781. 

Greene,  Jonathan,  from  Maiden  (d.  1736),  came  to  Newton  in 
1697,  and  "lived  near  the  Falls." 

Greenwood,  Thomas  (d.  1693),  bought  in  1673  seven  acres  of 
land  of  Nathaniel  Hammond,  bounded  souiheast  by  land  of  said 
Hammond,  north  by  Captain  Prentice  and  John  Ward.  The  same 
year  he  bought  seven  acres  and  fifty  rods  of  Edward  Jackson, 
adjoining  the  meadow  of  Elder  Wiswall,  and  east  by  John  Ward. 
In  1691,  he  purchased  of  Isaac  Parker  tweuty-fom-  acres  with  the 
dweUiug-house  thereon,  bounded  east  by  Thomas  Hammond,  west 
by  John  Hammond,  south  by  Nathaniel  Hammond  and  north  hy 
John  Druce,  beiug  part  of  the  same  land  which  John  Parker,  sen., 
bought  of  Nicholas  Ilodgdca  in  1650. 

Greenwood,  DexVCOn  Thomas  (d.  1774),  had  a  homestead  of 
eighty-six  acres  in  the  West  Parish. 

GiiiBS,  Henry  (d.  1761),  came  to  Newton  about  1742,  purchased 
of  Rev.  John  Prentice,  of  Lancaster,  sixty  acres  of  land  on  the 
east  side  of  Centre  Street,  on  which  he  built  the  large  house,  after- 


138  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

wards  owned  and  occupied  many  years  by  the  late  Marshall  S.  Rice, 
long  known  as  the  Town  Clerk  of  Newton,  being  part  of  the  same 
land  purchased  by  James  and  Thomas  Prentice,  in  1657 ;  also, 
fourteen  acres  on  the  Plain,  bounded  east  on  Centre  Street,  lying 
between  the  farms  of  John  Spring  on  the  north  and  Jonathan 
Hyde,  sen.,  on  the  south,  being  the  same  land  owned  by  John 
Jackson,  sen.,  and  then  by  his  son-in-law,  Capt.  Noah  Wiswall ; 
—  known  later  as  the  Lovell  Place  ; —  between  the  estate  of  Thomas 
Nickerson,  Esq.,  and  Mill  Street. 

GoDDARD,  JosiAH  (d.  1758),  was  of  VVatertown,  and  bought  of 
Jonathan  Parks,  jr.,  twenty-five  acres,  bounded  northeast  by  the 
Fuller  farm. 

Gkafton,  Ret.  Joseph  (d.  1836),  occupied  the  triangular  estate 
in  Newton  Centre,  bounded  east  by  Centre  Street,  southwest  by 
Homer  Street  and  northwesterly  by  Grafton  Street. 

Greenough,  Rev.  William  (d.  1831),  in  the  West  Parish,  occu- 
pied the  estate  on  the  left  side  of  Washington  Street,  going 
towards  Newton  Lower  Falls.  On  the  map  of  1700,  streets  are 
laid  out  on  three  sides  of  the  estate,  making  a  triangle,  like  Mr. 
Grafton's. 

Hall,  Andrew  (d.  1756),  came  into  the  south  part  of  Newton 
about  1695,  and  bought  forty-three  acres  of  land  in  1795,  for  £22, 
of  Thomas  Wiswall,  son  of  Capt.  Noah  Wiswall.  The  tract  was 
bounded  east  by  Dedham  highwaj',  west  by  John  Kenrick  and  the 
widow  of  Joseph  Parker,  north  by  John  Woodward,  jr.,  Samuel 
Truesdale  and  John  Kenrick,  jr.,  south  by  Deacon  James  Trow- 
bridge. 

Hammond,  Thomas,  (d.  1675).  Nicholas  Hodgden  convej'ed 
sixty-seven  acres  of  land,  in  1650,  "on  Cambridge  Hill  in  Cam- 
bridge Village "  to  Thomas  Hammond  and  Vincent  Druce ;  also, 
thirteen  acres  more,  which  was  granted  by  the  town  of  Cambridge 
to  Robert  Bradish  ;  "  and  also,  sixteen  acres  more  in  Muddy  River 
(Brookline)  next  to  Cambridge  Hill,  adjoining  John  Parker's  land 
north,  northwest  and  northeast.  Hammond  and  Druce  bought  in 
1658  of  Thomas  Brattle  and  others  six  hundred  acres  at  Muddy 
River  (Brookhne),  called  the  Royton  farm,  for  £100,  north  partly 
on  the  Roxbury  line,  south  partly  on  the  Cambridge  line,  surveyed 
b.y  John  Oliver."  The  purchases  of  Messrs.  Hammond  and  Druce 
were  held  in  common  until  1664,  when  a  division  was  made.  "  The 
dividing  line  was  one  hundred  rods  long,  running  over  the  great 


BOUNDARIES  OF   ESTATES.  139 

hill,  the  pond  being  in  Hammond's  part."  Mr.  Hammond  bought 
also  of  Esther  Sparhawk,  daughter  of  Nathaniel  Sparhawk,  in 
1656,  for  £-40,  three  hundred  and  thirt}-  acres,  being  the  same  land 
granted  to  her  father  by  the  town  of  Cambridge,  bounded  "  south 
and  west  on  land  of  Robert  Bradish,  and  north  by  land  of  Elder 
Frost,  now  in  possession  of  John  "Ward  and  Lieut.  Prentice." 
His  will  gave  to  his  son  Thomas  a  house  and  portions  of  land  ;  to 
his  son  Nathaniel,  a  house  and  land  adjoining,  "  and -the  cranberry- 
meadow  from  the  corner  of  the  pond  to  '  Troublesome  Swamp.' " 

Hammond,  John  (d.  17G3),  bought  of  Rev.  Jared  Eliot,  of 
Connecticut,  three  hundred  and  seventy  acres  of  the  Governor 
Haynes'  farm,  in  1746,  for  £6,000,  and  mortgaged  it  to  James 
Bowdoin  for  £3,000. 

Hastings,  Samuel  (d.  1776),  had  a  tan-yard  near  the  West 
Parish  meeting-house,  where  he  settled.  He  came  from  Cambridge, 
and  removed  from  the  West  Parish  to  Newton  Corner,  where  he 
died. 

Hastings,  Thomas,  from  Watertown,  lived  near  Bald  Pate  Hill,_ 
at  the  south  part  of  Newton. 

Healt,  Nathaniel  (d.  1734),  bought  of  Jonathan  Jacksou, 
senior,  twent3'-six  and  a  half  acres  of  land,  and  lived  near  Brook 
Farm. 

Hobart,  Rev.  Nehemiah,  (d.  1712).  "His  father-in-law, 
Edward  Jackson,  gave  him  thirtj^'acres  of  land  on  the  northwest 
side  of  the  Dedham  highway  (Centre  street) ,  adjoining  the  twent}' 
acres  south,  which  he  also  gave  to  Rev.  John  Eliot,  jr.,  his  prede- 
cessor." He  built  his  mansion  house  on  the  spot  where  the  house 
of  Mr.  John  Cabot  formerly  stood,  at  the  corner  of  Cabot  and 
Centre  Streets.  It  was  occupied  afterwards  bj''  his  successor  Rev. 
John  Cotton.  It  was  burnt  in  1720,  and  rebuilt  the  same  year. 
"In  1711  he  conve3'ed  to  his  four  daughters  his  then  dwelUng- 
house,  outhouses,  and  one  hundred  acres  of  land  adjoining,  reserv- 
ing to  himself  the  right  to  enjo}'  it  while  he  lived,  with  other  reser- 
vations, together  with  the  land  he  owned  at  Stake  Meadow. 

Holly,  Samuel  (d.  1643),  owned  a  house  and  eighteen  acres 
of  land  adjoining  John  Jackson  in  1639,  of  which  he  sold  six  acres 
to  Edward  Jackson  in  1643,  for  £5. 

Homer,  Rev.  Jonathan  (d.  1S43),  owned  and  occupied  an 
estate  of  considerable  extent  on  the  west  side  of  Centre  Street, 
north  of  the  meeting-house.     His  dwelling-house  stood  midwaj^ 


140  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

between  the  houses  of  Hon.  A.  Speare,  Ex-Maj-or  of  Newton,  and 
Thomas  Nickerson,  Esq.  The  site  is  marked  by  the  two  thorny 
acacias  which  shaded  his  front  yard,  and  which  were  on  each  side 
of  the  walk  from  the  gate  to  the  front  door. 

HovEY,  Deacox  Thomas  (d.  1829),  owned  and  occupied  the 
place  afterwards  owned  by  Deacon  Nathan  Pettee ;  and  which, 
later,  was  the  Amos  Lawrence  estate,  including  the  westerly  basin 
of  the  Boston  Water  Works  near  Chestnut  Hill. 

Hull,  General  William  (d.  1825),  lived,  in  his  later  3'ears, 
on  the  place  since  owned  and  occupied  by  Ex-Governor  Claflin. 
The  large  house,  which  was  his  mansion  house,  was  removed  to  the 
vicinit}^  of  the  Railroad  Station  at  Newton ville,  on  the  west  side 
of  the  street. 

Hyde,  Deacon  Samuel,  (d.  1725).  He  and  his  brother  Jona- 
than Hyde,  in  1647,  bought  of  Thomas  Danforth  forty  acres  of 
land.  In  1652,  they  purchased  two  hundred  acres  of  the  heirs  of 
Nathaniel  Sparhawk,  and  held  this  land  in  common  till  1661,  when 
a  division  was  made  between  them.  Centre  Street,  at  first  called 
the  Dedham  highway,  was  laid  out  through  their  lands.  Captain 
Samuel  Hyde,  of  Hyde's  Nursery,  of  the  sixth  generation,  and 
George  Hyde,  his  son,  owned  and  occupied  a  part  of  the  original 
homestead.  He  also  owned  a  farm  in  Watertown,  of  a  hundred 
and  twenty-four  acres. 

Hyde,  Nehemiaii,  son  of  Ensign  Samuel  Hyde  (d.  1741), 
received  bj'  his  father's  will,  the  homestead,  thirty -three  acres  and 
pasture,  eight  acres,  on  the  hiU. 

Hyde,  Jonathan,  son  of  John  Hyde,  sold  five  acres  of  land  to 
Benjamin  Eddj'  in  1754,  bounded  south  b}-  the  road  leading  to  the 
meeting-house. 

Hyde,  Jonathan,  senior  (d.  1711),  came  to  Newton  in  1647, 
and  bought  two  hundred  and  forty  acres  of  land,  with  his  brothej", 
Deacon  Samuel  Hj^de,  which  thej^  owned  in  common  till  1661.  He 
bought,  in  1656,  eightj'  acres,  more  or  less,  of  Thomas  Woolson, 
which  Woolson  bought  of  Edward  Goffe  in  1653.  "Probably 
there  was  more  in  this  tract,  being  one-eighth  of  the  land  recovered 
b}'  Cambridge  from  the  town  of  Dedham  in  a  lawsuit.  He  settled 
on  this  laud,  and  increased  it  by  subsequent  purchases  to  about 
three  hundred  and  fifty  acres.  His  dwelling-house  was  about  sev- 
ent}'  rods  north  of  the  Centre  Congregational  meeting-house." 
He  bought  and  sold  much  land  in  the  Village,  and  in  some  of  his 


BOUNDARIES  OF   ESTATES.  141 

deeds  was  styled  "  Sergeant."  Jackson  says  "  he  had  twenty-one 
children, —  fourteen  by  Mary  French,  daughter  of  WilUam  French, 
of  Billerica,  and  seven  by  Mary  Rediat,  daughter  of  John  Rediat, 
of  Marlboro'.  He  made  a  marriage  covenant  in  1673  with  her 
father  and  brother,  in  which  it  was  stipulated  that  he  should  raarrj' 
Mary  Rediat,  and  in  case  he  should  die  before  her,  she  should  have 
his  house,  barn  and  about  one  hundred  acres  of  land.  In  case 
she  had  no  children  by  liim,  then  the  one  hundred  acres  was  to  pass 
to  the  children  of  his  first  wife,  after  the  decease  of  the  said  Jona- 
than and  Mary.  This  interesting  document  was  dated  2,  11,  1673, 
nearly  three  months  before  the  marriage  ceremony.  It  was  wit- 
nessed b}'  the  Rev.  Nathaniel  Gookin,  of  Cambridge,  and  his  sis- 
ter Elizabeth,  the  widow  of  the  Rev.  John  Eliot,  jr.  This  part  of 
his  homestead  was  bounded  easterly  by  the  highway  from  Water- 
town  to  Dedham,  one  hundred  and  sixt}'  rods,  and  one  hundred 
rods  deep  ;  westerly  by  his  other  lands  ;  northerl3'  hy  land  of  John 
Jackson,  senior,  and  southerly  b}^  the  farm  of  Elder  Wiswall; 
reserving  a  wa}^  one  rod  wide  next  to  Wiswall's,  to  go  to  his  other 
lands.  This  laud  ran  from  the  Dedham  Road  (Centre  Street)  at 
the  training  field  (Newton  Centre  Common) ,  by  the  north  bank  of 
Wiswall's  Pond,  and  for  the  last  century  has  been  known  by  the 
name  of  'Blandeu's  Lane,'  now  (1854)  called  Pond  Street.  The 
front  of  this  grant  extended  from  this  lane,  northerly  one  hundred 
and  sixty  rods,  to  about  opposite  the  road  leading  to  the  east- 
erly part  of  the  town  (Ward  Street).  This  farm,  therefore, 
was  ver}'  near  the  centre  of  Newton,  and  included  the  spot  where 
the  Centre  meeting-house  (Congregational)  now  stands.  In  1702, 
he  gave  to  John  Ivenrick  and  others.  Selectmen  of  Newton,  and 
their  sticcessors  in  ofl3ce,  'half  an  acre  of  land  near  Oak  Hill, 
abutting  ten  rods  on  the  Dedham  Road,  and  eight  rods  wide, 
northwesterly  by  his  own  land,  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  school 
at  the  south  part  of  the  town,  to  be  employed  b}^  said  Selectmen 
to  the  ends  aforesaid.'  This  half  acre  of  land  was  sold  many 
years  ago,  and  a  small  fund  accumulated  from  the  proceeds,  which 
was  divided  among  the  inhabitants  of  the  south  school  district  a 
few  years  since  by  vote  of  the  town,  pro  rata,  according  to  the 
taxes  each  one  paid."  He  probably  gave  part  of  the  land  for  the 
training  field,  though  no  record  remains  of  such  a  gift,  and  Elder 
Wiswall  or  his  heirs  gave  the  residue.  "  In  1705,  he  deeded  to  his 
childi-en  a  cartway  tlirough  the  then  homestead  to  the  Dedham 


142  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

highway  (Centre  Street),  'to  be  used  with  gates  forever.'"  The 
"  forever,"  nevertheless,  came  to  an  end.  For  that  "  cartway  "  is 
now  Grafton  Street,  the  northwestern  boundary  of  the  triangular 
estate  of  the  late  George  C.  Rand. 

Hyde,  Samuel,  son  of  Jonathan  Hyde,  senior,  had  his  house  on 
the  north  side  of  Wiswall's  Pond,  afterwards  occupied  b}'  Blanden. 
His  laud  was  conveyed  to  him  by  deeds  of  gift  in  1703  and  1710. 
He  binds  himself  that  the  rod- wide  way  "  shall  be  free  to  bring 
hemp  or  flax  to  the  pond,  and  sheep  to  washing,  or  such  like  neces- 
sary occasions  to  come  to  the  pond." 

Hyde,  Elisha  (d.  1781),  took  the  homestead  of  John  H3'de, 
senior. 

Jackson,  Deacon  John  (d.  1675),  the  first  settler  of  Cambridge 
Village,  who  remained  and  died  in  it.  In  1639,  he  bought  of 
Miles  Ives,  of  Watertown,  a  dwelling-house  and  eighteen  acres  of 
land,  situated  on  the  Roxbury  road,  very  near  the  line  which  now 
divides  Newton  from  Brighton.  It  was  he  who  gave  an  acre  of 
land  for  the  first  meeting-house  and  burial  place,  now  the  oldest 
part  of  the  old  cemetery  on  Centre  Street.  His  old  mansion  house, 
which  was  pulled  down  about  1800,  stood  on  the  spot  afterwards 
occupied  by  the  dwelling-house  of  Edwin  Smallwood.  The  old 
pear  trees  on  the  estate  are  supposed  to  have  been  planted  by  his 
son  Abraham,  who  added  an  acre  to  the  acre  given  by  his  father 
for  the  meeting-house  and  burial  jjlace.  He  left  eight  hundred  and 
sixty- three  acres  of  land. 

Jackson,  Abraham  (d.  1740),  conveyed  to  his  son  John  in  1734 
all  his  real  estate  in  Cambridge  and  Newton.  In  1717  he  had 
ah'eady  conveyed  to  the  same  several  parcels  of  land,  "  one  of 
which  was  forty  acres  at  Chestnut  Hill  (except  four  acres  ''sold  to 
Isaac  Beach  in  1686),  bounded  west  by  the  burial  place  and  the 
land  given  for  the  burial  place  on  ivhicJi  the  meeting-house  noio 
standeth,  so  long  as  the  town  shall  see  cause  to  improve  it  for  the 
use  they  now  do." 

Jackson,  Edward,  senior  (d.  1681),  piurchased  land  in  Cam- 
bridge Village,  of  Samuel  HoUey  in  1643.  In  1646  he  bought  ti 
farm  in  Cambridge  Village  of  five  hundred  acres  of  Gov.  Bradstreet 
for  £140,  long  kuown  as  the  Ma3^hew  farm, —  Bradstreet  having  pur- 
chased it  of  Thomas  Mayhew,  of  Watertown,  in  1638,  with  all  the 
buildings  thereon,  for  six  cows.  This  flve-hundred-acre  farm  com- 
menced near  what  is  now  the  division  line  between  Newton  and 


BOUNDAEIES  OF  ESTATES.  143 

Brighton,  and  extended  westward,  including  what  is  now  Newton- 
ville,  and  covering  the  site  where  Judge  Fuller's  mansion  once  stood. 
The  site  where  Gen.  Michael  Jackson's  mansion  house  stood  was  near 
the  centre  of  the  Ma^'hew  farm  ;  and  a  few  rods  nearer  the  brook 
stood  the  old  dwelling-house  conveyed  with  the  farm,  in  Mayhevr's 
deed  to  Bradstreet.  Of  course  it  was  built  previous  to  1638,  and 
therefore  it  is  highly  probable  that  it  was  the  first  dwelling-house 
built  in  Newton; — the  cellar  hole, —  now  almost  filled, —  a  few 
rods  from  the  brook,  is  still  visible.  In  the  laying  out  of  the  old 
highway  in  1708  (long  since  discontinued),  which  passed  by  the 
old  house,  the  description  is,  ''  crossing  the  brook  near  where  the 
old  house  stood."  This  house,  which  was  erected  before  1638,  was 
gone  before  1708  ;  it  had  stood  about  the  allotted  space  of  three- 
score years  and  ten.  'It  maj^  have  been  the  first  residence  of 
Edward  Jackson,  senior,  in  Cambridge  Village,  from  his  first  coming 
until  his  marriage  in  1649,  and  perhaps  for  many  more  3'ears.  At 
his  death  in  1681,  his  then  dwelling-house  stood  about  three-quar- 
ters of  a  mile  easterly,  near  the  line  of  Brighton,  and  about  twenty 
rods  northerl}^  from  the  road  to  Roxbury.  It  is  described  in  his 
inventory  as  a  spacious  mansion,  with  a  h'lll, —  designed,  no  doubt, 
for  religious  meetings.  His  great  grandson,  Capt.  Samuel  Jack- 
son (d.  1808)  pulled  down  the  mansion  built  bj^  his  great-grand- 
father, and  built  a  splendid  house  for  that  day,  which  afterwards 
passed  into  the  possession  of  Jonathan  Hunnewell,  Esq. 

Jackson,  Jonathan,  oldest  son  of  Edwai-d  Jackson,  senior,  set- 
tled in  Boston,  and  sold  the  land  in  Newton,  left  him  by  his  father's 
wUl  in  1638,  to  James  Barton  one  hundred  and  three  acres,  to 
Rev.  Mr.  Hobart  thirt}^  acres,  and  to  Nathaniel  Heal}'  twentj'-six 
and  a  half  acres.  His  son  Jonathan  Jackson  (d.  1736)  sold  ten 
acres  of  laud  in  Newton,  left  him  by  his  grandfather  Edward 
Jackson,  senior,  to  Nathaniel  Healy  in  1713. 

Jackson,  Sebas  (d.  1690),  received  b}'  the  will  of  his  father 
Edward  Jackson,  senior,  the  house  and  one  hundred  and  fifty  acres 
of  land,  which  house  stood  on  the  spot  now  occupied  by  the  man- 
sion of  the  late  Hon.  William  Jackson.  The  house  was  eighteen 
feet  by  twentj'-two,  two  stories.  The  old  house  was  built  in  1670, 
and  enlarged  before  1690,  making  its  length  thirty-nine  feet.  Af- 
ter standing  about  a  hundi-ed  and  forty  years,  it  was  demolished  in 
1809.  By  his  will  Sebas  Jackson  gave  his  eldest  son,  Edward 
Jackson,  sixty  acres  of  land,  and  divided  the  remaining  one  hun- 
dred and  ten  acres  between  the  three  olher  sons. 


144  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Jackson,  Lieut.  Timothy  (d.  1774),  son  of  Joseph  Jackson  and 
grandson  of  Sebas  Jackson,  lived  in  the  east  part  of  the  old  man- 
sion, \Vhich  then  measured  eighteen  by  thirty-nine  feet  (on  the 
Hon.  William  Jackson  lot) .  The  inventory  of  his  estate  speaks 
of  nine  and  a  half  acres  of  land  on  the  north  side  of  the  road,  and 
part  of  the  dwelling-house  and  barn,  and  twent^'-one  acres  of  pas- 
ture land  on  the  south  side  of  the  road. 

Jackson,  Isaac  (d.  1769),  was  a  carpenter,  learned  his  trade  of 
Isaac  Beach,  who  gave  him  four  acres  of  land,  with  house,  adjoin- 
ing the  burial  place. 

Jackson,  Edward,  kept  the  Cattle  Fair  Hotel  in  Brighton. 

Jackson,  Daniel,  son  of  Sebas  Jackson,  lived  near  Weston 
Bridge. 

Jackson,  Major  Timothy  (d.  1814),  father  of  Hon.  William 
Jackson,  occupied  the  estate  long  known  and  still  known  as  the 
property  of  Hon.  William  Jackson  and  his  heirs. 

Jackson,  Samuel,  son  of  Edward,  kept  the  Cattle  Fair  Hotel  at 
Brighton.     His  widow  married  Thomas  Hastings,  Newton  Corner. 

Kenrick,  John  (d.  168G),  bought  of  Richard  Parker,  of 
Boston,  in  1658,  two  hundred  and  fifty  acres  of  land  in  the  south- 
erl}'  part  of  Cambridge  Village,  previously  owned  by  Thomas 
Mayhew,  bounded  west  b}^  Charles  River,  and  north  by  Governor 
Ilaynes'  farm  of  one  thousand  acres  granted  by  the  General  Court 
in  1634,  with  farm-house  and  barn  thereon.  The  house  was  near 
the  bridge  crossing  Charles  River,  called  "  Kenrick's  Bridge."  B}^ 
his  will  he  gave  his  son-in-law,  Jonathan  Metcalf,  fiftj^  acres  of 
land  at  the  southeast  part  of  his  farm,  which  he  bought  of  Deacon 
John  Jackson,  and  the  rest  of  his  meadow  at  Cow  Island,  contain- 
ing ten  acres ;  to  Rev.  Nehemiah  Hobart  four  acres  of  meadow, 
adjoining  the  meadow  of  John  Parker  north  and  Charles  River 
west,  or  £10,  at  the  option  of  his  son  John  Kenrick, 

Kenrick,  Captain  Caleb,  son  of  John  Kenrick,  jr.  (d.  1771), 
took  the  west  part  of  the  homestead.  By  his  will  he  gave  his  son 
John  Kenrick  thkt}'  acres,  bounded  south  by  Israel  Stowell  and 
Edward  Hull,  north  b}-  the  highwaj'  to  the  river,  to  his  son  Daniel 
Kenrick  twenty  acres. 

King,  Dr.  John  (d.  1807),  from  Sutton,  lived  on  the  east  side 
of  Centre  Street.  His  house  was  on  the  site  of  the  house  since 
owned  and  occupied  by  Gustavus  Forbes,  Esq.  Dr.  King  pur- 
chased his  house  of  Dr.  John  Cotton,  son  of  Rev.  John  Cotton, 


BOUNDARIES  OF  ESTATES.  145 

who  preceded  him  in  the  practice  of  medicine  in  Newton.  His 
son  Ebenezer  King  occupied  the  same  house,  which  was  removed, 
but  is  still  tenanted. 

King,  Captain  Henky  (d.  1822),  lived  on  the  place  owned  and 
occupied  b}'  William  Hyde  and  his  son  Noah  Hyde,  since  Eev. 
George  J.  Carle  ton. 

King,  Deacon  Noah  (d.  1843),  lived  on  the  southwestern  slope 
of  Oak  Hill,  where  his  son  Noah  S.  King  succeeded  him. 

Lenox,  Cornelius,  from  Boston,  settled  about  1783,  on  the  bank 
of  Charles  River,  near  the  Watertown  Une. 

LiTTLEFiELD,  Ebenezer  (d.  1727),  livcd  near  the  Lower  Falls. 
He  purchased  a  place  of  Thomas  AViswall  in  1727. 

LoNGLEY,  Nathaniel  (d.  1732),  came  to  Newton  about  1700. 
His  house  was  near  the  Institution  Hill  at  Newton  Centre,  on  the 
southerl}-  side,  where  he  bought  thirty-four  acres  of  land  of  Nathan- 
iel Hancock,  of  Cambridge,  in  1703  ;  he  also  bought  nine  acres  of 
Captain  Thomas  Prentice  in  1713;  and  mill  property  and  privi- 
leges at  the  Upper  Falls  in  1725,  of  Nathaniel  Parker  and  William 
Clark.     His  land  at  the  Institution  Hill  adjoined  the  Bartlett  land. 

Lyon,  Samuel,  lived  at  the  south  part  of  the  town. 

Macoy  [or  Mackay],  Daniel,  from  Roxbury,  a  Scotchman,  in 
1679  purchased  land  in  Cambridge  Village  adjoining  land  of  Elder 
Wiswall  and  Captain  Noah  AViswall ;  also  in  1G73,  of  John  Jack- 
son, senior. 

Macoy,  Archibald,  lived  on  the  same  land  which  Daniel  Macoj* 
bought  of  Daniel  Preston  and  John  Jackson.  In  1G9G  Thomas 
Wiswall  conveyed  to  him  two  acres,  bounded  northwest  by  John 
Clark,  south  by  Thomas  Prentice. 

Macoy,  Nathaniel,  in  1713  sold  land  to  Captain  Thomas 
Prentice. 

Marean,  William  (d.  1761),  removed  from  Roxbury  to  New- 
ton, and  lived  near  Kenrick's  Bridge. 

Marean,  Lieutenant  John  (d.  1788),  kept  the  Hotel  after- 
wards Mitchell's,  at  the  junction  of  Centre  and  Boylston  Streets. 

Marshall,  Thomas,  in  1715  bought  shop  and  six  acres  of  laud, 
adjoining  land  of  John  Park.  Removed  to  Holliston,  and  was 
deacon  there  thirty-eight  years. 

Marshall,   Francis,   from  Boston,  a  restorateur,  bought  the 
place  anciently  Brown's,  at  Newtou  Corner,  which  was  kept  many 
years  as  a  tavern. 
10 


146  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Mason,  John,  a  tanner,  lived  near  the  Falls.  His  father,  Capt. 
Hugh  Mason,  of  Watertown,  owned  land  in  England,  and  also 
in  Newton. 

Mayo,  Thomas,  from  Roxbury,  lived  on  Brook  farm. 

Meriam,  Rev.  Jonas  (d.  1780),  lived  on  the  same  estate  as  his 
predecessors  in  the  pastorate  of  the  first  church,  Messrs.  Eliot, 
Hobart  and  Cotton. 

Miller,  Joseph  (d.  1697),  lived  on  the  Stimpson  place,  West 
Parish. 

Miller,  Samuel  (d.  1759),  West  Parish,  in  1726  gave  the  town 
four  rods  of  land  for  a  school-house,  near  his  house. 

MiRiCK,  John  (d.  1706),  owned  the  place  adjoining  Obadiah 
Curtis. 

Mitchell,  Edward,  a  carpenter  from  Brookline  (d.  1807), 
kept  the  tavern  previously  Marean's  at  the  south  part  of  Newton 
(Newton  Highlands,  junction  of  Centre  and  Boylston  Streets) . 

Moore,  Reuben,  took  the  John  Jackson  place. 

Morse,  Joseph  (d.  1780),   lived  on  the  WiUiams  farm.     In. 
1721,  John  and  Solomon  Park  conveyed  land  to  him. 

MuKDOCK,  Robert,  (d.  1754).  His  name  on  the  Plymouth 
Records  is  sometimes  written  thus,  and  sometimes  Murdo  and 
Murdow.  Robert  Murdock,  of  Roxbury,  removed  to  Newton  in 
1703,  purchased  house  and  one  hundred  acres  of  land  of  Jonathan 
Hyde  and  John  Woodward  for  £90,  bounded  east  by  school  land 
and  Dedham  road,  south  by  Jacob  Chamberlain  and  west  by  John 
Hj'de ;  being  the  same  place  afterwards  owned  by  Captain  Jere- 
miah Wis  wall. 

Murdock,  Lieutenant  Robert  (d.  1762),  took  the  homestead 
which  he  bought  of  his  father  in  1754,  for  £1,500,  one  hundred 
and  twenty  acres. 

Murdock,  John  (d.  1744),  in  1721  bought  twentj'-two  acres  of 
land  in  Newton  of  William  Hyde  for  £200,  bounded  east  on  the 
road,  north  by  James  Prentice,  west  by  Daniel  Plyde. 

Murdock,  Joshua  (d.  1797),  bought  sixty  acres  of  land  for 
£350,  in  1754,  bounded  north  by  Ephraim  Fenno,  and  adjoining 
James  Allen,  Lieut.  William  Hjde,  Abraham  Il^'de  and  Nathau 
Hyde.  He  built  a  house  on  this  land,  about  sixty  rods  west  of 
the  Fii'st  Parish  meeting-house  at  Newton  Centre.  He  probablj 
bought  his  homestead  near  the  Centre  raecting-house  of  John  Mur- 
dock, his  uncle,  who  bought  it  of  William  Plyde  in  1721. 


BOUNDARIES  OF  ESTATES.  I47 

Xeavell,  Jonx,  jr.,  lived  near  Brook  farm. 

NouCROSs,  Philip  (d.  1748),  lived  where  the  Eliot  church 
stands.  His  inventor}'  acknowledges  house,  barn,  shop  and  four- 
teen acres  of  land. 

Oliver,  Deacon  Tuomas  (d.  1715),  in  1G70  purchased  dwell- 
ing-house and  sixt3'-seveu  acres  of  land,  being  part  of  the  home- 
stead of  Richard  Dana,  senior,  in  what  is  now  Brighton,  and  owned 
lately  b}'  Samuel  Brooks,  near  the  place  of  the  late  Gorham  Parsons, 
on  the  road  leading  towards  Harvard  College,  bounding  west  by  the 
road  which  runs  northeast  to  the  marshes  ;  north  by  the  ancient  high- 
way on  the  banlv  of  the  river,  which  was  the  original  waj'  from  th(. 
Great  Bridge  to  Nonantum  (long  since  discontinued)  ;  on  the  east 
hy  land  formerl}'  of  Richard  Oldham,  then  of  Richard  Dana,  and 
after  to  Thomas  Chenc}'. 

OsLAND,  Humphrey  (d.  1720),  erected  a  house  on  land  of  his 
father-in-law,  Samuel  Hyde,  senior,  which  by  will  he  bequeathed 
to  II.  Osland,  being  part  of  the  same  land  on  which  the  late  Israel 
Lombard,  Esq.,  afterwards  erected  a  valuable  mansion. 

Palmer,  John  (d.  1809),  removed  from  "Warren,  Me.,  to  south 
part  of  Newton,  near  Brook  farm.  His  son,  Thomas  Palmer,  took 
riie  homestead. 

Park,  Richard.  In  a  division  of  lands  in  1647,  he  had  eleven 
acres  in  Cambridge  Village,  bounded  west  on  land  of  Mr.  Edward 
Jackson.  The  highway'  to  Dedham  was  laid  out  through  it  in  1G48. 
An  ancient  dwelling-house  on  this  lot,  pulled  down  about  1800,  is 
supposed  to  have  been  built  by  him.  It  stood  within  a  few  feet  of 
the  spot  now  occupied  by  the  Eliot  church,  Newton  Corner.  He 
owned  a  large  tract  of  land  in  the  northwest  part  of  the  Village 
previous  to  1G52.  This  tract  was  bounded  west  by  the  Fuller 
farm,  north  b}'  Charles  River,  east  by  the  Dummcrfarm,  south  and 
east  by  the  Mayhew  farm  (Mr.  Edward  Jackson's) .  It  contained 
six  huudi'ed  acres,  which  he  probably  bought  of  pastor  Shepard  or 
his  heirs. 

Park,  Thomas  (d.  1G90),  settled  on  the  six-hundred-acre  tract 
(see  above) ,  and  had  his  house  near  Bemis'  mills  on  the  bank  of 
Charles  River.  His  estate,  when  diWded  in  1693-4  among  the 
heu-s,  included  seven  hundred  and  twent^'-two  acres  of  land  and 
part  of  a  corn-mill  on  Smelt  Brook,  erected  by  Lieutenant  John 
Spring. 


148  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

Paeker,  John  (d.  1686),  left  Hingham  about  1650  with  Nicholas 
Hodgden,  John  "Winchester,  Thomas  Hammond  and  Vincent 
Dnice,  and  all  settled  in  the  same  neighborhood,  in  the  southeast 
part  of  Newton.  By  his  will  he  gave  his  son  Isaac  the  homestead, 
about  twentj'-eight  acres  ;  to  his  son  Jonathan,  forty-six  acres  of 
woodland,  near  the  land  of  Captain  Prentice  ;  to  his  son  John, 
eleven  acres  of  land,  "  whereon  he  has  erected  his  new  dwelhng- 
house,  and  seven  acres  meadow  and  woodland."  His  inventor}' 
shows  a  house  and  twenty-eight  acres  of  land  adjoining,  and  about 
ninety  acres  elsewhere. 

Parker,  Nathaniel  (d.  1747),  settled  on  part  of  the  Wiswall 
land,  and  bought  in  1694  the  house  and  land  of  Lieut.  Ebenezer 
Wiswall.  In  1708  he  purchased  of  John  Clark  one-quarter  of 
saw-mill,  stream,  eel-wear  and  half  an  acre  of  land  at  the  Upper 
Falls  for  £12,  and  in  1717  another  quarter  of  the  same,  with  an 
acre  and  a  half  of  laud  for  £45. 

Parker,  Noah  (d.  1768),  settled  at  Newton  Upper  Falls.  He 
received  from  his  father  by  deed  of  gift  in  1725  half  the  saw-mill, 
fulling-mill  and  grist-mill  at  the  Upper  Falls,  with  the  lands  appur- 
tenant thereto.  The  same  j'car  he  purchased  of  William  Clark 
one-quarter  of  the  same  mills  and  seven  acres  of  land  adjoining 
for  £95  ;  and  at  the  same  time  of  Nathaniel  Longley  the  remain- 
ing quarter  part  of  the  same  mills,  and  he  thus  became  sole  owner 
of  the  first  and  oldest  mills  in  1725,  with  the  dam,  stream,  eel- 
wears,  etc. 

Paul,  Luther  (d.  1863),  purchased  the  old  Noah  Wiswall 
homestead,  bounded  west  on  Centre  Street,  near  the  Pond. 

Pelham,  Charles  (d.  1793) ,  came  to  Newton  in  1765,  bought  the 
honiG'stead  of  Rev.  John  Cotton,  house,  barn  and  cider-mill,  and 
one  hundred  and  three  and  three-quarters  acres  of  land  adjoining 
for  £735.     The  estate  bounded  east  on  Centre  Street. 

Pettee,  Samuel,  or  Petes,  as  he  himself  wrote  it,  bought  one 
hundred  acres  of  land,  being  the  southwest  part  of  the  Governor 
Haynes'  farm,  of  a  Mr.  Woodbridgc,  of  Connecticut. 

Pettee,  Nathan  (d.  1837),  owned  and  occupied  the  Deacon 
Thomas  Hovey  place,  afterwards  Lawrence,  including  the  site 
of  the  upper  reservoir  of  the  Boston  Water  Works,  Beacon 
Street. 

Pigeon,  John,  owned  land  in  Newton.  His  son  John  Pigeon 
kept  a  store  at  West  Newton  and  afterwards  at  the  Lower  Falls. 


BOUNDARIES  OF  ESTATES.  149 

Pigeon,  Henry  (d.  1799),  occupied  the  house  at  Auburudale 
afterwards  used  as  the  Poor  House,  near  the  railroad  depot. 

Prentice,  Captain  Thomas  (d.  1709  or  '10),  settled  in  the  east- 
erly part  of  Cambridge  Village.  His  house  was  near  the  spot 
where  the  old  Harbach  house  stands,  corner  "Ward  Street  and 
Waverle}'  Avenue.  In  lGo3  he  hired  Governor  Haynes'  farm  in  the 
southwest  part  of  the  town,  and  occupied  a  part  of  it  in  1G94. 
In  16G3  he  bought  eighty-five  acres  of  land  in  the  easterl}'  part  of 
Cambridge  Village,  adjoining  land  of  John  Ward,  which  was  his 
homestead  for  more  than  fifty  years. 

Pkentice,  John  (son  of  the  preceding),  (d.  1689)  left  b^-  will 
to  his  wife  the  right  to  dispose  of  one-half  his  estate  at  her  death. 
She  gave  it  to  her  cousin  (nephew),  Rev.  John  Prentice,  of  Lan- 
caster, in  1741,  being  sevent^'-five  acres  on  the  plain,  with  house 
and  barn.  He  sold  it  in  1742  to  Henry  Gibbs,  Esq.,  for  £1,420, 
being  nearly  the  same  land  which  James  and  Thomas  Prentice,  jr., 
acquired  by  joint  purchase  in  1657. 

Prentice,  Samuel  (d.  1728),  received  from  the  old  Captain 
Prentice  by  deed  of  gift  in  1705  one  hundred  acres  of  land,  with 
dwelling-house  thereon,  l^'ing  between  Bald  Pate  hill  and  meadow 
in  the  south  part  of  Newton. 

Prentice,  James,  senior  (d.  1710),  with  Thomas  Prentice,  2d, 
or  jr.,  purchased  in  1657  one  hundred  acres  in  Cambridge  Village, 
being  "  that  farm  that  James  Prentice  now  dwells  on,"  bounded 
northeast  by  land  of  John  Jackson,  part  of*  which  is  now  the 
ancient  cemetery  on  Centre  Street.  This  Prentice  farm  was  on  llie 
east  side  of  Centre  Street,  and  extended  from  the  cemetery  south- 
west, south  of  the  house  owned  and  occupied  b}'  the  late  Marsliall 
S.  Rice,  P^sq.,  to  the  land  of  John  Clark,  near  the  Brook.  "  -Jauies 
and  Thomas,  2d,  built  the  ancient  sharp-roofed  dwelling-house 
which  stood  a  few  rods  from  the  Dedham  Road  and  the  burial 
place,  and  which  was  pulled  down  about  1800.  They  occupied 
this  place  in  common  man}"  jxars.  Sixt}'  acres  of  the  southwest 
part  of  this  farm  passed  into  the  hands  of  John  Prentice,  senior, 
son  of  the  captain,  who  by  his  will  in  1689  bequeathed  half  of  it 
to  his  nephew,  Rev.  John  Prentice,  of  Lancaster.  At  the  decease 
of  John  Prentice  seniors'  widow,  1740,  then  Madam  Bond,  she 
bequeathed  the  other  half  to  Rev.  John,  and  he  sold  the  whole  Lo 
Henr}-  Gibbs,  Esq.,  in  1742  ;  also  fifteen  acres  on  the  west  side  of 
Centre   Street,   lying  between   the.  farms    of  John   Spring    and 


150  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Jonathan  Hyde,  which  John  Jackson  gave  to  his  son-in-law,  Capt. 
Noah  Wiswall,  and  he  conveyed  it  to  John  Prentice,  senior,  in 
1678." 

Prentice,  Thomas  2d  (prob.  d.  1724),  was  joint  purchaser 
of  lands  with  James  Prentice  in  1G50  and  1657,  and  probably  his 
brother.  His  father-in-law,  Edward  Jackson,  senior,  bequeathed  to 
him  one  hundred  acres  of  land  at  the  south  part  of  the  town  near  Bald 
Pate  meadow,  where  he  built  a  house  and  resided  in  it  during  the 
latter  part  of  his  hfe  ;  also,  two  other  tracts  of  land.  In  1G94, 
Thomas  Prentice,  senior,  probabl}-  Thomas  Prentice,  2d,  con- 
veyed lands  to  Rev.  Nehemiah  Hobart;  in  1706  to  his  grandsons, 
Thomas  and  Samuel;  in  1774,  b}'  deed  of  gift,  to  his  son  Thomas, 
jr.,  after  his  own  decease,  his  homestead  at  Burnt  Hill  in  Newton, 
adjoining  the  new  dwelling-house  of  said  Thomas,  except  what  he 
allowed  to  liis  son-in-law,  John  Hyde,  reserving  two-thirds  of  the 
Cedar  Swamp  to  his  sons  John  and  Edward.  His  affidavit, 
dated  1713,  recorded  with  the  deeds,  states  that  "about  sixty 
years  ago  he  held  one  end  of  the  chain  to  lay  out  a  highway 
over  Weedy  Hill  in  Newton."  His  heirs  sold  his  dwelling-house 
and  farm  in  1728. 

Pkentice,  Thomas, (d.  1714).  JohnPrentice,  of  Preston,  Conn., 
and  Ebenezer  Prentice,  blacksmith,  of  Newton,  his  sous,  conveyed 
to  Timothy  Whitney,  of  Newton,  land  and  dwelling-house  in  New- 
ton, being  the  last  residence  of  their  grandfather,  Thomas  Pren- 
tice, senior,  for  £615  ;  bounded  southeast  by  Thomas  Hastings, 
south  b}'  John  H^'de  and  southeast  by  Edward  Prentice. 

Prentice,  John,  son  of  Thomas  (d,  1721),  in  1703  bought 
eighteen  acres  of  land  in  Newton  of  John  Parker.  He  was  called 
in  the  deed  a  cordwainer.  In  1718,  under  the  name  of  physician,  he 
conveyed  to  Nathaniel  Longley  part  of  the  same  laud.  He  must 
have  relinquished  the  care  of  the  shoes  for  the  care  of  the 
bodies  of  his  fellow-citizens  at  some  date  between  1703  and  1718. 

Prentice,  Edward,  (d.  1724).  His  house  must  have  been  on 
Ward  Street,  a  few  rods  west  of  the  house  formerly  owned  and 
occupied  by  Deacon  Ebenezer  Davis  White.  An  old  pear-tree 
long  marked  the  site  of  the  house.  His  widow  conveyed  this 
homestead  of  fifty  acres  in  1764  to  Ebenezer  Davis  ;  bounded  north 
on  highway  and  land  of  Nathan  Hyde,  south  bj'  John  Clark  and 
Henry  Gibbs,  west  by  Robert  Prentice. 


BOUNDARIES  OF  ESTATES.  151 

Rice,  Marshall  S.  (d.  1879),  owned  and  occupied  the  Henry 
Gibbs  estate,  Newton  Centre.  He  developed  it  largel}',  raising 
most  of  the  apple-trees  on  it  from  the  seed,  and  at  a  late  period 
opening  on  it  Gibbs  Street  and  part  of  Sumner  Street. 

RoBiNsox,  William  (d.  ITo-i),  bj'  will  bequeathed  house,  barn 
and  seventj^-nine  acres  of  land  to  his  son  Jeremiah ;  fiftj^-eight 
acres  and  a  half  to  his  son  William ;  fifty-five  acres  to  his  sou 
John.  Ho  had  a  large  farm  at  what  is  now  Auburndale.  One  of 
his  sons  lived  on  the  site  of  the  Seaverns  house  ;  one  in  the  Bourne 
house,  once  a  tavern,  and  one  in  the  house  enlarged  for  the  former 
Kewton  Poor  House. 

Rogers,  John  (d.  1815),  in  1746  purchased  of  Oakes  Angier 
six  rods  of  land  on  the  Roxbury  highway,  at  Newton  Corner,  seven 
and  a  half  rods  deep,  for  £140,  bounding  east  on  land  of  the  heirs 
of  Samuel  Jackson,  Esq.,  north  and  west  on  Oakes  Angier. 

Seger,  Henry,  in  1G8G  bought  one  hundred  and  fifteen  acres  of 
land  of  Thomas  Danforth,  bounded  southeast  by  Alcock's  meadow, 
northeast  by  lots  granted  to  Messrs.  Chauncy,  Oakes,  Parker, 
Shepard  and  others ;  southwest  by  lots  granted  to  Messrs.  Fessen- 
den,  Boardman  and  others  ;  northwest  b}^  John  Palfrey, —  all  pro- 
})rietors  of  Cambridge.  He  conveyed  by  deeds  of  gift  his  home- 
stead to  his  sons  Hemy  and  Job  in  1716. 

Seaverns,  Elisha  (d.  1831),  built  his  house  in  West  Newton 
about  1795.  His  daughter  married  Walter  Ware  in  1798  and  took 
the  homestead. 

Staples,  Deacon  JouN,  (d.  1740).  He  and  John  Woodward 
were  near  neighbors  and  joint  purchasers  of  lands,  which  they 
divided  in  1705.  He  bought  thirty-six  acres  of  land  of  Wilham 
Robinson,  a  neighbor,  in  1737,  for  £405,  and  by  his  will  (1740) 
gave  seventeen  acres  of  this  purchase  "  for  and  towards  the  sup- 
port of  the  ministerial  fire  from  j^ear  to  5'ear  annually."  He  gave 
to  Moses  Craft  "  all  his  housing  and  lands,  after  the  decease  of  his 
wife  and  paj'ment  of  legacies." 

Starr,  Dr.  Ebenezer  (d.  1830),  settled  at  Newton  Lower 
Falls. 

Stowell,  John,  bought  of  James  Barton  in  1722  one  hundred 
and  three  acres  of  land,  being  part  of  the  Mayhew  farm,  bequeathed 
b}-  Edward  Jackson,  senior,  to  his  son  Jonathan  Jackson. 

SnEPAitD,  Alexander,  JR.  (d.  1788),  built  the  house  afterwards 
owned  by  Mr.  Craft,  near  Auburndale. 


152  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

Smith,  Joun,  a  tauner,  bought  in  1G94-5  of  Nathaniel  Parker 
twenty-seven  and  a  half  acres  of  land  in  Newton,  with  dwelling- 
house  thereon,  bounded  east  by  land  of  Samuel  Parker,  south  by 
land  of  John  Trowbridge. 

Stone,  Hon.  Ebenezer  (d.  1754),  bought  in  1G86  thirty  acres 
of  land  in  New  Cambridge  of  Thomas  Croswell.  He  owned  the 
house  supposed  to  have  been  built  by  Richard  Park,  very  near  the 
site  now  occupied  by  the  Eliot  church,  which  was  probably  his  first 
residence  in  the  town.  He  sold  this  place  in  1700  to  John  Jack- 
son, son  of  Sebas  Jackson,  senior,  and  removed  to  the  easterly 
part  of  Newton,  and  built  the  house  long  owned  and  occupied  by 
John  Kingsbury. 

Stone,  Deacon  John  (d.  1769),  in  1724  bought  the  farm  of 
Rev.  Nathan  Ward,  and  built  a  house  near  Oak  Hill.  He  was  the 
first  of  the  name  that  settled  there. 

Spring,  Lieutenant  John,  (d.  1717).  His  house  stood  on  the 
northwest  side  of  the  Dedham  road  (Centre  Street) ,  opposite  the 
old  cemetery,  and  near  the  house  owned  and  occupied  by  the  late 
Gardner  Colb}",  Esq.  He  built  the  first  grist-mill  in  the  town,  sit- 
uated on  Smelt  Brook,  half  a  mile  north  of  the  geographical  centre 
of  the  town.  It  is  supposed  that  he  gave  the  land  for  the  second 
meeting-house  179G,  which  stood  very  near  his  own  house,  and 
which  the  town  probably  re-conveyed  to  his  son,  John  Spring. 

Spring,  Ensign  John  (d.  1754),  in  1753  conveyed  to  his  son 
Samuel  Spring  the  homestead,  fifty-two  acres,  bounded  south  by 
Mill  Street,  east  by  the  county  road  (Centre  Street)  ;  north  by 
land  of  Rev.  John  Cotton  and  Thaddeus  Trowbridge  ;  west  bj' 
laud  of  his  son  William  Spring.  He  sold  to  Rev.  John  Cotton  in 
1754  six  and  a  half  acres  of  laud  for  £71,  on  the  east  side  of  the 
county  road,  being  part  of  the  estate  of  the  late  John  §pring,  and 
formerly  of  John  Jackson,  senior. 

Spring,  Thaddeus,  sold  to  his  brother  Daniel  Spring,  then  of 
Roxbury,  in  1762  forty-two  acres  of  land  for  £166,  bounded  east 
bj^  land  of  Robert  Prentice  ;  south  by  said  Prentice  and  Abraham 
and  Noah  Hyde ;  west  by  heirs  of  Captain  Wilham  Trowbridge 
and  Lieutenant  Joseph  Fuller. 

Thwing,  John  (d.  1811),  settled  in  the  east  part  of  Newton. 

ToLMAN,  Thomas,  a  shoemaker,  lived  at  Newton  Upper  Falls. 

Tozer,  John  (d.  1750),  bought  land  of  James  Barton,  formerly 
Jonathan  Jackson's. 


BOUNDARIES  OF  ESTATES.  153 

Trowbridge,  Deacon  James  (d.  1717),  in  1675  bought  of 
Deputy  Governor  Danforth  eighty-five  acres  of  land  with  a  dwell- 
ing-house and  out-buildings  thereon,  which  he  had  occupied  for 
some  years,  bounded  by  the  highways  west  and  south,  the  narrow 
lane  north,  his  own  land  east,  "  the  dividing  line  being  straight 
through  the  swamp ." 

Trowbridge,  James,  son  of  Deacon  James  (d.  1714),  in  1709 
"  convej'ed  to  his  son  James  his  now  dwelling-place  and  ninety 
acres  of  land,  highway  once  west  and  north,  another  highway 
south,  Joshua  Fuller  east,  and  John  Mirick  south  and  west." 

Trowbridge,  Deacon  William,  (d.  1744).  In  1719  John 
Spring  conveyed  to  him  a  jDarcel  of  land,  bounded  north  b}'  land 
of  John  Ward  and  said  Trowbridge,  west  b}-  Mill  Street,  northeast 
by  Rev.  John  Cotton.  "In  1721  his  father-in-law,  John  Ward, 
conveyed  to  him  the  west  end  of  his  now  dwelling-place,  where 
said  Trowbridge  now  dwelleth  and  thirteen  acres  adjoining,  bounded 
west  on  highway,  and  one-fourth  part  grist-mill  and  stream."  In 
1712,  the  five  daughters  of  James  Prentice,  senior,  conveyed  to 
him  nineteen  acres  near  the  meeting-house,  bounded  north  by  John 
Spring,  west  by  Mill  Pond  or  Smelt  Pond,  south  by  heirs  of  Jona- 
than Hyde.     An  open  highway  runs  through  the  same. 

Trowbridge,  Thaddeus,  son  of  Deacon  William  Trowbridge 
(d.  1777),  took  the  homestead. 

Trowbridge,  Nathan,  grandson  of  Thaddeus  Trowbridge,  took 
the  homestead. 

Truesdale,  Samuel  (d.  1695),  settled  near  Kenrick's  Bridge. 
His  homestead  included  a  hundred  and  twenty-  acres.  His  son 
Samuel  Truesdale  took  the  homestead. 

Tucker,  William,  from  Boston,  bought  of  Mr.  Woodbridge, 
of  Connecticut,  one  hundred  acres  of  the  Haj'nes'  farm.  After 
a  few  years  it  passed  to  the  Clarks. 

Ward,  John,  (d.  1708).  His  father-in-law,  Edward  Jackson, 
senior,  conveyed  to  him  and  his  wife  Hannah,  all  that  tract  of  land 
where  they  have  entered  and  builded  their  dwelling-house,  about 
forty-five  acres  ;  bounded  north  by  the  highway,  east  by  laud  of 
.John  Jackson,  south  bj-  the  highway  to  Goodman  Hammond's, 
west  b}-  Captain  Thomas  Prentice.  Hence  he  settled  in  the  east 
part  of  the  town.  On  this  tract  stood  the  venerable  Garrison 
House,  supposed  to  have  been  built  bj-  him.  It  was  taken  down 
in  1821,  having  stood  about  one  hundi'ed  and  seventy'-  years,  and 


154  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

sheltered  seven  generations.  The  reservoir  of  the  Newton  Water 
Worlds  occupies  a  portion  of  this  land.  By  subsequent  purchases 
of  land,  he  increased  his  forty -five  acres  to  about  five  hundred 
acres,  which  he  distributed  among  his  sons  by  deeds  of  gift  seven 
3'ears  previous  to  his  decease. 

Ward  John,  son  of  John  (d.  1727),  by  will  gave  all  his  estate, 
housing,  lands  and  quarter  part  of  his  grist-miU,  after  the  decease 
of  his  wife,  to  his  son-in-law  Deacon  William  Trowbridge.  "  He 
directs  that  there  shall  be  an  open  highway  from  his  house  to  the 
brook,  where  the  causewa}'  is  by  the  old  house  ;  and  another  open 
highway  for  the  house  of  Eleazer  Ward  to  meet  the  aforesaid  high- 
wa}- ;  also  an  open  highway  to  run  west  till  it  comes  to  the  Cam- 
bridge lots." 

Ward,  Deacon  Ephraim,  son  of  Deacon  Richard  Ward 
(d.  1772),  took  the  ancient  garrison  house  homestead. 

Ward,  Deacon  Joseph  (d.  1784),  lived  in  the  West  Parish,  a 
blacksmith  by  trade.  In  1 732  he  bought  twenty-nine  acres  of  land 
of  Solomon  Park,  called  "  the  Plain,"  bounded  east  by  the  county 
road,  northeast  and  north  by  Jeremiah  Fuller,  and  northwest  by 
the  town  road.  Also,  twenty  acres  bounded  north  by  town  road, 
northwest  and  west  b}'  Captain  Fuller,  for  £430.  His  son,  Deacon 
Enoch  Ward  (d.  1789),  took  the  homestead. 

Ward,  Samuel,  son  of  John  (d.  1834),  took  the  old  garrison 
house  homestead. 

Ware,  John,  brother  of  Henry  Ware,  senior,  D.  D.,  professor 
in  Harvard  University,  built  the  first  paper-mill  at  Newton  Lower 
Falls,  about  1790. 

Wheat,  Dr.  Samuel  (d.  1770),  came  from  Boston  to  Newton 
about  1713.  His  house  was  near  the  West  Parish  meeting-house. 
He  bought  land  in  Newton  in  1703,  of  Jonathan  Park.  His  son 
Samuel,  also  a  phj'sician,  removed  to  his  father's  place  in  Newton 
about  1733.  The  same  year  he  bought  land  of  his  father,  then  of 
Roxbury.  In  1737,  Dr.  Samuel  Wheat,  jr.,  purchased  of  William 
Williams,  of  Watertown,  son  of  Isaac  Williams,  jr.,  fiftj'-five  acres 
of  land  for  £300,  bounded  east  by  the  gangway  running  through 
the  farm  of  the  late  Isaac  Williams  and  adjoining  land  of  Richard 
Coolidge. 

White,  Stephen,  from  Watertown,  lived  on  part  of  the  FuUer 
farm.     He  gave  the  homestead  to  his  son  Benjamin  White. 

White,  Deacon  Ebenezer   (d.   1853) ,  owned  the  farm  after- 


BOUNDARIES  OF  ESTATES.  155 

■n-ards  owned  and  occupied  by  his  son,  Deacon  Ebenezer  Davis 
"White  and  later  b}^  George  Foiling,  Esq.  It  was  on  Ward 
Street  towards  the  east  part  of  the  town  and  extended  south  to 
the  slope  of  Institution  Hill. 

Whitney,  TnioxHY,  from  Roxbury,  bought  of  John  Prentice,  of 
Preston,  Connecticut,  and  Ebenezer  Prentice,  of  Newton,  grand- 
sons of  Thomas  Prentice,  senior,  the  farm  and  buildings  of  said 
Prentice  at  the  south  part  of  the  town  in  1728  for  £615.  This  was 
the  last  residence  of  Thomas  Prentice,  senior. 

Williams,  Captain  Isaac  (d.  1707),  removed  to  the  west  part 
of  Cambridge  Village  about  16G0,  and  bought  the  tract  of  land 
which  was  granted  in  1G40  to  Major  Samuel  Shepard  b}^  the  pro- 
prietors of  Cambridge,  bounded  north  by  Charles  River,  south  b}' 
the  Common  lands,  west  by  land  of  Herbert  Pelham,  Esq.,  and 
east  by  land  granted  to  Joseph  Cook.  Major  Shepard  had  erected 
a  dwelling-house  and  barn  upon  this  tract  before  1G52,  in  which 
year  Robert  Barrington  obtained  judgment  against  Shepard  for 
£590,  and  this  tract  of  land  was  appraised  at  £150,  and  set  off  to 
satisfy  the  execution  in  part.  Deacon  William  Park  took  this  land 
at  the  appraisal,  for  liis  son-in-law  Isaac  Williams.  The  house 
stood  about  ten  rods  north  of  Cheesecake  Brook,  and  about  thirt}' 
rods  northeast  of  the  West  Parish  meeting-house.  It  was  taken 
down  by  Williams,  who  built  another  very  near  the  same  spot, 
which  was  pulled  down  in  1818.  In  1704,  he  conveyed  by  deed 
of  gift  to  his  youngest  sou  Ephraim  his  "  then  dwelling-house  and 
barn,  with  the  land  and  meadow  adjacent,  being  all  the  land  under 
m}'  improvement,  and  all  the  land  on  the  east  end  of  my  farm 
called  '  the  new  field,'  and  half  the  land  in  '  the  old  field,'  that  is, 
aU  on  the  north  side  of  the  cartway  now  occupied  by  my  son 
Eleazer,  and  all  the  woodland  at  the  west  end  of  Eleazer's  line, — 
being  the  whole  tract  of  land  between  the  Fuller  line  and  the 
causeway  over  the  meadow  leading  to  the  island,  only  reserving 
half  my  said  dwelling-house  and  fire  wood  for  my  dear  and  loving 
wife  Judith  during  her  life  ;  also  a  piece  of  meadow  on  the  south 
side  of  the  land,  called  *  the  Island,'  containing  about  six  acres, 
and  one  acre  of  salt  marsh  in  Cambridge."  The  will  was  set  aside 
as  being  "  imperfect  and  insensible,"  and  the  estate  was  settled  bj' 
mutual  agreement  among  the  children.  Three  sons  took  all  their 
father's  land  in  Newton,  five  hundred  acres,  paying  and  providing 
for  the  other  heirs   as   stipulated  in  the  agreement,  which   also 


156  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

provided  for  the  lapng  out  of  two  or  three  highways  through  the 
lands. 

W1LLIA.MS,  Eleazer,  married  Mary,  daughter  of  Rev.  Nehemiah 
Hobart.  In  1708  he  sold  part  of  his  land  from  his  father's  estate 
(see  the  preceding  article)  to  Captain  Thomas  Oliver.  He  and 
his  wife  Mary  in  1715  conveyed  their  rights  in  the  homestead  of 
her  father  in  Newton,  containing  one  hundred  acres,  to  Rev.  John 
Cotton.  Thomas  "Williams,  another  son  of  Captain  Isaac  "Williams, 
also  sold  part  of  his  land  to  Captain  Thomas  Oliver. 

Williams,  Colonel  Ephraim  (d.  1754),  the  youngest  son  of 
Captain  Isaac  Williams,  founder  of  Williams  College.  In  1717  he 
sold  the  ancient  mansion  and  seventy  acres  of  land  to  Jonathan 
Park  for  £300,  "  bounded  northeast  by  a  white  oak  tree  marked  by 
the  line  of  the  Fuller  farm."     He  removed  from  Newton  in  1739. 

AViLLiAMS,  William,  son  of  Isaac,  jr.,  a  housewright,  of 
Watertown,  in  1737  sold  fifty-five  acres  of  land  to  Dr.  Samuel 
Wheat  for  £300,  bounded  east  by  the  gangwa^^  through  the  farm  of 
the  late  Captain  Isaac  Williams,  adjoining  land  of  the  College, 
of  Richard  Coolidge  and  of  Dr.  Wheat. 

Williams,  Jonathan,  lived  at  the  northwest  part  of  Newton,  on 
the  same  spot  afterwards  covered  b}'  the  house  of  Mr.  Collier. 

Williams,  Abraham  (d.  1712),  in  1054  bought  a  house  and 
land  in  Watertown.  In  1662  he  purchased  a  dwelling-house  and 
six  acres  of  land  in  that  part  of  Cambridge  "Village  which  became 
Newton  Corner,  very  near  the  Watertown  line.  In  1665.  he  sold 
his  place  in  the  Village  to  Gregory  Cooke,  bounded  east  by  the 
highway  to  Watertown,  south  b}'  Edward  Jackson,  north  and  west 
by  the  Dummer  farm,  and  removed  to  Marlboro',  having  lived  in 
the  "Village  about  eight  years. 

Wales,  Nathaniel,  kept  the  tavern  at  Newton  Lower  Falls. 

WiLLARD,  Jonathan  (d.  1772),  settled  at  the  Lower  Falls  and 
in  1722  bought  the  iron  works,  forge,  etc.,  of  Nathaniel  Hubbai'd. 

Wilson,  Nathaniel  (d.  1692),  removed  to  Cambridge  Village, 
where  he  purchased  about  one  hundred  and  fift}^  acres  of  land. 
His  son  Joseph  Wilson,  a  wheelwright,  bought  of  heirs  of  Richard 
Park,  six  acres  of  land  in  1678,  bounded  north  b}-  land  of  Capt. 
Noah  Wiswall  and  Daniel  Preston,  west  by  James  Trowbridge  and 
Deliverance  Jackson,  heirs  of  John  Jackson,  senior,  the  previous 
owner.  He  built  his  house  very  near  the  West  Roxbury  line. 
His    executors   sold  a   part   of   Bald   Pate   meadow   to  Thomas 


BOUNDARIES  OF  ESTATES.  157 

Prentice,  2d,  or  senior,  in  1G92.  Ilis  son  Benjamin  Wilson,  in  the 
division  of  the  estate,  had  fort}-  acres  on  the  north  side  ;  Isaac  Wilson 
fort3'-seven  acres  on  the  west  end,  with  the  house  ;  the  east  end, 
seventy -four  aci'es,  being  the  residue,  he  pa3'ing  £79. 

WiNCHESTEK,  STEPHEN  (d.  1751),  purchascd  land  in  Newton 
about  1720,  being  the  southwest  part  of  the  Ilaj-nes'  farm,  and 
built  a  house.  In  1724  he  sold  seven  acres  of  land  to  John  Hyde, 
jr.,  for  £44  ;  the  highway  ran  through  it.  It  was  bounded  south- 
east by  John  Hyde,  senior,  northeast  by  Nathaniel  Longley  and 
Paul  Dudley-,  Esq.  ;  northwest  by  .John  Winchester,  and  south- 
west by  his  remaining  land.  In  1750,  he  and  his  wife  Hannah 
conveyed  to  their  son  Stephen  fifty-seven  acres,  with  the  mansion 
house  and  barn,  bounded  south  by  William  Marean  ;  east  by  John 
Hammond ;  west  b}'  widow  Lydia  Cheney,  and  north  b}'  his  own 
land. 

Winchester,  Stephen,  son  of  Stephen  Winchester,  senior 
(d.  1798),  purchased  seventj'-two  acres  of  land  of  John  Hammond 
in  1758.  He  left  to  his  son  Amasa  Winchester  all  his  lands  in  New- 
ton and  Needham,  and  all  his  estate,  he  paying  the  legacies  and  main- 
taining the  widow.  The  homestead,  one  hundred  and  fift^'-one 
acres,  with  buildings,  was  appraised  at  £6,145. 

Winchester  Deacon  Elhanan  (d.  1810),  owned  a  small  farm 
in  Brookline,  on  the  border  of  Newton.  His  house  was  in  Brook- 
line,  a  few  rods  from  the  town  line. 

WiswALL,  Elder  Thomas  (d.  1G83),  removed  from  Dorchester 
to  Cambridge  Village  probably  in  1G54.  His  farm  in  the  Village 
consisted  of  about  four  hundred  acres,  including  the  Pond  which 
bears  his  name,  being  the  northerly  part  of  the  grant  of  one  thou- 
sand acres  made  by  the  General  Court  to  Governor  Ilaynes  in 
1634.  His  house  stood  upon  the  southerly  bank  of  the  pond,  and 
was  afterwards  owned  and  occupied  by  Deacon  Luther  Paul  and 
his  heirs.  The  front  part  of  the  house  was  built  in  1744  by  the 
elder's  great-grandson,  Captain  Noah  Wiswall,  and  stands  on  the 
same  spot  chosen  by  the  elder.  His  inventor^'  specifies  two  hun- 
dred and  seven  acres  of  land. 

Wiswall,  Captain  Noah.  His  son  Thomas  bought  out  the 
other  heirs  and  took  the  homestead  of  Captain  Noah  Wiswall  in 
1698,  and  purchased  the  widow's  thirds  in  1703.  This  homestead 
was  probably  the  southerly  part  of  Elder  Wiswall's  farm.  The 
widow  of  Captain  Noah  Wiswall  had  ninety  acres,  and  his  son 
Thomas  ninetv-five  acres. 


158  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

WiswALL,  Lieutenant  Ebenezer,  son  of  Elder  Thomas  Wis- 
wall,  (d.  1G91).  Ills  house,  baru  and  niuet^'-five  acres  of  land 
were  appraised  at  £230.  This  was  probably  the  residue  of  the 
elder's  homestead.  His  executors  sold  his  estate,  one  hundred  and 
twentj'  acres  more  or  less,  in  1694,  to  Nathaniel  Parker,  with  barn 
and  outhouses  thereon,  bounded  west  and  northwest  by  land  of 
Thomas  Wiswall ;  south  by  laud  in  possession  of  the  widow  Sarah 
Wiswall. 

Wiswall,  Lieutenant  Tuomas,  son  of  Captain  Noah  (d.  1709), 
took  the  homestead  of  his  father.  His  estate  was  divided  thus : 
ninety-five  acres  of  land  to  his  widow,  who  had  become  the  wife 
of  David  Newman  and  was  again  widowed,  her  thii'ds,  and  to  his 
sons  Thomas,  Ichabod,  Noah,  and  Nathaniel  Longley  ;  to  his  oldest 
son  Noah  Wiswall,  thirt3'-seven  and  a  quarter  acres  and  the  build- 
ings ;  to  Thomas  and  Ichabod,  sixteen  and  a  half  acres,  bounded 
on  the  north  side  partly  by  the  Great  Pond  ;  Mrs.  Hannah,  eighty 
and  a  half  acres  on  the  north  side  of  the  road  and  house.  Nathan- 
iel Parker  bought  out  the  heirs  and  widow's  thirds,  and  took  part 
of  the  land  of  Captain  Noah  Wiswall. 

Wiswall,  Captain  Noah,  son  of  Lieutenant  Thomas  Wiswall 
(d.  1786),  took  down  the  ancient  house  built  by  Elder  Thomas 
Wiswall,  and  built  the  front  part  of  the  house  as  it  now  (1880) 
stands.  He  gave  the  land  on  which  was  erected  the  First  Baptist 
meeting-house,  on  the  east  side  of  the  pond. 

Wiswall,  Captain  Jeremiah,  son  of  Captain  Noah  Wiswall, 
(d.  1809),  took  the  Murdock  homestead  at  Oak  Hill. 

Woodward,  John,  sou  of  George  Woodward,  and  grandson  of 
Richard  Woodward,  from  England,  (d.  1676) .  His  father-in-law, 
Richard  Robbins,  of  Cambridge,  conveyed  to  hira  and  his  wife 
Rebecca,  thu'ty  acres  of  land  in  Cambridge  Village,  near  the 
Upper  Falls,  bounded  south  b}*  Charles  River,  north  by  a  way 
leading  to  the  Lower  Falls,  east  bj'laud  of  Esq.  Pelham.  On  this 
tract  he  built  a  dwelling-house  which  is  still  standing,  and  occu- 
pied by  his  descendants  of  the  sixth  and  seventh  generations.  In 
1695  he  purchased  twenty  acres  of  Theodore  Atlrinson,  of  Boston. 
adjoining  his  other  land  bounded  northwest  and  east  by  Governor 
Haj'^nes'  farm,  then  leased  to  Captain  Prentice  ;  in  1699,  another 
tract  of  Dr.  Thomas  Oakes,  bounded  south  by  the  river  and  west 
by  Edward  Pelham  ;  also,  of  Jonathan  Hyde,  senior,  thirty-eight 
acres,  bounded  east  by  the  Dedham  road,  and  west  and  north  by 


BOUNDAEIES  OF  ESTATES.  150 

his  own  land.  He  also  purchased  with  John  Staples,  forty-seven 
acres,  which  the}'-  divided  in  1705,  Staples  receiving  thirty  and 
Woodward  seventeen  acres. 

WooDWAUD,  Ebenezek,  son  of  John  Woodward,  senior  (d. 
1770),  took  the  homestead.  Ebenezer's  son.  Deacon  EUjah  F. 
Woodward  (d.  1846),  took  the  homestead  in  the  next  generation. 

Woodward,  Samuel  N.,  became  his  father's  successor  in  the 
same  estate.  Here  nine  generations  successively  have  lived,  and 
the  daily  famil}^  worship  has  been  maintained  without  interruption. 
Several  of  the  men,  fathers  and  sons,  have  been  deacons  in  Con- 
gi'egatioual  churches, — -Deacon  John,  Deacon  Ebenezer  and  Dea- 
con Elijah  F.,  at  the  old  Fh'st  Parish  church  ;  Deacon  Ebenezor,  at 
the  Eliot  church,  and  Deacon  Samuel  N.,  at  Newton  Highlands. 


/ 


CHAPTER  Xn. 

ROADS   AND    STREETS  OF   NEWTON. FROM  "WATERTOWN  TO  ROXBURT. 

ROADS   TO   THE   MEETING-HOUSE. TO  ROXBDRY. FROM  WATER- 
TOWN   TO    DEDHAM. FROM    BROOKLINE    TO    THE    LOWER   FALLS. 

ROAD   THROUGH   THE    FULLER   FARM. 

The  network  of  roads  and  streets,  in  a  town  redeemed  from  the 
wilderness,  is  the  slow  growth  of  many  years,  and  in  the  earUer 
periods  it  is  not  alwaj's  easy  to  trace  their  progress  and  comple- 
tion. At  first  a  footpath  or  cartwa}^  runs  between  the  house  of 
Goodman  A.  and  Goodman  B,  trodden  on  the  surface  of  the  rich 
loam.  Then,  as  the  population  and  the  buildings  increase,  the 
pathwa}^  is  graduall}'  extended.  In  process  of  time,  the  conven- 
ience of  intercourse  and  traffic  demands  a  better  road,  and  a  harder 
surface  is  produced  by  labor.  By  and  by,  the  citizens  find  it  desir- 
able to  work  a  passage  through  obstructions,  instead  of  travelling 
around  them.  And  often,  the  road  is  a  fixed  fact  for  man^'  years 
before  it  is  an  acknowledged  and  accepted  townway.  So  the 
streets  of  a  populous  neighborhood  grow  up  by  degrees,  and  no 
history  of  their  inception  or  progress  is  recorded. 

It  appears  from  the  Records  of  Cambridge  that  while  Newton 
was  still  a  part  of  Cambridge,  the  south  side  of  the  river  (Newton) 
had  already  received  attention  in  the  matter  of  roads.  The  Town 
Records  of  Cambridge,  and,  subsequentl}^,  of  Newton,  report  from 
time  to  time  provision  for  laying  out  new  roads  and  renewing  the 
bound-marks  of  roads  already  existing.  Some  of  these  new  roads 
are  "  staked  out  where  the  path  is  now  trodden," —  showing  that  the 
inhabitants  took  a  hint  of  the  necessity  of  new  avenues,  where  the 
paths  trodden  indicated  the  need  of  such  accommodation.  As 
early  as  1653,  — and  this  was  the  first  action  of  the  town  in  regard 
to  highways, —  Mr.   Edward  Jackson, —  whose  farm   commenced 

160 


EOADS  AND  STREETS.  161 

near  the  division  line  between  Newton  and  Brighton, —  Edward 
Oakcs  and  Thomas  Danforth  "  were  appointed  by  the  townsmen  of 
Cambridge  to  lay  out  all  necessary  highways  on  the  south  side  of 
the  river,  and  agree  with  the  proprietors  of  the  land  for  the  same, 
by  exchange  for  Common  land  or  otherwise  at  their  discretion." 
Four  years  later,  in  1657,  *'Mr.  Edward  Jackson,  John  Jackson, 
Eichard  Park  and  Samuel  Hj'de  were  appointed  a  committee  to  lay 
out  and  settle  the  highways  in  reference  to  the  proprietors  at  that 
end  of  the  town,  otherwise  than  by  crossing  any  part  of  the  Com- 
mon, as  need  shall  require."  In  1671,  a  committee,  consisting  of 
Samuel  Champney,  John  Jackson  and  Thomas  Oliver,  reported  to 
the  town  of  Cambridge  that  they  judged  it  "  needful  that  there 
should  be  an  open  and  stated  highwa}'  laid  out  and  bounded,  four 
rods  wide,  from  the  Boston  [Brookline]  bounds,  along  through 
Elder  Wiswall's  farm,  through  Mr.  Ilaj'ues'  fami,  and  from  thence 
to  pass  along  through  the  small  lots  to  the  Falls,  and  so  quite 
thi'ough  to  the  Dedham  bounds.  Also,  we  judge  it  most  conven- 
ient that  this  way  should  be"  stated  from  Ilaynes' farm  to  Elder 
Wiswall's  farm,  and  other  men's  proprietary,  to  Boston  [Brookhne] 
bounds." 

In  1678  the  Selectmen  staked  out  on  the  south  side  of  the  river 
"the  county  highway,  four  rods  wide,  on  the  south  side  of  Good- 
man Man's  lot  [John  Jackson's] ,  and  marked  out  a  highway  two 
rods  wide,  at  the  east  end  of  said  lot,  up  to  the  county  road  that 
leads  to  Watertowii  mill,  from  Roxbury.  Also,  they  set  out  the 
highway  of  two  rods  wide,  on  the  south  side  of  Nathaniel  Spar- 
hawk's  land,  and  the  one  hundred  acres  belonging  to  Elder 
Champney,  unto  the  Common  land  next  to  Danforth's  farm.  Also, 
they  laid  out  the  highway  that  runs  between  Nathaniel  Sparhawk's 
land  and  Goodman  Champne5''s  land,  up  to  Roxbury  highway." 

A  committee  chosen  in  168o  laid  out  a  highway  from  the  brook 
commonl}'  called  Captain  Prentice's  brook,  or  from  the  county  way 
over  the  brook,  in  the  way  now  occupied,  to  the  land  of  Sergeant 
Kenrick. 

And  another  highway  laid  out  from  the  county  highway,  at  the 
south  corner  of  Captain  Prentice's  field,  to  the  Upper  Falls. 

Another  highway  from  the  Lower  Falls  to  Joseph  Miller  senior's 
house. 

Another  highway  from  our  meeting-house  to  the  Lower  Falls. 

And  another  highway  from  the  south  corner  of  Captain  Prentice's 
11 


162  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

field  westward,  commonly  called  Sherburne  road,  to  the  Lower 
Falls. 

In  1687,  John  Ward  and  Noah  Wiswall  were  joined  to  our  Selectmen,  to 
treat  with  the  Selectmen  of  Cambridge,  to  lay  out  a  highway  from  our  meet- 
ing-house to  the  Falls.  In  1G91,  we  find  this  record :  "  Renewed  the  bound- 
marks  of  a  way  from  John  Mirick's  stone-wail,  over  the  hill  eastward,  to 
Joseph  Wilson's  land ;  also,  from  the  northwest  corner  of  Thomas  Green- 
wood's orchard-wall,  over  the  rocks,  to  Boston  [Brookline]  way.  Also, 
renewed  the  bound-marks  of  Dedham  highway."  In  1702,  a  vote  was  recorded, 
"  that  the  way  from  the  meeting-house  to  the  Lower  Falls  shall  be  turned 
from  Henry  Segcr's  Mill,  along  the  country  road,  by  the  house  of  John  Sta- 
ples, and  so  by  the  pine  swamp." 

In  1711,  the  Selectmen,  with  a  committee  of  three  others,  were 
appointed  "to  settle  and  confirm  the  highway's  in  the  town."  The 
result  of  their  labors  is  as  follows  : 

1.  We  have  laid  out  an  open  highway  from  Roxbury  line,  two  rods  wide, 
through  lands  of  widow  Bacon,  William  Ward,  John  Hyde,  jr.,  and  Thomas 
Prentice ;  thence  through  land  of  Thomas  Hastings,  Jonathan  Hyde,  senior, 
Jonathan  Hyde,  jr.,  and  John  Hyde,  and  over  pastor  Hobart's  land,  by  their 
consent. 

2.  We  have  renewed  the  highway  marks  from  Dedham  road,  formerly 
laid  out  to  Charles  River,  through  land  belonging  to  Rev.  Jared  Eliot,  Sam- 
uel Pettis,  Joseph  Cheney  and  William  Clark. 

3.  We  have  renewed  the  highway  marks  from  Dedham  road  at  the  brook 
[South  Meadow  Brook],  near  Samuel  Pettis',  until  it  comes  to  the  farm  of 
Ensign  John  Kenrick ;  and  thence  we  have  extended  and  laid  out  said  way, 
through  land  of  said  Kenrick  and  Samuel  Truesdale,  two  rods  wide,  they 
having  liberty  to  hang  two  gates  on  said  way,  one  at  the  corner  of  Joseph 
Ward's  land,  and  the  other  at  the  end  of  said  way,  next  to  the  house  of  Isaac 
Patch. 

4.  We  have  renewed  the  bound-marks  from  the  brook  [South  Meadow 
Brook],  near  the  house  of  Samuel  Pettis,  to  the  lines  of  Roxbury  and  Ded- 
ham. 

5.  We  have  renewed  the  bound-marks  of  the  highway,  from  Stake  Mea- 
dow to  our  meeting-house,  through  lands  of  Mr.  Smith,  or  land  commonly 
called  Pains'  Hill,  and  through  the  land  of  Nathaniel  Longley,  Nathaniel 
Parker  and  Thomas  Wiswall. 

6.  We  have  renewed  the  bound-marks  of  the  highway,  from  the  line  of 
Brookline  to  the  house  of  the  widow  Mirick,  tlirough  the  lands  of  Nathaniel 
and  Thomas  Hammond,  suniors,  John  Druce  and  Isaac  Hammond,  Thomas 
Chamberlain,  jr.,  and  Richard  Ward,  and  have  accepted  of  their  turning  tiie 
highway  through  the  land  of  Captain  Thomas  Prentice,  it  being  done  to  the 
full  satisfaction  of  said  Prentice  and  all  persons  concerned. 

7.  We  have  laid  out  an  open  highway  througli  the  land  of  Abraham  Jack- 
son from  the  house  of  widow  Mirick  to  our  meeting-house ;  three  rods  wide, 
where  the  path  is  now  trod. 


ROADS  AJ^D  STREETS.  1C3 

8.  At  the  request  of  Archibald  Macoy,  vra  have  laid  out  a  way  through 
land  of  said  Macoy,  and  so  to  and  hy  a  fixed  rock,  along  the  northerly  side 
of  said  rock,  and  to  land  of  Joseph  Bartlctt,  as  now  trod,  and  through  land 
of  Nathaniel  Longlcy,  north  side  of  his  dwelling-house,  two  rods  wide. 

9.  At  the  request  of  Pliilip  White  and  William  Ward,  we  have  opened  a 
highway,  two  rods  wide,  through  the  lands  from  Dedham  road,  near  the 
brook  [Palmer's  Brook],  through  land  of  said  White,  as  now  trodden,  to 
land  of  Nathaniel  Healy  and  William  Ward,  to  the  highway  that  goetli  to  the 
Roxbury  line. 


Dec.  14,  1714.  Abraham  Jackson,  ~ 

JoHX  Kenrick,        1  John   Staples, 

Edward   Jackson,  >  Committee.  Richard  Ward,        1-  c-  /   / 

John  Hyde,  J  Samuel  Hyde,  selectmen. 


John  Greenwood, 

In  1725,  a  rate  of  £40  was  allowed  by  vote  for  the  work  of  re- 
pairing the  highwaj^s.  Men  were  to  be  allowed  for  their  labor 
three  shillings  per  day,  and  "  six  shillings  for  a  man  and  team." 

The  erection  of  the  new  meeting-house,  which  was  dedicated  in 
1721,  made  it  necessary  to  lay  out  new  roads,  to  acconunodate  the 
worshippers  from  the  northern,  northwestern,  western  and  other 
parts  of  the  town.  So  strong  an  effort  had  been  made  to  change 
the  location  of  the  meeting-house  to  a  point  nearer  the  geographical 
centre  of  the  town,  that  the  movers  in  that  enterprise  would  not 
leave  their  fellow-citizens  tmy  cause  for  complaint  on  the  ground 
of  the  inaccessibilitj'  of  the  new  house  of  worship.  And  it  was  a 
thing  of  course  that  if  new  roads  were  necessary,  they  must  be 
opened.  The  meeting-house  was  the  centre  towards  which,  in  the 
judgment  of  the  early  inhabitants,  everj'thing  converged.  It  was 
the  pivot  on  which  ever}-  other  interest  turned.  It  was  the  starting- 
point  from  which  ever3i;hing  natiu-ally  radiated.  Notwithstand- 
ing all  their  neighborhood  and  sectional  jealousies,  they  spoke  rev- 
erently of  "  our  meeting-house,"  as  the  common  ground  of  union 
and  affection.  The  location  of  the  house  of  God  being  ascertained 
and  agreed  upon,  the}'  could  easily  agree  upon  the  paths  by  which 
it  was  to  be  approached.  Personal  interests  often  interfered  with 
"  a  peaceable  settlement,"  as  to  the  location  and  direction  of  other 
roads  ;  but  at  this  point  their  selfishness  gave  way  to  the  higher 
sentiment  of  the  soul's  needs  and  of  brotherly  love.  Happy  the 
people,  whoso  simple  faith  in  God  and  regard  for  Divine  things 
was  able  to  overshadow  all  other  ends,  and,  on  this  issue,  to  melt 
all  their  diversities  into  unity !  And  happy  will  it  be  for  their  suc- 
cessors, if  the  same  principles  should  lead  always  to  similar 
results. 


164  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

We  quote  from  the  Records  the  two  following  statements,  under 
date  of  March  2,  1726,  on  account  of  the  importance  of  the  two 
roads  described,  as  great  arteries  of  the  ancient  travel. 

Fbom  Watertown  to  Dedham. —  We  whoso  names  are  underwritten, 
being  Selectmen  for  the  town  of  Newton  for  the  time  being,  with  a  com- 
mittee chosen  by  the  town  to  stake  out  the  ways  in  our  town,  according  to 
the  act  or  doings  of  a  committee  chosen  by  the  town  to  endeavor  the  peace- 
able settlement  of  said  ways  without  charge  to  the  town,  did  actually  begin 
at  Watertown  line  and  from  thence  to  Dedhara  line,  as  folio weth  : 

First,  beginning  at  the  land  of  Mr.  Jonathan  Coolidge,  between  Jonathan 
Coolidge  and  Stephen  Cooke,  three  and  a  half  rods  and  four  feet  wide ;  be- 
tween Colonel  Bond  and  John  Mason's  lands,  three  and  a  lialf  rods  and  two 
feet;  between  Philip  Norcross  and  Isaac  Jackson  and  Mason's,  three  and  a 
half  rods  ;  at  Dea.  Edward  Jackson,  Ensign  Samuel  Hyde  and  John  Osland, 
three  and  a  half  rods;  Rev.  Mr.  Cotton's,  Mr.  Eliot,  John  Spring  and  Cap- 
tain John  Jackson,  three  and  a  lialf  rods ;  at  the  corner  of  said  Jackson  and 
Spring's,  two  rods  and  five  feet;  heirs  of  James  Prentice,  three  and  a  half 
rods  ;  John  Osland,  heirs  of  John  Prentice,  deceased,  three  and  a  half  rods 
by  the  brook  [crossing  the  road  just  south  of  the  meeting-house  of  the  First 
Church]  ;  Eleazer  Ward,  three  rods  and  four  feet;  house  of  Bond,  John  Clark, 
John  Bartlett,  meeting-house  land,  Eleazer  Ward,  Nathaniel  Parker,  heirs 
of  Thomas  Wiswall,  three  rods;  Noah  Wiswall's  barn,  and  open  to  the  pond, 
William  Clark,  through  the  farm  of  Jared  Eliot,  Jonathan  Ward,  deceased, 
John  Stone,  Eleazer  Stoddard,  John  Kenrick,  John  Hall,  Robert  Murdock, 
Jacob  Chamberlain,  causeway  and  Eliot  farm,  school-house  land,  David 
Richardson,  Edward  Ward  and  the  brook  [Palmer's  Brook],  Philip  White, 
Nathaniel  Healey,  Michael  Dwight,  house  of  Benjamin  Wilson,  Edward  Ward, 
to  Dedham  line. 

The  above  indicates  the  line  of  direction  of  the  road  from  Water- 
town  to  Dedham,  with  its  varying  width  at  successive  points.  It 
also  shows  the  ownership  of  the  estates,  along  the  entire  route. 
But  the  Selectmen  stated  the  whole  matter  with  far  more  particu- 
larit}',  so  that  there  could  be  no  mistake  as  to  the  legall}'  authorized 
road.  B}'  means  of  stakes,  and  heaps  of  stones,  and  marked  trees, 
they  enabled  future  survej^ors  to  proceed  from  point  to  point, 
through  the  entire  distance,  with  the  utmost  certainty.  As  a  speci- 
men of  their  scrupulous  exactness  in  these  statements,  we  give, 
from  the  Town  Records,  a  verbatim  cop}-  of  the  docimient  indicating 
the  line  of  the  road  marked  out  from  Brookline  to  the  bridge  at  New- 
ton Lower  Falls.  All  the  roads  of  earl}-  Newton  are  described  with 
the  same  consummate  accuracj-.  The  preceding  statement  de- 
scribes the  great  road  bisecting  Newton  from  north  to  south; 
the  following,  the  road  which  bisects  the  town  from  east  to  west. 


ROADS  AND  STREETS.  165 

Secondly,  we  have  settled  a  Towne  way  from  Brookliae  to  the  County 
bridg  at  the  Lower  Falles  in  Charles  River;  begining  at  the  line  of  Brook- 
line,  we  have  staked  and  marked  out  as  followcth,  being  marked  on  the 
southerly  side  of  said  way  whearo  it  is  now  troden  (1)  a  stak  and  a  lieape  of 
stones  in  the  county  line,  in  the  land  of  Ensine  John  Sever ;  next,  Chestnut 
tree  marked  neare  the  wale  of  said  Sever ;  next  a  stake  and  a  heape  of  stones 
by  a  Rock  aginst  the  land  of  Mr.  Sam.  Clark ;  next,  a  white  cake  tree  by  the 
land  of  Mr.  Ilenrey  Winchester ;  next,  a  gray  oake,  aginst  the  Land  of  Han- 
nah, Sarah  and  Elizabeth  Printice ;  next,  a  gray  oake ;  next,  oake  plant; 
next,  a  white  oake  ;  next,  a  wallnut  tree ;  next  a  white  oake  aginst  the  Land 
of  Mr.  John  Osland ;  next,  a  Avhite  oake  aginst  the  Land  of  Mr.  Edward 
Rugles ;  next,  a  black  oake ;  next,  a  white  oake ;  next,  a  white  oake ;  next,  a 
white  oake  near  the  land  of  said  Rugles,  next  a  white  oake  by  the  land  of 
Judg  Dudley ;  next  a  heape  of  Stones  wheare  the  way  coms  in  from  the 
south  part  of  the  towne, —  the  way  to  be  three  rods  wide  from  said  markes, 
and  from  thenc  to  be  two  rods  and  a  halfe  wide  to  a  wallnut  tree  in  the  Land 
of  Mr.  Nathaniell  Parker ;  next,  a  black  oake,  thus  far  to  be  two  rods  and  a 
halfe  wide  ;  next,  a  white  oake  plant,  theare  to  be  two  rods  and  six  foot  wide ; 
from  theuc  two  rods  and  a  halfe  wide  to  a  white  oake ;  from  tlionc  to  be  two 
rods  and  a  halfe  wide  wheare  it  is  now  troden  to  a  stone  marked  (R)  aginst 
the  house  of  Calib  Parker;  and  from  thenc  as  the  Fenc  now  stands  untill  it 
come  to  the  Land  of  Noah  Wiswall  to  a  white  oak  stump  in  said  Parker's 
Land,  said  way  to  be  two  rods  and  a  halfe  wide  to  the  Land  of  said  Wiswall ; 
next  a  stake  and  a  heape  of  stones,  said  way  to  be  theare  three  rods  wide ; 
next  a  heape  of  stones  on  a  Rock,  theare  sd.  way  to  be  three  rods  and  three 
foot  wide ;  next  a  heape  of  stones  on  a  Rock ;  next  a  stake  and  a  heap  of 
stones,  theare  the  way  to  be  three  Rods  wide ;  next  a  stake  at  the  corner  of 
sd.  Parker's  land,  entering  into  Dedham  Rode :  The  said  way  from  Ded- 
ham  Rode  to  be  three  rods  wide  untill  it  come  to  the  Lower  Eallos  (except- 
ing in  sum  percickluer  placies  heareafter  expressed;  And  in  Mr.  Eliot's 
Farme,  there  to  be  as  the  Court  has  ordered  it  from  Dedham  Rode  to  a  black 
oake  in  the  Land  of  Mr.  William  Clarke ;  next,  a  black  oake ;  next  a  stake 
and  a  heape  of  stones  at  ye  corner  of  said  AVilliam  Clarke's  and  Ebenozer 
Woodard's  Lands  ;  next  a  stake  and  a  heape  of  stones  aginst  the  land  of  said 
Woodard;  next  a  stake  and  a  heape  of  stones  at  the  corner  of  said  Ebenezer 
and  Jonathan  Woodard's  Lands,  said  way  to  be  two  rods  and  five  foots  wide, 
at  the  going  down  of  the  hill  through  said  Jonathan  Woodard's  Land  ;  next 
a  stake  and  a  heape  of  stones  at  the  corner  of  Mr.  Eliezer  Hide's  Land;  next 
a  black  oake,  next  a  gray  oake,  next  a  black  oake,  next  a  black  oake,  next  a 
white  oake,  next  a  stake  and  a  heape  of  stones,  next  a  stake  and  a  heape  of 
stones  between  the  lands  of  said  Hides  and  John  Staples. 

Next  a  black  oake  aginst  the  land  of  said  Staples,  said  markes  being  on 
the  northerly  side  of  the  way ;  next  a  stake  and  a  heape  of  stones  at  the  cor- 
ner between  the  Land  of  said  Staples  and  land  belonging  to  the  Heirs  of 
Henrey  Segor,  decsd. ;  next  a  stake  and  a  heape  of  stones,  said  way  to  be 
two  rods  and  a  halfe  wide  in  the  Vallie  between  the  Lands  of  said  Segor  and 
Mr.  John  Trowbridg;  next  a  stake  and  a  heape  of  stones;  next  a  stump 


1G6  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

marked ;  next  a  stake  and  a  heapo  of  stones ;  next  a  stake  and  a  heape  of  stones 
aginstthe  Land  of  Mr.  Ebenezer  Littellfeeld,  said  markes  being  on  the  south- 
erly side  of  tlie  way ;  and  thenc  marked  on  tlie  same  side  of  the  way  to  the 
falles ;  next  a  stake  and  a  lieapc  of  stones ;  next  a  smale  white  oake  plant  with 
stones  round  it ;  next  a  black  oake  plant ;  next  a  post  at  the  corner  between 
the  Land  of  sd.  Littellfeeld  and  Mr.  John  Parker ;  next  a  white  oake,  next  a 
wallnut  tree ;  next  a  black  oake ;  next  a  gray  oake ;  next  a  stake  and  a  heape 
of  stones  at  the  corner  between  the  Lands  of  said  Parker  and  Mr.  Jonathan 
Willard ;  next  a  white  oake ;  next  a  black  oake ;  next  a  gray  oake  plant  near 
the  corner  of  the  afforsd.  Littellfeeld's  Land ;  next  a  gray  oake  plant  aginst 
the  Land  of  said  Littellfeeld.  Lastly  a  great  Red  oake  near  to  the  Bridg 
over  Charles  River  at  ye  Lower  Falles.  And  it  is  to  be  understood  yt.  the 
said  ways  are  not  to  go  straight  from  marke  to  marke  so  as  to  incommod 
at  said  ways  ;  but  as  the  ways  are  now  troden. 

Dated  in  Newton,  March  the  Second,  Anno  Domini  1725 — 6. 
By  order  of  the  Selectmen.  Jeremiah  Fuller,  "| 

Reco'd  per  me,  John  Staples,    Richard  Ward,  I  c  /  / 

Towne  Clarke,  Nathaniel  Longley,        f  ■^^i^'^i^et- 

March  9th  1725/6.  Edward  Ward,  J 

Joseph  Ward, 
Daniel  Woodard, 
WiLLiABi  Trowbridg,     >  Covimitey. 
Samuel  Jackson, 
Calib  Kenrick, 
The  same  year  a  road  was  laid  out  from  Watertown  to  Newton  Lower 

Falls  through  land  of  Solomon  Park  to  land  called  "Fuller's  farm,"  John 

Knapp,  unto  the  lane  in  Fuller's  farm,  two  rods  wide. 

It  is  not  difficult  for  the  older  residents  of  Newton,  by  the  aid 
of  the  Records,  to  trace  the  original  coui'se  of  these  roads.  The 
red,  white,  gray  and  black  "oakes"  have  been  cut  down,  and  are 
gone  to  decay.  The  "  plants "  have  become  trees,  and  having 
served  their  generation,  have  vanished.  The  "heapes  of  stones" 
have  been  scattered,  wrought  into  walls,  or  hidden  in  foundations. 
The  "  stakes  "  and  "  posts  "  have  rotted  and  perished.  But  the 
names  still  linger  in  old  title-deeds,  and  "re-appear  in  streets  and 
avenues."  A  few  of  them  are  indeUbty  impressed  on  the  estates  of 
their  ancient  proprietors.  But  many  of  the  pathways  of  the  fathers 
remain  substantially  as  they  were, —  a  possession  for  the  genera- 
tions of  the  present  and  of  all  futm-e  times.  As  the  fathers  left 
them  to  us,  so  we  leave  them  to  our  successors. 

In  1729,  a  waj-  was  opened,  two  rods  wide,  through  land  of 
Ei chard  "Ward,  John  Greenwood,  Eleazer  Hammond  and  Josiah 
"Wilson,  running  on  the  southerl}'  side  of  Richard  Ward's  dwelling- 
house,  until  it  comes  to  Cambridge  line.  Also,  a  road  "  from  the 
fording  place  in  Charles  River,  agaiust  the  townway  in  Weston, 


IIOADS  AND  STREETS.  1G7 

to  the  county  road  that  goeth  from  the  Lower  Falls  to  Watertown 
begiuuing  at  the  river,  through  land  of  William  Robinson  and 
Benjamin  Child,  until  it  comes  to  the  county  road."  In  1735  a 
way  was  opened,  two  rods  wide,  "  from  the  Dedham  road  [Centre 
Street],  near  the  house  of  Philip  Norcross,  to  the  northwest  part 
of  the  town,  by  Isaac  Jackson,  Joseph  Jackson,  to  Edward  Jack- 
son's fence,  on  the  west  side  of  the  brook  [Smelt  Brook],  near  to 
Sebas  Jackson,  jr.'s  house,  to  Thomas  Beals  and  William  Trow- 
bridge, two  rods  wide." 

Also,  a  new  \va,y,  beginning  at  the  county  road,  by  Thomas  Park's 
barn,  tlirough  Thomas  Beal's  land,  through  Capt.  Joseph  Fuller's  land,  on 
the  northwest  side  of  his  fence,  till  it  comes  to  the  way  at  Capt.  Fuller's  cor- 
ner ;  thence  north  on  land  of  Capt.  Fuller,  till  it  comes  to  land  of  Thomas 
Beals  and  land  of  Wiiliam  Trowbridge,  two  rods  Avide. 

In  1737  a  vote  was  passed  to  "  stake  out  the  -way  that  leads  from 
Dedham  road  to  Ensign  Spring's  mill,  called  Mill  Lane."  In  1741, 
"  settled  the  bounds  of  a  highway,  as  now  trod,  beginning  at  John 
Hill's  land,  by  Thomas  Draper's,  Timothy  Whitney's  and  John 
Healy's." 

Voted,  to  accept  the  way  Stephen  Winchester  laid  out,  and  he  to  have 
liberty  to  hang  two  gates. 

Voted,  to  lay  out  a  way  through  James  Cheney,  jr.'s  land,  from  the  town 
road  to  the  bridge  at  the  Upper  Falls,  for  the  use  of  the  town,  near  Noah 
Parker's  house,  and  the  town  to  relinquish  all  their  rights  to  a  way  heretofore 
used,  through  Stephen  Winchester's  land,  to  the  Falls. 

In  1750,  "the  Selectmen  laid  out  a  way  from  the  townway  that  leads  to  the 
house  of  widow  Staples  to  the  road  called  Natick  road,  beginning  on  Joseph 
Fuller's  land  and  Daniel  Woodward,  to  land  of  Thomas  Miller,  and  through 
his  land  to  Natick  road.  Also,  a  way  from  the  county  road  near  Allen's,  to 
the  brook  called  Cheesecake  Brook,  thence  to  Samuel  Hastings'  wall,  and  to 
the  county  road." 

In  1751,  a  new  way  was  laid  out  "through  the  Fuller  farm,  beginning  at 
the  house  of  Josiah  Fuller,  at  a  rock  in  said  Fuller's  fence,  on  the  south  side 
of  the  way;  thence  to  Cornet  John  Fuller's  land,  widow  Hannah  Fuller, 
Joshua  Fuller,  to  land  of  Thomas  Fuller,  deceased,  to  Jonathan  Fuller,  and 
over  tlio  brook  called  Cheesecake  Brook,  two  rods  wide,  from  said  Josiah 
Fuller's  easterly  to  said  brook."  In  1752,  a  new  way  was  laid  out  "from 
the  county  road  through  land  of  Joseph  Ward,  Oakes  Angier,  Jonathan 
Fuller,  leading  to  the  Fuller  farm." 

In  1754,  a  new  way  was  laid  out  "  through  land  of  AVilliam  Marean,  John 
Hammond,  Stephen  Winchester,  Nathan  Ward,  John  Ward,  William  Marean, 
jr.,  and  over  South  Meadow  Brook,  from  house  of  Israel  Stowell  at  John 
Ward's  gate." 


/^ 


1(38  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

la  175G,  a  new  way  was  "  laid  out,  beginning  at  the  county  road  near  the 
house  of  Benjamin  Cliild,  and  through  his  land  to  the  house  of  Jonathan 
Williams,  two  rods  wide.  Also,  from  Joseph  Morse  to  the  road  leading  to 
Cheesecake  Brook.  Also,  from  Charles  River,  near  the  brook  called  Beaver 
Brook  [in  Waltham],  to  the  townway  near  the  house  of  John  Fuller.  Also, 
from  Joseph  Morse's,  between  the  lands  of  Samuel  Wheat  and  Samuel  Hast- 
ings, to  Cambridge  lots,  and  thence  through  the  land  of  said  Wheat  and  land 
of  Isaac  Williams,  to  Josiah  Goddard,  to  Dr.  John  Allen's  and  Samuel  Hast- 
ings, till  it  meets  the  townway  at  the  brook  called  Cheesecake  Brook." 

Says  Mr.  Seth  Davis  (1847),— 

The  main  roads  through  the  town  in  1752  were  the  Sherburne  Road,  so 
called,  and  the  Worcester  Road.  The  former  passed  through  the  Lower 
Falls,  and  by  the  house  [late]  of  Matthias  Collins,  Esq.,  and  the  East  Parish 
meeting-house,  [beginning  on  the  west  side  of  the  town].  The  one-story 
house  which  stood  on  the  spot  where  the  new  house  of  Mr.  Hawkes  stands, 
was  kept  as  a  public  house  many  years.  Among  the  other  occupants  of  the 
house  in  that  capacity  was  the  late  Nathan  Fuller,  Esq.  The  said  one-story 
house,  taken  down  about  1840,  stood  on  or  near  the  spot  where  the  first  house 
on  Woodward  Street  now  stands,  east  of  Cherry  Street. 

The  Worcester  road  passed  over  Weston  Bridge,  and  over  a  range-way  * 
now  entirely  disused  by  the  public,  by  the  house  of  Samuel  Stimpson  and 
the  Messrs.  Dix  and  Fullers,  to  the  First  Parish  meeting-house,  which  then 
stood  at  the  intersection  of  the  two  principal  roads  to  Boston  ;  thus  forming, 
at  that  period  and  many  years  subsequent,  the  most  convenient  and  only  con- 
venient centre  for  the  whole  town,  not  only  as  a  place  of  worship,  but  for 
holding  town  meetings.  One  branch  of  the  Worcester  road  turned  off,  some- 
where, probably,  between  the  houses  of  Mr.  Dix  and  Mr.  Frost,  and  passed 
over  the  highlands  south  of  West  Newtpn  Village,  and  crossed  the  present  road 
twenty  or  thirty  rods  south  of  Hull's  Crossing  [the  Newtonville  Station]  to 
Newton  Corner.  A  very  few  marks  of  its  former  location  still  exist.  On  that 
deserted  portion  west  of  Mr.  Stimpson's  was  a  public  house,  kept  as  such  for 
many  years,  and  a  little  west  of  the  same  was  the  house  of  Mr.  Thomas 
Greenwood,  who  for  many  years  held  the  office  of  Town  Clerk,  and  in  his  day 
was  the  main  personage  for  tying  connubial  knots.  A  few  vestiges  of  both 
houses  are  still  visible. 

In  1757  was  laid  out  "Fuller's  way  to  Charles  river, —  beginning  at  the 
river,  thence  througli  Capt.  Joshua  Fuller's  land  to  land  of  the  heirs  of  Isaac 
Fuller.  In  1760  a  new  way  was  laid  out  from  Natick  road,  through  land  of 
John  Burridge  and  Isaac  Jackson,  to  the  county  road  near  the  house  of  Sebas 
Jackson,  two  rods  wide."  17G1. — At  the  request  of  Enoch  Parker,  John 
Jackson  and  Samuel  Jackson,  we  have  turned  the  townway  that  leads  from 
the  road  called  Indian  lane  [now  Sargent  Street]  to  the  county  road  near 
John  Jackson's  old  house. 


♦  "This  range-way  was  the  main  road  for  many  years;— the  one  over  and  upon 
which  nurgoync's  army  passed  f  i-om  "Weston  Bridge  to  Cambridge;  and  is  now  a 
public  road,  called  Woodland  Avenue." 


IIOADS  AND  STREETS.  169 

In  1787,  "a  new  way  was  laid  out  and  accepted  from  Angler's  Corner  wes- 
terly to  land  of  Timothy  Jackson,  and  from  the  brook  westerly  to  Mrs.  Mary 
Durant's  barn."  In  1788,  "the  old  road,  running  past  the  school-house, 
thence  southwest  across  Trowbridge's  plain,  thence  northwest  to  Mrs.  Mary 
Durant's  barn,  was  discontinued ;  and  the  training-field  which  was  given  to 
the  town  by  Judge  Fuller's  grandfather  in  1735,  situated  in  what  is  now  New- 
tonville,  v/as  discontinued;  and  the  land,  nearly  one  acre,  was  to  revert  to 
Judge  Fuller,  he  paying  a  reasonable  price  therefor." 

The  minute  specilicatious  in  the  descriptions  of  many  of  these 
roads  are  interesting,  as  showing  the  ownership  of  the  estates 
thi'ough  which  the  roads  were  laid  out. 

The  following  agreement,  entered  into  by  the  heirs  of  John 
Fuller,  owner  of  the  "Fuller  farm,"  opened  in  1730  still  another 
highwa}^,  which  was  accepted  by  the  town  in  1751. 

The  undersigned  do  all  and  everyone  of  us  agree  and  consent  to  lay  out 
an  open  highway  two  rods  wide,  as  it  is  allowed  of  in  the  settlement  of  the 
farm  called  Fuller's  farm,  for  the  use  of  and  convenience  of  the  proprietors 
of  said  farm,  down  to  the  townway  of  Solomon  Park's  line,  marked  on  a 
walnut  tree  and  heap  of  stones  in  Jonathan  Fuller's  land ;  and  then  a  walnut 
tree  and  then  a  white  oak  tree,  and  then  a  peach  tree  on  land  of  Joseph 
Fuller;  and  then  a  white  oak  tree  on  land  of  Jeremiah  Fuller;  and  then  to  a 
white  oak  tree,  and  then  to  a  gray  oak  tree,  and  then  to  a  walnut  tree,  and 
then  over  the  dam  at  the  upper  end  of  the  wet  meadow,  and  then  to  a  rock 
on  the  land  of  Jonathan  Fuller,  and  then  to  the  townway,  for  us.  And  also 
agreed  to  have  liberty  of  passing  through  gates  or  bars,  from  one  proprie- 
tor's way  to  the  other,  where  the  way  is  now  trod.  And  we  do  oblige  our- 
selves and  our  heirs  to  mend  and  maintain  the  said  way  forever,  from  the 
corner  of  the  line  between  John  Fuller  and  down  to  the  townway  at  Solomon 
Park's  line. 

In  witness  whereof  we  set  our  hands  and  seals  this  thirtieth  day  of  May, 
Anno  Domini  [1730],  in  the  third  year  of  the  reign  of  our  sovereign  lord, 
George  Second,  of  Great  Britain,  King,  etc. 

Signed,  Joseph  Fuller, 

In  presence  of  us,  Joshca  Follee, 

her  Jeremiah  Fuller, 

Elizabeth  +  Mirick,  John  Fuller, 

mark.  Jonathan  Fuller, 

Mindwell  Fuller,  Jonathan  Fuller,  jr., 

her  Isaac  Fuller, 

Priscilla  +  Dike.  Isaac  Fuller,  jr., 

mark.  Thomas  Fuller, 

Caleb  Fuller. 


/" 


CHAPTER  Xm. 

THE    NONANTDM     INDIANS. NONANTDM     HILL. FIRST     MEETING. 

SETTLEMENT  AT  NONANTUM. ACT  OF  THE  BRITISH  PARLIAMENT. 

SETTLEMENT   AT   NATICK. 

On  the  southeastern  slope  of  Nonantum  Hill  stood  the  wigwam 
of  "Waban,*  where  Eliot  fli'st  preached  to  the  Indians  of  America. 
Gooldn,  the  friend  and  companion  of  Eliot,  writes, — 

The  first  place  where  he  began  to  preach  was  Nonantum,  near  Watertown, 
on  the  south  side  of  Charles  lliver,  about  four  or  five  miles  from  his  own 
house,  where  lived  at  that  time  Waban,  one  of  their  principa'l  men,  and  some 
Indians  with  him. 

Tradition  makes  it  possible  to  fix  with  tolerable  accuracy  the 
precise  spot  of  this  historic  service.  In  1659,  John  Kenrick  had 
this  land  granted  him,  since  which  time  it  has  remained  in  the 
famil3\  A  spring  near  by  helps  to  fix  the  location.  In  1713  the 
highway  marks  were  ^ed  "  from  Dedham  to  Boston,  from  Ensign 
John  Kenrick's  through  his  land  and  Samuel  Truesdale's,  two  rods 
wide  ;  they  have  libert}'  to  hang  two  gates,  one  at  corner  of  Joseph 
Ward's  land  and  the  other  next  to  house  of  Isaac  Patch."  It  is 
near  this  old  road  (still  easily  seen)  where  stood  the  substantial 
wigwam,  erected  by  Gookin  twenty  years  after  Eliot  first  preached 
here  ;  the  ground  stiU  shows  evidence  of  such  occupation.!  Here 
in  the  quaint  language  of  the  day,  "  The  alabaster  box  of  precious 
ointment  was  first  broken  in  the  dark  and  gloomy  habitations  of 
the  unclean." 


*  Signifying  in  English  "  wind  "  or  "  spirit." 

t  On  a  little  plat  of  land,  half  a  mile  east  of  Centre  Street,  the  recognized  site  of  the 
wigwam  of  Waban,  a  terrace  has  been  constructed,  with  a  stone  balustrade  on  the 
front,  bearing  a  suitable  inscription  and  the  names  of  Wilson,  Shepard,  Gookin, 
Waban  and  others  who  were  present  at  the  first  meeting.  From  the  face  of  the  wall 
a  fountain  is  seen  to  flow,  and  rising  from  the  centre  of  the  terrace  a  memorial  shaft. 

170 


ELIOT  AND  THE  INDIANS.  171 

The  account  of  the  first  visit  of  Mr.  Eliot  to  Nonantum  for  the 
purpose  of  preaching  to  the  Indians  is  given  by  Mr.  Eliot,  in  his 
graphic  language  as  follows  : 

Upon  October  28,  1G46,  four  of  us  (having  sought  God),  went  unto  the 
Indians  inhabiting  within  our  bounds  with  desire  to  make  known  the  things 
of  their  peace  to  them.  A  little  before  we  came  to  tlieir  wigwams  five  or  six 
chiefs  mot  us  with  English  salutations,  bidding  us  welcome  ;  who,  leading  us 
unto  the  principal  wigwam  of  Waanton  (Waban),  we  found  many  more 
Indians,  men,  women  and  claldren  gathei'ed  together  from  all  quarters  round 
about. 

Those  who  accompanied  EHot  were  Gookin  (aged  34) ,  after- 
wards magistrate  at  Cambridge,  Rev.  John  Wilson,  of  Boston, 
Elder  Heath,  of  Roxbury  (aged  61),  and  Thomas  Shepard 
(aged  41),  who  afterwards  wrote  "The  Clear  Sunshine  of  the 
Gospel,"  and  other  tracts  giving  an  account  of  this  beginning 
among  the  Indians. 

AYith  unfeigned  interest  we  contemplate  these  denizens  of  the 
forest,  assembled  together,  lilic  Cornelius  and  his  friends,  to  hear 
the  words  of  eternal  life.  There  is  a  special  interest  in  such  a 
gathering,  because  it  is  the  first  of  the  kind  on  the  American  conti- 
nent. It  was  the  missionary  enterprise  in  advance.  Eliot  had 
not  to  cross  seas  and  oceans  to  find  his  heathen  auditors.  They 
lived  nearly  at  his  own  door ;  by  an  hour's  ride  he  could  be  among 
them.  And  as  we  contemplate  their  eager  attention,  their  willing 
assent,  their  readiness  to  learn,  and  at  the  same  time  the  opposi- 
tion of  those  who  scoff,  we  seem  to  see  the  whole  method  and 
work  of  modern  missions,  not  a  theor}^  to  be  tested  in  the  futm-e, 
but  the  veritable  missionary  enterprise  already  begun.  After  two 
centmies  and  a  quarter,  the  work  brings  similar  joys  and  sorrows. 

The  Indians,  during  an  intercourse  of  several  years  with  the 
Enghsh,  had  obtained  some  ideas  of  their  religion  and  their  Book, 
and  were  very  desirous  of  being  instructed  by  the  white  men  in  the 
wonderful  things  it  contained. 

In  the  assembty  were  Waban's  wife,  and  their  son  "Weegram- 
momenet,  afterwards  known  as  Thomas  Waban.  Prayer  was 
offered  in  English,  it  is  supposed  by  Mr.  Wilson.  Then  Mr.  Eliot 
preached  from  Ezekiel  XXXVII:  9.  "Then  said  he  unto  me, 
Prophesy  unto  the  wind,  prophesy,  son  of  man,  and  say  to  the 
wind,  Thus  saith  the  Lord  God ;  Come  from  the  four  winds,  O 
breath,  and  breathe  upon  these  slain,  that  they  may  live.     So  I 


172  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

prophesied  as  he  commanded  me,  and  the  breath  came  into  them, 
and  they  lived,  and  stood  np  upon  their  feet,  an  exceeding  great 
arm}'." 

The  text  was  doubtless  selected  by  Mr.  Eliot,  because  he  saw  a 
similarity  between  the  dry  bones  of  the  valley  and  the  condition 
of  his  heathen  audience, — "that  forlorn  generation,"  as  Mr. 
Wilson  called  them.  When  Mr.  EUot  read  his  text,  as  if  addressed 
specially  to  the  chief,  "  Then  said  the  Lord  unto  me.  Prophesy 
unto  Waban,"  etc.,  it  must  have  seemed  a  personal  call  from  the  \ 

white  man's  God  to  serve  him  who  had  brought  the  Englishman        fjf<-^ 
across  the  mighty  waters  and  himself  from  the  hills  of  Musketa-^'^^ '  p^ 
quid, —  each  of   them  at  that  date  forty-two  years  of  age, —  to       ' 
meet  in  that  rude  wigwam.     It  was  a  strilcing  manifestation  of  the 
Pro\idence  of  God  which  had  brought  them  together. 

The  sermon  continued  an  hour  and  a  quarter.  Mr.  Eliot  began 
with  the  principles  of  natural  religion,  and  then  proceeded  to  the 
leading  doctrines  and  precepts  of  Christianity :  the  ten  command- 
ments ;  the  nature  and  consequences  of  sin  ;  the.character,  coming 
and  exaltation  of  Christ ;  the  future  judgment ;  the  blessedness  of 
believers  ;  the  creation  and  fall  of  man  ;  heaven  and  hell ;  and  closed 
with  an  exhortation  to  repentance  and  holiness.  Desiring  to  know 
whether  his  audience  had  understood  him,  he  asked  if  they  com- 
prehended his  meaning.  They  replied  that  they  had  understood 
all.  He  then  asked  whether  all  in  the  wigwam  had  understood,  or 
only  a  few.  With  one  accord  every  voice  answered  that  they  had 
all  understood  every  thing  he  had  said.  Eliot  testifies  that  "  none 
of  the  Indians  slept  in  sermon,  or  derided  God's  messenger." 

A  remark  of  Rev.  Mr.  Wilson,  that  "  a  few  words  from  the 
preacher  were  more  regarded  than  many  from  the  Indian  in- 
terpreter," seems  to  impl}'  that  Mr.  Eliot  spoke  in  the  Indian  dia- 
lect when  the  words  he  wished  to  employ  were  easy  and  familiar 
to  him,  and  when  he  was  at  a  loss  for  words  to  express  Ins  mean- 
ing, that  he  called  in  the  aid  of  his  native  teacher.  This  was  Job 
Nesutan,  a  Long  Island  Indian,  a  Mohegau,  who  had  been  taken 
prisoner  in  war  a  little  while  before,  and  was  now  living  in  Dor- 
chester. He  had  been  taught  by  Mr.  Eliot  to  write,  and  is  said  to 
have  been  "  ingenious  and  quic^k  to  learn." 

After  the  sermon,  the  ministers  proposed  questions  to  the 
Indians,  as  Mr.  Wilson  quaintly  expresses  it,  "  that  so  we  might 
screw,  by  variety  of  means,  something  or  other  of  God  into  tliem." 


I 


ELIOT  AND  THE  INDIANS.  173 

The  Indians  were  then  invited  to  ask  their  visitors  such  questions 
as  the}' chose.  The  six  questions  they  proposed  were  :  1.  How 
they  could  learn  to  know  Jesus  Christ?  2.  Did  God  understand 
Indian  pra^'ers?  3.  Were  the  English  ever  so  ignorant  as  the 
Indians  were  at  that  time?  4.  What  is  the  image  of  God,  which, 
in  the  second  commandment,  is  forbidden  to  be  worshipped?  5. 
If  a  father  be  bad  and  the  child  good,  will  God  be  offended  with 
the  child  for  the  father's  sake?  6.  If  all  the  world  had  once  been 
drowned,  how  came  it  to  be  now  so  full  of  people?  In  answer  to 
a  question  on  the  omnipresence  of  God,  being  asked  by  a  visitor  if 
they  did  not  feel  tempted  to  beheve  there  was  no  God,  because  he 
was  nowhere  to  be  seen,  the}'  replied  that  though  they  could  not 
see  him  with  their  eyes,  "  they  believed  he  was  to  be  seen  b}'  their 
soul  within."  The  question  was  then  asked  them  whether  it  did 
not  seem  strange  that  there  should  be  but  one  God,  and  yet  he 
should  be  here  in  Massachusetts,  there  in  Connecticut,  over  the 
great  waters  in  old  England,  in  this  wigwam,  in  the  next,  every- 
where? They  answered,  it  was  indeed  strange.  Everything  else 
they  had  heard  was  strange  also.  All  were  wonderful  things, 
which  they  never  heard  of  before.  But  they  thought  it  might  be 
true,  and  "that  God  was  so  big  everywhere."  They  were  then 
asked,  whether  they  were  troubled,  when  they  had  done  wrong,  by 
a  consciousness  of  guilt  and  ill-desert ;  and  whether,  at  such  times, 
they  found  any  source  of  comfort.  They  answered  that  they  were 
thus  troubled,  but  they  had  no  knowledge  what  should  comfort 
them. 

At  the  close  of  the  meeting,  which  lasted  three  hours,  when 
asked  if  they  .were  weary,  the  Indians  replied,  "'  No,"  and  they 
wished  to  hear  more.  But  the  autumn  day  was  short  and  the  night 
drawing  on.  Prayer  was  offered  in  English.  Another  meeting 
was  appointed  a  fortnight  afterwards,  a  few  apples  were  given  to 
the  children  and  some  tobacco  to  the  men,  and  the  visitors  left 
them.  The  first  Protestant  missionary  sermon  to  the  heathen  had 
been  preached  in  North  America.     Says  the  Rev.  Mr.  McKenzie  : 

Let  it  be  remembered  to  the  honor  of  our  fathers,  that  the  first  Protest- 
ant mission  to  the  heathen  in  modern  times  began  in  Cambridge  [Newton]  ; 
the  first  Protestant  sermon  in  a  heathen  tongue  was  preached  here  ;  the  first 
translation  of  the  Bible  by  an  Englishman  into  a  heathen  tongue  was  printed 
here ;  the  first  Protestant  tract  in  a  heathen  language  was  written  and  printed 
here. 


174  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

This  service  was  tlie  beginning  of  an  extensive  work  of  grace 
among  tlie  red  men,  which  spread  through  eastern  and  southern 
Massachusetts,  till,  it  is  said,  there  were  at  one  time  half  a  dozen 
or  more  native  churches,  nearly  forty  native  preachers,  and  a  pop- 
ulation of  Christian  Indians  amounting  to  nearly  four  thousand. 

Waban  was  not  a  sachem,  but  "  a  man  of  gravity  and  counsel," 
and  highly  respected  among  his  people.  He  was  the  first  Indian 
convert,*  and  adorned  his  Christian  profession  to  old  age.  His 
last  words  were,  "  I  give  my  soul  to  thee,  O  my  Redeemer,  Jesus 
Christ.  Pardon  all  my  sins  and  dehver  me  from  hell.  Help  me 
against  death,  and  then  I  am  willing  to  die.  And  when  I  die,  O 
help  me  and  relieve  me."     He  died  in  1674,  aged  seventy. 

The  second  meeting  was  held  November  11th.  A  great 
many  more  Indians  were  present.  The  news  had  spread  that 
the  Englishman  had  learned  their  language,  and  had  a  message 
to  them  from  the  Great  Spirit.  At  this  meeting  the  visitors  found 
that  seats  had  been  prepared  for  them.  A  prayer  was  first  offered 
in  English.     Then,  with  that  care  for  children  which  was  charac- 


*  The  confession  of  Wabau  has  been  preserved. 

"  Before  I  heard  of  God,  and  before  the  English  came  into  this  country,  many  evil 
things  my  heart  did  work,  many  thoughts  I  had  in  my  heart.  I  wished  for  riches,  I 
wished  to  be  a  witch,  I  wished  to  be  a  sachem;  then,  when  the  English  came,  still  my 
heart  did  the  same  things;  when  the  English  taught  me  of  God,  (I  coming  to  their 
houses),  I  would  go  out  of  their  doors  and  many  years  I  tnew  nothing ;  and  when  the 
English  taught  me  I  was  angry  with  them.  But  a  little  while  ago,  after  the  great 
sickness,  I  considered  what  the  English  do,  and  I  had  some  desire  to  do  as  they  do, 
and  after  that  I  began  to  work  as  they  work;  and  then  I  wondered  how  the  English 
came  to  be  so  strong  to  labor;  then  I  thought,  I  shall  quickly  die,  and  I  feared  lest  I 
should  die  before  I  prayed  to  God ;  then  I  thought,  if  I  prayed  to  God  in  our  language, 
whether  could  God  understand  my  prayers  in  our  language;  therefore  I  did  ask  Mr. 
Jackson  and  Mr.  Mayhew  if  God  understood  prayers  in  our  language.  They  answered 
me,  God  doth  understand  all  languages  in  the  world.  But  I  do  n<5t  know  how  to  con- 
fess, and  little  do  I  know  of  Christ.  I  fear  that  I  shall  not  believe  a  great  while,  and 
very  slowly. 

"  I  do  not  know  what  grace  is  in  my  heart;  there  is  but  little  in  me;  but  this  I  know, 
that  Christ  hath  kept  all  God's  commandments  for  us,  and  that  Christ  doth  know  all 
hearts;  and  now  I  desire  to  repent  of  all  mv  sins.  I  neither  have  done,  nor  can  do, 
the  commandments  of  the  Lord;  but  I  am  ashamed  of  all  I  do,  and  I  do  repent  of  all 
my  sins,  even  of  all  that  I  do  know  of.  I  desire  that  I  may  be  converted  from  all  my 
sins,  and  that  I  might  believe  in  Christ,  and  I  desire  Ilim.  I  dislike  my  sins,  yet  I  do 
not  truly  pray  to  God  in  my  heart;  no  matter  for  good  words,  all  is  the  true  heart; 
and  this  day  I  do  not  so  much  desire  good  words,  as  thoroughly  to  open  my  heart.  I 
confess  I  can  do  nothing,  but  deserve  damnation;  only  Christ  can  keep  me  and  do  for 
me.  But  I  have  nothing  to  say  for  myself  that  is  good;  I  judge  that  I  am  a  sinner, 
and  cannot  repent,  but  Christ  hath  deserved  pardon  for  us."' 

There  is  much  of  simple  trust  mingled  with  the  expression  of  his  own  unworthi- 
ness,  in  this  confession  of  Waban.  But  it  required  earnest  argument  and  advocacy, 
on  the  part  of  Eliot,  to  satisfy  the  ciders  that  he  was  thoroughly  converted. 


ELIOT  AND  THE  INDIANS.  175 

teristic  of  Mr.  Eliot's  ministry,  and  wtiicli  was  his  "  ruling  passion, 
strong  in  death,"  he  catechized  the  little  ones.  The  sermon  was 
in  Indian,  and  lasted  for  an  hour ;  but  none  of  the  congregation 
seemed  wearj*.  One  of  the  hearers  was  much  overcome,  and  wept 
freely.  After  the  sermon  was  ended,  an  old  man  asked  if  it  was 
not  too  late  for  such  an  old  man  as  he,  who  was  near  death,  to 
repent  and  seek  after  God?  Another  asked  how  the  English  dif- 
fered so  much  from  the  Indians,  if  all  men  had  one  father  at  first? 
Another  asked,  if  a  man  had  committed  some  great  sin,  as  steal- 
ing goods,  and  had  not  been  punished  by  the  sachem,  but  had 
restored  the  goods,  is  all  well  now?  After  the  subject  of  atone- 
ment and  reconciliation  had  been  explained  to  him,  the  Indian  drew 
back  with  an  appearance  of  sorrow  and  shame,  and  said,  "  Me 
little  know  Jesus  Christ,  or  me  should  seek  him  better." 

Dming  the  closing  prayer,  the  Indians  were  much  affected.  One 
of  the  men  wept  abundantl}',  so  that  his  tears  dropped  down  on 
the  ground,  and  the  English  people,  seeing  his  tears,  could  not 
refrain  from  weeping  with  him.  The  next  day  one  of  the  hearers 
\dsited  Mr.  Eliot  at  his  house  in  Roxbur}-,  and  told  him  his  feelings 
with  tears,  and  how  all  night  at  Wabau's  the  Indians  could  not 
sleep,  partly  from  trouble  of  mind,  and  partly  from  wonder  at  the 
things  the}'  had  heard.  Doubtless  the  Spirit  had  spoken  with  his 
"'  still,  small  voice,"  and  this  was  the  first  revival  of  religion  among 
the  Indians. 

The  success  attending  these  visits  of  Eliot  was  noised  abroad, 
and  there  came  as  witnesses  of  his  work  Wilson,  minister  of  Boston, 
Shepard,  of  Cambridge,  Allen,  of  Dedham,  and  Dunster,  Presi- 
dent of  Harvard  College.  It  must  have  been  very  cheering  to 
Eliot  to  enjo3"  the  presence  and  countenance  of  such  men.  For 
their  weight  of  character  assm'ed  him  of  the  interest  and  approval 
of  the  best  and  wisest  of  New  England's  citizens. 

The  thiixl  visit  was  a  fortnight  later,  November  2Gth.  Some  of 
the  Indians  absented  themselves  thi'ough  fear  of  their  powaws  or 
priests,  who  had  thi-eatened  them  with  theu*  secret  power  of  inflict- 
ing the  penalty  of  death  upon  those  who  should  attend.  One  of 
these  priests  was,  however,  immediately  and  solemnly  addressed 
hy  the  intrepid  missionary,  who  silenced  and  convinced  him.  An 
account  of  this  %'isit  was  recorded  in  a  book  bj^  the  Kev.  Mr. 
Wilson,  which  was  printed  in  London  in  1647,  entitled,  "  The  Day- 
Breaking,  if  not  the  Sun-Eising,  of  the  Gospel  with  the  Indians 


176  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

in  New  England."  In  order  to  'liear  more  readily  the  wonderful 
tidings,  many  Indians  removed  from  Concord  and  places  even 
more  distant,  and  erected  their  wigwams  on  Waban's  hill.  An 
increased  seriousness  was  manifest.  When  the  usual  catechizing 
and  sermon  were  ended,  many  questions  were  asked  by  the  Indians, 
as,  "  What  is  a  spirit?  "  "  Why  do  the  English  call  them  Indians, 
since  they  did  not  so  call  themselves  previous  to  the  arrival  of  the 
English  ?  "  "  Is  it  lawful  to  pray  to  the  devil,  as  some  Indians  say, 
or  must  we  pray  to  God  only  ?  "  "  Are  dreams  to  be  believed  ?  " 
The  great  desire  of  the  natives  was  to  have  a  place  for  a  town, 
and  to  learn  to  spin. 

After  the  third  meeting,  when  many  were  gathered  in  the  tent 
where  they  had  listened  eai'nestly  to  Eliot,  Waban  arose  and  began 
to  instruct  all  the  company  out  of  the  things  he  had  heard,  with 
the  wild  and  impressive  eloquence  of  a  son  of  the  forest.  Soon 
after,  other  chiefs  came  for  teaching,  and  begged  that  their  children 
might  be  educated  in  the  Christian  faith.  The  example  spread, 
and  the  missionar}^  was  surprised  at  the  success  which  had  already 
attended  his  labors.  He  had  found  a  people  prepared  for  the 
Lord. 

Wrapped  in  a  robe  of  marten-skins  a  chief  stood  up  and  said : 

My  heart  laughs  for  joy  on  seeing  myself  before  thee;  we  have  all  of 
us  heard  the  word  which  thou  hast  sent  us.  Come  with  us  to  the  forests ; 
come  to  our  homes  by  the  great  river;  there  we  shall  plant  the  Tree  of  Life 
of  which  thou  speakest,  and  our  warriors  shall  rest  beneath  its  leaves ;  and 
thou  shalt  tell  us  more  of  that  land  where  there  is  no  storm  nor  death,  and 
where  the  sun  is  always  bright.  Will  not  that  be  good?  What  dost  thou 
say  to  it,  my  father? 

Shortly  afterwards  three  men  and  four  children  visited  the  house 
of  Mr.-  Eliot.  The  leader,  Wabau,  was  a  man  of  wisdom.  Of 
the  boys,  the  eldest  was  nine  years,  and  the3'oungest  four.  These 
children  Waban  wished  to  have  trained  up  among  those  who 
feared  God,  dreading  lest,  if  they  were  brought  up  among  their 
own  people,  they  would  grow  to  be  rude  and  wicked.  No  suitable 
arrangement  could  be  made  for  the  education  of  the  children,  and 
Mr.  Eliot  was  obliged  to  send  them  back  to  then-  native  forests. 
Thus  the  first  call  for  a  mission  school  for  heathen  children  came 
from  the  heathen  themselves.  Mission  schools  for  heathen  children 
were  to  be  the  growth  of  the  coming  centuries,  but  the  time  was 
not  yet.  The  two  youths  were  afterwards  placed  in  the  families 
of  elders  of  the  church  in  Roxbury. 


ELIOT  AND  THE  INDIANS.  177 

Soon  after  the  third  meeting  steps  were  taken  towards  the  settle- 
ment of  the  Indians  in  a  fixed  habitation,  that  they  might  enjoy 
the  benefits  of  a  Christian  civilization,  and  that  their  children 
might  be  trained  up  to  become  useful  members  of  society.  One 
of  the  early  historians  says  the  General  Court  purchased  of  the 
EngUsh  settlers  a  tract  of  high  land,  which  the  Indians  fancied, 
and  made  it  over  to  them.  Mr.  Shattuck,  in  his  history  of  Concord, 
expresses  doubt  whether  there  was  any  grant  of  land  to  the  Indians 
at  Nonantum.  He  thinks  they  lived  by  sufferance  on  lands  claimed 
by  the  English.     Mr.  Jackson  says, — 

We  have  never  seen  any  record  of  a  grant  of  lands  by  the  General  Court 
to  the  Nonantum  Indians,  and  do  not  believe  there  was  ever  any  such  grant. 
Nor  does  there  appear  to  be  any  conveyance  by  the  Indians  on  record,  of  the 
lands  they  occupied  at  Nonantum.  Those  lands  were,  no  doubt,  considered 
part  and  parcel  of  the  common  lands  of  the  Cambridge  proprietors,  and  were 
disposed  of  by  them,  like  other  common  lands,  by  sale  or  division  among  the 
proprietors.  By  the  colony  law  of  lGo3,  it  was  declared  that  "what  land  the 
Indians  possessed  and  improved  by  stibJiiing  ike  same,  they  have  just  right 
unto."  At  Nonantum,  they  not  only  subdued  and  cultivated,  but  fenced  much 
of  it  by  walls  and  ditches,  set  out  trees,  etc.  Their  title  was  therefore  law- 
ful as  well  as  just ;  and  as  they  had  Eliot  and  many  other  staunch  friends,  we 
may  be  assured  they  did  not  surrender  their  rights  without  an  equivalent. 

On  Nonantum  Hill  was  made  the  first  attempt  to  bind  the 
Indians  together  under  a  civil  contract,  with  the  countenance  of  a 
few  good  men  and  in  spite  of  much  discom-agement  from  many 
others. 

Mr.  Eliot  wrote  to  Mr.  Shepard, — 

We  have  much  cause  to  be  very  thankful  to  God,  who  hath  moved  the 
hearts  of  the  General  Court  to  purchase  so  much  land  for  them  to  make  their 
town,  which  the  Indians  are  much  taken  with ;  and  it  is  somewhat  observa- 
ble that  while  the  Court  were  considering  where  to  lay  out  their  town,  they 
(not  knowing  of  anything)  were  about  that  time  consulting  about  laws  for 
themselves,  and  their  company,  wlio  sit  down  with  Waban.  There  were  ten 
(laws)  two  of  them  are  lost.  The  Indians  desired  to  know  what  name  this 
town  should  have,  and  it  was  told  them  it  should  be  called  Noonatomen, 
which  signifies  in  English,  rejoicing,  because  they,  hearing  the  word  and 
seeking  to  know  God,  the  English  did  rejoice  at  it,  which  pleased  them  much ; 
and  therefore  that  is  to  be  the  name  of  their  town. 

Then  they  desired  that  they  might  have  a  court  among  them  for  govern- 
ment, at  which  motion  we  rejoiced,  seeing  it  came  from  themselves,  and 
tended  so  much  to  civilize  them ;  since  which  time,  I  moved  the  General 
Court  in  it,  and  they  have  pleased  to  order  a  way  for  exercising  government 
among  them.     The  good  Lord  prosper  and  bless  it. 

12 


178  HISTOKY  OF   NEWTON. 

Among  the  first  results  of  civilization  attending  upon  religion 
were  the  adoption  of  many  customs  of  the  English ;  their  clothes 
were  more  seemlj',  their  reliance  upon  the  crops  more  secure. 

Eliot  seems  to  have  understood  that  civilization  and  religion  go 
hand  in  hand ;  he  further  writes  : 

You  know  likewise,  that  Ave  exhorted  them  to  fence  their  ground,  with 
ditches  and  stone  walls  upon  the  banks,  and  promised  to  help  them  with 
shovels,  spades,  mattocks,  crows  of  iron ;  and  they  are  very  desirous  of  fol- 
lowing that  counsel  and  call  upon  me  to  help  them  with  tools  faster  than  I 
can  get  them,  though  I  have  now  bought  a  pretty  store,  and  they  (I  hope) 
are  at  work. 

The  efforts  of  Eliot  were  not  confined  to  Newton  ;  he  journeyed 
through  the  wilderness  in  all  directions,  and  his  influence  was  felt 
upon  the  extreme  borders  of  civilization. 

It  is  not  to  be  supposed  that  Eliot  met  with  no  opposition.  The 
Prince  of  the  power  of  the  air  never  relinquishes  his  reign  over  his 
subjects  without  resistance.  Accordingh',  we  read  how  the  Indi- 
ans in  some  instances  encountered  him,  and  how  bravely  he  met 
their  opposition.  A  writer  in  the  "  Massachusetts  Historical  Col- 
lections" says, — 

The  sachems  did  every  thing  in  their  power  to  obstruct  the  work  ;  for  they 
thought  that  they  should  lose  their  power  and  influence,  if  men  had  any  other 
law  to  govern  them  than  the  authority  in  their  hands  ;  and  Mr.  Eliot  has  been 
met  in  the  wilderness  by  these  men  so  inimical  to  religion,  and  threatened 
with  every  evil,  if  be  made  any  more  conversions.  But  he  told  them,  "I  am 
about  the  work  of  the  Great  God,  and  he  is  with  me,  so  that  I  fear  not  all  the 
sachems  of  the  country.     I'll  go  on,  and  do  you  touch  me,  if  you  dare." 

Mr.  Eliot  must  have  been  essentially  strengthened  in  his  cour- 
ao-eous  efforts  b}'  the  knowledge  that  the  support  of  the  govern- 
ment was  on  his  side.  The  Indians  were  in  some  sense  the  wards 
of  the  government ;  and,  as  such,  the3^  were  bound  to  respect  the 
magistrates,  and  Mr.  Ehot,  also,  whose  work  was  favored  by  the 
magistrates.  The  laws  of  the  Province  likewise  were  made,  so  far 
as  the  Indians  were  concerned,  in  the  interest  of  civilization,  jus- 
tice and  religion.  Thus  an  Act  of  the  General  Coiu-t  was  passed, 
dated  May  26,  1G47,  as  follows  : 

Upon  the  information  that  the  Indians  dwelling  among  us  are  brought  to 
some  kind  of  civility  by  the  ministry  of  the  word,  and  are  desirous  to  have  a 
court  of  ordinary  judicature  set  up  among  them, —  it  is  therefore  ordered  by 
the  authority  of  this  Court,  that  one  or  more  of  the  magistrates  shall  once 
every  quarter  keep  a  court  where  the  Indians  ordinarily  assemble  to  hoar 


ELIOT  AND  THE  INDIANS.  179 

the  word  of  God,  to  hear  and  determine  all  causes,  both  civil  and  criminal, 
not  being  capital,  concerning  the  Indians  only;  and  that  the  Indian  sachems 
shall  have  liberty  to  take  orders  in  the  nature  of  summons  or  attachments, 
to  bring  any  of  their  iieople  to  these  courts ;  and  to  keep  a  court  of  them- 
selves every  month,  if  they  see  occasion,  to  determine  small  causes  of  a  civil 
nature,  and  such  smaller  criminal  causes  as  the  magistrates  shall  refer  to 
them.  And  the  said  sachems  shall  appoint  officers,  to  serve  warrants,  and  to 
execute  the  orders  and  judgments  of  either  of  the  said  courts;  which  officers 
shall  be  allowed  from  time  to  time  by  the  said  magistrates  in  the  quarter 
courts  or  by  the  governor.  And  that  all  fines  imposed  upon  any  of  the 
Indians  in  said  courts  shall  go  and  be  bestowed  towards  the  building  of  some 
meeting-houses,  for  the  education  of  their  poorer  children  in  learning,  or  other 
public  uses  by  the  advice  of  said  magistrates  or  of  Mr.  Eliot,  or  some  other 
elder,  who  shall  ordinarily  instruct  them  in  true  religion.  And  it  is  the 
desire  of  this  Court  that  these  magistrates,  or  Mr.  Eliot,  or  such  other  elders 
as  shall  attend  the  keeping  of  said  courts,  Avill  carefully  endeavor  to  make 
the  Indians  understand  our  most  useful  laws,  and  the  principles  of  reason, 
justice  and  equity,  whereon  they  are  grounded ;  and  it  is  desired  that  some 
care  may  be  taken  of  the  Indians  on  the  Lord's  day. 

The  report  of  the  success  of  the  early  efforts  in  behalf  of  the 
Aborigines  excited  a  strong  sensation  in  England.  The  British 
Parliament,  then  under  the  Protectorate,  passed  an  act  July  27, 
1649,  for  the  advancement  of  the  work.  The  preamble  of  the  act 
runs  as  follows : 

"Whereas  the  Commons  of  England,  assembled  in  Parliament,  have  received 
certain  intelligence  from  divers  godly  ministers  and  others  in  New  England, 
that  divers  of  the  heathen  natives,  through  the  pious  care  of  some  godly 
English,  who  preach  the  gospel  to  them  in  their  own  Indian  language,  not 
only  of  barbarous  have  become  civil,  but  many  of  them  forsake  their  accus- 
tomed charms  and  sorceries  and  other  satanical  delusions,  do  now  call  upon 
the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  give  great  testimony  to  the  power  of  God,  draw- 
ing them  from  death  and  darkness  to  the  life  and  light  of  the  glorious  gospel 
of  Jesus  Christ,  which  appeareth  by  their  lamenting  with  tears  their  mis- 
spent lives,  teaching  their  children  what  they  are  instructed  themselves, 
being  cartful  to  place  them  in  godly  families  and  English  schools,  betaking 
themselves  to  one  wife,  putting  away  the  rest,  and  by  their  constant  prayers 
to  Abnighty  God,  morning  and  evening,  in  their  families,  jjrayers  expressed, 
in  all  appearance,  with  much  devotion  and  zeal  of  heart; — All  which  con- 
sidered, we  cannot  but,  in  behalf  of  the  nation  we  represent,  rejoice  and 
give  glory  to  God  for  the  beginning  of  so  glorious  a  propagation  of  the  gospel 
among  those  poor  heathen,  which  cannot  be  prosecuted  with  that  expedition 
as  is  desired  unless  fit  instruments  be  encouraged  and  maintained  to  pursue 
it,  schools  and  clothing  be  provided,  and  many  other  necessaries. 

The  act,  of  which  this  is  the  preamble,  then  proceeds  to  estab- 
lish a  corporation  of  sixteen  persons  to  superintend  the  disburse- 


180  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

ment  of  moneys,  which  should  be  given  to  aid  in  instructing, 
clothing,  civilizing  and  Christianizing  the  Indians.  A  general  col- 
lection was  ordered  to  be  made  for  these  purposes  through  all  the 
churches  of  England  and  Wales.  The  ministers  were  required  to 
read  this  act  in  the  churches,  and  to  exhort  the  people  to  a  cheer- 
ful contribution  to  so  pious  a  work.  Circular  letters  were  pub- 
lished at  the  same  time  by  the  Universities  of  Oxford  and  Cam- 
bridge, recommending  the  same  object.  A  fund,  which  in  Charles 
II.'s  time  produced  six  hundred  pounds  sterling  per  annum,  was 
thus  provided,  the  benefit  of  which  endured  till  the  period  of  the 
separation  of  the  colonies  from  the  mother  country. 

Oliver  Cromwell  interested  himself  in  missions  to  the  heathen, 
and  formed  a  gigantic  scheme  of  uniting  all  the  Protestant  churches 
in  the  world  into  one  great  Missionary  Societ3^  The  "  Society  for 
Promoting  Christian  Knowledge,"  founded  in  1698,  the  "Society 
for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  foreign  parts,"  founded  in 
1701,  and  the  "  Scottish  Society  for  Propagating  Christian  Knowl- 
edge," founded  in  1709,  with  all  their  benign  fruits,  had  their 
roots  in  the  work  of  John  Ehot  among  the  Indians  in  Newton. 

An  interesting  incident  is  that  the  first  petition  presented  to  the 
General  Court  of  Massachusetts  for  the  regulation  of  the  sale  of 
intoxicating  liquors,  is  the  petition  of  Rev.  John  Eliot,  in  1648  : 

The  petition  of  John  Eliot  to  the  General  Court  concerning  the  Indians 
shcweth  :  That  whereas  the  Indians  have  frequent  recourse  to  the  English 
Tounes  and  especially  to  Boston,  where  they  too  often  see  evil  examples  of 
excessive  drinking  in  the  English,  who  are  too  often  disguised  with  that 
beastly  sin  of  drunkenness,  and  themselves  (many  of  them)  greatly  delighting 
in  strong  liquors,  not  considering  the  strength  and  evil  of  them,  also  too  well 
knowing  the  liberty  of  the  law,  wliich  prohibiteth  above  half  a  pint  of  wine 
to  a  man;  that  they  may  without  offence  to  the  law,  have  their  half  pint,  and 
when  they  have  had  it  in  one  place,  they  go  to  another  and  have  the  like,  till 
they  be  drunken,  and  sometime  find  too  much  entertainment  that  way  by 
such  who  keep  no  ordinary,  only  pursue  their  trade,  though  it  be  to  the  hurt  and 
perdition  of  their  souls.  Therefore  my  humble  request  unto  this  honorable 
court  is  tliis,  that  there  may  be  but  one  ordinary  in  all  Boston  who  may  have 
liberty  to  sell  wine,  strong  drink  or  any  strong  liquors  unto  the  Indians,  and 
whoever  shall  further  them  in  their  vicious  drinking,  for  their  own  base  ends, 
who  keep  no  ordinary,  may  not  be  suffered  in  such  a  sinne  Avithout  due  pun- 
ishment ;  and  that  at  what  ordinary  so  ever  in  any  other  town  as  well  as  Bos- 
ton any  Indian  shall  be  found  drunk,  having  had  any  considerable  quantity 
of  drink,  they  should  come  under  severe  censure.  These  things  I  am  bold 
to  represent  unto  you  for  the  preventing  of  those  scandalous  evils  which 
greatly  blemish  and  interrupt  their  entertainment  of  the  gospel  through  the 


ELIOT  AND  THE  INDIANS.  181 

pollycy  of  Satan  who  counterworketh  swift  that  way  with  not  a  little  uncom- 
fortable success.  And  thus  with  ray  hearty  desire  of  the  gracious  and 
blessed  presence  of  God  among  you  in  all  your  mighty  affairs,  I  humbly  take 
leave  and  rest.     Your  servant  to  command  in  our  Saviour  Christ, 

John  Eliot. 
This  23d  of  the  8th,  1648. 

In  1G49,  Mr.  Eliot  wrote  to  a  friend  in  England,  by  whom  he 
had  been  advised  to  encourage  the  Christian  Indians  to  plant  gar- 
dens and  set  out  orchards,  and  who  had  promised  them  several 
hundred  trees,  which  he  kept  in  nurseries,  ready  for  them.  Some 
of  them  learned  trades,  and  several  worked  with  the  settlers 
around  them  in  hajing  time  and  harvest.  The  women,  too,  learned 
to  spin,  and  in  various  waj's  created  means  of  support,  which 
added  to  the  comfort  of  their  households. 

The  fourth  visit  to  Nonantum  was  made  December  9th.  The 
children  were  catechized  as  usual,  and  the  sermon  followed.  The 
sermon  was  again  founded  upon  the  dry  bones  of  Ezekiel's  vision, 
a  portion  of  Scripture  which  impressed  Mr.  EUot,  in  connection 
with  his  work,  from  the  first.  The  Indians  offered  all  their  chil- 
dren to  be  educated.  Questions  were  asked  and  answered  on  both 
sides,  as  in  previous  inter^^ews. 

The  Indians  were  not  idolaters,  strictly  speaking.  They  had  no 
image  worship,  but,  like  our  own  ancestors,  adored  the  sun,  the 
moon,  the  earth  and  fire.  Thej^  acknowledged  a  Great  Benefac- 
tor, the  author  of  all  good,  and  another  invisible  being,  the  author 
of  all  mischief.  Every  wind  had  its  spirit,  every  swamp  its  lurk- 
ing evil.  They  saw  spirits  in  the  rain  and  snow.  They  placed  the 
hunting-grounds  of  their  departed  friends  in  the  bright  western  sk}^ 
where  the  sun  nightly  goes  down  in  glory.  Their  worship  consisted 
in  songs,  dances  and  feasts,  and  prayers  to  the  sun  and  moon  for 
such  things  as  the}'  desired.  They  asked  Mr.  Eliot  the  home- 
question,  "  Why,  since  j'ou  English  have  been  in  the  land  twenty- 
seven  years,  have  you  never  taught  us  before?  We  might  have 
known  much  of  God  bj^  this  time,  and  much  sin  might  have  been 
prevented ;  but  now  some  of  us  are  grown  old  in  sin."  Mr.  Eliot 
answered  that  the  English  did  repent  of  their  neglect,  but  reminded 
them  that  thej'  were  never  willing  to  hear  till  now. 

The  effect  of  the  work  earned  on  at  Nonantum  was  contagious. 
The  Indians  at  Concord,  the  original  home  of  Waban,  resolved  to 
attempt  something  of  the  same  sort.     When  the  Concord  chief 


182  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

was  asked  wli}^  he  wished  to  have  his  town  so  near  to  the  English, 
since  there  was  more  room  at  a  distance  from  them,  he  replied  that 
he  knew,  "  if  the  Indians  dwelt  far  from  the  English,  they  would 
not  so  much  care  to  pray,  nor  be  so  read}^  to  hear  the  word  of 
God  ;  but  would  be,  all  one,  Indians  still ;  but,  dwelling  near  the 
English,  he  hoped  it  might  be  otherwise  with  them  then." 

The  gospel  wrought  a  wonderful  change  in  the  people.  Mr. 
Shepard  remarks  that  "  most  of  the  Indians  set  up  prayer  in  their 
families  morning  and  evening,  and  before  and  after  meals,  and 
seemed  in  earnest  in  these  devotions."  Another  writer  says, 
"  With  more  affection  they  crave  God's  blessing  upon  a  little 
parched  corn,  than  many  of  us  do  upon  our  greatest  plenty  and 
abundance."  He  was  much  impressed,  in  the  fall  of  1G47,  in  see- 
ing one  of  the  Indians  "  call  his  children  to  him  from  their  gather- 
ing of  corn  in  the  field,  and  crave  a  blessing  with  much  affection, 
having  but  a  homely  dinner  to  eat."  And  subsequently,  after  the 
funeral  of  an  Indian  child,  the  company  retired  a  little  from  the 
grave  and  assembled  under  a  tree  in  the  woods,  and  desired  one 
of  their  own  number  to  pray  with  them.  "  He  did  express  such 
zeal  in  pra^^er,  with  such  variety  of  gracious  expressions,  and 
abundance  of  tears,  both  of  himself  and  most  of  the  compan}',  that 
the  wood  rang  again  with  their  sighs  and  tears." 

The  gospel  among  the  Indians  yielded  its  appropriate  fruit.  It 
gave  them  peace  and  J03'  in  life,  and  hope  in  death.  We  read  of 
the  death  of  Wampas,  who  was  one  of  the  first  "praying  Indians" 
to  pass  awa^-.  He  said  to  Mr.  Eliot,  who  stood  by  his  side,  but  a 
little  time  before  he  died :  "  Now  I  die,  I  strongly  entreat  j'ou  to 
entreat  Elder  Heath  and  the  rest  v/hich  have  our  children,  that 
they  may  be  taught  to  know  God,  so  that  they  ma}'  teach  theu' 
countrymen,  because  such  an  example  would  do  great  good  among 
them.  I  now  shall  die,  but  Jesus  Christ  calls  j-ou  that  live  to  go 
to  Natick,  that  there  you  ma}'  make  a  church."  And  the  last 
words  of  Wampas  were,  "  O  Lord,  give  me  Jesus  Christ ;  "  and  he 
died,  with  his  hands  uplifted  in  the  attitude  of  prayer. 

"  The  success  and  setlement  of  Nouantuni,"  s;iys  Dr.  Homer,  "  encouraged 
further  attempts  of  Mr.  Eliot  to  extend  tha  kno\7lcdgc  of  tlic  gospel  to  the 
aboriginals  of  other  places.  lie  accordingly  visited  and  preached  to  the  Indi- 
ans at  Watertown,  Dorchester  Mills,  Concord  and  as  far  as  Pentucket 
Tails  on  Merriniac  IJiver.  He  also  extended  his  efforts  to  the  natives  of  the  col- 
ony of  New  Plymouth,  though  tlieir  chief  saciiem  and  his  son  discountenanced 
his  attempts.     These  exertions  laid  a  hapxjy  foundation  for  the  civilizing  and 


ELIOT  AND  THE  INDIANS.  183 

Christianizing  of  ^,000  out  of  20,000  Indians,  belonging  to  the  twenty  differ- 
ent tribes  then  in  New  England." 

In  1657,  at  the  solicitation  of  Mi".  Eliot,  the  town  of  Dorchester  granted  to 
the  Indians  residing  among  them  0,000  acres  of  land  at  Punkapoag,  and  about 
that  time  they  Arere  removed  thither.  Such  is  tlie  testimony  of  Hon.  Charles 
Endicott,  in  his  Centennial  Oration  at  Canton,  Mass. 

The  Indians  were  never  gathered  into  a  church  at  Nonantum, — 
the  ministers  regarding  it  better,  seeing  that  they  had  been  so 
recently  reclaimed  from  heathenism,  — that  they  should  remain  in 
the  state  of  catechmnens.  The  proximity  of  the  English,  as  the 
superior  race,  was  unfavorable  to  the  character,  happiness  and 
development  of  the  Indians.  Their  territory  was  too  limited,  and 
it  was  deemed  expedient  to  found  a  new  town,  a  little  removed 
from  the  white  settlers. 

The  township  of  Natick,  "the  place  of  hills,"  was  granted  to  the 
Indian  converts  in  1650,  at  the  urgent  request  of  Mr.  Ehot,  by  the 
inhabitants  of  Dedham,  with  the  sanction  of  the  General  Court. 
The  Indians  gave  to  the  Dedham  people  the  township  of  Deerfield 
in  exchange.  The  original  grant  contained  about  six  thousand 
acres. 

In  Bacon's  History  of  Natick  we  find  the  following  record : 

In  the  year  1651,  the  town  of  Natick  was  first  settled.  It  consisted  of  three 
long  streets,  two  on  the  north  and  one  on  the  south  side  of  the  river,  with  a 
bridge  eighty  feet  long  and  eight  feet  Mgh,  and  stone  foundations,  the  whole 
being  built  by  the  Indians  themselves.  To  each  house  situated  on  these 
streets  Avas  attached  a  piece  of  land.  The  houses  Avere  in  the  Indian  style. 
One  house,  larger  and  more  commodious  tlian  the  rest,  was  built  in  the 
English  style.  One  apartment  of  it  was  used  as  a  school-room  on  week-days, 
and  as  a  place  of  worship  on  the  Sabbath.  The  upper  room  was  a  kind  of 
wardrobe,  where  the  Indians  hung  up  their  skins  and  other  valuables.  In  the 
corner  of  this  room  was  partitioned  off  an  apartment  for  Mr.  Eliot.*  This 
building  was  the  fir<st  meeting-house  in  Natick. 

The  founding  of  the  new  town,  the  day  of  fasting  and  praver 
held  September  24,  1651,  the  simphcity  of  the  Indian,  who  would 


*Tlie  room  for  Mr.  Eliot,  partitioned  off  in  the  cud  of  the  ludiau  meetiug-housei 
forcibly  reminds  us  of  the  methods  of  modern  missionaries,  who,  in  their  visits  to 
remote  out-stations,  are  ordinarily  accommodated  iirceisely  in  the  same  manner  in  an 
apartment  divided  from  the  zayat  or  chapel,  where  they  meet  their  congregations. 
The  work  of  missions  is  one  in  all  ages  ;  and  the  diificulties  and  self-denials  incurred 
and  the  means  of  meeting  them  have  not  been  essentially  changed  by  the  progress 
of  two  centuries.  The  fellowship  of  suffering  and  of  cxpetlients  will  make  the  heart 
of  the  missionary  of  1040  and  of  1S4G  pulsate  with  a  feeling  of  kinship  in  trial,  toil 
and  aim,  as  well  as  the  kinship  of  success  and  glory. 


184  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

not  take  a  pipe  of  tobacco  on  that  solemn  da}'  until  he  had  asked 
Mr.  EUot  if  it  was  proper ; —  and  the  covenant  of  the  rulers  and 
people,  in  which  they  engaged  to  be  the  people  of  God,  are  all 
matters  of  deep  interest.  In  the  afternoon  of  the  day,  as  night 
drew  on,  Mr.  Eliot  addressed  the  assembly  from  Deuteronom}' 
XXIXth,  which  relates  how  the  Israelites  entered  into  covenant 
with  Jehovah.     Then  their  own  covenant  was  recited  as  follows  : 

"  "\Ye  are  the  sons  of  Adam.  We  and  our  forefathers  have  a 
long  time  been  lost  in  our  sins  ;  but  now  the  mercy  of  the  Lord 
beginueth  to  find  us  out  again.  Therefore,  the  grace  of  Christ  help- 
ing us,  we  do  give  ourselves  and  our  children  to  God,  to  be  his 
people.  He  shall  rule  us  in  all  our  affairs  ;  not  only  in  our  religion 
and  the  affairs  of  the  church,  but  also  in  all  our  works  and  affairs 
in  this  world.  God  shall  rule  over  us.  The  Lord  is  our  judge ; 
the  Lord  is  our  lawgiver ;  the  Lord  is  our  king ;  he  will  save  us. 
The  wisdom  which  God  has  taught  us  in  his  book,  that  shall  guide 
us  and  direct  us  in  the  way.  O  Jehovah,  teach  us  wisdom  to  find 
out  thy  wisdom  in  thy  Scriptures.  Let  the  grace  of  Christ  help 
us,  because  Chiist  is  the  wisdom  of  God.  Send  th}-  Spirit  into 
our  hearts,  and  let  it  teach  us.  Lord,  take  us  to  be  thy  people,  and 
let  us  take  thee  to  be  our  God." 

To  this  covenant,- the  rulers  first,  and  then  all  the  people  gave  their 
assent.  Next,  a  collection  was  taken  for  the  poor,  and  by  dark 
night,  the  work  was  finished.  Mr.  Ehot  calls  this  24th  day  of  Sep- 
tember "  the  blessed  da}',  wherein  these  poor  souls  solemnly  became 
the  people  of  the  Lord."  This  day  has  a  pecuUar  interest ;  for 
these  proceedings  constituted  the  first  public  and  formal  act  of  civil 
government  among  the  Indians  of  North  America. 

After  the  founding  of  the  town  the  next  object  of  Mr.  Eliot's 
interest  was  to  organize  a  church,  a  consummation  to  which  he 
looked  forward  with  great  desire.  In  reference  to  this  project,  a 
whole  day,  October  13, 1652,  was  given  to  the  confessions  of  faith  of 
those  who  proposed  to  enter  into  covenant  relations.  But  it  was 
the  work  of  more  than  a  da}',  and  after  all,  so  careful  and  scrupu- 
lous were  the  ministers  that  none  but  "  living  stones  "  should  be  in- 
corporated into  the  spnitual  building,  that  the  work  was  delayed  for 
a  season.  In  the  meantime  a  war  broke  out  between  England  and 
Holland.  It  was  reported  and  believed  that  some  of  the  praying 
Indians  had  joined  a  conspiracy  to  destroy  the  English.  The  move- 
ment to  form  a  church  was  still  further  suspended,  and  the  consum- 


ELIOT  AND  THE  INDIANS.  185 

mation  was  reached  at  last  in  16G0.  Waban,  Eliot's  first  convert, 
assisted  in  gathering  the  church  and  society  at  Natick,  of  which 
he  was  chosen  chief  ruler  during  life. 

His  son,  Thomas  "Waban,  received  a  tolerable  education,  and 
was  for  many  years  town  clerk  of  Natick.  His  name  frequently 
appears  in  Indian  deeds,  granting  rights  to  the  English,  which  he 
acquired  rather  indefinitely  from  his  father,  and,  like  many  others, 
as  an  associate  of  the  pi-a3-uig  Indians. 

"U^aban  was  very  influential  in  Natick,  and  was  appointed 
a  ruler  of  fifty  in  their  civil  administration.  He  died  there  in  1674, 
aged  70,  testifying  with  his  latest  breath  his  obligation  to  that 
grace  which  had  brought  to  him  and  to  his  countrymen  the  light  of 
the  gospel.  He  manifested  joy  in  the  hope  of  heaven,  and  the 
prospect  of  meeting  departed  beUevers.  He  charged  his  children 
and  friends  to  repent  of  sin  and  believe  in  Christ,  in  whom  he 
trusted.  He  approved  himself  as  a  zealous  and  faithful  ruler, 
and  a  sincere  Christian. 

The  influence  of  the  missionary  eflTorts  among  the  Nonantum 
Indians  had  a  much  wider  sweep  than  might  have  been  deemed 
probable,  in  view  of  the  smallness  and  obscurity  of  the  tribe.  The 
work  of  Eliot  in  Newton  and  Natick  bore  fruit  on  the  other  side  of 
the  globe.  Dr.  Leusden  wrote  to  Cotton  Mather  that  the  example 
of  New  England  had  awakened  the  Dutch  to  attempt  the  evangel- 
ization of  the  heathen  in  Ceylon  and  their  other  East  Indian  pos- 
sessions, and  that  multitudes  there  had  been  converted  to  Christi- 
anit3\ 

In  South  Natick  is  a  small  lot  near  Eliot  Street,  on  which  is  a  fire- 
•proof  building  for  a  free  library,  and  the  Historical  and  Natural  His- 
tory Society.  AUits  surroundings  are  of  unusual  historic  interest. 
From  this  spot,  across  the  Charles  River,  the  first  foot  bridge  was 
built  by  the  Indians  under  the  supervision  of  the  apostle  Eliot, 
leading  to  many  of  the  homes  of  the  tribe  as  far  south  as  Pegan 
Hill,  in  Dover,  on  and  near  which  many  traces  of  their  habitations 
yet  remain.  Some  of  them  have  been  marked,  until  within  a  few 
years,  by  evidence  of  taste  in  the  culture  of  roses  and  fruits. 
Northerly,  and  adjoining,  was  the  burial  ground  of  the  tribe. 

Here  one  headstone  yet  remains  perfect,  sacred  to  the  memory 
of  Daniel  Takawambait,  the  Indian  pastor,  who  died  September  17, 
1716.  Here  too,  in  later  years,  a  monument  was  erected  to  the 
memory  of  the  apostle  Eliot,  enclosed  by  an  iron  fence,  and  sur- 
rounded b}'  a  grove. 


18€  HISTORY  OF  NEWTOX. 

The  tomb  in  wliich  Mr.  Eliot  sleeps  is  in  the  cemetery,  at  the 
corner  of  Washington  and  Eustis  Streets,  one  of  the  oldest  ceme- 
teries in  New  England,  the  first  interment  in  it  having  taken  place 
in  1633.  Mrs.  EUot,  the  apostle's  wife,  was  the  first  tenant  of  this 
tomb.  It  was  about  three  feet  high,  built  of  brick,  and  covered  by 
a  large  sandstone  without  inscription.  The  structure  after  a  time 
fell  into  a  ruinous  condition,  and  the  parish  committee  replaced  the 
brick  portion  by  substantial  blocks  of  sandstone,  and  inscribed  on 
one  side  in  large  letters,  "  The  Parish  Tomb,"  In  1858,  a  slab  of 
white  marble  was  placed  on  the  base  of  sandstone,  inscribed  with 
the  names  of  the  first  six  pastors  of  Roxbur}\ 

A  subscription  was  commenced  in  1850  for  the  purpose  of  plac- 
ing a  cenotaph  to  his  memory  in  the  Forest  Hills  Cemetery,  Rox- 
bury ;  but  the  matter  was  never  consummated.  A  beautiful  natural 
elevation,  however,  bears  his  name,  and  will  keep  it  in  fresh  and 
perpetual  remembrance. 

Mr.  Ehot's  house  in  Roxbmy  stood  just  in  the  rear  of  the  Peo- 
ple's Bank  building.  It  was  of  two  stories  and  had  a  gambrel 
roof.  The  porch,  or  main  entrance,  was  in  the  centre.  Eliot's 
estate,  embracing  two  acres  and  a  half,  was  a  long,  narrow  strip, 
fronting  on  Washington  Street,  one  hundred  and  fort3'-five  feet, 
and  his  orchard  extended  back  to  the  training  field  of  seven  acres, 
just  beyond  Winslow  Street ;  he  was  bounded  north  by  Rev.  Mr. 
Walter,  south  by  the  highway  to  Dorchester  (Dudley  Street). 
The  town  part  of  Warren  Street,  laid  out  since,  divides  the  lot  of 
Mr,  Eliot.  After  Eliot  the  next  occupant  was  Deacon  Samuel 
Wilhams. 

In  1657  an  Indian  town  was  formed  at  Natick ;  in  1660  the  Ind- 
ian church  was  imbodied.  The  New  Testament  was  printed  and 
issued  in  September  1661,  and  the  whole  Bible  in  1663  ;  a  second  edi- 
tion of  the  Bible  was  printed  in  1685.  In  1670  there  were  two  teach- 
ers, John  and  Anthony,  and  between  forty  and  fift}^  communicants  ; 
in  1753  there  were  twenty-five  families,  besides  several  individuals ; 
in  1763,  thirty-seven  Indians  only;  but  probably  the  wandering 
Indians  were  not  included  in  this  statement.  In  1797  the  number 
of  "  clear  blooded  "  Indians  in  Natick,  and  belonging  to  it,  was 
estimated  to  be  "near  twenty,"  In  1843,  there  was  only  one 
person  known  to  be  living,  in  whose  veins  Nonantum  blood 
flowed. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


NEWTOX   AND   THE   INDIAN   WARS. 


In  a  former  chapter  (see  pp.  93,  94)  the  brave  acts  of  Capt. 
Prentice,  in  his  engagements  with  the  Indians,  have  been  detailed. 

Other  names  appear,  in  the  records  of  Newton,  of  citizens 
who  were  heroes  in  the  Indian  wars.  In  November,  1675,  Peter 
Hauchett,  Joshua  Woods,  Samuel  Hides  and  Jonathan  Bush,  all 
residing  on  the  south  side  of  the  river,  were  impressed  into  the 
military  ranks,  to  serve  in  the  war  against  King  Philip.  Edward 
Jackson,  son  of  Deacon  John  Jackson,  was  a  soldier  in  Philip's 
war,  and  was  slain  by  the  Indians  in  their  attack  on  Medfield, 
February  21,  1G76,  aged  25.  "In  the  spring  of  1690,  depreda- 
tions were  perpetrated  by  the  French  and  Indians  in  the  eastern 
part  of  Massachusetts,  Maine  and  New  Hampshire.  In  the  begin- 
ning of  May,  about  five  hundred  French  and  Indians  were  discov- 
ered around  Casco  (Portland) .  Casco  was  attacked,  and  Major 
Davis  carried  captive  to  Canada.  Captain  Noah  Wiswall,  Lieuten- 
ant Gershom  Flagg  and  Ensign  Edward  Walker,  with  a  company 
of  infantry,  marched  for  the  defence  of  Casco.  They  arrived  at 
Portsmouth  July  4th,  where  a  court  was  called,  and  it  was  agreed  to 
send  Captain  Wilhams  to  scour  the  woods  as  far  as  Casco,  with 
one  other  captain  and  four  sergeants.  Several  captains  desired  to 
go  with  Captain  Wiswall,  and  they  cast  lots  to  know  who  sliould 
go,  and  the  lot  fell  to  Captain  Floyd.  Lieutenant  Davis,  with 
twenty-two  men  from  Wells,  joined  them.  They  took  up  their 
march  from  Cocheco  into  the  woods.  On  the  sixth  of  Jul}-,  Capt. 
Wiswall  sent  out  his  scouts  early  in  the  morning,  found  the  trail 
of  the  enemy,  and  overtook  them  at  Wheelwright's  Pond,  and  a 
blood}'  engagement  followed.  Captain  Wiswall,  Lieutenant  Flagg 
and  Sergeant  Walker,  and  fifteen  men  were  slain,  and  others 
wounded.  Captain  Floj'd  continued  the  fight  for  several  hours, 
till  his  tired  and  wounded  men  drew  ofi",  and  he  soon  followed 
thoin.  187 


188  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

"  There  is  a  tradition  that  Captain  Noah  "Wiswall  had  a  son 
John,  who  belonged  to  his  company,  and  fell  with  him  in  that 
action." 

Nathaniel  Healy  and  Ebenezer  Seger  were  killed  by  the  Indians 
at  Groton,  in  the  battle  of  July  21,  1706. 

The  following  petitions  and  action  of  the  G-eneral  Court  are 
here  in  place : 

To  his  Excellency  the  Governour  and  the  Honorable  Councill,  and  to  the 
Eepresentatives,  the  humble  Petition  of  Henry  Seager,  of  Newton, 

Sheweth, — 

That  your  Petitioner  had,  The  Summer  before  Last,  Two  Sons  prest  out 
into  the  Countrey's  Service  at  Groton,  And  were,  whilst  in  the  Service,  by  the 
Providence  of  God,  one  of  them  Killed  by  the  Enemy,  the  other  Taken  Cap- 
tive ;  So  that  they  both  of  them  Lost  their  Arms  which  I  think  were  Justly 
valuable  at  five  pounds,  half  a  pound  of  Powder,  twenty  bullets,  and  a 
Snapsack. 

Your  Petitioner  therefore  humbly  prays  that  he  may  be  Considered  herein 
out  of  the  Countrey  Treasure  as  shall  be  the  Good  Pleasure. 

As  the  Petitioner  shall  ever  Pray,  etc. 

Henrt  H.  Seagek, 

his  X  mark. 

In  answer  to  the  Petition  on  the  other  side, — 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  forty  shillings  be  Allowed  and  Paid  out  of  the 
public  Treasury  to  Henry  Seager,  the  Petitioner. 

It  would  appear  from  this  last  petition  that  it  was  one  of  the 
Seager  brothers  who  was  taken  prisoner. 

Two  items  found  in  the  State  Archives,  Vol.  71,  have  reference 
to  this  affair,  and  shed  light  on  the  spuit  of  the  times.  Theyare 
the  petitions  of  Nathaniel  Healy  and  Henry  Seager  to  the  House 
of  Representatives  for  remuneration  for  the  guns  lost  in  the 
encounter,  and  the  action  taken  by  the  Legislatm'e. 

To  his  Excellency  Joseph  Dudley,  Esq.,  Captain  Generall  and  Governour 
in  Chief  in  and  Over  her  Majesties  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  and 
the  Honorable,  the  Councill  and  Representatives  in  General  Court  Assem- 
bled :— 

The  Humble  Petition  of  Nathaniel  Healy  of  Newtown,  in  said  Province. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency.  Your  Humble  Petitioner,  having  at  his 
own  proper  Cost  Armed  his  Son  Nathaniel  Healy  into  her  Majesties  Service 
under  the  Command  of  Captain  Josiah  Parker, — At  Groton  on  the  21st  day  of 
July  1706,  Your  Petitioner's  said  Son  was  slain,  and  his  Gun  Carried  away 
by  the  Enemy  who  Waylaid  him  and  Others,  as  they  were  going  to  Meeting 
On  the  Sabbath  day. 

Your  Petitioner  humbly  Prays  that  he  may  be  Supplied  with  another  Gun 


THE  INDIAN  WARS.  189 

at  the  Province  Charge  for  Anotlier  of  his  Sons,  Or  be  Otherwise  allowed  as 
Your  Excellency  shall  think  meet. 

And  Your  Petitioner,  as  in  duty  boiind,  Shall  ever  pray,  etc. 

Nathaniel  Heai.t. 
In  the  House  of  Representatives. 
June  5th  1707.     Read. 

Resolved,  that  the  Sum  of  Twenty  Sliillings  be  Allowed  and  Paid  out  of  the 
public  Treasury  to  Nathaniel  Healy  the  Petitioner  in  full  for  the  Gun  above 
mentioned. 

John  Burrill,  Speaker. 
James  Addington,  Secretary. 

John  Gibson  was  killed  by  the  Indians  at  Casco  Bay  Fort, 
November  26,  1711.  Ephraira  Davenport  was  stationed  some  time 
at  Bethel,  Maine,  with  a  volunteer  company,  to  protect  the  inhabi- 
tants from  Indian  outrages,  for  which  service  he  received  a  pension. 
Nathaniel  Seger,  born  in  Newton,  in  Janitar}",  1755,  went  to  Sud- 
bury, Canada,  now  Bethel,  Maine,  on  the  Androscoggin  River, 
worked  there  during  the  summer,  then  returned  to  Newton  m  the 
autumn  and  remained  during  the  winter.  In  the  opening  scenes 
of  the  revolution  in  April,  1775,  he  enlisted  as  a  soldier  for  eight 
months  in  Captain  Nathaniel  Fuller's  compan}'.  He  was  in  the 
service  in  the  continental  arm}',  by  successive  enlistments,  two 
years  and  nine  months.  In  the  spring  of  1779,  he  went  again  to 
Sudbury  (Bethel),  accompanied  by  Jonathan  Bartlett,  of  Newton. 
The}^  took  with  them  implements  for  the  manufacture  of  sugar.  The 
next  spring  he  was  joined  by  Thaddeus  Bartlett,  of  Newton,  and 
a  bo}'  named  Aaron  Barton.  They  employed  themselves  in  making 
sugar,  clearing  the  land  and  planting.  The  Indians  appeared 
friendly,  and  they  lived  with  them  on  amicable  terms.  There  were 
no  roads,  no  neighbors  near,  and  but  few  families  in  the  place. 
In  1 781  there  were  ten  families  in  the  town.  But  the  Indians  at  first 
grew  surly  and  morose,  and  at  length  assumed  an  appearance  of 
hostihty.  August  2G,  1781,  six  Indians  from  Canada,  armed  with 
guns,  tomahawks  and  scalping  knives,  took  Nathaniel  Seger,  Ben- 
jamin Clark,  Lieutenant  Jonathan  Clark,  of  Newton,  and  Captain 
Eleazer  Twitchell,  prisoners,  bound  them,  and  plundered  their 
dwelhngs.  Then,  loading  them  with  heavy  packs  of  this  spoil,  they 
ordered  their  prisoners  to  march  with  their  hands  bound.  They  pro- 
ceeded to  a  place  called  Peabody's  Patent,  since  Gilead,  took 
James  Petteugill  prisoner,  and  ordered  him  to  march  to  Canada ; 
but  as  he  was  without  shoes  and  could  not  travel,  thej'  murdered 


190  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

him.  They  pursued  then'  way  through  Shelburn,  N.  II.,  crossed 
the  Androscoggiu,  plundered  a  house,  shot  one  man  and  took  an- 
other prisoner,  and  from  that  point  allowed  Lieut.  Jonathan  Clark 
to  go  back.  Thence  they  pursued  their  way  to  Canada,  and 
reached  Lake  Umbagog  on  the  fifth  day  after  the}'  were  taken  pris- 
oners. In  Canada  the  prisoners  were  taken  to  an  Indian  village, 
where  seventy  Indian  warriors  were  assembled,  who  rejoiced  greatly 
over  the  prisoners,  scalps  and  plunder.  They  were  here  treated 
with  great  indignity.  The  red-skins  cut  off  the  hair  of  Benjamin 
Clark,  painted  him,  and  put  one  of  their  dresses  on  him,  and  then 
gave  him  his  libert}'  among  them.  They  were  afterwards  taken  to 
Montreal,  where  they  suffered  incredible  hardships  for  fort}'  da^^s, 
and  were  then  sent  forty-five  miles  farther  up  the  river,  and  de- 
tained until  the  surrender  of  Lord  Coruwallis.  The  object  of  the 
Indians  seems  to  have  been  to  deliver  them  up  as  prisoners  of  war 
to  the  British  authorities,  or  perhaps  to  secure  a  reward  for  their 
persons.  And  they  acted  out  the  cruelt}'  of  their  savage  natures 
in  the  severities  which  they  visited  gratuitously  upon  them.  Tlie 
men  were  finally  taken  to  Quebec,  and  after  a  detention  of  fifteen 
months,  full  of  hardships  and  suffering,  being  set  at  libert}",  they 
sailed  for  Boston,  and  landed  at  Dorchester  Point,  and  before  the}- 
slept  reached  Newton,  much  to  the  astonishment  and  joy  of  their 
friends,  who  had  not  heard  a  word  from  them  since  their  capture 
in  Bethel. 

Benjamin  Clark,  the  fellow-townsman  and  fellow-prisoner  of  Na- 
thaniel Seger,  was  the  son  of  Norman  Clark  and  Hannah  Bird,  his 
wife,  grandson  of  William  Clark  and  Hannah  Kee,  and  great 
grandson  of  John  Clark  and  Elizabeth  Norman,  who  were  among 
the  early  settlers  of  Newton.  Lieut.  Jonathan  Clark,  of  Bethel, 
who  was  made  prisoner  b}'  the  Indians,  but  released  after  three 
days,  was  from  Newton  also.  His  father  was  William  Clark,  jr. 
He  was  born  in  March,  1747,  and  being  twelve  years  older  than 
Benjamin,  probably  the  Indians  regarded  him  as  too  weak  to  en- 
dure the  hardships  of  such  a  march,  and  therefore  set  him  at 
liberty. 

Jonathan,  Thaddeus,  Enoch,  Moses,  Stephen  and  Peregrine 
Bartlett,  brothers,  and  sons  of  Ebenezer  Bartlett,  of  Newton, 
grandsons  of  Joseph  Bartlett,  jr.,  and  great  grandsons  of  Joseph 
Bartlett,  sen.,  an  early  settler  of  Newton,  all  went  to  Bethel, —  the 
first  two  with  Seger,  and  the  rest  soon  afterwards. 


I 


THE  INDIAN  WARS.  191 

It  was  natural  to  expect  that  men  of  so  brave  a  mould  should  he 
led  b}'  sympathy  with  theu-  brethren  to  aid  them  against  the  inva- 
sions of  hostile  Indians.  Their  own  experience  with  the  natives, 
it  is  true,  had  been  only  of  the  peaceful  kind.  Notwithstanding, 
the  citizens  of  Newton  thought  it  expedient  to  establish  garrison 
houses  for  their  protection,  in  case  of  a  hostile  invasion.  Ilappih-, 
however,  the  Nonantums  within  their  own  boundaries  had  been 
early  brought  under  the  power  of  the  gospel  through  the  labors  of 
Mr.  Eliot,  and  transformed  by  the  power  of  that  gospel  from  a  tribe 
of  ignorant  and  barbarous  savages  to  a  Christian  people.  But  other 
Indian  tribes  were  less  favored  than  they,  and  less  docile  and  tract- 
able. Many  of  them  were  wild,  mischievous,  cruel  and  implacable. 
And  they  were  jealous  of  the  incursions  of  the  white  settlers. 
They  saw  with  an  evil  eye  and  a  malicious  heart  their  game  con- 
sumed by  a  foreign  population ;  their  hunting  grounds  abridged  and 
destroyed ;  their  privileges  circumscribed ;  doubtless,  often,  thek 
natm'al  rights  trampled  upon,  and  their  glimmering  ideas  of  religion 
pronounced  superstition  and  idolatry.  Resolved  to  drive  out  this 
new  and  unwelcome  enem^',  they  conspired  to  burn  the  homes  they 
had  built,  to  break  up  and  sweep  awa}-  their  settlements,  to  carry 
theu"  wives  and  children  into  captivity,  and  to  murder  and  scalp 
their  men. 

But  the  English  settlers  deemed  that  "  the  earth  is  the  Lord's 
and  the  fulness  thereof."  They  scorned  the  red  man's  exclusive 
claim  to  these  broad  acres  and  living  streams,  to  the  woods  and  the 
hills,  the  corn-lands  and  the  waterfalls.  The  fierce  antagonism  of 
the  races  was  at  once  developed.  The  weaker  were  in  due  time 
compelled  to  yield  to  the  stronger,  till  they  had  no  longer  a  place  in 
their  ancient  inheritance.  But  long  and  bitter  was  the  struggle, 
and  all  the  skill  and  strategy  of  the  whites  were  brought  into  requi- 
sition, before  the  question  was  settled  that  the  white  race  must  rule 
and  the  red  race  must  succumb.  Long  did  the  Indians  hang  on  the 
borders  of  civilization,  and  watch  for  opportunities  to  anno}',  to 
carry  away,  or  to  kill  their  enemies.  But  with  a  determined  zeal 
the  men  of  Newton  left  their  sparse  settlements  in  the  wilderness, 
committing  their  wives  and  children  to  the  God  of  battles.  They 
endured  bravely  the  hardships  incident  to  travelling  through  path- 
less woods,  with  little  food  except  the  game  thej^  brought  down 
mth  their  guns  or  caught  with  their  fishing  nets.  They  outwitted 
by  their  superior  intelligence  their  wih*  enemies  ;    and  helping  one 


192  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

another  through  the  great  emergencies,  now  at  Casco  (Portland) , 
now  at  Bethel,  in  Maine ;  now  in  New  Hampshire  and  now  in 
Massachusetts ;  and,  anon,  amid  the  fastnesses  of  Mount  Hope, 
in  Rhode  Island,  they  left  no  unconquered  foe  to  plot  against  them ; 
no  red-skinned  savage,  to  light  up  the  heavens  with  their  burning 
dwellings  by  night ;  no  barbarous  invaders,  to  murder  or  carry  into 
captivity  their  wives  and  children.  With  a  natural  regard  for  their 
own  brethren,  their  kindred  in  hardship  and  trials,  as  well  as  in 
nationality  and  blood,  they  rested  not  till  thej''  had  chased  the  sav- 
ages out  of  their  wilderness  and  out  of  life,  and  thus  secured  a 
permanent  peace. 

In  the  war  with  the  French  and  Indians,  commonly  called  the 
old  French  war,  some  of  the  citizens  of  Newton  were  in  hot  en- 
gagements, and  some  were  slain.  Of  these,  some  of  the  most  dis- 
tinguished were  Samuel  Jenks,  who  served  as  a  subaltern  officer 
in  the  campaign  of  1758  and  1760  ;  Lieut.  Timoth}'  Jackson,  whose 
wife  carried  on  the  farm  and  worked  on  the  land,  while  he  was  gone 
to  battle  with  the  redskins  ;  Col.  Ephraim  Jackson,  who  was  also 
a  lieutenant  in  the  same  war ;  and  especially  Col.  Ephraim  Wil- 
liams, the  founder  of  Williams  College.  He  displayed  uncommon 
military  talents,  and  was  appointed  a  captain  in  what  was  denom- 
inated the  Canada  service.  He  afterwards  commanded  the  line  of 
Massachusetts  forts,  on  the  west  side  of  the  Connecticut  River,  and 
a  small  fort  in  Williamstown,  a  few  rods  northwest  of  the  meeting 
house,  and  under  the  protection  of  these  forts  the  settlers  in  that 
part  of  the  country  began  their  improvements.  When  the  war 
broke  out  between  England  and  France  in  1755,  he  had  the  com- 
mand of  a  regiment  in  the  army  raised  in  this,  then,  province,  for 
the  general  defence.  He  was  shot  through  the  head  in  the  memor- 
able battle  fought  with  the  French  and  Indians  near  Lake  George, 
in  September,  1755. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

THE  FIRST  CHUKCH  IN  NEWTON. —  LIST  OF  MEMBERS. DEATH  OF  MR. 

ELIOT. DIVISIONS. SETTLEMENT     OP     MR.     HOBART. INDIAN 

WAR. — MR.  HOBART's  DEATH. BIOGRAPHY. 

Among  the  early  settlers  the  church  caone  first  and  the  school- 
house  afterwards.  It  was  sixty  years  after  the  first  settlers  came 
into  Newton,  before  the^^  made  any  united  and  public  provision  for 
the  education  of  their  children.  Home  instruction,  undoubtedly, 
was  not  neglected.  Perhaps  more  pains  were  taken- with  the  chil- 
dren by  their  fathers  and  mothers  than  at  a  later  date.  But  the 
claims  of  religion,  as  paramount  to  all  others,  and  the  subduing  of 
a  rugged  forest  that  it  might  blossom  as  the  rose,  furnished  the 
sturdy  denizens  of  these  now  cultivated  and  smiling  acres  as  much 
employment  as  they  could  attend  to. 

The  first  religious  organization  dates  back  to  the  formation  of 
the  church  in  Newtown  (Cambridge) ,  which  was  gathered  October 
11, 1G33.  The  members  were  mainly  the  Braintree  company-,  who, 
in  August,  1G32,  "had  begun  to  sit  down  at  Mount  Wollaston,"  so 
says  Winthrop,  and  by  order  of  the  Court  removed  to  Newtown. 
They  had  attended  the  ministr}"  of  Mr.  Hooker  in  England,  and 
upon  their  settlement  here,  they  sent  to  him  in  Holland,  whither  he 
had  fled  from  persecution,  entreating  him  to  become  theu"  pastor 
again.  He  consented,  and  came  over  in  1633,  and  took  up  his 
abode  among  them.  He  was  one  of  the  most  celebrated  and  influ- 
ential of  the  emigi-ant  Puritan  clergy.  Samuel  Stone,  also  a  man 
of  eminence  in  his  day,  and  Thomas  Hooker,  were  ordained,  the 
one  as  teacher,  and  the  other  as  pastor  of  the  church,  in  October, 
1683. 

The  members  of  this  first  church,  with  its  pastor  and  teacher, 
having  removed  to  Plartford,  on  the  first  day  of  February,  1G36,  a 
second  church  was  organized,  and  Thomas  Shepard  was  ordained 
13  193 


194  HISTOEY  OF  NEWTON. 

its  pastor.  He  was  called  "  the  faithful  aud  famous  Shepard,  a 
man  of  fervent  piet}^,  great  simplicity  and  earnestness,  of  humble 
and  affectionate  spmt,  devoted  to  his  Master  and  his  Master's 
work,  and  eminently  blessed  in  his  ministrations,  a  preacher  of 
uncommon  unction  and  power." 

He  was  succeeded  by  Jonathan  Mitchell,  who  was  born  in  1624, 
came  to  New  England  in  lG3o,  and  graduated  at  Harvard  College  in 
1647.  Mr.  Mitchell's  class  numbered  seven,  of  whom  five  became 
ministers.  During  the  first  one  hundred  and  thirty  years  of  the 
history  of  the  University,  it  was  customary  to  arrange  the  names 
of  graduates  in  the  College  Triennial,  not  alphabeticall}',  as  at 
present,  but  according  to  family  rank ;  and  Mr.  Mitchell's  name 
stands  at  the  head  of  his  class.  He  was  ordained  August  21, 
1650,  and  died  July  9,  1668,  aged  44  j'ears, —  being  taken  awa}* 
at  the  same  age  as  his  predecessor,  and  in  the  full  glorj'  of  his 
manhood  and  usefulness.  He  was  spoken  of  as  "the  matchless 
Mitchell."  In  1662  Mr.^  Mitchell  and  Major  General  Gookin  were 
appointed  by  the  General  Court  censors  of  the  press  at  Cambridge, 
and  no  book  was  permitted  to  be  printed  without  their  imprimatur. 

How  many  of  the  inhabitants  of  Cambridge  Village  were  mem- 
bers of  the  church  in  Cambridge  cannot  be  ascertained.  In  1658 
Mr.  Mitchell  prepared  a  list  of  the  members  of  the  church  in  Cam- 
bridge, which  is  bound  up  with  the  First  Volume  of  the  Cambridge 
church  records,  with  this  title  :  "  The  Church  of  Christ  at  Cam- 
bridge, New  England ;  or,  the  Names  of  all  the  Members  thereof 
that  are  in  full  Communion  ;  together  with  their  Children  who  were 
baptized  in  this  Church,  or,  (coming  from  other  chm'ches),  were  in 
their  minority  at  their  parents'  joining.  Taken  and  registered  in 
the  Eleventh  Month,  1658." 

"  From  this  venerable  document  in  the  hand- writing  of  Mr.  Mitch- 
ell," Mr.  William  Jackson  sa3's,  "it  appears  that  there  Avere  about 
one  hundred  and  sixteen  members  in  his  church  in  full  communion, 
heads  of  families,  and  about  five  hundred  and  seventy  women  and 
children,  nearl}'  seven  hundred  in  all  [including  unmarried  persons 
who  were  members],  several  of  whom  were  among  the  first  and 
wealthiest  men  in  New  England.  In  1636,  Cambridge  Avas  assessed 
the  largest  country  rate  of  anj'  town  in  New  England,  and  was  of 
course  the  wealthiest  and  most  influential  at  that  time.  This  was 
before  Hooker's  company  removed  to  Hartford.  In  1645  Cam- 
bridge was  rated  the  largest  of  any  town  in  Massachusetts. 


1 


THE  FIRST  CHURCH.  195 

This  list  of  the  members  of  the  Cambridge  church  contains  but 
two    of    the  twent3'^-two   families  in   the   Village,  viz.,  Captain 
Thomas  Prentice,  wife  and  five  children,  and  Jonathan  Hyde,  wife 
and  six  children.     Yet  we  know  that  others  of  them  were  members 
whose  names  arc  not  upon   the  Roll.     The  Eecord  of  the  First 
church  in  Boston  states  that  Edward  Jackson  was  a  member  of  the 
Cambridge  church.     The  Cambridge  remonstrance  states  that  he 
had  not  been  wanting  to  the  ministry  or  any  great  work   among 
them.       And  again,  in  1G57,  Edward  Jackson  was  chairman  of  a 
committee,  in  conjunction  with  the  deacons  of  the  church,  to  make 
a  levy  of  £240  from  the  members  of  [for]  our  Rev.  Pastor,  Mr. 
Mitchell.     Richard  Park  was  also  a  member.     He  sent  a  petition 
to  the  General  Court,  praying  that  he  might  retain  his  membership 
in  the  Cambridge  church,  in  case  the  Village  should  be  separated 
from  Cambridge.     His  residence  was  about  as  near  one  church  as 
the  other.     Yet  neither  is  his  name  nor  Edward  Jackson's  upon 
the  catalogue.     Others  of  them  may  have   been  members.     But 
whether  members  or  not,  they  were  all  taxed  to  support  the  Cam- 
bridge church,  and  for  many  years  taxed  themselves  to  support 
public  worship  also  in  the  Village.     The  clause  in  the  old  Colonj- 
Records,  under  date  of  1660, —  "None  to  be  freemen  except  such 
as  are  in  full  communion  with  the  chmx-h  of  Chi-ist," —  would  seem 
to  create  a  reason  why  men  who  were  such  stmxly  politicians  would 
be  church-members  somewhere,  if  their  consciences  would  in  any- 
way allow  them  to  regard  themselves  as  possessed  of  the  requisite 
spu'itual  qualifications. 

"No  doubt,"  says  Mr.  Jackson,  "a  distinct  congregation  was 
formed  for  public  worship  in  1656."  In  that  year  a  movement  was 
made  towards  the  release  of  Cambridge  Village  from  payino* 
towards  the  support  of  the  ministry  in  Cambridge.  The  inhabit- 
ants contemplated  building  a  meetiug-house.  Thc}^  had  in  view 
a  location  for  the  house,  and  probably  would  have  erected  it,  if 
their  petition  had  been  granted.  They  were  disappointed  in  their 
expectations,  but  were  not  shaken  in  then*  purpose.  Opposition 
only  quickeued  their  zeal,  and  they  bravel}'  endured,  uniting  faith 
mth  works.  They  not  only  presented  petitions,  but  also  gave  of 
their  substance  to  secure  the  end  they  sought.  Deacon  John 
Jackson  gave  an  acre  of  land  for  the  meeting-house  and  for  a 
bmying  place.     The  meeting-house  stood  nearly  in  the  centre  of 


196  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

the  acre,  and  was  built  about  IGGO.*  "John  Eliot,  jr.,  gradu- 
ated at  Harvard  University  in  1G5G,  and  began  to  preach  about 
1G58.  It  is  probable  that  he  supplied  the  pulpit  of  the  new  meet- 
ing-house in  the  Village  much  of  the  time  previous  to  his  ordina- 
tion, which  took  place  July  20,  1GG4.  The  elders  and  messengers 
of  the  churches  of  Dorchester  and  Roxbur^-,  including  Rev.  Rich- 
ard Mather  and  Rev.  John  Eliot,  sen.,  were  present,  and  probably 
others,  and  the  fii'st  church  in  Newton  proper,  the  third  in  the  town 
of  Cambridge, was  organized  on  the  same  day.  At  the  same  time, 
and  agreeable  to  the  custom  of  that  early  period,  Thomas  Wiswall, 
lately  a  member  of  the  Dorchester  church,  was  ordained  Ruling 
Elder."  This  was  during  the  ministry-  of  Mr.  Mitchell,  the  second 
pastor  of  the  church  in  Cambridge.  The  church  in  Newton  was 
properly  a  colony  from  that  church,  though  a  considerable  number 
of  the  members  were  from  other  neighboring  churches.  The  con- 
gregation was  composed  of  about  thirty  families,  and  the  church  of 
about  eighty  members  —  forty  males  and  fort^'  females.  This  gives 
an  average  of  a  little  more  than  two  members  to  each  famil}' ;  as, 
doubtless,  the  father  and  mother,  in  nearly  ever}-  household,  in 
Puritan  siniplicit}'  and  piety  had  made  a  personal  profession  of 
religion,  and  the  older  children  in  due  course  followed  their  steps. 
The  Records  of  this  church  were  burned,  together  with  the  house 
of  Rev.  Mr.  Meriam,  the  fourth  minister,  March  18,  1770.  The 
Roxbury  and  Dorchester  Church  Records  confirm  these  facts,  and 
also  that  "  Thomas  Wiswall  was  dismissed  from  the  Dorchester 
church,  o.  4.  1GG4,  for  the  beginning  of  a  church  at  Cambridge 
Village,  where  Mr.  John  EUot  doth  preach."  Also,  '"  11.  7.  1GG4, 
was  dismissed  the  wife  of  Thomas  Wiswall,  the  wife  of  Goodman 


*  The  accuracy  of  this  elate  is  verified  by  the  following  entry  in  the  Cambridge  Town 
Records: 

"At  a  Town  Meeting,  held  Jan.  13,  lGGl-2,  the  town  do  order  and  consent  that  the 
common  land  beyond  Dedham  Path,  leading  between  Watertown  mill  and  Lieutenant 
rrenticc's,  on  the  north  Pide  thereof,  be  sold  to  those  of  that  part  of  the  town  that 
belong  to  the  new  meeting-house  there,  on  condition  that  they  give  good  security  to 
the  town  for  the  payment  of  ii20  per  annum  forever  for  the  use  of  the  other  part  of 
the  town  belonging  to  the  old  meeting-house  on  the  north  part  of  the  river,  (north  cf 
the  river).  The  which  condition  being  performed,  the  town  do  grant  that  all  those 
inhabitants  beyond  four  miles  distance  from  the  old  meetiug-houso  shall  be  wholly 
free  from  the  town,  in  case  the  General  Court  shall  ratify  and  confirm  said  agree- 
ment." 

This  record  fixes  the  time,  very  nearly,  when  the  new  meeting-house  in  the  village 
was  built. 


THE  FIRST  CHURCH. 


197 


Kinwright  [Kenrick],    and  Margaret,  the  wife  of  James  Trow- 
bridge, to  the  church  gathered  in  Cambridge  Village." 

The  following  persons  with  their  wives  wei-e  probably  the  mem- 
bers of  the  church,  being  embodied  together  in  its  organization  : 


Rev  John  Eliot,  Jr.,  Pastor, from  the 

Koxbui->-  church, 
Thomas  Wiswall,  Kuling  Elder,  from 

Dorchester  ilo. 
John  Jackson, ,  Deacons. 
Sanuicl  Hyde,   ( 

Edward  Jackson,  Cambridge  church. 
Thomas  Prentice,  "  " 

Jonathan  Hyde,  "  " 

Ricliard  Park,  "  " 

Thomas  Park,  son  of  Richard,  do.,  do. 
John  Ward,  Sudbury  do. 
James  Prentice,    Cambridge  church. 
John  Fuller,  "  " 

Thomas  Prentice,  2d,   "  " 

Thomas  Hammond,  Hingham       " 
Vincent  Druce,  "  " 

John  Parker,  "  " 

W^illiam  Clements,  Cambridge     " 
Isaac  Williams,  Roxbury     " 

James  Trowbridge,  Dorchester   " 


Abraliam  Williams,   Watertown  do. 
John  Kenrick,  Boston     " 

John  Spring,  Watertown     " 

Samuel  Hyde,  1  sons  of  Dea.  Samuel 
Job  Hyde,         (     Hyde. 
Xoali  Wiswall,  son  of  Elder  Thomas 

Wiswall,  Dorchester  church, 
John  Jackson,  son  of  John  Jackson, 

senior, 
Sebas  Jackson,  son  of  Edward  Jack- 
son, jr., 
John  Kenrick,  )  sons  of  John  Ken- 
Elijah  Kenrick,  )  rick,  sr.,  Boston, 
William  Clements,  son  of  William 
Clements,  sr., 

Thomas  Hanimond,       i  '*'T?^°^Jil°?- 
Nathaniel  Hammond,;  3  Hammond,^ 

John  Druce,       1       sons  of  Vincent 
Vincent  Druce, )  Druce,  sr.,Hingham. 


Thirteen  of  the  above  were  sous  of  the  first  settlers,  and  were 
past  the  age  of  twenty-one  at  the  ordination  of  Mr.  P^liot. 
Thomas  Oliver,  afterwards  Deacon,  whose  mother  was  a  member 
of  the  Boston  church,  lived  with  his  father-in-law,  Edward  Jack- 
son, in  1GG4,  and  was  then  nineteen  3'ears  old,  and  some  other 
minors,  may  have  been  members ;  and,  as  Eliot  was  a  popular 
preacher,  there  may  have  been  a  few  members  from  adjoining 
towns  ;  although  by  reason  of  distance  from  their  own  homes,  and 
jjerhaps  also  from  conscientious  motives  as  good  and  faithful  mem- 
bers of  their  own  churches,  they  generally  worshipped  where  they 
belonged.  The  erection  of  a  meeting-house,  the  efforts  to  free 
themselves  from  the  burden  of  supporting  the  ministry  at 
Cambridge,  and  the  settlement  of  a  pastor  of  their  own,  was  a 
great  work,  in  the  face  of  powerful  opposition  from  the  old  church, 
and  could  have  been  accomplished  only  by  untiring  energy  and 
determined  perseverance.  The  church  from  which  they  had 
broken  awa}'  alleged  that  it  was  difficult  for  them,  when  all  together, 
'*to  maintain  one  church  as  it  should."  The  report  of  the  com- 
mittee of  the  General  Court  affirms,  "  that  if  the  petitioners  with- 
draw then*  help  from  Cambridge  church  and  ministry,  it  would  be 
overburdensome  to  Cambridge  to  provide  for  the  support  of  their 
minister."  How  much  more  burdensome  must  it  be  for  this  frag- 
ment of  the  church,  numbering  not  more  than  one-fourth  of  the 
original  body,  to  undertake  the  work  !     They  were  comparatively 


193  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

but  a  handful  of  meu  and  women,  setting  about  an  unpopular 
work,  frowned  upon  by  the  Legislature  of  the  State  and  by  their 
townsmen  ;  but  in  their  own  judgment  their  little  community  needed 
a  meeting-house  and  a  minister  of  the  gospel  among  them.  They 
knew  it  was  their  right  and  privilege  to  have  these  blessings,  and  a 
duty  to  themselves  and  their  posterity  to  secure  them.  And,  not- 
withstanding the  great  sacrifice  required,  they  were  fixed  in  their 
determination  to  enjoy  them. 

The  J03'  of  the  little  flock  must  have  been  intense  on  the  daj' 
when,  after  so  long  waiting,  they  saw  the  desire  of  their  hearts  at 
length  accomplished.  In  the  transactions  of  that  da}",  they  laid 
broad  foundations  of  blessing  for  their  posterit}-.  "  They  builded 
better  than  the}'  knew,"  and  sowed  the  seed  which  was  to  bear  a 
richer  harvest  than  they  could  comprehend. 

We  sec  them  now,  settled  in  church  estate,  and  entered  upon  a 
career  which  seems  destined  to  be  one  of  peace  and  prosperity. 
But,  alas  for  the  vanity  of  human  expectations  !  The  pastor  whom 
they  had  ordained  was  .permitted  to  labor  among  them,  after  that 
date,  only  four  years,  two  months  and  twenty-one  days,  and  was 
then  taken  from  them  by  death. 

The  recent  erection  of  a  meeting-house,  the  formation  of  a 
church  and  the  ordination  of  Rev.  Mr.  Eliot,  and  the  fact  of  their 
release  from  the  support  of  the  ministry  in  Cambridge,  were  events 
full  of  promise  and  hope  to  the  inhabitants  of  Cambridge  Village. 
And  his  early  death,  occurring  so  soon  afterwards,  must  have  been 
for  them  a  severe  calamity.  They  seem  to  have  been  paralyzed 
with  discouragement,  and  it  was  more  than  six  years  before  a  suc- 
cessor was  obtained.  In  the  meantime  divisions  and  dissensions 
had  sprung  up.  Ecclesiastical  councils  were  summoned,  but 
they  were  unable  to  restore  harmony.  The  evidence  that  the 
division  existed  is  found  in  documentary  testimony  in  the  Records. 

The  following  letter  was  sent  by  the  Court  to  Elder  Wiswall : 

These,  for  Thomas  Wiswall,  ruling  elder,  to  be  communicutetl  to  the  church 
of  Christ  on  the  south  side  Charles  River,  within  the  bounds  of  Cambridge. 

Beloved  Brethren, — We  find  a  law,  made  30th  May,  ICGO,  empowering 
the  County  Court  to  use  the  best  endeavor  for  tlie  procuring  and  settling  a  pious 
and  faithful  minister  in  every  place  within  their  respective  precincts  ;  and,  un- 
derstanding, to  our  great  grief,  that  there  are  divisions  among  you  about  call- 
ing and  settling  a  minister,  wliich  thing  is  scandalous  to  our  profession  and  a 
hinderanceto  our  edification,  we  therefore  think  it  our  duty  to  signify  unto  you 
our  earnest  desires  and  prayers  for  your  union  and  agreement,  entreating 


THE  FIRST  CHURCH.  199 

you  to  put  on  the  spirit  of  meekness,  humility  and  self-denial,  and  to  sub- 
mit one  to  another  in  the  fear  of  God  ;  and  either  to  agree  this  matter  among 
yourselves,  or  attend  such  other  means  as  God  hath  appointed  in  such  cases 
for  the  issue  thereof;  and  acquaint  us  therewith  at  the  adjournment  of  the 
Court  at  Charlestown,  the  29th  inst.,  April.  Otherwise  we  shall  take  ourselves 
in  duty  bound  to  use  such  other  means,  according  to  God,  as  may  be  expe- 
dient for  a  farther  inquiry  into  your  case  and  for  the  healing  the  breaches  in 
your  Zion. 

So,  with  love  to  you,  we  remain  your  loving  brethren  in  the  faith  and  fel- 
lowship of  the  gospel. 

From  the  County  Court  at  Cambridge,  April  5,  1G70. 

ELDER  WISWALL's  REPLY. 

Cambridge  Village,  18.  i.  1670. 
To  the  Honored  Court  now  sitting  at  Charlestown  : —  May  it  please  you, — 
yours  of  April  5,  1670,1  received,  and  after  serious  perusal  and  consideration 
did  communicate  it  unto  the  church.  But  with  grief  and  shame  may  we  say, 
we  had  no  comfortable  return  to  make.  But  so  it  came  to  pass  that  the  19th 
of  April  we  gave  the  former  Council  the  trouble  to  come  again,  who,  having 
heard  both  sides,  did  confirm  your  former  council ;  and  yet  it  will  not  obtain. 
But  may  it  please  you,  the  next  -Ith  day,  if  the  Lord  will,  I  intend  to  move 
the  church  again,  and  in  the  meantime  rest. 

Your  ,humble  servant, 
•  Thomas  Wiswall. 

From  the  Eecords  of  the  Count}'  Court  it  appears  that  the  minis- 
ters who  had  supplied  the  pulpit  between  the  death  of  Mr.  Eliot 
and  the  settlement  of  his  successor,  sued  the  inhabitants  of  the 
Village  for  their  pay.     [See  p.  40.] 

Dr.  Homer  states  that  Mr.  Ilobart  supplied  the  pulpit  for  two 
3-ears  before  he  was  settled,  from  1G72  to  1674.  This  left  an  inter- 
val of  four  years  for  the  labors  of  other  candidates  and  casual  sup- 
plies. Mr.  Wilham  Jackson  observes  that  it  was  doubtful  whether 
public  worship  had  been  kept  up  during  all  those  four  years.  In 
the  two  3'ears  while  Mr.  Hobart  preached  before  his  ordination,  he 
succeeded  in  healing  divisions  and  restoring  harmony,  so  that  he 
received  the  name  of  "the  repairer  of  breaches"  (Isaiah  58  :  12), 
and  the  record  says,  "  He  gave  the  bereaved  flock  a  rich  blessing." 

Rev.  Nehemiah  Hobart  was  the  fifth  son  of  the  Rev.  Peter  Ho- 
bart, the  first  minister  of  Hingham.  His  grandfather,  Edmund 
Hobart,  came  from  Hingham,  England,  with  his  wife  and  son  and 
two  daughters,  and  arrived  in  Cliarlestown  in  1633,  or,  according 
to  another  authority,  in  1629.     Peter,  the  father  of  Nehemiah,  was 


200  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

born  in  1604,  and  educated  at  the  Universit}'  of  Cambridge,  Eng- 
land. Afterwards  he  taught  a  grammar  school  and  preached  at 
Hingham,  England,  nine  years.  On  account  of  the  impositions 
of  the  prelatical  part}',  he  came  to  this  countr}',  and  in  June,  1G35, 
arrived  in  Charlestown,  with  his  famil}-.  Afterwards  Mr.  Ilobart 
and  several  of  his  friends  removed  to  Bear  Cove,  to  which  the 
General  Coui't,  in  September,  IGo.j,  gave  the  name  of  Hingham, 
because  not  only  the  pastor,  but  also  most  of  his  flock  came  from 
Hingham,  in  the  mother  country.  Rev.  Peter  had  five  sons, 
aU  educated  at  Harvard  College,  and  four  of  whom  became  minis- 
ters of  the  gospel.  Two  of  them  graduated  in  1G50,  and  three  in 
1GG7.  Nohemiah  settled  at  Cambridge  Village  ;  Joshua  in  South- 
old,  Long  Island  ;  Jeremiah  in  Topsfield,  Mass. ,  afterwards  in  Had- 
dam.  Conn.  ;  Gershom  at  Groton,  Mass. ;  Japhet  was  surgeon  of 
a  ship  bound  to  Eugland,  and  was  lost  at  sea.  Nehemiali  was 
born  in  Hingham,  November  21,  1G48,  and  graduated  at  Harvard 
College  in  1GG7.  He  was  ordained  pastor  of  the  church  at  Cam- 
bridge Village,  December  23,  1G74,  where  he  continued  to  labor 
till  his  death,  which  occurred  August  25,  1712,  in  the  sixtj'- 
fourth  3'ear  of  his  age. 

Dr.  Homer  sa3's,  "  Soon  after  the  settlement  of  Mr.  Ilobart  be- 
gan the  terrible  war  with  Philip,  king  of  the  Wampanoags,  a 
nation  bordering  on  the  colony  of  Plymouth,  the  seat  of  whose 
chief  was  at  Mount  Hope  (now  Bristol,  R.  I.).  Mr.  Eliot  had  in 
vain  attempted  the  conversion  of  him  and  his  tribe.  The  success- 
ful missionary  work  among  the  Nonantum  Indians  had  an  impor- 
tant bearing  on  the  salvation  of  the  New  England  colonies  from 
destruction.  Then*  conversion  produced  in  them  an  affectionate 
attachment  towards  the  English,  to  whom  they  ever  remained 
faithful.  Such  were  the  dangers  to  which  the  colonies'  of  Massachu- 
setts and  Plymouth  were  exposed  by  the  war,  which  began  twentj'- 
nine  j-ears  after  the  settlement  at  Nonantum,  that  there  is  reason 
to  belieTe  that  if  all  the  Indians  within  their  boundaries  had  con- 
tinued uncivilized  and  unchristiauized,  and  had  united  against  the 
I^nglish  with  the  spirit  which  afterwards  animated  Philip  and  the 
warriors  of  his  period  and  party,  om-  fathers  would  have  been  com- 
pelled to  abandon  the  country."  So  New  England  was  saved  by 
Christian  missions. 

The  church  records  which  cover  the  period  of  Mr.  Hobart's 
ministry-  having  been  burned,  we  are  left  without   any  detailed 


THE  FIRST   CHURCH.  201 

account  of  the  occurrences  of  his  long,  acceptable  and  faithful 
ministr}-,  which  covered  the  important  and  stormy  period  when 
the  town  passed  through  the  controversies  and  heart-burnings  inci- 
dent to  its  transition  to  a  state  of  independence  from  Cambridge. 
Such  a  crisis  eminentl}'  needed  a  wise  and  prudent  man  in  the  in- 
fluential position  of  a  pastor  and  adviser,  a  judicious  puljlic  man, 
and  a  friend  of  all  parties  alike.  And,  as  a  man  of  sound  common 
sense,  a  peacemaker,  impartial  in  forming  his  decisions  and  firm  in 
maintaining  them,  he  led  his  brethren  through  their  difficulties  into 
the  broad  fields  of  prosperit}'  and  peace.  He  is  said  to  have  been 
free  from  superstition  and  bigotry,  yet  seriousl}'  and  faithfully 
engaged  in  the  discharge  of  his  miuisterial  duties.  An  unshaken 
harmony  subsisted  between  him  and  his  people  through  Ufe.  An 
aged  father  who  died  in  1787,  in  the  ninety- fourth  year  of  his  age, 
and  who  was  about  eighteen  years  of  age  at  the  date  of  Mr.  Ho- 
bart's  death,  repeatedly  mentioned  his  serious  and  winning  manner 
of  address,  which  caused  his  congregation  to  hang  upon  his  lips. 
He  published  a  Sermon,  entitled,  "The  Absence  of  the  Comforter, 
Described  and  Lamented."  It  is  a  proof  of  the  estimation  in  which 
he  was  held,  that  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Corporation  of 
Harvard  College  in  1707,  and  continued  in  office  till  his  death.  His 
associate  Fellows  were  WilUam  Brattle,  Ebenezer  Pemberton, 
Hemy  Flynt  and  Jonathan  Remington.  A  letter  written  by  the 
Rev.  John  Barnard  and  dated,  Marblehead,  October  16,  17G7,  says, 
"The  Rev.  Nehemiah  Hobart,  sometime  Vice  President  of  the  Col- 
lege, was  an  excellent  scholar  in  Latin,  Greelc  and  Hebrew,  and  a 
most  pious,  humble,  prudent  and  benevolent  man."  His  father-in- 
law,  Edward  Jackson,  gave  him  thirty  acres  of  land,  on  the  north- 
west side  of  the  Dedham  highway-  [Centre  St.] ,  adjoining  the  twenty 
acres  which  he  also  gave  to  Rev.  John  Eliot,  jr.,  his  predecessor. 
He  built  his  house  on  the  lot  just  north  of  the  Shannon  house,  where 
the  dwelling  of  Mr.  John  Cabot,  the  father-in-law  of  Mrs.  Theo- 
dore Parker,  formerl}'  stood.  The  house  was  afterwards  occupied 
by  Hobart's  successor,  the  Rev.  John  Cotton.  It  was  burned  in 
1720,  and  rebuilt  the  same  year. 

Mr.  Hobart  married  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Edward  Jackson, 
and  had  six  children, —  all  daughters.  He  conve^-ed  to  four  of 
his  daughters,  in  1711,  his  then  dwelling-house  and  one  hundred 
acres  of  land  adjoining,  reserving  to  himself  the  right  to  enjo}'  the 
same  while  he  lived.     Two  of  them  conveyed   then*  rights  in  the 


202  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

homestead  in  1715  to  their  father's  successor,  Rev.  John  Cotton. 
His   daughter  Abigail   deeded  tlie   pew   "built  by   her   honored 
father  "  to  the  town  by  warranty  deed,  against  her  fellow  heirs. 
On  his  tombstone  is  this  Latin  epitaph  : 

HOC    TUMDLO 

DEPOSITEE    SUNT   RELIQUIAE    REVERENDiI    ET  PERDOCTI 

NEUEMXAE    HOBART,    D.  D., 

'  COLLEGII   HARVARDINI    SOCII   LECTISSI3II, 

ECCLESIAE    NEOTONIENSIS 

PER  ANNOS   QUADRAGINTA   PASTORIS    FIDELISSIMI    ET   VIGILANTISSIMI, 

SINGULARI   GRAVITATE,    HDMILITATE    AEQUE    AC   PIETATE    ET    DOCTRINA 

ET   P1I3   EXIMIA   VENERATIONE    ET   AMORE    RECOLENDI. 

NATCS   ERAT    NOV.    21,    1648. 

DENATUS  at:g.   25,   1712. 

ANKO    AETATIS    64. 

The  following  is  a  translation :  "  In  this  tomb  are  deposited  the 
remains  of  the  Reverend  and  very  learned  teacher  of  divinity,  Ne- 
hemiah  Hobart,  an  estimable  Fellow  of  Harvard  College,  a  highl}' 
faithful  and  watchful  pastor  of  the  church  of  Newtown  for  forty 
3^ears.  His  singular  gravity,  humiUt}^,  piety  and  learning  rendered 
him  the  object  of  deep  veneration  and  ardent  esteem  to  men  of 
science  and  religion.  He  was  born  November  21,  1648,  and  died 
August  25,  1712,  in  the  sixty-fourth  year  of  his  age." 

The  simplicity  of  the  times  is  indicated  by  the  votes  occasion- 
all}^  appearing  in  the  Town  Records,  shomng  the  amounts  which 
ministers  of  the  gospel  anciently  received  as  salary,  and  the  incon- 
venience which  they  must  sometimes  have  suffered,  when,  produce 
being  brought  them  instead  of  money,  the}'  must  occasionally 
have  suffered  a  surfeit  of  some  articles  of  utility,  and  a  coiTes- 
ponding  deficiency  of  the  means  to  procure  others  which  were  a 
necessit}'.     [See  the  votes  on  page  51.] 

It  is  probable  that  Mr.  Hobart  was  not  regularl}'  paid  what  the 
town  voted  him,  either  in  mone}'  or  produce,  as  will  be  seen  from 
his  receipts. 

1689. — Whereas  I,  Neheraiah  Hobart,  have  for  seventeen  years  last  past 
labored  in  the  ministry  att  Cambridge  Village,  [and  they]  have  from  time  to  time 
by  their  voates  covenanted  to  raise  for  mee  yearly  such  sums  as  might  be  for 
niy  maintenance,  I  do  by  these  presents  acknowlidge  and  accept  of  all  and 
several  the  said  sums,  and  doe  hereby  for  myself  and  hairs,  acquit  all  and 


THE  FIRST  CHURCH.  -  203 

severall  the  said  inhabitants  and  all  such  as  have  ingagcd  to  collect  the  said 
sums,  them  and  their  heirs,  from  all  dues,  debts  and  demands,  from  the  be- 
ginning of  my  ministry  amongst  them  unto  the  first  day  of  June,  1689. 
In  witness  whereof  I  have  sett  to  my  hand, 

Nehemiah  Hobart. 

It  appears  by  the  two  following  records,  that  while  Mr.  Hobart 
found  difficulty  in  collecting  his  meagre  stipend,  he  was  a  man  of 
hberal  and  gracious  spirit,  willing  to  bear  his  fair  share  of  the 
burdens  of  his  parishioners. 

February  23,  1690.  Town  Meeting. — Mr.  Hobart  sent  in  an  account  of 
£23  l8s.  3d.  due  him  by  the  Deacons,  who  declared  for  him  that  if  the  Town 
would  pay  him  £10,  he  would  give  in  the  residue,  to  help  bear  the  public 
charges,  wliich  were  great  and  heavy : — and  which  was  accepted  by  the 
Town. 

June  1,  1693. — I  doe  hereby  acknowledge  that  I  have  received  of  the  in- 
habitants of  New  Town,  the  sum  of  sixty-four  pounds,  for  my  maintenance 
the  year  past,  and  the  remaining  six  pounds  due  to  me  for  the  said  yeare,  I 
freely  remitt,  leaving  the  same  to  be  collected  by  the  Selectmen,  and  by  them 
laid  out  for  the  benefit  of  said  town,  according  to  a  regular  voatc  of  the  in- 
habitants when  they  shall  be  convened  in  a  town  meeting  orderly  warned. 

Witness  my  hand, 

Nehemiah  Hobart. 

Three  receipts,  written  by  Mr.  Hobart,  remain  on  record,  which 
are  a  curiosity  for  their  cu'cumstantial  minuteness  and  accuracy. 
The  following  is  a  specimen  : 

Newtown. — This  first  day  of  December,  in  the  year  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  eleven.  I  doe,  by  these  presents,  acquit  and  discharge  all  and 
several,  the  inhabitants  of  Newtown,  their  Assessors  and  Collectors,  from  all 
payments  due  to  me  on  account  of  salary,  from  the  first  beginning  of  ray 
Labours  in  the  Ministry  amongst  them  to  the  day  of  the  date  hereof. 
Witness  my  hand  the  day  and  year  above  written. 

Neheuiah  Hobart. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

ENGLISH    OPPKESSION. SIR    EDMUND    ANDROS. EVENTS    IN  NEW- 
TON.   FIRST  MEETING-HOUSE.  SEATING  THE  WORSHIPPERS. 

NOON  HOUSES. THE  STOCKS. 

The  seventeenth  century  was  a  period  of  great  interest  in  mau^' 
respects,  as  touching  the  civilization  and  political  progress  both  of 
Britain  and  America.  Waking  from  the  night  of  the  middle  ages, 
first  came  the  long  morning  which  dawned  in  Luther's  Reformation, 
when  the  people  began  to  think  for  themselves,  and  the  world 
commenced  its  preparation  for  the  ripening  of  our  modern  civiliza- 
tion. As  in  the  fifteenth  century  clustered  together  the  three 
gi'cat  events,  —  the  invention  of  printing,  the  discovery  of  the 
mariner's  compass,  and  of  the  new  continent  of  America,  —  and 
in  the  sixteenth  was  added  the  Reformation,  so  in  the  seventeenth, 
the  walringof  the  instinct  of  colonization,  and  the  founding  of  the 
early  settlements  in  Virginia  and  Massachusetts  and  elsewhere, 
taught  men  the  grandeur  and  availability  of  the  world  they  pos- 
sessed, made  them  feel  how  great  a  thing  it  is  to  live,  stirred  in 
their  bosoms  the  spu'it  of  manhood,  and  gradually  unfolded  the 
germs  of  progress  which  have  matured  so  efflcientl}^  in  later  times. 
Men  of  genius  were  no  longer  to  be  led  blindl3^  The  time  had 
come  for  them  to  think  for  themselves.  Thus  originated  the  spirit 
which  led  to  the  English  revolution  of  1688,  and  the  jealousy  of 
the  colonists  in  America,  examining  the  bearings  of  every  measure 
instituted  bj'  the  powers  bej'ond  the  sea,  on  their  poUtical  interests 
and  prosperit}'.  The  town  meetings,  the  discussions  on  govern- 
ment and  privilege,  the  difficulties  of  the  enterprise  in  which  their 
fathers  had  embarked,  and  in  whose  hardships  and  fruits  they 
had  more  or  less  shared,  had  educated  them.  The  motions  of  the 
embryo  spirit  of  independence,  which  was  to  burst  forth  a  centur}' 
later,  could  not  be  repressed.     Events  and  measures  in  England 

204 


BRITISH  OrPRESSION.  205 

struck  the  keynote  on  one  side  of  the  waters ;  the  American 
revokition,  growing  out  of  oppression,  echoed  the  tone  on  the 
other. 

Under  the  charter  governments  of  New  England,  the  people  of 
the  colonies,  by  the  express  words  of  their  charters,  were  entitled 
to  all  the  privileges  of  natural  born  subjects,  and  invested  with  the 
powers  of  government,  legislative,  executive  and  judicial.     They 
chose   their  own  governors,    elected  legislative  assemblies,    and 
established  courts  of  justice,  and  in  many  points  even  exceeded 
the  powers  conferred  by  the  charters.     The  only  limitation  to  their 
legislative  powers  was  that  their  laws  should  not  be  contrary  to 
those  of  England.     But  in  the  time  of  Charles  the  Second,  the 
pohticians  of  England   originated   various   oppressive   measures, 
abridging  the  liberties  of  the  colonists,   and  depriving  them  of 
rights  which  they  had  hitherto  enjo3-ed,  and  which  seemed  to  them 
essential  to  their  political  prosperit}'.     These  oppressive  measures 
culminated,  in  the  year  1684,  in  a  sentence  pronounced  in  the  Eng- 
lish courts  against  the  people  of  Massachusetts,  cancelling  their 
charter.     Instead  of  electing  their  own  governor,  they  were  now 
to  accept  such  an  one  as  the  Crown  might  choose  to  send  them, 
and  an   attempt  to   resist   would  be  counted  as  rebellion.      In 
December,  1G8G,  Sir  Edmund  Andros  arrived  in  the  country,  with 
two  companies  of  troops,  instructed  to  put  an  end  to  all  popular 
power.      Unjust  taxation  followed,    which  was   met  by  passive 
resistance,  and  this  again  led  to  fines  and  confiscations.     Ever}- 
appeal   to  EngUsh  laws  was  in  vain.     In  this  extremity.  Rev. 
Increase  Mather,  of  Boston,  escaped  to  England  by  night  and  in 
disguise,  and  laid  the  grievances  of  the  colony  before  the  King. 
Shortly  after  came  the  English  revolution.     As  soon  as  the  news 
reached  Massachusetts,  the  people  rose  in  arms  and  imprisoned 
Su-  Edmund  Andros  and  his  adherents  ;  the  charter  was  again  put 
in  force,  and  a  governor,  assistant  and  deputies  were  elected. 

Soon  after  the  removal  of  the  tyrannical  governor  from  his  seat 
of  power,  the  inhabitants  of  New  Cambridge  met,  May  20,  1689, 
and  by  vote  declared  as  follows  : 

That  it  is  our  desire, — 

1.  Tliat  the  Honorable  Governor  and  Deputy  Governor  and  assistants, 
chosen  and  sworn  in  1686,  and  the  deputies  then  chosen  by  the  freemen  for 
that  year  do  now  resume  the  government  of  tliis  colony  according  to  charter 
privileges. 


206  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

2.  That  there  may  be  an  enlargement  of  freemen,  that  is  to  say,  that  those 
persons  who  arc  of  honest  conversation  and  a  competent  estate  may  have 
their  votes  in  all  civil  elections. 

3.  That  the  Court,  having  thus  reassumed  the  government,  then  endeavor 
to  confirm  our  charter  privileges. 

4.  That  the  Court,  thus  settled,  do  not  admit  of  any  change  or  alteration 
of  government  among  us,  until  it  be  first  signified  to  the  several  towns  for 
their  approbation. 

On  the  same  day  the  inhabitants  made  choice  of  Ensign  John  Ward  as  our 
representative  or  deputy  in  the  present  sessions. 

The  events  touching  the  town  of  Newton  which  occurred  during 
the  latter  part  of  this  centmy,  and  while  Mr.  Hobart  was  pastor, 
were  not  numerous,  but  important.  It  was  during  his  ministry 
that  Newton  was  incorporated  as  a  town  distinct  from  Cambridge, 
and  received  its  name  from  the  General  Court,— the  long  and 
sharp  controversy  between  the  mother  and  daughter  having  at  last 
reached  a  peaceful  issue.  The  war  between  the  Americans  on 
one  side,  and  the  French  and  Indians  on  the  other,  Avas  now 
raging,  and  Capt.  Noah  Wiswall,  with  his  Lieutenant  Flagg  and 
Sergeant  Walker,  were  slain.  It  was  during  Mr.  Hobart's  minis- 
try that  the  first  school-house  was  built,  and  John  Staples  began 
his  labors  as  a  schoolmaster ;  and  Deacon  Edward  Jackson,  Mr. 
Hobart's  father-in-law,  gave  thirt3'-three  acres  of  woodland  to  the 
use  of  the  ministry  in  Cambridge  Village  forever.  In  1707,  Ma}- 
•18,  the  last  ordination  of  deacons  of  the  church  took  place,  the 
candidates  being  Thomas  Oliver,  counsellor  of  the  province,  and 
Ephraim  Jackson. 

The  location  of  the  first  meeting-house  in  Newton,  near  the 
middle  of  the  old  cemetery  on  Centre  Street,  is  marked  b}-  the 
marble  column,  erected  in  September,  1852,  to  the  memory  of  the 
first  settlers.  This  monument  has  inscribed  on  one  side  the 
names  of  the  first  settlers,  the  date  of  their  settlement,  the 
time  of  their  decease,  and  their  ages.  On  the  other  sides  arc 
inscriptions  to  the  memory  of  the  first  minister,  the  first  ruling 
elder,  and  the  donors  of  the  burying  place.  It  was  erected  by 
fort^'-three  of  the  descendants  of  the  men  whom  it  commemorates. 
In  its  foundation  was  deposited  a  pamphlet,  containing  a  historical 
statement  and  notices  of  the  first  settlers.  The  petition  for  a 
division  of  the  town  of  Cambridge  in  1G78  states  that  the  meeting- 
house in  the  Village  had  been  lately  enlarged.     Probably  this  was 


THE  FIRST  CHURCH.  207 

done  at  the  settlement  of  Mr.  Ilobart,  or  soon  afterwards.     In 
1G80  it  was  again  enlarged. 

The  second  meeting-house,  voted  in  1696,  commenced  in  the 
spring  of  1097,  and  completed  in  the  early  part  of  1698,  stood  on 
the  westerly  side  of  Centre  Street,  opposite  the  cemetery.  The 
land,  once  owned  by  John  Spring,  who,  it  is  probable,  gave  it  to 
the  town  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  on  it  a  house  of  God,  after 
the  removal  of  the  meeting-house,  as  stated  by  Mr.  Jackson  in 
a  note,  was  re-conveyed  by  the  town  to  John  Spring,  who  was 
chairman  of  the  Building  Committee.  By  a  deed  given  by  Abra- 
ham Jackson,  —  son  of  Dea.  John  Jackson,  who  was  the  donor  of 
the  first  lot  of  land  for  the  meeting-house  and  cemetery,  — to  his 
grandson  John,  in  1717,  it  appears  that  the  first  meeting-house 
was  still  standing  at  that  date, —  nineteen  years  after  the  second 
mccting-house  was  finished ;  but  for  what  purpose  it  was  used 
during  those  nineteen  years  is  not  known.  It  may  have  been 
for  a  Town  House,  school-house,  or  for  militarj-  purposes,  as  the 
training  field  was  there. 

These  two  votes  complete  the  notices  of  the  second  meeting- 
house. 

1700. — Voted,  that  John  Staples  and  John  Kenrick  be  a  Committee  to 
settle  the  meeting-house  accounts. 

1701. — Voted,  that  Lieut.  John  Spring  be  allowed  twenty  shillings  for 
sweeping  and  cleaning  the  meeting-house,  when  he  has  finished  the  same. 

The  beautiful  custom  of  families  being  seated  together  in  the 
house  of  God  was  not  among  the  refining  influences  of  the  stern 
days  of  the  early  settlers.  In  the  house  of  God  earthl}-  relation- 
ships seem  to  have  been  ignored.  The  worshippers,  j'oung  qy  old, 
were  set  in  then*  individual  responsibility  before  the  Majesty  in  the 
heavens.  A  husband  was  there  nothing  to  his  wife  ;  a  mother  was 
nothing  to  her  child.  They  were  each  individual  souls,  and  in  the 
house  of  prayer  recognized  none  but  themselves  personally,  on 
the  one  hand,  and  God,  on  the  other.  As  the  boys,  particularly-, 
in  the  exuberance  of  their  spirits,  would  sometunes  be  disorderly, 
it  was  convenient  to  have  them  seated  by  themselves,  that  the 
"  tything  man "  might  keep  them  in  check,  rapping  the  heads  of 
the  rogues  with  the  little  ball  on  one  end  of  his  long  rod  ;  and,  ia 
like  manner,  if  the  ladies  fell  asleep  in  theu'  slips,  he  could  tickle 
thcu"  noses  with  the  feather  on  the  other. 


208  HISTOEY  OF  NEWTON. 

In  the  ancient  meeting-house  a  range  of  square  pews  was  erected 
completely  around  the  house  against  the  walls.  A  single  row  of 
similar  pews  was  set  in  the  body  of  the  house,  in  front  of  the 
principal  door ;  and  the  space  remaining  on  the  floor  up  to  the 
pulpit  was  occupied  b}-  slips.  The  deacons'  seat  was  raised  two 
or  three  steps,  and  immediately  in  front  of  the  pulpit.  The 
deacons  were  provided  with  an  hour-glass,  which  stood  on  the 
table  before  them,  and  was  turned,  that  the  sand  might  begin  to 
run  out  when  the  minister  began  his  sermon.  And,  if  it  was  not 
necessary  to  turn  the  hour-glass  once  at  least  during  the  sermon, 
the  minister  was  thought  to  be  deficient  in  his  duty  to  his  hearers. 
The  members  of  the  congregation  were  seated,  by  public  authority, 
according  to  their  dignity.  This  was  called  "  dignifying  the  seats," 
or  the  pews;  or  sometimes,  "seating  the  meeting-house."  The 
ground  of  preference  seems  to  have  been  chiefly,  property  qualifi- 
cations ;  birth,  or  oflScial  civil  standing  was  also  taken  into  con- 
sideration. In  the  slips,  the  oldest  persons  were  seated  nearest  I 
the  pulpit,  and  the  j-ounger  behind  them  in  regular  order,  towards 
the  door ;  the  women  on  the  right  hand,  and  the  men  on  the  left. 
A  portion  of  the  gallery  was  appropriated  as  the  bo^^s'  seats,  — 
sometimes,  as  in  this  second  church  in  Newton,  a  corner  on  the 
lower  floor.  The  fact  that  the  older  persons,  many  of  whom  were 
perhaps  in  circumstances  too  humble  to  admit  of  their  aspiring  to 
the  dignity  of  sitting  in  a  pew,  were  arranged  in  the  slips  accord- 
ing to  age,  accounts  for  the  breaking  up  of  families,  and  the  seat- 
ing of  children  by  themselves.  The  girls  were  provided  for  in  the 
same  manner  as  the  boys,  the  seats  on  the  right  falling  to  their 
share.  In  the  gallery  occupied  by  the  choir,  the  right  side  was 
also  appointed  for  the  female  singers,  and  the  left  for  the  males. 
This  custom  explains  some  of  the  allusions  found  in  the  earliest 
Town  Book.     We  quote  the  following,  of  later  date  : 

May  14,  1744. — Voted,  that  the  aforesaid  committee  shall  give  men  their 
dignity  in  their  setting  in  the  meeting-house,  in  proportion  to  what  they  pay 
to  the  minister's  rate. 

March  4,  1754. — Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  a  committee  to  agree  with 
workmen  to  erect  one  tier  of  pews  in  the  hind  seats  in  the  body  seats  of  the 
meeting-house,  both  in  the  men's  side  and  the  women's  side,  as  soon  as  may 
be. 

Voted,  to  choose  a  committee  to  fill  up  vacjuent  room  in  the  meeting-house, 
and  to  dignifie  the  pews  proposed  to  be  erected. 


THE  FIRST  CHURCH.  209 

Sometimes  persons  of  high  standing,  who  aspired  to  the  dis- 
tinction of  having  a  pew,  petitioned  the  town  for  permission  to 
build  one  at  their  own  expense.  But  this  privilege  was  scrupu- 
lously guarded,  and  sometimes  refused  to  persons  whose  position 
in  society  might  seem  to  create  a  claim.     Witness  the  following  : 

1734. — Captain  Edward  Durant  asked  leave  to  build  a  pew  in  the  meeting- 
house, and  was  refused.  He  was  a  very  wealtliy  man  from  Boston,  and  owned 
three  slaves, — paid  eighteen  hundred  pounds  for  his  farm. 

1738. — Chose  a  committee  to  scat  the  meeting-house,  and  instructed  the 
committee  to  give  men  their  dignity  in  their  sitting  in  proportion  to  the  min- 
ister's rate  they  pay,  allowing  one  j)oll  to  a  rate,  making  such  an  allowance 
for  age  as  they  shall  think  proper,  except  where  there-  are  tenants,  and  in 
those  cases  to  act  the  best  of  their  judgments. 

1744. — Chose  a  committee  to  seat  the  meeting-house  according  to  dignity 
and  taxes. 

This  absurd  custom  was  abolished  in  March,  1800.  Mr.  Jackson 
remarks  on  this  subject, — 

This  ancient  custom  of  seating  and  reseating  the  worshippers  in  the  New 
England  churches  was  originally  intended  to  be  founded  in  equality.  The 
first  settlers  meant  that  all  should  be  equal  before  the  law,  and  before  the 
altar  also.  It  was  democratic  in  theory,  but  aristocratic  in  practice,  as  the 
rich  men  always  got  the  best  seats.  In  parishes  where  the  population  in- 
creased rapidly,  the  congregations  were  reseated  annually ;  where  the  in- 
crease was  slow,  this  operation  was  performed  about  every  third  or  fourth 
year.  The  instructions  to  the  seating  committee  were,  first,  rank,  or,  as 
they  expressed  it,  dignity, — meaning,  the  minister  and  magistrates,  or,  all  in 
authority ;  second,  those  who  paid  the  largest  parish  tax, — or,  the  rich  men  ; 
third,  the  most  aged  persons  ;  and,  fourth,  they  were  not  to  degrade  any. 
Married  women  took  the  same  rank  that  belonged  to  their  husbands.  The 
last  item,  "  not  to  degrade  any,"  was  impossible,  since  some  must  occupy 
the  lowest  seats. 

The  office  of  committee-man  was  no  sinecure ;  its  exercise  frequently 
brought  upon  him  charges  of  partiality  and  injustice. 

This  operation  of  reseating  was  rarely,  if  ever  accomplished,  without  giv- 
ing offence  to  more  or  less  of  the  congregation.  Such,  however,  was  the 
attachment  to  the  ancient  customs  in  the  churches,  that  it  took  about  a  cen- 
tury and  a  half,  notwithstanding  its  bitter  fruits,  to  discontinue  it. 

Sometimes  curious  controversies  arose  out  of  the  jealousies 
attendant  on  this  custom.     Witness  the  following : 

In  August,  1712,  it  is  recorded  that  a  difference  existed  between 

John  Mason,  of  Newton,  and  the  town,  in  respect  to  a  pew  in  the 

northeast   corner  of  the  meeting-house.     On  the  8th  of  August 

the  town  appointed  a  committee  to  act  in  their  behalf  and  on  the 

14 


210  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

12th  of  the  same  month,  the  parties  met  at  the  house  of  Mason 
and  "  made  proposals  to  each  other  and  then  agreed  as  followeth  "  : 

That  in  consideration  of  three  pounds  in  money  to  liim,  the  said  John 
Mason,  well  and  truly  paid  by  s'd  committee,  and  that  the  wife  of  s'd  John 
Mason  be  alowed  a  place  in  the  second  seat  in  the  body  of  s'd  meeting-house, 
and  that  his  children  be  treated  by  said  town  as  to  their  places  in  s'd  meeting- 
house according  to  their  age  and  quality  as  others  are,  and  that  the  s'd  town 
doe  defend  the  s'd  Mason  from  all  harm  that  may  arise  by  that  room  which 
s'd  Mason  formerly  sold  in  s'd  meeting-house  to  Mr.  Edward  Jackson, — 

These  forementioned  articles  being  truly  fulfilled,  in  consideration  whereof 
he,  the  s'd  Mason,  doth  for  himself,  his  heirs,  executors  and  administrators 
remit,  release  and  forever  quitclaim  all  his  right  that  he  now  hath  or  ever 
had  in  s'd  pew, — hereby  ratifying  and  confirming  the  s'd  pew  unto  the  s'd 
town,  to  be  at  their  sole  dispose  and  use  forever  hereafter. 

In  witness  whereof  the  s'd  committee  and  s'd  Mason  have  all  of  them  here- 
unto put  their  hands  this  12th  day  of  August,  1712. 

"  The  square  pew  for  the  minister's  family,"  on  one  side  of 
the  pulpit,  was  first  in  honor.  Thence,  by  regular  gradations 
along  the  tiers  of  "  wall  pews  "  on  the  three  sides,  and  down  the 
double  range  of  "  seats  "  in  the  middle  alle^',  "  to  the  sixth  seat 
from  the  front,  and  so  on,"  with  diminishing .  honor,  to  the  last. 
When  square  pews  were  substituted  for  the  long  seats  or  "  slips  " 
in  the  bod}'  of  the  house,  these  had  to  be  "  dignified  "  anew,  by  a 
committee  who  received  instructions  to  consider,  in  their  allot- 
ment, "  the  age,  estate,  and  parentage  "  of  tlie  sitters. 

We  may  imagine  the  solicitude  of  the  minister  and  the  chm-ch 
as  the  season  of  trial  and  peculiar  temptation  drew  nigh ;  and  how 
the  seating  committee  —  striving  to  "'  render  to  all  their  dues  "  and 
"  doing  nothing  b}'  partiality  "  —  were  oppressed  b}'  a  sense  of  re- 
sponsibility and  the  apprehension  that,  strive  as  the}'  might,  offen- 
ces would  come. 

In  connection  with  the  account  of  the  first  church  in  Newton 
and  the  arrangements  for  worship,  it  is  in  place  to  speak  of  the 
reverence  for  the  Sabbath  which  prevailed  among  the  earh- settlers, 
their  scrupulous  regard  for  the  established  institutions  of  religion. 
and  that  sincere,  though  mistaken  zeal,  which  led  them  to  adopt 
compulsory  measures  to  secure  for  them  an  outward  respect.  Their 
severe  conceptions  stand  in  strildng  contrast  to  the  laxity  of  mod- 
ern times.  We  have  no  desire  to  return  to  the  ancient  methods. 
But  we  question  whether  the  morality,  the  virtue,  and  the  integ- 
rit}'  of  the  people  was  not  of  a  higher  order  under  their  system  of 


NOOX-IIOUSES.  211 

restraint  than  under  the  modern  system  of  liberty.  May  we  not 
be  reaping,  at  the  present  day,  precious  fruit,  the  harvest  of  theu* 
scrupulosity?  But  it  was  under  the  influence  of  such  laws  and 
institutions, —  we  dare  not  say  in  spite  of  them, —  that  the  second, 
third  and  fourth  generations  of  the  people  proved  to  be  such "  a 
goodly  seed."  Mr.  Prince  says  of  the  fathers  of  New  England,  in 
his  Election  Sermon  in  1730 : 

They  were  mostly  men  of  good  estates  and  families,  of  liberal  education, 
and  of  large  experience.  But  they  chiefly  excelled  in  piety  to  God,  in  zeal 
for  the  purity  of  his  worship,  reverence  for  his  glorious  name,  and  strict  ob- 
servance of  his  holy  Sabbaths ;  in  their  respect  and  maintenance  of  an  un- 
blemished ministry ;  the  spread  of  knowledge,  learning,  and  good  order  and 
quiet  throughout  the  land,  a  reign  of  righteousness,  and  the  welfare  of  the 
people ;  and  the  making  and  executing  wholesome  laws  for  all  these  blessed 
ends. 

The  meeting-house,  as  in  all  New  England,  was  guiltless  of 
warmth  on  the  bleakest  da3's  in  winter.  The  delicacy  of  a  stove 
had  not  3'et  invaded  the  stern  hardness  and  capacity  of  endurance 
of  the  people.  As  a  substitute,  however,  for  this  comfort,  associ- 
ations of  citizens  were  formed  who  erected  in  the  neighborhood  of 
the  meeting-house  what  were  denominated  noon-houses,  for  the  ben- 
efit of  themselves  and  their  families  ;  or  the  buildings  were  erected 
at  the  pubUc  expense.  The  noon-houses  were  buildings  of  one 
story,  put  up  in  the  plainest  manner,  ceiled  with  boards,  and  hav- 
ing a  fireplace  in  the  middle,  open  on  every  side,  the  chimney  being 
supported  beneath  b}^  pillars.  The  seats  were  arranged  around 
the  room,  being  fixed  against  the  walls.  There  were  three  or  four 
of  these  houses  at  Newton  Centre.  One  of  them  stood  on  the  site 
of  the  Centre  school-house  ;  a  second  on  the  southwest  corner  of 
the  present  meeting-house  lot ;  aud  a  third  near  the  west  end  of 
Lyman  Street.  After  these  structm'es  were  abandoned  for  their 
original  use,  they  were  tenanted  for  some  j-ears  by  different  fami- 
lies in  humble  circumstances. 

In  the  noon-houses  the  people  gathered  at  noou,  "  between  meet- 
ings," to  warm  their  stiffened  limbs,  to  eat  their  frugal  lunch  and  to 
indulge  their  friendly  gossip,  and  from  the  generous  fire  the  women 
replenished  the  foot-stoves  which  they  carried  back  with  them  to  the 
meeting-house. 

"We  cannot  state  precisely  the  dimension  of  these  noon-houses. 
Provision,  however,  was  made  for  one  of  them  in  1730,  to  be  built, 
probably  at  the  expense  of  the  town,  as  follows  :     "  The  Select- 


212  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

lueu  staked  out  land  on  the  bill,  near  Clark's  fence,  for  the  relief 
of  sundry  inhabitants  on  the  Sabbath  days,  for  a  house  twent}'- 
eight  feet  square  "  (  a  noon-house) .  Clark's  fence  was  probably 
not  very  far  from  the  meeting-house  of  1730  ;  for  the  land  of  John 
Clark  and  his  descendants  was  near  the  western  slope  of  the  Insti- 
tution Hill,  and  stretched  away  to  the  southwest. 

There  was  another  institution  connected  with  the  meeting- 
house, which  it  is  curious,  at  this  distance  of  time,  to  contem- 
plate. We  refer  to  the  stocks.  How  early  the  stocks  were 
erected  in  Newton,  we  do  not  know.  We  are  sure,  however,  that 
the  fathers  of  the  town  were  not  without  this  necessarj^  appendage 
to  the  place  of  public  worship.  Not  only  was  it  a  law  of  the 
C0I0U3'  that  all  towns  should  be  provided  with  stocks,  but  we  find 
in  the  Town  Records  as  late  as  1773,  that  "a  committee  was 
chosen  to  examine  the  church  stocks.  " 

They  rested  upon  the  solid  earth,  about  ten  rods  from  the  church,  and  were 
made  of  two  pieces  of  whitQ-oak  timber,  about  eight  feet  long,  chimped  to- 
gether witli  bar-iron  at  each  end,  through  which  holes  were  made  of  various 
sizes,  to  fit  human  legs,  for  misbehavior  during  divine  service.  Disorderly- 
persons  were  liable  to  have  their  legs  made  fast  between  that  oak  and  iron, 
by  way  of  punishment.  Mr.  J.  adds,  "  We  have  often  eyed  that  remnant  of 
the  inquisition,  when  a  boy,  with  a  shudder." 

These  church  stocks,  like  all  human  contrivances,  often  needed 
repairs,  and  this  committee,  no  doubt,  was  appointed  to  oversee 
the  work.  The  stocks  were  in  use  in  England  as  early  as  the 
year  1472,  under  the  mayoralty  of  Sir  William  Hampton  in  Lon- 
don ;  for  it  is  recorded  that  in  that  year  he  caused  stocks  to  be 
erected  in  every  ward  in  London,  for  the  more  effectual  punish- 
ment of  strollers.  The  author  of  a  History  of  the  Town  of 
Shrewsbury,  Mass.,  says,  that  persons  who  were  "  disorderly  on 
Sabbath  or  town  meetings  were  wont  to  be  confined  in  them  dur- 
ing meeting,  as  a  punishment  for  misbehavior.  "  He  also  remarks 
that  it  is  a  curious  tradition  that  "  the  person  who  made  the  stocks 
for  that  town  was  the  first  one  required  to  occupy  them,  and 
received  payment  for  them  in  the  remittance  of  a  fine  that  accrued 
to  the  town  for  his  offence." 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

NEW  DIFFICULTIES. —  CANDIDATES. —  JOHN  COTTON  CHOSEN  PASTOR. 

DEATH   OP    MR.    COTTON. —  WHITEFIELD's    VISITS   TO   NEWTON. 

THE   NEW  LIGHTS. 

Having  accomplished  their  purpose  to  secure  for  Newton  incor- 
poration as  an  independent  town,  the  citizens  began  to  turn  their 
attention  to  the  matter  of  securing  the  highest  conveniences  within 
their  own  borders.  And,  as  the  Sabbath  worship  and  town  meet- 
ings were  their  central  social  points,  and  the  meeting-house,  which 
embraced  these,  was  their  central  geographical  point,  their  efforts 
were  directed  in  these  things  to  secure  the  greatest  convenience  to 
the  largest  number.  Measures  for  these  intents  were  therefore  the 
next  important  objects  of  action. 

In  170o  seven  families  living  near  "West  Roxbur}'  and  Dedham, 
William  Ward,  Edward  Ward,  Phihp  White,  Nathaniel  llesdy, 
Daniel  Colburn,  Benjamin  Wilson  and  Elizabeth  Bacon,  com- 
plained of  their  great  distance  from  the  meeting-house,  and  showed 
that  the}'  attended  worship  for  the  most  part  in  Roxbury ;  and 
thej^  asked  to  have  the  meeting-house  removed  to  a  more  central 
place.  No  immediate  measures  were  taken  for  their  relief;  but 
this  was  the  first  step  towards  the  location  of  the  First  Parish 
church  in  its  present  position.  Eight  j^ears  later,  and  two  months 
after  the  death  of  Mr.  Hobart,  this  petition  was  presented  in  town 
meeting : 

To  the  inhabitants  of  Newton,  now  assembled  at  a  public  town  meeting  in 
said  town. 

The  humble  petition  of  us  whose  names  are  underwritten,  inhabitants  in 
the  south  part  of  Newton,  October  31,  1712,  humbly  sheweth, — 

That  whereas  our  habytations  are  very  far  from  the  place  of  publick  worship 
in  Newtown,  the  neerest  of  us  fore  miles  and  an  half  and  the  farthest  about  five 
miles,  and  we  cante  attend  the  publick  worship  in  Newtown  without  great  difi- 
kulty  to  us    and  our    families,   espeshely  in   the  winter    season,  by   reson 

213 


214  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

liLTL'uf  wc  are  nessesitated  to  be  at  charge  to  tlie  setling  a  minestcr  in  the 
south  part  of  Roxberry. 

Your  petitioners  humbly  pray  the  inhabitants  of  tliis  town  to  grant  to  us 
and  our  heirs  that  shall  inherit  the  land  which  we  now  inhabit  that  we  may 
be  free  from  the  charge  of  the  meeting  house  and  ministry  in  Newtown. 

And  your  petitioners,  as  in  duty  bound  shall  ever  pray.  Signed  by 
Nathaniel  Healy,  and  five  others. 

At  a  town  meeting,  November  17,  1712,  Voted,  The  Committy  then 
chosen,  which  were  Ebenezar  Stone,  Abraham  Jackson,  Thomas  Oliver,  Ed- 
ward Jackson  take  care  to  provid  ministers  for  the  town  til  March,  if  the  town 
be  not  supplied  with  a  minister  before  that  time. 

On  the  above  petition,  the  town  voted  to  give  the  petitioners  in 
tlie  south  part  of  the  town  an  answer  at  the  next  March  meeting. 
The  following  is  the  record  of  the  action  of  the  town,  dodging  the 
question  rather  than  meeting  it : 

March  22,  1713. — At  a  towne  meeting  regularly  assembled  for  to  consider 
of  sum  dificultyes  arising  as  to  the  standing  of  the  present  meeting-house,  it 
was  voted  that  a  committe  be  chosen  and  that  the  towne  be  messured; 
and,  the  center  of  it  being  found  and  the  situation  of  ye  inhabitanc  and  the 
meeting-house  being  dewly  considered,  that  if  we  canot  peacably  agree  to  the 
making  of  any  agreeable  and  needful!  acomodations  with  respect  to  ye  place 
of  publick  worship,  that  we  will  then  mutually  refer  ourselves  to  ye  hon- 
erble  Generall  Court,— that  they  would  send  a  Committe  of  disinterested 
persons  that  may  hear,  dewly  weigh  and  consider  thereof;  and  that  they 
may  conclude  what  may  be  most  for  ye  interest  of  religion  and  the  common 
good  and  benifit.  And  wee  oblige  ourselves  to  be  decided  by  such  their  re- 
sult and  the  resolution  of  the  Honerabell  Generall  Court  thereupon,  and  sitt 
downe  quietly  and  peacably. 

At  the  same  meeting  this  vote  was  passed : 

VoATED  yt  Left'n  Jeremiah  Fuller,  Cap.  Thomas  Printic  and  CorpU. 
Robert  Murdock  be  chosen  a  Commity  to  mess're  the  towne  of  said  Newton, 
to  find  out  the  center  thereof.  And  allso  hand-voated  that  Lefton  (lieutenant) 
Joseph  Burnaj)  shal  be  ye  survayor  to  do  the  worke  of  messuering  said 
towne;  and  if  said  Lefton  Joseph  Burnap  cannot  be  obtained,  that  then 
the  above  named  Conimitye  shall  have  full  power  [to  appoint]  another 
person  to  be  ye  surveyor;  and  allso  ye  said  Commitie  by  order  from  the 
Selectmen,  shall  draw  monye  out  of  the  towne  tresury  for  ye  defraying  of 
ye  chargies  of  messuering  the  towne.  And  j't.  the  towne  be  messuered  as 
soon  as  can  be  convenient,  not  exceeding  the  first  day  of  May  next. 

A  petition  having  been  presented  by  the  aggrieved  parties  for  the 
division  of  the  town  into  two  precincts  for  the  worship  of  God,  at 
the  town  meeting  May  10,  1714,  the  following  action  was  taken : 

VoATED,  at  a  towne  meeting  regularly  assembled  to  consider  of  and  to  se 
if  any  agreeabeil  acommodations  [can  be  made]  as  to  ye  place  of  publick 


ELECTION  OF  MR.  COTTON.  215 

worship, — the  inhabitanc  of  said  towne  having  ilcwly  considered  ye  center  of 
the  towne,  the  incoinodiosnos  of  the  place  whear  it  is,  and  the  cituation  of 
the  inliabitanc  tlie  inconvcnianccs  of  highways ;  so  that  it  cannot  anye  ways 
tend  to  ye  promoting  of  religion  nor  any  great  advantig  to  any  pertickular 
persons,  so  as  to  countervaine  3^0  cost  and  chargies, — we  do  judge  it  best  to 
continue  the  meeting-house  wliere  it  now  stands. 

Finall}^,  a  committee  of  seven  was  appointed  to  petition  the 
Great  and  General  Court  '"  to  send  a  committee  to  hear  our  differ- 
ences as  to  the  place  of  public  worship,  according  to  the  vote 
passed  March  22,  1713,  for  that  end." 

The  following  records  the  advice  of  the  Court : 

At  a  sessions  of  the  great  and  general  Court  or  Assembly,  begun  and  held  at 
Boston  upon  "Wednesday,  May  27,  1713, — Upon  a  full  hearing  of  the  several 
petitions  from  Newtown,  referring  to  the  division  of  Newtown  into  two  pre- 
cincts for  the  worship  of  God,  or  the  i-emoval  of  the  present  meeting-house 
toward  the  center  of  the  town,  and  pcrtickelarly  the  dismission  of  the  six 
familys  lying  next  to  the  southerly  part  of  Roxbury, — 

Voted  and  advised  that  the  town  do  alow  the  six  familys  lying  next 
Roxbury  to  atend  the  worship  of  God  at  that  precinct,  and  be  acordingly 
dismissed  from  baring  any  charge  to  the  suport  of  the  ministry  in  Newtown 
dureing  their  attendance  and  contributing  to  the  ministry  in  Roxbury  ;  but 
see  no  reason  to  remove  the  present  meeting-house  in  Newtown,  and  direct 
that  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  town  prosed  peaceably  to  settell  and  estab- 
lish a  learned  orthodox  minister  of  good  conversation  amongst  them  as  the 
law  directs. 

Isaac  Addington,  Sec. 

In  conformit}'  with  the  recommendation  of  the  Court,  the  town 
proceeded  to  the  election  of  a  minister  in  place  of  Mr,  Hobart, 
The  candidates  whose  names  were  before  the  town  were  Mr.  Henry 
Flj-nt,  Mr.  Edward  Holyoke,  Mr.  John  Tufts,  Mr.  Ebenezer  Wil- 
liams and  Mr.  John  Cotton.  "It  was  voated,  by  a  "clear  voate  of 
the  inhabitance  then  assembled,  that  they  did  choose  Mr.  John 
Cotton  to  be  theire  minister."  This  vote  was  passed  March  22, 
1714.  He  was  to  receive  eighty  pounds  annually  for  his  salary, 
and  a  hundred  and  fift}'  pounds  for  his  "incorigment ;  "  and  Deacon 
Jackson,  Ensign  John  Kenrick,  Captain  Tudor,  Mr.  Abraham 
Jackson  and  John  Staples  were  appointed  "  to  treat  with  him  to 
come  and  preach  among  us  in  order  to  a  settlement." 

The  five  candidates  above  named  were  aU  graduates  of  Harvard 
College,— John  Cotton,  1710  ;  Edward  Holyoke,  1705, — afterwards 
librarian  and  Fellow  of  the  college  and  the  tenth  president, 
(1769)  ;  Mr.  John  Tufts,  1708  (d.  1750)  ;  Ebenezer  Williams,  1709 


216  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

(d.  1753)  ;  and  Mr.  Henry  Flynt,  1693,  (d.  1760).  The  last  named, 
Mr.  Henry  Flynt,  is  an  object  of  special  interest  to  ever}-  gradu- 
ate of  Harvard  Universit3^  He  was  never  ordained,  but  preached 
as  occasion  required,  and  published  a  volume  of  twenty  sermons, 
"  which  were  received  acceptably  by  the  public."  Dr.  Chauncy  says 
of  him,  "  I  was  forty  years  frequently  conversant  with  him,  and 
knew  Mm  to  have  been  a  solid,  judicious  man,  and  one  of  the  best 
of  preachers."  Though  naturally  inclined  to  indolence,  he  treas- 
nred  up  a  great  vai'iety  of  useful  knowledge,  and  was  an  able 
and  faithful  instructor.  He  was  distinguished  for  his  firmness 
and  consistenc}^  To  the  principles  he  had  once  adopted,  he  ad- 
hered without  wavering.  Judge  Wingate  says,  "  I  remember  ver}' 
distinctly  hearing  him  preach  for  Dr.  Appleton  when  I  was  a 
Freshman.  He  was  the  slowest  speaker  that  I  ever  heard  preach, 
without  exception.  He  hardly  kept  connected  in  his  discourse  so 
as  to  make  progress.  However,  he  made  some  amends  for  this 
defect  by  the  weight  and  pertinency  of  his  ideas.  He  was  thought 
to  be  a  judicious  and  able  preacher,  but  not  ver}^  popular.  .  .  .  He 
undoubtedly  was  considered  as  a  useful  instructor  in  the  college, 
or  he  would  not  have  been  continued  so  long  in  office.  I  have  often 
heard  that  he  was  regarded  as  mild  in  the  government  of  his  pupils, 
and  used  to  be  an  advocate  for  gentleness  towards  offenders.  I 
have  been  told  that  he  would  make  an  apology  for  them  by  remark- 
ing that '  wild  colts  often  make  good  horses.'  "  It  is  perhaps  to 
the  parish  of  Newton  that  Mr.  Peirce  refers,  when  he  says  of  Mr. 
Flynt,  "  It  was  proposed  in  some  parish  to  invite  him  to  take  the 
pastoral  charge  of  it ;  but  objections  were  made  to  him  on  the 
ground  that  he  was  believed  not  to  be  orthodox.  Being  informed 
of  this  judgment  of  the  good  people  respecting  his  religion,  he 
coolly  observed,  'I  thank  God,  they  know  nothing  about  it.'" 
Either  his  sermons  must  have  been  very  indefinite,  or  he  must  have 
regarded  the  people  as  very  undiscerning  hearers,  to  render  it  pos- 
sible for  him  to  make  such  a  remark.  Mr.  Fl^'nt  was  a  tutor  in 
the  College  for  upwards  of  fifty-five  j^ears,  and  a  Fellow  of  the  Cor- 
poration about  sixty  years.  No  other  person  has  been  so  long 
connected  with  the  University  in  either  of  these  capacities,  or  prob- 
ably in  any  capacitj'',  except  Dr.  Appleton,  pastor  of  the  church  in 
Cambridge,  who  was  a  Fellow  sixty -two  years. 

By  a  subsequent  vote,  Mty  pounds  were  added  to  Mr.  Cotton's 
salar}',  with  a  proposal  to  "  add  thereto  at  any  time,  and  from  time 


MR.  COTTON'S  MINISTRY.  217 

to  time  such  farther  suplyes  as  he  should  stand  in  need  of,  for  his 
honorable  suport  or  yearl}'  sailer^-."  On  the  fourth  of  October  of 
the  same  j'ear,  it  was  voted  to  give  Mr.  Cotton  one  hundred 
pounds  as  a  yearl}*  salary,  "  when  he  shall  come  to  have  a  faramely." 
A  committee  of  ten  was  appointed  to  make  arrangements  for  his 
ordination,  with  the  privilege  of  drawing  money  out  of  the  treas- 
ulT  to  defray  the  charges. 

Mr.  Cotton's  ministry  in  Newton  continued  from  November  3, 
1714,  till  his  death.  May  17,  1757.  His  father  was  Rev.  Roland 
Cotton,  of  Sandwich  (H.  C.  1685),  his  grandfather,  Rev.  John 
Cotton  of  Plymouth  (H.  C.  1G57),  and  his  great  grandfather, 
the  celebrated  Rev.  John  Cotton,  one  of  the  first  ministers  of 
Boston,  and  previously  minister  of  Boston,  in  Lincolnshire,  Eng- 
land, a  place  noted  in  the  annals  of  the  persecuted  Puritans. 
The  Enghsh  Boston  is  a  place  of  some  importance,  situated  on 
both  sides  of  the  river  Withara,  one  hundred  and  seventeen  miles 
north  of  London.  Boston  is  said  to  have  been  so  named,  in  com- 
pliment to  that  eloquent  preacher,  as  soon  as  it  was  known  that  he 
had  embarked  for  this  couutrj'.  Mr.  Cotton,  of  Newton,  was  born 
in  1693,  and  graduated  from  the  University  when  he  was  only 
seventeen  years  of  age.  He  first  preached  in  Newton,  July 
14,  1714,  as  a  candidate  for  the  vacant  pulpit.  His  text  was  Heb. 
II:  3,  "How  shaU  we  escape,  if  we  neglect  so  great  salvation?" 
"  So  high  was  the  respect  cherished  for  the  virtues  and  accomplish- 
ments of  this  youth  of  twenty,  that  the  town  in  general  went  in 
procession  to  meet  him  and  gave  him  a  joyful  welcome,  upon  Ms 
first  entrance  into  it."  Mr.  Jackson  remarks  that  the  recorded 
votes  and  doings  of  the  town  show  a  great  anxiety  on  the  part  of 
the  inhabitants  to  secure  his  services.  He  was  ordained  Novem- 
ber 3,  1714,  about  four  months  after  he  commenced  preaching  as 
a  candidate.  He  is  said  to  have  been  faithful,  fervent,  and  suc- 
cessful in  his  labors.  In  1715  Mr.  Cotton  purchased  of  the  heirs 
of  his  predecessor  in  the  pastorate,  about  one  hundred  acres  of 
land,  with  house  and  barn.  The  dwelling-house  built  by  Mr. 
Hobart  in  1678,  was  burned  March  24,  1720,  and  this  new  one 
was  erected  on  the  same  site.  In  later  years  it  was  known  as  the 
homestead  of  Mr.  John  Cabot,  at  the  corner  of  Centre  and  Cabot 
Streets,  and  recentlj^  removed. 

Mr.  Cotton  married  Mary,  daughter  of  Mr.  Robert  Gibbs,  of 
Boston,  Febraary  19, 1719,  and  had  eleven  children,  five  sons  and 


218  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

six  daughters.     His  ministry  extended  over  a  period  of  forty-two 
and  a  half  3'ears.     In  his  will,  he  says, — • 

First  and  principally,  I  commend  my  soul  into  the  hands  of  Almighty  God, 
my  heavenly  Father,  in  hopes  of  eternal  life,  through  the  merits  and  pas- 
sion and  prevailing  intercession  of  his  only  begotten  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  my 
Kedecmer;  and  my  body  I  desire  may  be  decently  interred,  at  the  disposal 
of  my  loving  wife,  in  hopes  of  a  joyful  resurrection  at  the  last  day. 

The  following  Latin  epitaph  is  inscribed  on  Mr.  Cotton's  tomb- 
stone : 

HIC  DEPOSITUM  MORI  QUOD  POTUIT 

REVERENDI  VEREQUE  VEXERANDI 

JOHANNIS  COTTON, 

ECCLESIAE  NEVVTONIENSIS  FIDELISSIMI,  PUUDENTISSIMI,  DOCTISSIMIQUE 

PASTORIS, 

CONCIONANDI     TUM     PRECANDI    FACULTATB     CELEBERRIMI    PIETATE     SPECTATIS- 

SIMI,  MORIBUS    SANCTISSIMIS    UNDEQUAQUE 

ET    SUAVISSIMIS    AB    OJINIBUS   BENE    MERITI, 

DEPLORATIQUE    AUDITORIBUS  PRAECIPCE, 

QUIBOS   VEL   MORTUUS    CONCIONARI    NON    DESINIT. 

FAMA    LONGE    LATEQUE  VOCALIUS    ET   DIUTIOS    MARMORE    DURATISSIMO, 

NOMEN    PERBULCE     PROCLAMABIT. 

MORBO,  NON  SENECTA  FRACTUS, 

E  VITA  DECESSIT  MAII  17,  A.  D.   1757,  AETATIS  SUAE  64, 

OFFICII  MINISTRALIS  43. 

TRANSLATION. 

Here  is  deposited  all  that  was  mortal  of  the  Reverend  and  truly  venerable 
John  Cotton,  the  most  faithful,  prudent  and  learned  pastor  of  the  church  of 
Newton,  renowned  for  his  ability  in  preaching  and  in  prayer,  distinguished 
for  his  piety,  honored  of  all  for  his  holy  life,  and  deeply  lamented  especially 
by  his  congregation,  to  whom,  being  dead,  he  yet  speaketh.  Fame  will 
proclaim  his  beloved  name  far  and  wide,  with  a  louder  and  more  lasting 
voice  than  the  most  enduring  marble.  Broken,  not  by  age  but  by  sickness, 
he  died  May  17,  1757,  in  the  sixty-fourth  year  of  his  age  and  the  forty-third 
of  his  ministry.  ' 

Mr.  Cotton  published,  in  1729,  with  other  discourses,  a  sermon 
on  the  death  of  his  brother,  Rev.  Nathaniel  Cotton  (H.  C.  1717), 
of  Bristol ;  in  1734,  a  sermon  at  the  ordination  of  his  brother, 
Ward  Cotton  (H.  C.  1729),  as  minister  of  Hampton ;  and  in 
1739,  four  sermons  addressed  to  the  young,  from  Zechariah  II :  4, 
"Run,  speak  to  this  .young  man." 

Mr.  Cotton  left  two  slaves,  a  man  and  woman.  The  first,  Quar- 
tus,  went  into  the  service  of  the  British  arm^',  and  it  is  not  known 


WHITEFIELD'S  PREACHING.  219 

wliat  afterwards  l3eca,rac  of  him;  the  other,  Phillis,  remained,  an 
incumbrance  to  the  estate. 

Two  seasons  of  special  religious  interest  occurred  during  the 
ministr}'  of  Mr.  Cotton,  the  first  in  the  years  1727  and  1728,  the 
second  in  1741  and  1742.  From  December  31,  1727,  to  April  21, 
1728,  a  period  of  less  than  four  months,  fifty  were  admitted  to  the 
(thurch.  This  was  a  season  of  awakening  also  in  the  churches  in 
Boston.  It  was  directly  after  the  great  earthquake,  which  occurred 
October  29,  1727.  At  that  time  eighty  were  admitted  to  the  Old 
South  church  in  Boston.  The  second  season  of  revival  occurred 
in  Newton  about  the  3'ear  1741.  From  June  28,  1741,  to  April  4, 
1742, —  a  space  of  ten  months, —  one  hundred  and  four  new  mem- 
bers were  admitted  to  the  church.  The  influence  of  such  a  season 
■of  religious  interest  on  the  sparse  population  of  the  town  must 
have  been  long  felt  among  the  people.  This  was  the  era  of  those 
wonderful  revivals  in  the  time  of  President  Edwards,  which  pre- 
vailed in  various  portions  of  New  England,  and  especially  in  the 
region  of  the, Connecticut  River. 

The  celebrated  preacher.  Rev.  George  Whitefield,  about  six  years 
later  visited  New  England,  and  preached  in  Newton  "before 
crowded  and  attentive  audiences."  He  preached  November  3, 
1748,  in  the  period  of  Mr.  Cotton,  and  September  20, 1770,  in  the 
pastorate  of  Mr.  Meriam.  "  This  was  tenda3's  before  Mr.  White- 
field  died  at  Newbm-ypoi-t.  His  visit  to  Newton,  on  the  former 
occasion,  produced  a  very  happy  impression,  and  numbers  became 
interested  in  the  things  of  religion."  In  connection  with  his  labors 
at  the  second  visit,  some  hopeful  conversions,  and  new  vigor  was 
infused  into  many  a  Christian  life.  The  preaching  of  Mr.  White- 
field  was  the  occasion  of  the  springing  up  of  New  Light  churches, 
so  called,  in  derision,  by  those  who  doubtless  misunderstood  them. 
The  doctrine  of  the  new  birth,  and  the  obligation  of  personal  faith 
in  Christ  and  individual  consecration  to  God,  savored  of  mysticism 
in  tlie  view  of  many.  AYhitefield's  ministry  brought  them,  as  it 
were,  a  new  gospel, —  the  result  of  new  light  from  heaven,  which 
the  converts  professed  to  have  received.  Multitudes  would  not 
behove  such  things,  and  turned  them  into  ridicule.  But  one  of 
these  New  Light  organizations  in  Newton  was  the  nursery  in  which 
the  First  Baptist  church  had  its  germ. 


CHAPTER  XVin. 

LOCATION  OF   THE  MEETINGS-HOUSE. THE  THIRD  MEETING— HOUSE. 

TOWN  RECORDS. 

Although  the  settlement  of  Mr.  Cotton,  as  the  minister  of  the 
town,  was  wholly  amicable,  the  vexed  question  of  the  location  of 
the  meeting-house  was  not  yet  solved.  The  remote  inhabitants 
were  too  conscientious  to  cut  the  Gordian  knot  b}-  absenting  them- 
selves from  wt)rship,  as  men  would  have  done  in  modern  times. 
Indeed  the  stringency  of  the  laws  forbade  such  a  solution  of  the 
difficulty.  They  were  moreover  sufficiently  in  earnest  in  what 
seemed  to  them  a  matter  of  right,  to  refuse  to  sit  down  peaceably 
under  what  they  regarded  as  oppression.  On  the  23d  of  November, 
1714,  twenty  days  subsequent  to  the  ordination,  a  committee  was 
chosen  "  to  look  for  the  most  convenient  place  near  the  Centre,  to 
erect  a  meeting-house,  and  also  to  look  out  convenient  ways 
thereto."  This  committee  reported  December  7, 1714,  "that  there  is 
two  places  proposed  to  be  convenient,  viz.,  one  place  about  forty 
rods  south  of  the  centre,  and  one  other  place,  twenty-seven  rods 
nor-west  of  the  centre."  The  report  was  accepted  by  the  majority, 
but  the  question  was  still  a  matter  of  debate.  For  under  date  of 
May  13,  1715,  we  find  on  record  the  following  vote,  which  indi- 
cates that  the  inhabitants  despaired  of  agreement  among  them- 
selves, and  sought  the  aid  of  legislative  interposition  : 

At  a  towne  meeting  lawfully  warned  and  regularly  assembled,  voated  by 
the  inhabitanc  of  said  towne,  that  they  do  freely  and  fully  and  absolutely  re- 
.  fer  themselves  to  the  Honorab'll  Generall  Court  to  fix  a  pertickular  place  by 
a  Comraitye,  for  to  erect  a  meeting  house  upon  for  the  use  of  the  whole 
towne  •  the  inhabitanc  having  free  liberty  to  make  their  pleas  for  theire  sev- 
erall  ri"-hts  before  said  Commitye ;  and  farther,  that  tliey  will  sitt  downe 
satisfied  with  what  the  lionorable  Court  shall  do  and  confirme  ;  and  that  we 
will  erect  a  meeting  house  upon  said  place  within  the  terme  of  five  years 
next  ensewinge. 

220 


NEW  LOCATION.  221 

The  Selectmen  were  appointed  to  petition  the  General  Court  to 
appoint  a  committee,  as  contemplated  in  the  above  vote,  and  in 
March  following,  171G,  a  committee  was  selected  to  treat  with 
Mr.  Nathaniel  Parker*  for  the  land  upon  which  the  new  meeting- 
house was  to  be  erected. 

The  report  of  the  committee  was  accepted  by  the  General 
Court,  and  that  bod3'  ordered  "  that  the  meeting-house  remain 
where  it  now  is  for  the  space  of  five  years,  and  then  a  new  meet- 
ing-house be  erected  in  such  place  near  the  centre  of  the  town  as 
shall  be  agreed  upon." 

On  the  tenth  of  April,  1716,  at  a  town  meeting  appointed  to  hear  the  report 
of  the  committee  on  the  selection  of  the  spot  of  land  for  the  new  meeting- 
house, and  to  take  any  further  action  which  might  be  necessary,  for  the  con- 
firmation of  the  agreement  already  entered  into, —  the  town  most  seriously 
considering  the  unhappy  circumstances  they  labor  under,  by  reason  of  the 
overgrowing  contentions  there  has  been  in  the  town,  about  the  place  or 
places  for  the  public  worship  of  God  in  said  town,  and  there  being  little  or  no 
prospect  of  its  being  otherwise  without  a  spirit  of  condescension  and  self- 
denial,  and  also  considering  the  several  steps  which  have  been  taken  for  the 
better  accommodating  the  town  in  said  affairs,  as  by  application  to  the  Gen- 
eral Court,  the  vote  of  the  town  on  May  13,  1715,  and  the  agreement  of  the 
inhabitants  of  the  said  town  at  their  meeting  March  16,  1716, — which  agree- 
ment, if  fully  confirmed,  gives  the  best,  if  not  the  only,  prospect  of  settling 
Newtown  in  love  and  peace, — the  town  being  therefore  desirous  to  confirm 
said  agreement,  as  much  as  in  them  lies,  passed  the  following  votes  : 

"  1.  That  the  report  of  the  committee  is  well  approved  of  and  accepted 
by  the  town. 

*'  2.  That  there  shall  be  a  committee  fully  authorized  and  impowered,  in 
the  name  and  behalf,  and  to  the  only  use  and  behoof  of  said  town,  to  pur- 
chase the  acre  and  a  half  and  twenty  rods  of  land  of  Mr.  Nathaniel  Parker, 
that  lieth  between  the  house  of  Jonathan  Goddard  and  William  Burrig,  upon 
the  highest  ground  on  the  south  side  of  the  field,  to  set  a  meeting-house  upon, 
for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  whole  town,  and  to  take  of  said  Parker  a 
sufficient  deed,  well  executed,  as  soon  as  may  be. 

"3.  That  there  shall  be  a  meeting-house  for  the  public  worship  of  God, 
erected,  built  and  finished  in  said  town,  of  sufficient  dimensions  to  entertain 
all  the  inhabitants  of  said  town  at  the  proper  cost  and  charge  of  the  whole 
town,  within  the  term  of  four  years  next  ensuing  the  13th  day  of  May,  1716, 


*  Nathaniel  Parker  married  Margaret,  daughter  of  Capt.  Noah  Wiswall,  settled  on 
part  of  the  Wiswall  land,  and  bought  the  house  and  land  formerly  owned  by  Lieut. 
Ebenezer  Wiswall,  of  his  three  nephews,  in  1694.  He  was  an  enterprising  man,  and 
it  was  to  him  that  John  Clark  in  1708  sold  part  of  the  saw-mill,  steam  and  eel  weir, 
wth  half  an  acre  of  land  at  Newton  Upper  Falls.  Nathaniel  Parker  was  the  son  of 
Samuel  Parker,  of  Dedham.  He  was  born  March  26,  1670,  and  died  Feb.  28,  1747, 
aged  77. 


222  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

the  said  meeting-house  to  be  set  upon  the  acre  and  a  half  and  about  twenty 
rods  of  land  before  mentioned,  as  it  is  staked  out  in  the  field  of  said  Parker, 
between  the  house  of  Jonathan  Goddard  and  William  Burrig,  in  Newton, 
upon  the  highest  ground  on  the  south  side  of  the  field.  The  which  meeting- 
house, so  set  and  finished,  after  the  expiration  of  four  years,  and  in  the 
[maimer]  now  expressed,  shall  be  the  only  meeting-house  for  the  public 
worship  of  God  within  and  for  the  whole  town,  and  the  minister  for  the  time 
to  conform  to  this  vote  accordingly." 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  lay  the  action  of  the  town  before 
the  General  Court  for  their  approval,  and  the  Selectmen  reported 
that  they  had  "  actually  laid  out  and  opened  a  highway,  two  rods 
wide,  for  the  northerly  part  of  the  town  to  the  proposed  spot  for 
the  meeting-house,  beginning  at  the  Mill  lane,  near  the  head  of  the 
Millpond." 

On  the  ninth  of  June,  171G,  the  committee  of  the  General 
Court  viewed  the  proposed  spot  on  Nathaniel  Parker's  land, 
"which,  in  the  opinion  of  the  Selectmen,  was  the  most  suitable 
spot  for  accommodating  the  gi'eatest  number  of  inhabitants,  — it 
being  about  twenty-eight  rods  south  southeast,  near  a  quarter  of 
a  point  east  from  the  centre  of  the  town,  according  to  Joseph 
Burnap's  surve}'."  . 

In  March,  1717,  the  town  voted  to  build  a  meeting-house,  fift}'- 
seveu  (57)  feet  long,  fort^'-five  (45)  feet  wide,  and  twenty-five  (25) 
feet  between  joints  ;  also,  appointed  John  Spring,  Samuel  Trues- 
dale  and  Captain  Thomas  Prentice  a  committee  "  to  procure 
boards,  shingles,  clapboards,  and  long  timber,  such  as  cannot  be 
had  in  the  town."  A  building  committee  was  appointed,  and  £200 
were  voted  at  the  town  meetings  in  1717,  1718  and  1720  succes- 
sively^, to  commence  and  carry  forward  the  work. 

While  this  work  was  in  hand,  March  24,  1720,  the  dwelling- 
house  owned  and  occupied  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cotton  was  burnt, 
but  immediately'  rebuilt  on  the  same  site. 

To  those  who  live  at  a  period  a  hundred  and  sixt}'  3'ears  away, 
the  contentions  of  the  inhabitants  in  regard  to  the  location  of  their 
meeting-house  seem  unreasonable  and  puerile.  All  that  was  gained 
by  them  seems  to  us  of  little  value.  The  new  meeting-house,  the 
tliu'd  that  was  built  in  the  town,  stood  on  the  same  lot  which  has 
ever  since  been  the  site  of  the  First  Parish  church.  And  a  change 
of  location  of  a  little  over  half  a  mile  was  the  only  issue  of  all  their 
bad  blood  and  ill  feeling,  their  separations,  and  angry  speeches, 
and  sharp  discussions. 


NEW  GRIEVANCES.  223 

Voted,  to  build  pews  in  the  new  meeting-house,  and  seats  for  the  boys  by 
the  side  of  the  house;  to  have  the  windows  ghvzed  with  diamond  glass,  to 
build  a  porch  over  the  east  door,  and  to  sell  the  old  meeting-house. 

In  March,  1721,  it  was  "voted  that  the  £200  rate,  granted  to 
build  the  meeting-house,  be  sunk,  and  not  collected ;  and  in  lieu 
thereof,  that  the  town  make  use  of  the  bills  of  credit,  granted  by 
the  General  Court,  to  the  several  towns  in  the  province.  Mr. 
Jackson  gives  the  following  explanation  of  these  bills  of  credit : 

Owing  to  the  total  failure  of  the  Canada  expedition  in  1690,  the  Colony 
issued  £50,000  of  bills  of  credit,  bearing  five  per  cent,  interest,  to  defray  the 
expenses  of  that  disastrous  expedition.  These  were  the  first  of  that  species 
of  paper  money  which  was  multiplied  to  such  a  ruinous  extent  at  subsequent 
periods. 

The  new  meeting-house  was  read}^  for  use  b})-  the  church  late  in 
the  autumn.  The  first  meeting  was  held  in  it  November  5,  1721. 
Mr.  Cotton  preached  from  the  text  I  Kings  VI :  11-13,  "And  the 
word  of  the  Lord  came  to  Solomon,  saying,  Concerning  this 
house  which  thou  art  in  building,  if  thou  wilt  walk  in  my  statutes 
and  execute  my  judgments,  and  keep  all  my  commandments  to 
walk  in  them,  then  will  I  perform  my  word  with  thee,  which  I 
spake  unto  David  thv  father :  and  I  will  dwell  among  the  children 
of  Israel,  and  will  not  forsake  my  people  Israel." 

Thus  Mr.  Cotton  preached  in  the  old  meeting-house  about  seven 
3'ears,  and  in  the  new,  about  thirt^'-six.  This  new  structure  stood 
eighty-four  j'ears,  and  was  replaced  by  another  in  1805. 

It  is  stated  in  Ripley's  History  of  Waltham  that  a  committee  of 
that  town  were  authorized  to  purchase  the  old  meeting-house  of 
Newton  at  a  sum  not  exceeding  eighty  pounds  ;  and  that  the  house 
was  purchased  and  taken  down  and  removed  to  Waltham  in  the 
month  of  October,  1721  ;  and  there  it  remained  till  1776. 

A  committee  was  chosen  in  March,  1722,  "to  seat  the  new 
meeting-house,  according  to  the  people's  rates  and  age." 

After  the  controversy  relating  to  the  location  of  the  meeting- 
house was  arranged,  it  might  have  been  expected  that  the  inhab- 
itants of  Newton  would  settle  down,  at  least  for  a  season,  "  in  love 
and  peace."  But  the}'"  had  not  j^et  attained  to  that  which  is  per- 
fect, and  they  j^earned  again  for  their  ideal.  In  November,  1722, 
the  inhabitants,  in  town  meeting  assembled,  appointed  a  committee 
of.  seven  men  with  full  power  to  answer  the  petition  and  complaint 
of  the  southerly  families  of  the  town  at  the  Great  and  General 
Assembly,  and  to  act  thereupon  as  they  should  have  occasion.     It 


224  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

appears  from  the  Records,  that  in  that  year  the  six  families  in  the 
south  precinct,  which  the  General  Court  had  allowed  to  worship 
and  pay  ministerial  taxes  in  Roxbury,  sent  a  memorial  to  the 
Court,  complaining  that  Newton  had  taxed  them  for  the  support  of 
the  ministry  in  Newton,  and  sued  and  imprisoned  some  of  them 
for  non-payment.  And  in  December,  1722,  a  committee  of  nine 
was  appointed  to  draw  up  a  petition  to  "  the  General  Court  or 
Assembly,  to  bring  on  the  six  famihes  that  were  set  off  to  support 
the  ministry  in  Roxbur3%  during  the  pleasure  of  the  General  Court, 
that  they  may  again  help  to  support  the  ministry  in  Newton." 

May  10,  1725,  the  town  appointed  Richard  Ward,  ensign  John 
Spring,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Longley,  Robert  Murdoek  and  Ebenezer 
Stone  a  committee  "  to  dignif}^  the  seats  and  pews  in  the  meeting- 
house ; "  also,  voted  to  have  "  the  town  meetings  warned  by  set- 
ting up  said  warnings  upon  a  post  by  the  meeting-house." 

More  than  two  years  passed  after  the  committee  was  appointed 
as  above,  with  reference  to  the  recovery  of  the  six  families  who 
elected  to  attend  worship  at  Roxbur\'.  Either  the  General  Court 
were  dilatory  in  their  action,  or  the  independent  spuits  in  the 
southern  part  of  the  town  were  dilatory  in  3'ielding  obedience ; 
for  at  the  town  meeting  of  May  10,  1725,  a  vote  was  passed 
"that  the  Great  and  General  Court  be  further  appUed  unto,  to 
bring  on  the  six  families  to  support  the  miuistrj'  with  us,  that  have 
been  allowed  to  attend  the  public  worship  at  Roxbury," —  the 
same  committee  being  appointed  over  this  business  as  before,  with 
the  addition  of  Ebenezer  Stone,  Esq. 

The  State  seems,  about  this  time,  to  have  had  a  full  treasur}',  and 
also  a  disposition  to  help  the  people  of  the  towns  by  loans  of 
mone}',  to  enable  them  to  develop  their  territorj^,  and  to  start 
them  on  a  career  of  prosperit}'.  At  the  town  meeting  of  March  .3, 
1728,  the  town  appointed  three  trustees,  to  receive  and  loan 
to  the  citizens  its  proportion  of  sixt}'  thousand  pounds,  granted 
by  law  b}-  the  General  Court,  and  to  loan  it  to  the  inhabitants 
desiring  it,  no  one  loan  to  be  less  than  ten  nor  more  than  twent}'- 
five  pounds. 

The  Record  of  the  town  at  this  time  shows  how  onerous  was 
the  duty  of  a  constable  of  Newton,  on  whom  was  laid,  for  many 
years,  the  burden  of  collecting  the  annual  taxes ;  and  a  citizen 
elected  to  that  office,  if  he  did  not  submit  to  accept,  was  com- 
pelled to  pay  a  pecuniary  mulct.     At  the  meeting  in  March,  1728, 


TOWN  VOTES.  225 

Mr.  Joseph  Jackson  was  choson  constable,  but  declined  the  office, 
and  "  did  immediately  pay  his  fine  as  the  law  requires."  Another 
record  shows  that  the  amount  of  the  fine  was  five  pounds.  The 
people  did  not  expect  their  public  officers  to  give  their  time  with- 
out compensation;  for  they  voted,  May  12,  1729,  to  give  their 
representative  to  the  General  Court  the  sum  of  fortj^-five  pounds 
six  shillings  for  his  ser\ices  for  the  year  past. 

At  a  town  meeting  held  May  12,  175.5,  the  matter  of  building  a 
new  pound  was  taken  up  for  debate,  and  it  was  voted  to  build  a 
new  pound  with  stone,  accepting  for  the  purpose  Mr.  Noah 
Wiswall's  ofier  of  a  piece  of  land,  near  the  house  of  Mr.  Jonathan 
Richardson.  It  was  left  to  the  Selectmen,  at  a  subsequent  meet- 
ing, "  to  dispose  of  the  old  pound  as  they  shall  thinlj  proper." 

"We  find  the  following  grave  entries  in  the  Town  Records  under 
their  respective  dates.  We  gain  some  idea  of  the  simple  and  in- 
expensive habits  of  the  people,  by  observing  that  these  provisions 
were  made  when  the  town  was  already  three-quarters  of  a  century 
old. 

March  19,  1759. — Voted,  to  provide  a  Cotton  Velvet  Pali  to  be  used  at 
funerals. 

May  11,  1763. — Voted,  to  let  the  Velvet  Pall  to  the  inhabitants  of  other 
towns,  and  that  those  pgrsons  that  shall  hire  said  Velvet  Pall  shall  pay  half 
a  dollar  every  time  it  is  hired. 

May  13,  1799. — The  town  was  authorized  to  purchase  two  hearses  for 
the  use  of  the  town,  when  in  their  opinion  the  money  can  with  convenience 
be  spared  out  of  the  Town  Treasury. 

A  record  like  the  following  gives  a  yivid  impression  of  the  sim- 
plicity of  the  life  of  the  men  who  walked  in  these  streets  a  century 
and  a  quarter  ago,  and  laid  the  foundations  of  the  conveniences 
we  now  enjoy  ; — men  who  toiled  unselfishly  for  the  public  welfare, 
and  were  willing  to  accept  the  lowest  compensation  for  their  ser- 
vice, conscious  of  having  discharged  a  duty  which  they  owed  to 
their  fellow-citizens  : 

March  3,  1760. — ^Voted,  that  every  person  shall  have  liberty  to  work  out 
their  highway  rate  the  present  year;  that  every  person  shall  have  three 
pence  per  hour  for  their  labor  in  said  ways  the  present  year ;  and  there 
shall  be  allowed  for  each  team  that  is  able  to  carry  a  ton  weight  three  pence 
per  hour  for  their  labor  on  said  ways. 
15 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

REV.    JONAS    MERIAM,    FOURTH    PASTOR. BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH. — 

THE   SLAVE. NEW    CHURCH     LIST. SECOND    PARISH. —  PULPIT 

SUPPLIES. 

At  the  town-meeting  held  May  20,  1757,  the  town  voted  "  to  en- 
deavor to  raise  money  by  subscription  towards  defraying  the  charge 
of  the  funeral  of  our  late  pastor,  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Cotton."  At  the 
same  time  a  committee  was  appointed  to  take  care  that  the  pulpit 
be  supplied.  The  committee,  consisting  of  Deacon  John  Stone, 
Deacon  Thomas  Greenwood,  Deacon  Ephraim  Ward,  Henry  Gibbs, 
Esq. ,  and  Lieutenant  Robert  Murdock,  was  instructed  b}^  the  town 
"  to  take  care  that  the  pulpit  be  supplied  until  the  first  Monday  in 
September  next,"  the  supplies  to  be  paid  out  of  the  town  treasmy 
by  order  of  the  Selectmen. 

On  the  2 2d  of  August  following,  a  committee  was  appointed 
"  to  agree  with  a  gentleman  or  gentlemen  to  preach  with  us  some 
term  of  time."  This  "  term  of  time  "  was  afterwards  defined, 
"till  the  first  Monda}-  of  December  next." 

At  a  town  meeting  held  Friday,  December  9,  1757,  the  town 
voted  to  '*  concur  with  the  church  in  the  choice  of  Mr.  Jonas  Meriam 
for  their  gospel  minister,"  and  to  desire  him  to  supply  the  pulpit 
until  the  next  town  meeting.  At  a  subsequent  meeting,  Decem- 
ber 26th,  the  sum  of  eighty  pounds,  lawful  money,  was  granted  to 
Mr.  Meriam  for  his  3'early  salary, —  the  salary  to  begin  at  the  time 
of  his  ordination  ;  also,  to  give  him  firewood  j'early  from  the  min- 
isterial wood-lots,  and  "for  his  encouragement  to  settle  with  us  in 
the  work  of  the  ministry,  in  lawful  monc}'  a  sum  equal  to  one  thou- 
sand pounds,  old  tenor." 

It  was  also  voted  to  record  Mr.  Meriam's  reply  to  the  call  of  the 
church  and  town  in  the  Town  Records ;  and  a  committee  was 
appointed  "  to  treat  with  Mr.  Jonas  Meriam,  to  know  in  what  way 

22G 


REV.  JONAS  MERIAM.  227 

and  manner  he  would  choose  to  come  into  town  and  also  to  wait 
on  him  into  town  accordingh'." 

The  above  recoi'ds  indicate  that  the  church  exercised  the  right  of 
primary  action  in  the  election  of  the  minister,  and  that  the  town, 
as  the  lower  house,  concurred  with  the  action  of  the  church,  appro- 
priating the  necessar}'  funds  for  his  support.  They  also  testif}^  to 
the  deliberation  with  which  the  people  proceeded  in  an  affaii'  of  so 
great  importance.  Mr.  Cotton  died  May  17,  1757.  The  vote  con- 
firming the  choice  of  Mr.  Meriam  as  his  successor  was  passed 
December  9th,  uiore  than  six  months  afterwards  ;  and  the  ordination 
of  Mr.  Meriam  did  not  take  place  till  March  22,  1758.  At  the 
town  meeting  held  thirteen  days  pre\ious  to  the  ordination,  the  in- 
habitants voted  that  "  the  sum  of  thirteen  pounds,  six  shillings  and 
eight  pence  be  granted  and  drawn  out  of  the  town  treasury  by  the 
Selectmen,  and  put  into  the  hands  of  the  committee  "to  defray  the 
charges  of  Mr.  Meriam's  ordination, —  said  committee  to  be  account- 
able." 

The  vote  instructing  a  committee  to  consult  with  Mr.  Meriam 
as  to  "  the  way  and  manner  of  his  coming  into  town,"  which  would 
be  agreeable  to  him,  indicates  a  degree  of  formality  to  which  mod- 
ern times  are  strangers.  It  maj^  imply  that  Mr.  Meriam  was  a 
person  paying  much  regard  to  punctilios  ;  and,  as  the  whole  town 
had  turned  out  in  procession  to  welcome  the  coming  of  his  prede- 
cessor, Mr.  Cotton,  to  allow  Mr.  Meriam  to  enter  the  scene  of  his 
futm-e  labors  without  an}-  special  demonstrations  of  respect,  might 
have  the  appearance  of  an  invidious  distinction.  We  find  no 
record  as  to  the  manner  in  which  he  was  received  by  the  citizens. 
But  the  kindness  with  which  he  was  treated,  especially  in  his  day 
of  calamity-,  and  the  extended  period  during  Avhich  he  labored  as  a 
useful  minister  among  the  people,  are  proofs  that  he  did  not  lack 
for  s^'mpathy  or  respect.  The  pomp  of  a  formal  reception  seems 
to  have  suited  the  ideas  held  by  the  fathers  of  the  reverence  duo 
to  the  ministr}-.  How  great  the  contrast  between  the  reverence 
shown  in  former  times  to  the  sacred  profession  and  the  customs  of 
our  modern  life ! 

In  that  early  period,  the  business  of  the  church  and  of  the  town 
was  to  a  considerable  extent  the  same.  The  interests  of  the  parish 
and  the  interests  of  the  citizens  wei'c  not  dissevered.  The  simple 
lives  and  customs  of  the  people  aflforded  little  occasion  for  the 
adoption   of   measures  which  would  be  made  matter  of  record. 


228  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Every  year  was  modelled  substantially  on  the  plan  of  the  j'ear 
preceding.  The  machiner}'  of  life  was  little  jostled  by  outside 
influences.* 

The  burning  of  the  Church  Records  with  Mr.  Meriam's  house, 
twelve  5-ears  after  his  settlement,  leaves  us  without  the  means  of 
following  the  events  of  the  early  part  of  his  ministr}'.  But  we 
give  these  notices  of  his  life  and  character. 

Mr.  Meriam  was  the  fourth  minister  of  Newton,  and  the  last 
who  was  settled  b}'  the  whole  town.  He  was  the  son  of  Jonas 
Meriam,  of  Lincoln,  Mass.  ;  his  grandfather  was  John  Meriam-, 
of  Lincoln,  and  his  great  grandfather,  John  Meriam,  of  Lexington. 
He  was  born  in  Lincoln,  in  1730,  graduated  at  Harvard  University, 
1753,  in  a  class  of  seventeen,  of  whom  six  became  ministers,  and 
received  the  degree  of  Master  of  Arts  in  1757.  He  was  thrice 
married.  His  first  wife  (married  November,  1758)  was  Mehitable 
Foxcroft,  of  Cambridge  ;  the  second  (married  in  1771)  was  Jeru- 
sha  Fitch,  of  Brookline ;  tiie  third,  Sarah  Chardon,  of  Boston. 
His  only  child,  Mehitable,  born  June  5,  1760,  married  John  Ken- 
rick,  Esq.,  of  Newton.  The  first  wife  died  April  22,  1770,  aged 
fort}' -seven  years, —  a  month  and  four  days  subsequent  to  the  fire 
which  consumed  his  dwelling;  the  second  died  in  1776;  the 
third  wife  survived  him.  After  he  was  married  to  Miss  Fitch, 
her  mother  became  a  member  of  the  family  at  Newton,  and  brought 
with  her  a  female  slave,  by  name  PameUa,  whom  she  had  received 
as  a  present  from  her  son,  then  residing  on  the  island  of  Jamaica. 
Mr.  Meriam  was  sorely  troubled  by  the  treatment  which  this 
colored  woman  received  from  his  mother-in-law.  On  one  occasion, 
seeing  Mrs.  Fitch  strike  and  otherwise  maltreat  her,  he  asked  her 
for  what  price  she  would  sell  her  slave  to  him.  She  answered, 
"A  hundred  dollars."  He  at  once  paid  the  price,  and  instantly 
gave  Pameliaher  freedom.  She  preferred  to  remain  with  him,  and 
did  so  till  his  death.  After  this,  she  went  to  Little  Cambridge 
(Brighton),  where  she  married,  and  fin  all}- died  at  aA^ery  advanced 
age.  According  to  her  own  testimou}',  she  was  born  in  Africa, 
stolen  from  her  parents  while  a  child,  and  carried  to  Jamaica, 
where  she  became  the  propert}^  of  Mr.  Fitch.  The  act  of 
Mr.  Meriam  is  in  harmony  with  the  kind  and  peaceable  character 


*  A  glimpse  of  Newton  life  is  found  in  a  vote  passed  in  March,  1769,  providing  that 
"]Mr.  Meriam's  wood-cutting  be  the  first  Tuesday  in  October;  if  foul,  the  next 
fair  day." 


NEW  CHURCH  ROLL.  229 

ascribed  to  him,  and  marked  him,  at  that  early  period,  as  a  prac- 
tical abolitionist. 

The  fire  which  consumed  Mr.  Meriam's  house  originated,  as  -jvas 
said,  among  some  corn  cobs  in  the  garret,  and  was  discovered 
while  the  family  were  at  sui:>per.  The  table  around  which  thej- 
were  sitting  was  taken  out  of  the  house  with  its  furniture  and 
food  disposed  upoa  it.  The  table  is  still  in  possession  of  Mrs. 
John  Kcnrick,  whose  father-in-law,  Mr.  John  Kenrick,  married 
Mr.    Meriam's  daughter. 

The  burning  of  Mr.  Meriam's  house  gave  to  the  people  of  his 
charge  an  opportunit}',  which  they  cheerfull}'  and  generall}-  em- 
braced, to  afford  their  pastor  liberal  aid  in  rebuilding  on  the  same 
site.  The  new  house,  after  his  decease,  passed  into  the  hands  of 
his  successor  in  the  ministrj',  the  Rev.  Dr.  Homer,  who  occupied 
it  during  his  entire  lifetime  in  Newton.  It  stood  on  Centre  Street, 
midwa}'  between  the  mansions  of  the  Hon.  Alden  Speare,  second 
mayor  of  the  citj'  of  Newton,  and  Thomas  Nickerson,  Esq.  The 
two  large  acacias,  still  (1880)  flourishing,  were  at  the  sides  of  the 
path  leading  to  the  front  door.  The  house  was  removed  to  a  par- 
allel street  westward,  and  was  occupied  for  man}-  years  as  a  farm 
house  b}'  the  heirs  of  Martin  Morse,  Esq. 

After  the  burning  of  the  Church  Records,  Mr.  Meriam  com- 
menced a  new  book  of  Records,  supplj'ing  the  loss  of  the  former, 
as  far  as  possible,  thi'ough  the  memories  of  official  persons  and  the 
older  members  of  the  church.  A  coimnittee  of  twelve  was  ap- 
pointed, "  to  inquire  who  are  church  members,  and  who  have  owned 
the  covenant,  not  being  in  full  communion,*  to  be  put  on  record." 
These  twelve  members  of  the  committee  CA-idently  represented 
every  localit}'  in  the  town.  Undoubtedl}*,  at  a  period  when  the  com- 
munity embraced  many  sexagenarians,  not  to  say  octogenarians, 
and  when  there  was  little  dispersion  of  families,  the  sons  general^ 


•These  persons  were  included  in  the  half-way  covenant,  so  called.  The  early  settlers, 
anxious  to  preserve  the  purity  of  the  government,  allowed  none  to  vote  or  hold 
political  office,  except  such  as  were  church  members,  and  regular  communicants  at 
the  Lord's  Supper.  In  process  of  time,  there  were  many  excellent  persons,  of  sober 
life  and  true  worth,  who,  on  account  of  doubts  of  their  own  spiritual  estate,  were  too 
conscientious  to  partake  of  the  sacrament.  But  their  fellow-citizens  desired  their  servi- 
ces in  the  administration  of  the  government,  and  thought  them  as  worthy  to  exercise 
the  right  of  suffrage  as  church  members  were.  Hence  they  invented  the  half-way  cove- 
nant, so  called,  which  allowed  such  persons  a  condition  of  qii/cf^i-church  membership, 
without  requiring  them,  as  if  in  full  communion,  to  partake  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 
And  thus  they  came  to  enjoy  all  the  rights  of  citizenship. 


230  HISTOIIY  OF   NEWTON. 

settling  near  tlieir  fathers' homesteads, —  this  reproduction  of  the 
church  list  was  very  full  and  accurate.  Probably  very  few,  if  any, 
names  were  omitted. 

In  1773,  the  committee  reported  the  names  of  seventy-eight 
males  and  one  hundred  and  thirty  females,  total  two  hundred  and 
eight,  as  members  in  full  communion,  which  were  so  registered. 
Mr.  jMeriam  also  recorded  the  names  of  baptized  children,  with 
the  names  of  their  parents,  without  date,  as  given  in  by  parents 
and  others,  after  the  Records  had  been  destroj'ed.  The  number 
of  children  in  this  list  is  eight  hundred  and  fifty-six. 

The  above  catalogues  show,  first,  that  the  families  of  those 
early  denizens  were,  as  a  general  rule,  very  fruitful.  Many  of 
them  register  the  names  of  ten,  eleven,  or  twelve,  each,  of  the 
olive  plants  which  grew  around  their  tables.  They  show'  also  that 
the  custom  of  bringing  their  children  to  the  altar  was  highly  valued 
by  the  parents,  and  generally  observed.  The  names  of  church 
members  in  the  new  catalogue,  indicate  that  the  same  disproportion 
existed  in  that  age  as  in  later  times,  in  the  comparative  numbers 
of  males  and  females  who  were  church  members,  the  latter  being 
nearly  double  the  former.  Seven  persons  are  set  down  as  having 
joined  the  church  in  1774,  and  two  in  1777;  of  the  former,  the 
last  on  the  list  is  Pomp,  the  slave  of  Mr.  Jackson,  who  is  referred 
to  in  the  chapter  on  the  period  of  the  Revolutionary  War. 

Dr.  Homer  says  of  Mr.  Meriam  that  "  he  was  reputed  a  scholar 
of  considerable  talents,  and  had  a  happy  skill  in  composition.  His 
natural  temper  was  mild  and  amiable.  He  was  charitable  to  the 
distressed,  with  a  peculiar  tenderness  for  the  reputation  of  others, 
and  studied  peace  through  life."  The  Hon.  William  Jackson  says 
of  him, — "Aged  people  who  attended  his  ministry  state  that  his 
church  prayers  were  mostly  repetitions,  being  nearly  the  same, 
Sunday  after  Sunday  and  j'ear  after  year.  He  spolce  rather  slowly, 
with  a  slight  uupedmient,  was  easily  persuaded,  a  man  of  not  much 
influence  or  force  of  character,  having  a  quiet  and  easy  tempera- 
ment and  a  peaceable  disposition."  He  died  of  consumption 
August  13, 1780,  aged  fifty  years,  having  borne  the  sufferings  of  his 
last  sickness  with  much  patience.  His  pastorate  continued  twenty- 
two  years  and  five  months.  His  remains  rest  in  a  tomb  in  Boston, 
belonging  to  the  family  of  Mrs.  Meriam,  and  a  monument  was 
erected  to  his  memory  in  Newton. 


SECOND  PARISH  PROPOSED.  231 

A  committee  of  the  town  was  appointed  to  make  provision  for 
the  fuueral  of  Mr.  Meriaui.  Col.  Benjamin  Hammond  lent  £19"), 
towards  the  expenses.  The  expenses  indicated  are  £60,  paid  Doa. 
Bowles,  "  for  making  a  coffin."  and  £31  paid  Joshua  Murdock, 
"  for  half  a  barrel  of  beer  and  half  a  cord  of  wood  for  the  fu- 
neral." In  the  hot  month  of  August,  the  only  use  of  so  much  wood 
must  have  been  for  culinarv  consumption. 

Signs  of  advancement  marked  the  ministr}^  of  Mr.  Meriam.  The 
new  Records  imply  that  the  musical  taste  of  the  people  was  begin- 
ning to  receive  cultivation,  and  that  new  sacred  tunes  were  finding 
their  way  into  public  worship.  Nov.  6,  1770,  Samuel  Woodward 
and  Deacon  Stone  were  appointed  choristers.  It  was  also  voted 
"  that  a  medium  be  observed  between  the  old  and  new  tunes.  If 
any  uneasiness  arise  with  regard  to  that  medium,  they  may  consider 
of  it  hereafter,  if  they  judge  proper,  —  the  chorister  to  be  judge 
for  the  present." 

About  the  same  time  the  Deacons  Greenwood,  Ward  and  Stone, 
with  Mr.  Miller  and  the  pastor,  were  appointed  to  consider  a  petition 
respecting  the  introduction  of  the  version  of  the  Psalms  hy  Tate 
and  Brady,  "  with  the  hymns  thereto  annexed."  The  committee 
reported  in  favor  of  the  introduction,  and  the  report  was  agreed 
to.  It  was  also  during  this  period  that  it  was  voted  "  that  trees 
be  set  out  to  shade  the  meeting-house,  if  an}'  persons  wUl  be  so 
generousl}'^  minded  as  to  do  it." 

It  was  while  Mr.  Meriam  was  pastor  that  a  movement  was  com- 
menced and  consummated  for  the  establishment  of  two  parishes 
in  Newton,  the  East  and  the  West.  As  early  as  1767,  Jonathan 
Williams  and  others  petitioned  the  town  that  a  sum  of  money 
might  be  granted  to  support  preaching  in  the  meeting-house  in  the 
west  part  of  the  town  during  the  winter  season.  The  petition  was 
not  granted  ;  but  in  1778,  eleven  3'-ears  later,  b}-  Act  of  the  Gen- 
eral Court  passed  in  October,  the  line  was  drawn,  establishing  and 
defining  the  West  Parish,  — "  beginning  upon  the  bank  of  Charles 
River,  at  the  southeasterly  corner  of  a  farm  possessed  bj-  Samuel 
Woodward,  thence  by  a  direct  line  to  the  southeasterl}''  part  of  laud 
improved  Ijy  Daniel  Fuller,  and  to  continue  the  same  straight 
course  to  Watertown  line." 

The  First  Baptist  church  in  Newton,  —  an  event  for  those 
days,  —  was  organized  in  July,  1780,  about  six  weeks  before  Mr. 
Meriam's  death. 


232  HISTOllY  OF  NEWTON. 

Six  new  pews  were  built  in  the  First  Parish  meeting-house  in 
1779,  slips  being  removed  to  make  room  for  them.  These  pews 
were  leased  at  auction  at  the  March  meeting,  annuall}-,  the  rent  to 
be  paid  in  Indian  corn,  not  less  than  half  a  peck  of  corn  to  be 
accepted  as  a  bid,  and  the  corn  to  be  delivered  to  the  Treasurer. 
The  first  j'ear  the  amount  received  was  twentj'-two  bushels.  At 
the  next  annual  meeting,  the  corn  was  sold  bj''  the  Moderator  of 
the  meeting  at  auction,  in  lots,  to  suit  purchasers  ;  and  this  custom 
was  continued  annuall}'  till  1797.  In  1780,  corn  sold  from  $31.50 
to  $33.00  per  bushel ;  and  in  1781,  for  $62.00  per  bushel,  depre- 
ciated currenc}'. 


In  1782,  it  sold  for  4s.  6d.  to  4s.  8d. 
In  1783,  it  sold  for  6s.  6d.  to  7s.  3d. 
In  1784,  it  sold  for  3s.  Od.  to  3s.  3d. 
In  1785,  it  sold  for  3s.  3d.  to  3s.  Id. 
In  1786,  it  sold  for  4s.  4d.  to  4s.  8d. 
In  1787,  it  sold  for  3s.  4d.  to  3s.  5d. 
In  1788,  it  sold  for  3s.  6d.  to  3s.  9d. 
In  1789,  it  sold  for  2s.  lOd.  to  3s. 


In  1790,  it  sold  for  3s.  7d.  to  3s.  lid. 
In  1791,  it  sold  for  3s.  Od.  to  3s.  2d. 
In  1792,  it  sold  for  2s,  7d.  to  2s.  9d- 
In  1793,  it  sold  for  4s.  Od.  to  4s.  6d. 
In  1794,  it  sold  for  4s. 
In  1795,  it  sold  for  4s.  2d.  to  4s.  4d. 
In  179(3,  it  sold  for  $1.03  to  $1.14. 


In  1797  this  corn-rent  was  discontinued,  and  pew  rents  were 
paid  in  money  ever  afterwards. 

The  events  preliminary  to  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  the  early 
struggles  of  the  colonists  against  British  oppression,  the  exciting 
town  meetings  of  Newton,  the  scenes  of  Lexington,  Concord  and 
Bunker  Hill,  and  the  major  part  of  the  acts  of  that  grand  period 
in  American  history  which  resulted  in  making  the  people  a  free 
and  independent  nation,  —  all  fall  within  the  hmits  of  Mr.  Meri- 
am's  ministry.  If  he  partook,  — as  doubtless  he  did  partalce, — of 
the  spirit  of  the  times,  when  the  people  of  his  parochial  charge 
were  on  fire  with  patriotism,  and  man}^  of  them  stood  in  the  fore- 
front of  the  conflict,  he  must  have  proved  himself,  — ■  as  the  minis- 
ters of  New  England  alwa3's  have  done,  —  an  ardent  advocate  of 
freedom  and  the  rights  of  man.  His  sermons  must  have  stirred 
the  soldiers  to  arms,  like  the  blast  of  a  bugle.  He  must  have 
been  a  comforter  to  the  afflicted  and  bereaved,  brave  and  hopeful 
in  the  hour  of  discouragement  and  disaster,  ready  to  endure  hard- 
ships with  his  brethren  till  the  days  of  darkness  were  overpast,  and 
nobly  shown  himself  not  only  the  Christian  minister  but  the 
Christian  patriot.  No  man  could  have  stood  in  such  a  position, 
at  such  a  time,  with  the  clash  of  arms  sounding  all  around  him, 
without  feeling  the  inspiration  of  the  occasion.     How  gladly  would 


PULPIT  SUPPLIES.  233 

we  have  a  few  of  his  sermons, —  how  gladly  would  we  have  more 
profuse  specimens  of  the  pulpit  eloquence  of  New  England, — 
during  that  juncture  of  affairs  ! 

During  the  later  years  of  his  pastorate,  the  health  of  Mr.  Meriam 
had  become  so  enfeebled  that  he  was  able  to  preach  but  little,  and 
the  parish  were  dependent  upon  various  supplies.  The  follow- 
ing list  of  the  persons  who  filled  the  pulpit  during  Mr.  Meriam's 
sickness,  and  after  his  decease  until  the  election  of  a  successor, 
with  the  var}'ing  sums  i^aid  them  for  their  services,  is  interesting. 
There  was  apparentl}^  no  fixed  rate  of  compensation.  Nor  can  we 
affirm  any  thing  with  certainty  of  the  complexion  of  the  theology 
to  which  the  people  listened  on  successive  Sabbaths.  There  was 
at  that  time  no  definite  Une  drawn  between  orthodoxy  and  liberal- 
ism. But  some  of  the  names  of  the  pulpit  supplies,  taken  in 
connection  with  the  history  of  their  subsequent  relations,  indicate 
that  the  hearers  did  not  lack  variet}'  in  theological  teaching. 


NAMES. 

NO.  OF 

SABBATnS. 

COMPENSATION 

1. 

David  Daniels, 

13 

£103.  10s. 

2. 

John  rrince, 

5  and  Fast  Day, 

99. 

3. 

Caleb  Gannett, 

3 

40.  IDs. 

4. 

Pachard  Roswell  Eliot, 

12 

288. 

5. 

Edward  Sprague, 

1 

21.  IGs. 

G. 

Levi  Whitman, 

6 

90. 

7. 

Ebenezer  Chaplin, 

Fast  Day, 

9. 

8. 

B.  Bently, 

2 

42. 

9. 

Elisha  Fiske, 

NAMES. 

10. 

Dr.  Cooper, 

17. 

Jacob  Coggin, 

11 

Joseph  Killbum, 

18. 

Mr.  Parsons, 

12. 

Aaron  Smith, 

19. 

Moses  Damon, 

13. 

Samuel  Shuttleworth, 

20. 

Dr.  Langdon, 

14. 

Benjamin  Guild, 

21. 

Eliphali't  Porter, 

15. 

Mr.  MiUer, 

22. 

Jonathan  Homer, 

16. 

Mr.  Waters, 

23. 

William  Greenough. 

The  names  of  several  of  these  "  supplies  "  appear  in  the  Trien- 
nial Catalogue  of  Harvard  University. 

David  Daniels,  H.  U.  1776,  d.  1827.    He  was  never  ordained. 

John  Prince,  H  U.  1776,  distinguished  Unitarian  minister,  at  Salem,  d.  1836. 

Caleb  Gannett,  probably  H.  U.  1763,  tutor  at  Cambridge,  d.  1818. 

Richard  R.  Eliot,  H.  U.  1774,  tutor  at  Cambridge,  d.  1818. 

Edward  Sprague,  H.  U.  1770,  d.  1817. 

Levi  Whitman,  H.  U.  1779,  d.  1838. 

Joseph  Killbum,  H.  U.  1777,  d.  1816. 

Aaron  Smith,  H.  U.  1777,  never  ordained. 

Samuel  Shuttleworth,  H.  U.  1777,  d.  1834. 

Benjamiu  Guild,  H.  U.  1769,  tutor  at  Cambridge,  d.l792. 

Jacob  Coggin,  H.  U.  1703,  d.  1803,  never  ordained. 

Dr.  Samuel  Langdon,  H.  U.  1740,  President  H.  U.,d.  1797. 

Eliphalet  Porter,  H.  U.  1777,  Unitarian  pastor,  Roxburj',  d.  1833. 

WiUiam  Greenough,  Yale  Coll.  1774,  Pusto   at  West  Newton,  d.  1831. 


234  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Four  of  these  gentlemen  were  classmates  of  Dr.  Homer,  and 
four  others  must  have  been  at  the  Universit}' with  him. 

This  period  was  one  of  the  crises  in  the  histor}'  of  the  town  and 
of  the  First  Parish,  marking  the  beginning  of  the  transition  from 
the  methods  of  the  fathers  to  the  methods  of  modern  times. 
From  this  period  the  parish  was  distinct  from  the  town,  and  the 
church  from  the  parish, —  the  church  being  a  kind  of  upper  house, 
whose  jurisdiction  was  superior,  while  that  of  the  parish  was 
inferior  ;  but  involving  the  peculiarity  that  many  of  the  members 
of  the  upper  house  were  also  members  of  the  lower  house,  and 
might  be  able  to  control  its  measures.  But  a  spirit  of  harmony 
has  generally  prevailed.  Neither  house  has  taken  advantage  of 
the  other.  The  same  method  of  church  polity,  substantially',  has 
prevailed  among  the  Congregational  churches,  including  the  Bap- 
tists, from  that  day  to  this. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

EDUCATION      IN     NEWTON     BEFORE      1800. GRAM3IAK       SCHOOL    IN 

CAMBRIDGE. EARLY  MOVEMENTS  IN  NEWTON. FIRST  SCHOOL- 
MASTER.  DISSENSIONS. —  FIRST  SCHOOL  COMMITTEE. GRAM- 
MAR  SCHOOL. 

It  was  sixtj^  years  after  the  first  settlement  of  Cambridge  Village 
when  the  town  voted,  March  7,  1G98,  "to  build  a  school-house  as 
soon  as  thej'  can,"  and  the  next  3car,  "  to  build  a  school-house  six- 
teen feet  by  fourteen,  before  the  last  of  November."  Many  of  the 
fathers  of  the  town,  however,  had  received  a  respectable  education 
in  England.  The  mothers  too  were  doubtless  not  lacking  in  intellect 
or  attainments.  But  the  school  s^'stem  of  Newton  was  built  up  little 
by  little.  In  a  rural  town,  mainly  occupied  with  the  bare  support 
of  life,  or  the  gradual  improvement  of  their  estates,  the  majority 
of  the  inhabitants  felt  little  need  of  intellectual  culture.  For  nearly 
a  centuiy  they  had  no  higher  aim  than  the  district  school ;  and,  in 
their  early  days,  even  this  modicum  of  literary  ojjportunity  was 
afforded  very  sparingh'.  For  many  years,  in  the  Records  of  the 
"March  meeting,"  for  the  election  of  the  town  officers,  it  is  a 
maikcd  fact  that  the  school  committee  were  the  last,  or  nearly  the 
last  of  the  office-holders  chosen.  The  hog- reeves,  the  deer-reeves, 
the  sealer  of  weights  and  measures,  and  of  leather,  the  hay-wards, 
the  fence-viewers  and  the  "  tything-men "  were  sure  to  be  men- 
tioned as  elected  and  "  sworn ; "  but  in  half  the  3'ears  between 
1706,  when  the  first  school  committee  was  chosen,  and  the  year 
1733,  the  fact  of  the  election  of  these  officers  is  omitted.  A  sur- 
vey of  the  names  of  the  school  committees  for  the  first  fifty  years, 
not  to  say  twice  that  number,  shows  also  that  the  people  had  no 
idea  of  a  plan  for  the  gradual  elevation  of  the  schools  ;  no  con- 
ception of  a  continuous  progress  ;  no  sense  of  the  worth  of  expe- 
rience  in   the  guardians    of  public   education.     The   names   are 


236  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

changed  so  often,  and,  apparently',  so  arbitrarily,  as  to  indicate  that 
the  citizens,  in  the  construction  of  the  school  committee,  thought 
only  of  rotation  in  office, —  the  policy  of  giving  every  man  in  the 
town  a  chance  to  hold  office  for  once  in  his  life,  and  that  this  com- 
mittee was,  in  their  estimation,  the  waste  and  useless  territory, 
where  this  sj'stem  of  policy  could  be  experimented  on  with  the  least 
public  detriment.  Those  families  which  lived  nearest  the  Cam- 
bridge grammar  school,  and  had  some  literary  enterprise,  might 
have  sent  their  sons  thither  for  higher  training  ;  but  for  most  of 
the  citizens,  this  opportunity  must  have  been  beyond  the  reach 
alike  of  their  means  and  their  ambition. 

A  grammar  school  was  early  established  in  Cambridge.  Several 
of  the  first  settlers  were  men  of  learning  who  appreciated  the 
advantages  of  education,  and  determined  that  the  rising  generation 
should  enjoy  them.  If  the  church  was  the  first  object  of  their 
care,  the  school  was  the  second 

In  1636,  when  Boston  was  scarcely  six  years  old,  the  General 
Court  voted  four  hundred  pounds,  equal  to  a  year's  rate  of  the 
whole  colon}',  towards  the  erection  of  a  "  public  school  or  college  ;  " 
of  which  two  hundred  pounds  was  to  be  paid  the  next  year,  and 
two  hundred  pounds  when  the  work  was  finished.  An  order  was 
passed,  soon  afterwards,  that  the  college  should  be  at  Newton, 
"a  place  very  pleasant  and  accommodate."  Part  of  the  land  on 
wliich  the  college  and  the  President's  house  were  built,  containing 
two  acres  and  two-thirds,  was  granted  for  the  pm-pose  by  the  town 
of  Cambridge.  In  November,  1644,  an  order  was  passed  by  the 
General  Court,  desiring  each  famil}'  to  give  a  peck  of  corn  or  a 
shilling  in  cash  to  the  treasury  of  the  College.  In  1647  the  State 
of  Massachusetts  made  the  support  of  schools  compulsory. 

The  grammar  school  near  the  College  was  nearly  coeval  with 
the  existence  of  the  town,  and  an  object  of  much  care  aud  attention. 
A  writer  in  1643  remarks,  "B3-the  side  of  the  College  is  a  fair 
grammar  school,  for  the  training  up  of  3'ouug  scholars,  aud  fitting 
them  for  academical  learning,  and  as  they  are  judged  ripe,  they 
may  be  received  into  the  College."  The  first  law,  establishing 
public  schools  in  America,  was  passed  by  the  General  Court  of 
Massachusetts,  on  the  27th  of  October,  1647. 

In  1665  ever}^  town  had  a  free  school,  and,  if  it  contained  over 
one  hundred  families,  a  grammar  school ;  that  is,  according  to  the 
meaning  of  the  authorities,  a  school  where  boj's  could  be  fitted  for 
the  University. 


CAMBRIDGE  GRAMMAR  SCHOOL.  237 

The  "  fairo  Grammar  school  h\^  the  side  of  the  CoUedge,"  of 
which  Mr.  Corlet  was  master,  and  in  which  Mr.  EUot,  the  first 
pastor  at  Cambridge  Village,  received  the  rudiments  of  his  classi- 
cal education,  was  founded  in  1G43,  or  earlier.  Some  j^ears  later, 
the  school  received  a  liberal  donation  from  Edward  Hopkins,  Gov- 
ernor of  Connecticut,  who  died  in  1657.  Mr.  Hopkins  directed 
in  his  will  that  after  the  death  of  his  wife  a  legac}'  of  £500  should  be 
paid  out  of  his  estate  in  England,  "  for  the  upholding  and  promot- 
ing the  Idngdom  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  these  parts  of  the 
earth."  The  lady  survived  him  forty-one  j'ears.  After  her 
decease,  the  pa^onent  of  the  legacy  was  refused,  and  a  suit  to  re- 
cover it  was  instituted  in  the  Court  of  Chancery.  After  a  number 
of  5'ears  the  Lord  Keeper  Harcourt,  with  the  consent  of  the  "  Soci- 
ety for  Propagating  Christianity  "and  others,  decreed  that  the  legacy, 
with  interest  from  the  time  it  was  due,  amounting  in  all  to  about 
£800,  should  be  laid  out  in  the  purchase  of  lands  for  the  benefit  of 
Harvard  College  and  the  Grammar  school  at  Cambridge.  The 
money  was  received  and  laid  out  in  purchasing  a  tract  of  land 
of  the  Natick  Indians  in  1715,  to  which  the  General  Court  after- 
wards added  a  considerable  grant  of  lands  adjacent,  the  whole 
forming  the  township  in  Middlesex  count}'',  which  was  named 
Hopkinton,  in  honor  of  the  donor. 

The  town  of  Cambridge  was  taxed  for  this  school,  in  which  their 
sons  were  to  be  fitted  for  college,  and  the  inhabitants  of  Cam- 
bridge Village  bore  their  share.  In  the  proposal  made  by  Cam- 
bridge, to  quiet  the  inhabitants  of  the  Village,  in  1672,  and  which 
the  General  Court  sanctioned  in  1673,  the  Village  was  required  to 
continue  to  aid  in  supporting  the  grammar  school,  and  had  an 
equal  right  to  its  advantages.  But  it  was  many  miles  away  from 
Cambridge  Village,  and  very  likely  few  of  the  sons  of  the  settlers 
attended  the  school,  and  were  there  fitted  for  college.  Man}^  of 
the  families,  undoubtedly,  taught  their  children  in  their  own  homes. 
Others,  probably,  neglected  it,  deeming  the  subduing  of  the  wil- 
derness more  important  than  literary  culture.  "  The  erection  of 
the  school-house  was  nearly  half  a  century  behind  that  of  the 
meeting-house."  But  the  fact  that  men  were  always  found  capable 
of  transacting  business  in  a  discreet  and  orderly  manner  proves 
that  they  had  both  a  good  share  of  common  sense,  and  as  much  lit- 
erar}'  culture  as  then*  circumstances  rendered  necessarj'. 

Before  the  enactment  of  the  law  establishing  public  schools,  the 
Government  seems  to  have  taken  the  initiative  in  requiring  that 


238  HISTOEY  OF   NEWTON. 

the  children  should  not  be  allowed  to  grow  up  in  ignorance.  Allu- 
sion is  made  in  the  Cambridge  Records  of  1G4:2  to  an  order  of  the 
General  Court  passed  in  1641,  "'  that  the  townsmen  see  to  the  edu- 
cating of  children,  and  that  the  town  be  divided  into  six  parts, 
and  a  person  appointed  for  each  division,  to  take  care  of  all  the 
families  it  contained."  But  the  matter  of  public  education  seems 
to  have  given  the  earh'  settlers  no  little  anxiety.  They  were  sen- 
sible of  its  importance,  but  they  saw  obstacles  difficult  to  be  over- 
come. It  seemed  to  some  of  them,  doubtless,  a  costty  experiment, 
and  there  were  those  who  hesitated  to  laj'  out  money  for  that 
which  had  made  no  demands  upon  them  hitherto  for  nearly  two 
generations,  except  in  the  comparatively  small  tax  for  the  grammar 
school.  They  foresaw,  in  free  schools,  no  immediate  return  in  the 
necessary  staples  of  living.  The  vexed  question  —  "  Where  shall 
the  school-house  be  placed  ?  "  which  has  so  often  agitated  later 
times,  might  well  be  a  difficult  one  for  them  to  solve,  in  their  pov- 
erty, with  their  sparse  population  and  scattered  homes,  and  the 
broad  geographical  area  included  in  their  estates.  It  is  interest- 
ing to  watch  their  tentative  efforts  and  resolves,  as  they  felt  their 
way  trembhngly  through  the  difficulties  by  which  they  were  encom- 
passed. 

May,  1G99. — Voted  to  build  a  school-house,  sixteen  feet  by  fourteen,  be- 
fore the  last  of  November.* 

January  1,  1700. —  The  Selectmen  and  inhabitants  did  hire  and  agree 
with  John  Staples  to  continue  the  keeping  of  the  school  four  days  in  a  week 
until  March,  and  he  to  have  two  shillings  per  day. 

"Voted,  that  the  school-house  be  set  in  the  highway,  near  to  Joseph  Bart- 
lett's,  and  that  it  be  finished  by  the  first  of  October,  and  agreed  with  John 
Staples  to  keep  the  school  one  month,  four  days  in  a  week,  for  £1  4s. 

But  notwithstanding  this  vote,  the  school-house  seems  not  to  have 
been  finished  at  the  appointed  date.  For  on  the  twenty-fifth  of 
November  following,  the  citizens  voted  "  that  the  Selectmen  shall 
hire  a  room,  or  place  to  keep  school  in,  and  shall  agree  with  John 
Staples,  or  some  other,  to  keep  and  continue  the  school  until  the 
town  meeting  of  election  in  March." 


*  A  record  of  a  still  earlier  date,  169G,  implies  that  a  movement  for  a  school  in  the 
town  had  been  previously  made,  and  that  the  name  of  John  Staples  had  been  used  in 
connection  with  it.  "  In  this  year,  1696,"  says  the  record,  "  the  town  agreed  to  build 
a  school-house,  and  chose  a  committee  to  treat  with  and  persuade  John  Staples 
(afterwards  a  worthy  deacon  of  the  church)  to  teach  the  school.  To  him  they  gave, 
agreeably  to  their  day  of  small  things,  one  shiUing  and  sixpence  per  day." 


JOHN  STAPLES.  239 

The  various  interests  which  were  so  difficult  to  be  harmonized  a 
few  jxars  later  in  regard  to  the  location  of  the  meeting-house, — 
requiring  even  the  help  of  the  General  Court, —  seem  to  have  delaj'ed 
the  erection  of  the  first  school-house.  It  was  eas}^  to  secure  a 
vote  to  build ;  but  not  so  easy  to  decide  where  the  building  should 
stand.  It  was  undoubtedly'  with  a  view  to  aid  in  settling  this  ques- 
tion, that  Abraham  Jackson  gave  the  town  his  acre  of  land,  for  the 
setting  of  the  school-house  upon  and  other  purposes.  This  gift, 
dated  May  14,  1701,  perhaps  contributed  to  the  decision  of  the  in- 
habitants. For  at  that  same  date,  they  agreed  without  dissent  to 
the  following  votes : 

Voted,  unanimouslj%  to  build  two  school-houses,  one  to  be  set  at  the 
meeting-house*  seventeen  feet  square,  besides  chimney  room ;  and  the  other 
near  Oak  Hill,  sixteen  feet  square,  besides  chimney  room ;  twenty-live  pounds 
appropriated  for  both,  and  the  residue  to  be  made  up  by  subscription ;  one 
master  to  be  hired  to  teach,  two-thirds  of  the  time  at  the  meeting-house 
school,  and  one-third  of  the  time  at  Oak  Hill ;  and  those  that  send  children 
to  school  shall  pay  three  pence  per  week  for  those  who  learn  to  read,  and  four 
pence  for  those  that  learn  to  write  and  cipher ;  and  all  may  send  to  either 
Bchool  as  they  choose.  Capt.  Prentice,  Lieut.  Spring  and  John  Hyde  were 
joined  with  the  Selectmen  to  build  the  school-houses. 

Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  and  Ephraim  Wheeler,  John  Hyde,  Nathaniel 
Healy  and  Edward  Jackson  treat  with  and  persuade  John  Staples  to  keep  the 
school,  and  if  they  cannot,  then  to  use  their  best  discretion  to  agree  with  and 
hire  some  other  person. 

John  Staples,  whose  name  appears  in  these  votes,  was  the  first 
schoolmaster  of  Newton.  He  was  a  weaver  by  trade,  and  came 
to  Newton  in  1688.  His  farm  was  afterwards  owned  and  occupied 
by  William  Wlswall ;  now  hj  W.  C.  Strong,  Esq.  Nothing  is 
known  of  his  parentage.  He  married  Mar}'  Craft  in  Newton,  Juh' 
24,  1690.  They  had  no  children.  He  was  deacon  of  the  church 
many  years.  Selectman  eight  3'ears,  from  1701  to  1709,  and  Town 
Clerk  twent3'-one  3'ears,  from  1714  to  1734,  being  the  third  in  that 
office ;  a  man  much  respected  and  esteemed,  and  his  name  often 
appears  in  connection  with  positions  of  responsibilit3'.  He  died 
Nov.  4,  1740,  aged  82.  He  gave  b}'  his  will  seventeen  acres  of 
woodland  "  for  and  towards  the  support  of  the  ministerial  fire, 
from  3'ear  to  year,"  and  £25  to  the  poor  of  Newton.  He  brought 
up  two  3'oung  men,  to  whom  he  showed  kindness  and  in  his  will 


♦The  meeting-house  at  that  time  stood  in  the  burying  place  on  Centre  Street.    Oak 
Hill  was,  next  to  this  section,  the  most  important  and  thriving  portion  of  the  town. 


240  HISTOKY  OF  NEWTON. 

gave  to  one  of  them,  James  Pike,  £20,  and  to  the  other,  Joseph 
Lovering,  all  that  was  due  on  a  bond  from  him,  both  principal  and 
interest.  He  manifested  an  interest  in  the  training  up  of  a  godly 
and  learned  ministry ;  for  he  made  a  provision  in  his  will  as 
follows : 

John  Staples  Craft,  son  of  Moses  Craft,  shall  be  brought  up  to  learning,  so 
far  as  to  fit  and  prepare  him  for  the  ministry  of  the  gospel,  if  he  be  capable  of 
learning,  and  is  willing  to  it;  but  if  he  cannot  learn,  or  is  not  willing  and 
free  to  learn,  he  shall  have  £400  in  money,  when  he  shall  come  to  the  age  of 
twenty-one  years. 

Inspired,  perhaps,  by  the  example  of  Abraham  Jackson, 
Jonathan  Hyde,  senior,  in  1702  gave  to  John  Kenrick  and  others. 
Selectmen  of  Newton,  "  half  an  acre  of  land  near  Oak  Hill,  abut- 
ting ten  rods  on  the  Dedham  road,  and  eight  rods  wide,  northwest 
b}^  his  own  land,  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  school  at  the 
south  part  of  the  town."  Mr.  F.  Jackson  says,  "  This  half  acre 
of  land  was  sold  many  years  ago,  and  a  small  fund  accumulated 
from  the  proceeds,  which  was  divided  among  the  inhabitants  of  the 
south  school  district,  a  few  3'ears  since,  by  vote  of  the  town,  pro 
rata,  according  to  the  taxes  each  one  paid."  A  school-house, 
however,  has  been  maintained,  ever  since  that  time  within  a  few 
yards  of  that  localit3\  It  was  here  that  the  Rev.  Caleb  Blood, 
the  first  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  church,  taught  school  for  two 
winters,  piecing  out  an  inadequate  salary  as  a  minister,  by 
instructing  the  children. 

March  4,  1706,  Captain  Isaac  Williams,  Lieutenant  John  Mason 
and  Abraham  Jackson  were  appointed  "  a  Commity  to  take  care 
to  provide  a  schoolmaster  for  the  town  this  year."  These  names 
constituted  the  first  school  committee.  After  this  a  school  com- 
mittee was  probablj'  elected  annuall}^ 

These  are  the  earliest  records  of  the  town  in  relation  to  common 
school  education,  subsequent  to  its  separation  from  Cambridge, — 
the  beginning  of  a  series  of  measures  which  have  set  the  town  of 
Newton,  in  the  progress  of  years,  in  the  front  rank  of  the  towns 
of  the  Commonwealth,  and  gained  for  it  a  meed  of  praise  in  the 
grand  Industrial  Expositions  of  the  world.  Similar  votes  were 
passed  in  1707  and  1709.  In  process  of  time,  John  Staples,  the  first 
schoolmaster,  no  longer  kept  school ;  but  he  has  left  specimens 
both  of  his  chirogi'aphy  and  orthograph}^,  in  the  discharge  of  his 
o'flace  as  Town  Clerk,  in  the  Records  of  Newton.     John  Brown 


DISSENSIONS.  241 

was  probably  his  successor ;  for  we  find  two  receipts  signed  by  liim 
for  his  service  as  schoolmaster,  the  first  dated  April  13,  1715,  and 
the  second,  June  26,  1717. 

From  this  date  the  citizens  of  Newton  took  regular  action  on 
the  question  of  public  schools.  Their  standards  seem  to  us  not 
ver}-  elevated  ;  but  they  had  not  the  culture  and  experience  of  two 
hundred  years  behind  them,  nor  the  wealth  and  willingness  and 
public  opinion  of  the  second  half  of  the  nineteenth  century  to 
stimulate  and  sustain  them. 

There  were  evident^  men  among  the  people,  who  had  progres- 
sive ideas  of  the  importance  of  education,  and  who  were  in  advance 
of  their  age,  as  the  subsequent  legislation  of  the  town  indicates. 
As  early  as  March  10,  1717-18,  the  citizens  passed  these  votes  : 

Voted,  to  give  ten  pounds  this  present  year  to  the  nortlawesterly,  west,  and 
southwesterly  inhabitants  "  for  the  promoting  of  Larning  among  them,  in  such 
placies  as  a  Commity  hearafter  chosen  shall  appoint ;  and  to  be  paid  to  [such] 
schoolemaster  or  schoolemasters,  as  shall  teach." 

Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  for  the  time  being  shall  be  the  said  committee, 
as  aforesaid. 

In  a  town  whose  territory  was  so  extensive  and  the  population 
so  scattered,  the  location  of  the  schools  was  necessarily  an  em- 
barrassing question,  and  the  people  found  no  little  diflQculty  iu 
coming  to  an  amicable  decision ;  and  they  seem  to  have  been  not 
only  dilator}-,  but  also  ungracious,  in  their  attempts  to  settle  it, 
as  if  the}'  dreaded  lest  their  private  interests  might  be  compro- 
mised by  the  decision.  March  13,  1720,  the  proposal  was  made  to 
grant  the  remote  parts  of  the  town  twelve  pounds  annuallj^  to 
promote  schooling  among  themselves,  and  the  proposal  was  voted 
down  ;  then,  that  the  grammar  school  should  be  kept  at  the  school- 
house  near  the  meeting-house,  the  present  j^ear, —  which  was  also 
voted  down ;  and,  finally,  to  have  the  school  kept  in  the  school- 
house  at  the  soutli  part  (Oak  Hill)  of  the  town ;  and  this  was 
voted  down  likewise. 

At  this  juncture,  Mr.  Samuel  Miller,  "  promising  to  find  a  room 
in  his  own  house  to  keep  the  school  in,  and  not  charge  the  town 
anjthing  for  the  use  of  it,"  a  vote  was  passed  that  " the  school 
should  be  kept  in  the  house  of  the  said  Mr.  Samuel  Miller  for 
the  present  year  or  ensuing  yeav." 

Samuel  Miller  was  the  son  of  Joseph  Miller,  supposed  to 
have  come  into  ISewton  from  Charlestown,  and  who  lived  on  the 
10 


242  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Stimpson  Place,  West  Parish.  Samuel  Miller  was  born  Septem- 
ber 24,  1678,  and  bad  three  sous  and  three  daughters.  .  Besides 
this  offer  of  a  room  in  his  house  for  the  school,  he  gave  the  town, 
in  1726,  four  rods  of  land  near  his  house  for  a  school-house. 
He  was  Selectman  in  1743,  and  died  at  Worcester,  1759,  aged 
eighty-one. 

The  next  step  was  a  provision  that  the  people  of  Oak  Hill  shall 
enjoy  their  proportion  of  schooling  at  their  school-house,  accord- 
ing to  their  proportion  of  taxes  paid  ;  the  northerly  and  easterly 
parts  of  the  town  at  the  school- house  near  the  meeting-house,  on 
the  same  conditions  ;  and  that  the  people  of  the  west  part  shall 
receive  twelve  pounds  ten  shillings  out  of  the  town  treasury' 
towards  the  building  of  a  school-house  within  forty  rods  of  the 
house  of  Samuel  Miller,  and  the  inhabitants  to  enjoy  their  propor- 
tion of  schooling  according  to  their  proportion  of  taxes. 

The  following  record  is  interesting.  The  spelling  shows  that  a 
school  was  very  much  needed.  It  is  difficult  to  conceive  how  a 
schoolmaster  could  have  allowed  such  a  specimen  to  go  from  his 
hand.     His  teaching  must  have  been  better  than  his  practice. 

May  11,  1720. — At  a  towne  meeting  appointed  by  ye  Selectmen  for  to  hear 
the  pctitision  of  sundrcy  ye  inhabitanc  on  the  westerly  side  of  ye  towne,  for  to 
have  three  seoolehousies  in  ye  towne,  and  to  have  theire  proportion  of  scool- 
ing,  as  also  to  hear  ye  request  of  sundrey  of  ye  inhabitanc  to  have  but  one 
schoolhouse  to  keep  ye  gramer  schoole  in;  as  also,  to  hear  the  propesisionj 
of  sundrey  persons,  yt.  if  the  gramer  schoole  be  kept  but  in  one  place,  yt. 
there  should  be  a  consideration  granted  to  ye  remoat  parts  of  the  towne  for 
schooling  among  themselves.  The  inhabitanc  being  lawfully  warned  by  Mr. 
Ephraim  Williams,  constabll,  to  meet  att  the  meeting  house  on  said  eleventh 
day  of  May,  and  being  assembled  on  said  day,  did  iirst  trye  a  voat  for  three 
schoolehousies  ;  and  was  negatived. 

2.  Did  trye  a  voate  for  to  have  the  gramer  schoole  to  be  kept  but  in  one 
place,  and  it  was  voated  to  have  but  one  schoolehouse  to  keep  grammer 
schoole  in  for  the  towne. 

3.  Voated,  to  grant  the  remoat  parts  of  ye  Towne  a  consideration  for 
schooling  among  themselves.  * 

4.  Voated,  to  choose  a  Commity  to  consider  whear  said  one  schoolehouse 
should  be  erected  for  to  keep  the  gramer  schoole  in ;  as  also  to  consider 
who  ye  remoat  parts  of  the  towne  are  y  t.  cannot  have  ye  benifit  of  but  one 
schoole  and  what  alowanc  they  shall  have  for  schooling  among  themselves  ; 
and  to  make  theire  ropoart  of  what  they  do  agree  upon  at  ye  next  publick  towy 
meeting  for  confirniation  or  non-confirraation.  And  then  did  choose  Lieut. 
Jeraraiah  Fuller,  Mr.  Joseph  Ward,  Mr.  Nathaniell  Longley,  Mr.  Richard 
Ward  and  Insine  Samuel  Hides  to  be  the  said  Comraitey. 

Recorded  per  me,  Joun  Staples,  Towne  Clarke- 


DISSENSIONS.  243 

Newton,  May  11,  1720. — "Whe  whose  names  are  underwritten  do  enter  cure 
dccents  aginst  this  voate  of  having  but  one  schoolehouse  in  this  towne. 


William  Ward, 
Edward  Ward, 
Philip  White, 
Jonathan'  Dicke, 
John  Ward, 
Jonathan  Willakd, 
William  Robeson, 

EUENEZER  LITTLEFIELD, 

Job  Seger, 
John  Child. 
Eliezer  Hides, 
Samuel  Miller, 


Ephraim  Williams, 
Henry  Seger, 
John  Parker, 
Isaac  Williams, 
William  Williams, 
Andrew  Hall, 
John  Hides, 
Robert  Goddard, 
Jacob  Chamberlin, 
John  Parker, 
Joseph  Mors, 
Ebenezer  AVilson. 


The  committee  appointed  at  the  town  meeting  May  11,  1720, 
made  report  at  a  town  meeting  held  December  7,  1720,  as  follows  : 

The  said  Comity  did  then  bring  in  theire  return  as  followeth,  viz.  :  that 
ye  most  conveniant  places  to  erect  a  schoolehouse  upon  to  keep  ye  gramer 
schoole  in  is  that  place  of  land  which  ye  towne  purchased  to  sett  the  meeting- 
house upon,  or,  at  ye  opening  of  ye  way  between  the  land  of  Joim  Cheaney 
and  ye  widdow  Hannah  Hides  ;  and  secondly,  to  allow  ye  remote  parts  of  ye 
towne  twelve  poundes  a  yeare  for  schooling  among  themselves,  and  yt.  it  be 
laid  out  for  yt.  use ;  and  tliirdly,  did  suppose  yt.  there  is  about  sixty  fammlvcs 
yt.  are  two  miles  and  a  halfe  from  the  meeting-house,  and  about  fortv 
fammlyes  yt.  are  about  three  miles  from  ye  meeting-house. 

The  said  Comitye's  returne  was  then  publickly  read  more  than  onst. 

The  inhabitanc  did  then  proceed  to  act  and  did 

First,  voate  an  axceptanc  of  ye  returne  of  the  Commity. 

Secondly,  did  debate  which  of  the  said  two  placies  to  erect  a  schoolehouse 
upon. 

And  then  did  voate  yt.  ye  said  schoolehouse  shall  be  erected  at  ye  opening 
of  the  way  between  the  land  of  John  Cheaney  and  Hannah  Hides. 

Per  me  John  Staples,  Recorder. 

It  is  evident  that  the  excitement  on  this  school  question  ran 
high,  and  brought  out  very  decided  action.  At  the  town  meeting, 
held  March  13,  1721,  after  the  election  of  a  school  committee,  the 
town  "  did  tr^-e  a  voat  for  ye  granting  j^e  remoat  parts  of  j-e  towno 
twelve  pounds  annualy  for  schooling  amoung  themselves  so  long 
as  ye  schoole  should  be  kept  in  one  place  ;  and  it  was  negatived." 

Did  trye  a  voat  yt.  ye  gramer  schoole  should  be  kept  att  the  schoolehouse 
by  the  meeting-house  for  ye  present  year ;  negatived. 

Did  trye  to  have  it  kept  at  ye  schoolehouse  in  ye  southerly  part  of  yo 
tov/ne ;  and  it  was  negatived. 

March  12,  1722. — Voated,  that  the  schoole  shall  be  kept  this  yeare  two- 
thirdes  of  ye  time  at  ye  meeting-house,  and  one-third  at  ye  south  end  of  ye 
towne. 


244  HISTOEY  OF  NEWTON. 

VoATED,  yt.  Mr.  Edward  Ward,  Mr.  Tliomas  Hammond  and  Mr.  Joseph 
Ward  are  a  Commity  to  provide  a  schoolemaster  for  ye  yeare  ensewing. 

The  following  j'ear  progress  was  made  in  the  spirit  of  accom- 
modation. At  the  March  meeting  the  inhabitants  provided  bj'' 
vote  for  three  schools, —  on  the  west  side  of  the  town  one-half  the 
year,  and  at  the  north  and  south  parts,  one-quarter  each.  In  the 
nest  0«tober,  a  town  meeting  was  held,  to  debate  upon  the  proper 
location  of  one  or  more  school-houses.  Not  finding  a  public  dis- 
cussion of  the  subject  beneficial,  the  inhabitants  appointed  a 
committee  of  six  freeholders,  "  to  go  alone  and  debate  or  consider 
of  what  they  thought  best,  and  to  make  report  to  the  town."  The 
meeting  was  adjourned  for  one  hour ;  and  then  the  committee 
reported  that  the}'  thought  best  that  the  school-house  should  be  con- 
tinued at  Oak  Hill,  where  it  is. 

That  the  school  shouhi  be  kept  tliere  one-quarter  of  the  year,  and  half  the 
year  at  the  school-house  by  the  meeting-house,  and  that  a  school-house  should 
be  erected  in  the  westerly  part  of  the  town,  where  it  shall  be  the  most  con- 
venient to  the  inhabitants,  and  that  a  school  shall  be  kept  there  one-quarter 
of  the  year, — the  inhabitants  of  the  whole  town  to  have  liberty  to  send 
scholars  to  any  one  or  all  these  school-houses,  as  they  shall  see  reason. 

The  inhabitants  did  not  agree  to  this  proposal ;  but  a  petition 
was  immediately  presented,  signed  by  sixty- three  persons,  pra3'ing 
that  two  school-houses  might  be  appointed  for  the  whole  town, — 
one  being  the  school  at  Oak  Hill  already  in  use,  and  the  other  to 
be  erected  in  the  centre  of  the  remaining  part  of  the  town,  for  all 
the  rest  of  the  town  ;  each  of  the  schools  to  be  continued  in  pro- 
portion to  the  rates  or  taxes  paid  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  two 
districts  respectiveh'. 

Some  of  the  citizens  dissented  from  the  plan.  But  the  majority 
voted  to  grant  the  request  of  the  petitioners,  and  to  "  build  a  new 
school-house  in  the  centre  of  the  remaining  part  of  the  town,  Oak 
Hill  being  excepted."  A  committee  was  appointed  to  determine 
the  centre  of  the  remaining  part  of  the  town.  The  school-house 
was  to  be  "  24  foots  in  length,  18  foots  in  width,  and  six  foots 
between  joints,  and  to  be  finished  by  the  first  of  Ma}'  following." 

But  in  less  than  two  months  the  inhabitants  were  dissatisfied 
with  this  arrangement,  and  at  a  town  meeting  held  December  17, 
1723,  passed  the  following  votes  : 

1.  That  the  south  part  of  the  town,  from  Stake  meadow  to  the  South 
Meadow  Brook,  and  tlicrcby  to  the  river,  shall  enjoy  their  proportion  of  the 
schooling  at  the  school-house  at  Oak  Hill,  according  to  the  proportion  they 
bear  in  the  taxes  or  town  rates. 


SCHOOLMASTERS  PROVIDED.  24r> 

2.  That  the  northerly  and  easterly  parts  of  the  town  shall  enjoy  their  pro- 
portion of  schooling  at  the  school-houpe  by  the  mecting-liouse,  according  to 
the  taxes  or  to\rn  rates  of  such  as  shall  subscribe  to  that  place. 

3.  That  tlie  towne  do  grant  the  westerly  inhabitants  twelve  pounds  and 
ten  shillings  to  be  drawn  out  of  the  town  treasury  for  and  towards  the  build- 
ing of  a  echool-house  within  forty  rods  of  the  house  of  Samuel  Miller,  and 
that  they  shall  enjoy  their  proportion  of  schooling  there,  according  to  the 
proportion  they  bear  in  taxes  or  town  rates  of  those  that  shall  subscribe  to 
that  place.  And  that  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  shall  have  free  liberty  of 
sending  scholars  to  any  one  or  to  all  three  of  the  aforesaid  places  as  they 
shall  liave  occasion, — any  former  votes  or  agreements  relating  to  schooling 
notwithstanding. 

September  5,  1731,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  petition  the 
General  Com't  for  a  grant  of  laud,  to  enable  the  town  to  support 
a  grammar  school. 

In  1733  the  Selectmen  were  authorized  to  use  one  of  the  school- 
houses  for  a  work-house  during  the  recess  of  the  school,  thus 
maldng  these  humble  edifices  of  double  utilit3^  In  1742  a  vote 
was  passed  to  remove  the  Centre  school-house,  by  the  meeting- 
house, to  the  Dedham  road,  and  to  place  it  "between  the  lane  that 
comes  from  Edward  Prentice's  and  Mill  Lane,  where  the  commit- 
tee shall  order." 

The  vexed  question  of  the  schools  seems  now  to  have  rested  for 
a  season.  No  further  action  pertaining  to  them  appears  till 
March,  1750,  when  a  committee  was  appointed  to  repair  the 
meeting-house  and  the  school-houses. 

In  the  meantime  the  ideas  of  the  inhabitants  in  regard  to  educa- 
tion seem  to  have  been  somewhat  enlarged.  At  a  town  meeting 
held  December  4,  1751,  we  find  this  action : 

After  some  debate  the  question  was  put  whether  there  should  be  two  more 
schoolmasters  provided  to  keep  English  schools  in  town,  that  there  may  be  a 
school  kept  at  each  school-house  until  the  anniversary  meeting  in  March 
next;  and  it  passed  in  the  affirmative. 

Voted,  that  there  should  be  two  men  chosen  at  the  southerly  part  of  the 
town  and  two  at  the  westerly  part  of  the  town  to  provide  masters.  And  then 
the  town  made  choice  of  Thomas  Greenwood,  Esq.,  Captain  Jonathan  Fuller, 
Lieutenant  Robert  Murdock  and  i\Ir.  John  Wilson. 

Similar  action  took  place  November  30,  1752,  when  the  town 
voted  to  choose  a  committee  to  provide  two  more  schoolmasters, 
that  schools  ma}-  be  kept  in  each  school-house  in  the  town,  until 
the  anniversary  town  meeting  in  March  next. 


246  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

The  expression, — "two  more  schoolmasters," — probably  does 
not  imply  an  absolute  addition  of  that  number  to  the  teaching 
force  in  the  town,  but  only  that  two  schoolmasters  were  to  be  pro- 
vided again  this  year,  as  there  were  two  the  last  3'ear.  Many 
ancient  town  documents  axe  not  distinguished  by  exactness  in  the 
forms  of  expression,  but  they  are  sufficiently  plain  not  to  be 
misunderstood. 

It  is  interesting  to  observe  the  cautious  manner  in  which  the 
early  inhabitants  proceeded  in  their  public  business,  keeping  every- 
thing under  careful  control,  and  suffering  no  important  interest  to 
be  left  unprovided  for. 

Action  similar  to  that  of  1752  was  repeated  at  the  town  meet- 
ing of  October  29,  1753. 

Voted,  that  there  sliall  be  two  more  schoohnasters  provided  to  keep  Eng- 
lish schools  in  the  town, — 'One  to  be  kejit  at  the  school-house  in  the  westerly 
part  of  the  town ;  the  other  to  be  kept  at  the  school-house  in  the  southerly 
part  of  the  town,  and  said  schools  to  be  opened  on  Monday,  the  12th  day  of 
November  next,  and  to  continue  until  the  first  Monday  of  March  next  fol- 
lowing. 

The  next  year,  October  7, 1754:,  the  question  was  again  proposed 
in  town  meeting  whether  there  should  be  "  two  more  schoolmasters 
provided,  that  so  a  school  ma}'  be  kept  in  each  school-house  from 
the  first  day  of  December  next  to  the  anniversary'  town  meeting 
in  March  next.     And  it  passed  in  the  affirmative." 

For  several  years  beginning  with  1744,  at  the  March  meeting, 
the  town  appointed  a  committee  "  to  provide  a  Grammar  School 
master  to  keep  the  Grammar  school  the  ensuing  j^ear."  It  is  not 
probable,  however,  that  the  town  employed  the  phrase  "  Grammar 
school "  in  the  sense  designed  by  the  Great  and  General  Court, 
namel}'^  a  school  where  the  Latin  and  Greek  languages  were 
taught,  and  where  young  men  were  fitted  for  college.  And  this 
committee  seems  rather  to  be  the  ordinarj'  school  committee, 
having  charge  of  visiting  the  common  district  schools.  Possibly 
the  terms  used  were  employed  unconsciously  in  such  a  general 
sense.  At  any  rate,  the  wisdom  of  the  Legislature  ma}'  well  be 
questioned,  in  requiring  ever}'  town  in  the  Commonwealth  number- 
ing a  hundred  families  to  maintain  a  school  Avhere  boys  could  be 
fitted  for  college.  There  was  need  of  men  to  fill  the  learned  pro- 
fessions ;  but  there  was  greater  need  of  stalwart  arms  to  subdue 
the  soil,  and  to  meet  the  exigencies  of  this  young  and  rugged 


ANCIENT  SCIIOOL-IIOUSE.  247 

country.  And  we  s^niipathize  with  the  carl}'  inhabitants,  if  the}^ 
endeavored  by  forms  of  language  to  evade  the  law,  or,  on  account 
of  a  sense  of  its  lack  of  timely  wisdom,  put  off  compliance  with 
its  terms.     They  were  wiser  than  their  law-givers. 

The  desire  for  improved  facilities  in  the  department  of  educa- 
tion was  evidently  on  the  increase.  In  1751  and  again  in  1753, 
the  town  had  voted  to  have  two  more  schoolmasters,  and  at  the 
former  date,  to  repair  the  school-houses.  Still,  the  opportunities 
of  instruction  were  very  slender,  and  unless  they  enjoyed  private 
tuition,  the  young  people  must  have  grown  up  with  little  literary 
culture.  In  1754,  the  vote  of  the  town  was  "to  have  three  schools 
in  the  town,  kept  from  December  first  to  March  meeting."  But  for 
such  as  were  able  to  avail  themselves  of  higher  opportunities  and 
inchned  to  do  so,  there  was  -Judge  Fuller's  private  school,  where 
the  higher  branches  of  learning  were  taught,  previous  to  1760. 
In  this  school,  the  germ  of  the  subsequent  Fuller  Academ}', 
Joseph  Ward  became  an  assistant  in  1757,  when  he  was  only 
twent}^  3'ears  of  age, —  at  the  same  time  teaching,  and  adding  to 
his  attainments  in  advanced  studies.  In  17G2  the  town  was  pre- 
sented for  not  setting  up  a  grammar  school,  as  the  Laws  of  Mas- 
sachusetts required,  and  the  vSelectmen  were  chosen  to  defend  the 
town  before  the  Court.  About  this  time  there  was  a  vote,  repeated 
from  3'ear  to  year,  that  the  grammar  school  should  be  kept  at  the 
house  of  Edward  Durant,  and  after  a  few  j'ears,  at  "  such  school- 
house  as  the  committee  may  determine."  In  1763,  it  was  voted 
b^^  the  town  "to  have  four  districts  and  four  schools,  and  all  to  be 
provided  with  wood."  These  schools  were  unequal  in  duration ; 
that  at  the  "  Centre  was  to  continue  twenty  weeks  and  two  da3^s  ; 
Northwest,  fourteen  weeks  and  two  days  ;  Oak  Hill,  ten  weeks 
and  six  days ;  Southwest,  six  weeks  and  five  da^s."  This  filled 
out  the  fift3*-two  weeks  of  the  3-ear. 

In  1703  a  school  was  located  in  the  southwest  district,  and  a 
brick  builchng  14  b3^  16  feet  square  and  chimne3'  room,  was  built 
on  what  is  now  the  triangular  lot  east  of  the  railroad,  between 
Boylston  Street  and  the  old  road,  a  little  southwesterh'  from  the  late 
Manc3'  Thornton's  residence  (once  the  Mitchell  tavern).  The 
house  was  covered  with  a  hip  roof,  coming  together  at  a  point  in 
the  centre ;  a  fireplace  about  six  feet  wide  and  four  feet  deep, 
with  a  large  chimne3',  in  which  they  burned  wood  four  feet  long, 
occupied  one  side  of  the   room.     An    appropriation   of  £6  10s. 


248  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

defrayed  all  the  expense  of  teachers,  etc.,  for  six  weeks  and  five 
daj'S.  This  house  became  very  much  dilapidated,  and  the  roof  so 
leaky,  in  its  later  years,  that  it  was  not  uncommon  for  the  teacher 
to  huddle  the  scholars  together  under  an  umbrella  or  two,  to  pre- 
vent their  getting  wet  during  the  summer  showers.  B}'-  a  tradi- 
tionar}'  blindness,  as  has  been  charitabty  assumed,  our  early 
fathers  did  not  see  that  females  required  and  deserved  instruction, 
equally  with  males  ;  hence  the  first  provisions  for  primary  schools 
were  confined  chiefly  to  boys,  and  it  was  not  until  the  j'eai'  1789 
that  the  law  was  modified  so  as  to  allow  girls  to  attend.  Before 
the  end  of  the  eighteenth  century',  in  nearly  every  town  in  the 
Commonwealth,  arrangements  were  made  for  the  education  of 
girls,  especially  in  summer.  As  late  as  the  3'ear  1820,  however, 
the  pubhc  schools  in  Boston  admitted  girls  onlj'  from  April  to 
October. 

The  appropriations  for  schools  in  1763  were,  for  the  school  near 
the  meeting-house  £19  9s.  ;  Northwest,  £13  lis. ;  Oak  Hill, 
£10  10s.  ;  Southwest,  £6  10s.     Total,  £49. 

In  17G6  the  town  voted  £16  to  employ  a  schoolmistress.  This 
was  the  first  "  woman's  school."  The  same  year  the  town  voted 
to  have  five  school  districts,  west,  north,  east,  south  and  south- 
west, five  school-houses,  and  one  committee  man  to  watch  over 
the  interests  of  each  school.  But  it  was  an  evil,  that  the  members 
of  the  school  committee  were  changed  so  often.  Almost  the  en- 
tire Board  at  some  periods,  was,  annuaU}',  a  new  one.  Hence 
the  system  of  education  must  have  been  conducted  without  plan, 
the  results  of  the  instruction  generally  meagre,  and  if  high 
scholarship  came  out  of  such  hap-hazard  training,  it  must  have 
been  less  purposed  than  accidental. 

The  appropriation  for  schools  out  of  the  town  treasury  for  many 
years  was  £50.  In  1774  it  was  raised  to  £60;  by  slow  degrees, 
it  reached  in  1800,  £500. 

Besides  the  public  schools,  there  were  places  of  private  instruc- 
tion in  Newton.  Mr.  Ward's  school  (p.  247)  was  not  the  onl}' 
one.  In  April,  1765,  Mr.  Charles  Pelham,  from  Boston,  bought 
the  homestead  of  the  late  Rev.  John  Cotton,  and  opened  a  private 
academy  in  his  house.  He  is  said  to  have  been  a  person  of  good 
education,  and  well  adapted  to  his  occupation  as  a  teacher.  Most 
of  his  scholars  probably  came  from  Boston  and  other  towns. 

In  1791  there  were  six  school  districts,  the  Lower  Falls  then 
enjoying  school  privileges. 


EDUCATION.  249 

The  school-houses  had  hitherto  been  the  property  of  the  several 
districts,  having  been  built  wholly  or  parti}'  by  funds  provided  b}' 
the  people  who  expected  to  enjoy  benefit  from  them.  But  in 
1794,  the  town  voted  to  purchase  as  many  of  them,  with  the  laud 
appurtenant,  as  could  be  obtained  on  reasonable  terms.  The 
proprietors  of  the  east  school-house  estimated  their  house  at  £40  ; 
south  school-house  £90 ;  southwest,  £100  ;  north,  £20 ;  the  pro- 
prietors of  the  west  school-house  referred  the  estimate  of  theirs  to 
the  committee  appointed  by  the  town. 

In  1796  the  town  voted  that  "five  stoves  be  provided  to  warm 
the  school-houses." 

From  year  to  year,  extending  from  1 795  to  1806 ,  committees 
were  appointed  by  the  town  to  mature  a  plan  for  the  regulation 
and  government  of  the  schools  of  the  town.  In  1802,  the 
ministers  of  the  town  formed  a  part  of  this  committee ;  but  no 
report  of  any  of  these  committees  ever  found  a  place  on  the 
Town  Records. 

The  efforts  of  the  school  committee  to  please  their  constituents 
and  of  the  townsmen  to  please  themselves  seem  to  have  been 
unwearied.  For  more  than  a  century  the  school  committee  did 
not  venture  to  act  on  their  official  responsibility  in  directing  the 
work  of  education,  and  the  town  did  not  venture  to  put  the  work 
out  of  their  own  hands.  The  latter  appointed  a  committee  to 
manage  the  work,  and  yet  they  preferred  to  manage  it  themselves. 
Hence  there  was  a  constant  lack  of  efficienc3\  The  citizens,  in 
town  meeting  assembled,  could  not  properly  provide  for  the  inter- 
ests of  education  without  awakening  the  jealousy  of  one  part  of 
the  town  against  another,  and  for  many  years  the  work  moved 
feebly.  The  period  of  vigor  and  efficiency  came  only  with  the 
introduction  of  the  system  of  graded  schools. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

WEST    NEWTON. THE     SECOND    PARISH    FORMED. ORDINATION    OP 

REV.      MR.      GREENOUGH. OPPOSITON. BIOGRAPHY       OP       MR. 

GREENOUGH. THE       MEETING-HOUSE        DESCRIBED. CURIOUS 

DOCUMENT. 

There  was  nothing,  originally',  to  give  prominence  to  "West 
Newton  above  the  other  villages  of  the  town,  except  its  geographi- 
cal position  and  the  enterprise  of  its  inhabitants.  It  was  no  more 
than  a  fertile  portion  of  a  good  New  England  town.  But  in  the 
da3's  of  stage-coaching,  it  became  a  central  point  of  importance 
earl}'  in  the  present  centmy.  As  many  as  thirty  stages  made  it,  at 
one  period,  a  regular  stopping-place  daily.  The  academj^  of 
Master  Davis  and  his  enterprise  and  taste  did  much  to  bring  the 
village,  later,  intc*  prominence.  The  railroad  station  planted  here 
at  the  outset  in  the  histor}'  of  the  Boston  and  Albany  Railroad, 
and  the  persistent  influence  which  persuaded  the  people  of  the 
town,  after  j'ears  of  resistance,  that  this  was  the  proper  home  of 
the  town  meetings  and  of  all  municipal  authority,  have  at  last 
secured  for  "West  Newton  the  position  to  which  it  aspired.  But 
the  first  movement  towards  the  development  of  this  part  of  the 
town  was  an  ecclesiastical  one. 

About  1661  Thomas  Park,  John  Fuller  and  Isaac  Williams  were 
probably  the  onh^  settlers  in  what  is  now  known  as  A\^est  Newton. 
Isaac  Williams'  house  was  about  thirty  rods  northeast  of  the  place 
where  the  AYest  Parish  meeting-house  now  stands,  near  the  brook 
(Cheese-cake) .  He  was  a  weaver  bj'  trade,  and  represented  the 
town  in  the  General  Court  six  j'ears,  and  was  a  Selectman  three 
years.  About  one  hundred  3'ears  later  the  inhabitants  began  to 
take  measures  to  have  occasional  preaching  in  their  neighborhood, 
especially  in  winter.  As  earl}- as  the  j'car  1760,  meetings  were 
held,    and   a  Building   Committee  was   appointed,  consisting  of 

250 


COiNGKEGATlONAL   CUUUCll,  W  KSl   iNEWlUN. 


THE  SECOND  CHURCH.  251 

Thomas  Miller,  innholder,  Jonathan  "Williams,  j-eoraan,  and 
Samuel  Hastings,  tanner, —  who  were  instructed  to  solicit  contri- 
butions and  commence  the  building  of  a  meeting-house,  as  soon 
as  there  should  be  sufficient  encouragement.  A  minister  was  hired 
to  keep  the  public  school  duiing  the  winter  months,  and  to  preach 
on  the  Sabbath. 

In  Juh',  1764,  Phineas  Bond,  of  Newton,  innholder,  in  consid- 
eration of  £2  8s.,  conveyed  to  the  Building  Committee,  their  heirs 
and  assigns,  forever,  about  eight  rods  of  land,  on  which  to  erect 
a  meeting-house  or  houses, —  bounding  upon  the  county  road, 
and  laud  of  Isaac  Williams,  and  his  own  land.  This  deed  was 
acknowledged  in  March,  1780  ;  but  the  meeting-house  was 
erected  in  the  summer  of  1764.  Its  dimensions  were  forty-thi'ee 
feet  by  thirt}-. 

In  1767,  the  edifice  being  finished,  Jonathan  Williams  and 
others  in  the  westerly  part  of  the  town  requested  of  the  town  that 
a  reasonable  sum  of  mone^^  should  be  granted  for  the  support  of 
preaching  in  the  new  meeting-house  ;  but  the  town  refused  their 
request.  They  renewed  their  petition  in  1770,  1772,  1773  and 
1774.  As  often  as  the  petition  was  rejected,  so  often  they  pressed 
their  suit  afresh ;  judging  that,  according  to  the  parable  in  the 
New  Testament,  their  importunitj'  might  obtain  for  them  what 
the  justice  of  their  cause  failed  to  secure.  The}'  also  in  1773 
petitioned  the  General  Court  for  a  grant  of  money  from  the  town 
treasury  for  the  support  of  preaching  for  a  period  of  four  months. 
This  action  shows  how  thoroughly  in  earnest  the  people  were ; 
though  it  is  difficult  to  see  how  the  State  government  could  reason- 
ably assume  control  over  the  treasury  of  a  town.  At  length,  in 
1778,  they  petitioned  the  General  Court  to  be  set  off  as  an  inde- 
pendent parish,  which  was  granted.  The  Act  of  Incorporation, 
passed  in  October,  1778,  describes  the  dividing  line,  the  uihabi- 
tants  on  either  side  of  said  line  being  at  liberty  to  belong  to 
whichever  parish  the}'  chose,  proAdded  that  the}'  made  then*  elec- 
tion within  six  months  after  the  passage  of  the  act. 

The  first  meeting  was  held  in  November,  1778,  to  organize 
under  the  Act,  and  the  following  officers  were  chosen : 

Jonathan  Brown,  Aroderator, 

Alexander  Shepaud,  jr.,  Clerk. 

Joseph  Jackson,  Treasurer, 

Phineas  Hond,  ] 

Jonathan  Williams,  | 

Dr.  Uenjamin  Tarker,       ^Standing  Committee, 

Nathaniel  Gueenough, 

Alexander  Shei'ard,  JR.,  J 

Col.  Nathan  Fuller,  VoUrcfor, 

Joshua  Jaoksox,  jr..  Sexton. 


252  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

The  next  year  the  proprietors  of  the  meeting-house  appointed 
Alexander  Shepard,  jr.,  Joseph  Hyde  and  Phiueas  Bond  to  give  a 
title. to  the  pews  in  the  meeting-house.  William  Hoogs  gave  a 
Book  for  the  Records. 

Everything  was  now  arranged,  as  to  the  externals,  for  the 
worship  of  God.  It  remained  to  la}'  the  corner-stone  of  the 
spiritual  edifice,  which  was  to  be  reared.  This  was  done  October 
21,  1781,  when  twentj^-six  persons,  all  but  one  dismissed  from  the 
First  church  in  Newton,  were  organized  into  the  West  Parish 
chm-ch.  At  the  pubhc  service,  Rev.  Joseph  Jaclcson,  of  Brook- 
line,  preached,  the  Covenant  was  read  and  the  members  expressed 
their  approval,  and  voted  themselves  a  Congregational  church 
according  to  the  Cambridge  t*latform,  and  declared  their  assent  to 
the  great  or  leading  doctrines  of  the  General  Assembler's  Shorter 
Catechism. 

The  first  members  of  the  West  Parish  church  were  as  follows  : 


Joseph  Ward,  Deacon, 
Joseph  Jackson,  Deacon, 
Samuel  Jackson, 
Joshua  Jackson, 
Alexander  Shepard, 
Josiah  FuUer,  jr., 
Joseph  Adams,  jr. 
Joseph  Adams,  sen..  Deacon, 
from  Brookline  church, 
Deborah  Woodward, 
Lydia  Upham, 
Lois  Jackson, 
Ruth  DureU, 
Abigail  Jackson, 


Samuel  Crafts, 
Josiah  Fuller, 
Jonathan  Fuller, 
Jonathan  Williams, 
Samuel  Woodward, 
Abigail  Fuller, 
Mary  Fuller, 
Elizabeth  Fuller, 
Experience  Ward, 
Lydia  Knapp, 
Maiy  Adams, 
Elizabeth  Shepard, 
Tabitha  Miller. 


The  following  votes  describe  the  principles  of  the  organization : 

Voted,  In  order  to  entitle  any  person  to  either  of  the  ordinances  of  the 
Christian  Scriptures,  namely,  baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper,  he  shall  make 
a  public  confession  of  religion  and  dedication  of  himself  to  God ;  and  that 
every  person  so  doing  shall  be  entitled  to  both  ordinances,  and  may  come  to 
them  without  making  any  other  profession  of  his  faith  and  belief. 

Voted,  that  all  church  members  be  admitted  by  the  major  part  of  the 
votes.  Before  any  person  is  admitted,  his  design  shall  be  made  known  in  pub- 
lic by  the  pastor,  two  weeks  before  admission. 

Soon  after  the  new  church  was  organized,  a  request  was  pre- 
sented to  the  First  Parish  for  a  part  of  the  communion  furniture, 
which  is  thus  reported  in  the  records  of  that  body : 

November  25,  1731. — A  request  from  the  Second  church  in  Newton  that 
they  might  have  a  part  of  the  church  vessels  appropriated  to  them,  was  laid 


MEETING-HOUSE  ENLARGED.  253 

before  this  church;  and  after  some  conversation,  tlie  church  voted  that  the 
deacons  deliver  up  four  pewter  tankards  and  one  pewter  dish,  as  a  present 
from  this  claurch  to  the  Second  church  in  Newton. 

This  vote  indicates  the  frugality  of  the  churches  of  that  period, 
and  impUes  the  day  of  small  things  among  them. 

The  Second  church  in  Boston,  of  which  Mr.  Greenough,  the 
fli'st  pastor  in  West  Newton,  was  a  member,  gave  the  church  in 
West  Newton  a  pulpit  Bible.  Dea.  Thomas  Greenough,  of  Bos- 
ton, his  father,  "  presented  a  christening  bason,  two  flagons  and 
two  dishes  for  the  communion  service. "  The  church  in  "West 
Newton  also  petitioned  the  First  church  for  a  portion  of  the  minis- 
terial wood-lot  in  the  West  Parish. 

Mr.  William  Greenough  was  unanimously  elected  the  first  pas- 
tor, and  ordained  November  8,  1781.  His  own  pastor,  the  Rev. 
Dr.  John  Lothrop,  of  the  Second  chm'ch  in  Boston,*  preached  on 
the  occasion  ;  Rev.  Jacob  Gushing,  of  Waltham,  gave  the  charge, 
and  Rev.  Joseph  Jackson,  of  Brookline,  the  right  hand  of  fellow- 
ship. "  A  small  house,  and  a  little  handful  of  people,  "  said  one 
who  was  present. 

Voted,  that  brothers  Ward,  Shepard  and  the  pastor  be  a  committee  to  form 
a  church  covenant.  Also,  that  a  portion  of  the  Scriptures  be  read  in  public 
each  Lord's  day. 

In  the  month  following,  Joseph  Ward  and  Joseph  Jackson  were 
elected  Deacons, 

In  1812  the  chm'ch  edifice  being  found  insufficient  to  accommo- 
date the  increasing  congregation,  it  was  enlarged  by  an  addition  of 
twelve  feet  to  the  main  structure.  A  large  portion  of  the  audience 
room  was  newly  seated,  also  provided  with  galleries,  anjd  other- 


*  The  churcli  edifice  of  the  Second  church  in  Boston  was  on  Middle  Street,  now 
Hanover  Street,  between  Richmond  and  Prince,  just  north  of  Richmond  Street.  The 
tall,  slender  steeple  was  siu'mounted  by  a  rooster  (the  emblem  of  watchfulness), 
whence  the  church  was  called  by  the  common  people  "  the  cockerel  church."  At  an 
earlier  period,  this  church  had  enjoyed  a  golden  age  under  the  Mathers.  After  the 
decease  of  Dr.  Lothrop,  its  ministers  were  the  Rev.  Henry  Ware,  jr.,  Ralph  Waldo 
Emerson,  and  the  Rev.  Chandler  Robbins.  During  the  pastorate  of  the  latter,  the 
old  church  editice  was  demolished,  and  a  more  sumptuous  structure,  with  a  brown 
stone  front,  took  its  place,— the  old  rooster  resuming  his  position  on  the  apex  of 
the  steeple.  On  account  of  financial  embarrassments,  the  church  building  was  sold, 
and  purchased  by  the  First  Methodist  Society.  In  a  heavy  gale,  September  15, 186D, 
the  steeple  toppled  over  into  the  street.  Sometime  later,  a  less  imposing  building 
of  brick  appeared  on  the  same  site,  having  on  the  front  wall  a  tablet  with  this 
inscription: 

"  The  First  Meeting  House  built  on  this  spot  A.  D.  1721.  Rebuilt,  1844.  This  House 
erected,  A.  D.  1870." 


254  HISTORY  OF  NEWTOJT. 

wise  improved.     And  on  Thanksgiving  day,  November  2G,  of  the 
same  year,  the  house  was  reopened  for  public  worship. 
Mr.  Seth  Davis  writes  (1847),— 

The  building  of  a  meetiag-house  and  forming  a  new  society  in  the  West 
Parish  was  met  with  violent  opposition.  Years  of  contest  were  spent  before 
the  Society  was  incorporated,  in  1778.  The  line  of  division  commenced  at 
the  southeast  corner  of  the  farm  of  Samuel  Woodward  at  Charles  River,  and 
from  thence  in  a  straight  line  to  the  southeast  corner  of  the  farm  improved  by 
Daniel  Fuller,  and  continuing  the  same  course  to  Watertown  line.  But  such 
were  the  conflicting  views  of  many  citizens,  that  the  act  of  incorporation  was 
accompanied  by  a  proviso,  that  any  person  living  on  either  side  of  the  line, 
by  leaving  his  name  with  the  Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth  within  six 
months,  might  belong  to  either  parish  he  should  choose.  This  proviso  was  re- 
pealed in  1788,  and  the  line  between  the  parishes  became  unconditional. 
This  line,  however,  was  not  wholly  defined  for  many  years.  An  attempt  was 
made  to  run  the  same,  commencing  at  the  southwesterly  corner;  but  the 
same  spirit  which  for  many  years  had  existed,  broke  out  afresh  upon 
some  disputed  point,  in  the  midst  of  a  winter-squash  yard  ;*  and,  the  line  pass- 
ing over  a  large  squash, — the  large  end  being  east, — the  parties  separated 
with  no  kind  feelings,  after  giving  to  the  east  and  west  sections  tlie  nickname 
of ' '  Squash  end  "  and  "  Bellhack."  The  latter  has  become  obsolete  ;  but  the 
former  is  sometimes  still  applied,  in  the  way  of  ridicule,  to  the  west  portion 
of  the  town. 

Rev.  William  Greenough  was  born  in  Boston,  June  29,  1756, 
entered  Yale  College  at  the  age  of  foiu'teen,  and  graduated  with 
the  highest  honors  of  his  class  in  1774.  Both  as  Bachelor  and 
Master  of  Arts  he  was  admitted  to  an  ad  euadem  degree  in  Har- 
vard University.  His  pastorate  at  Newton,  which  covered  his 
whole  public  life,  was  of  fifty  years  and  two  days.  During  his 
ministry,  one  hundred  and  two  members  were  added  to  the  church, 
an  excellent  proof  of  the  gradual  effects  of  the  gospel,  faithfully 
preached.  The  meeting-house  was  fortj^  feet  long  by  thuty  feet 
wide.  It  stood  a  few  feet  west  of  the  present  edifice,  and 
"looked  like  a  barn."  The  building  was  enlarged  and  a  spire 
added  in  1812, f  altered  and  improved  in  1831,  and  again  in  1838. 

*The  squash  yard  was  at  or  very  near  the  junction  of  Pearl  Street  with  Watertowu 
Street,  and  was  then  owned  by  Daniel  Fuller.  His  house  was  staudiug,  but  untit  ti> 
be  occupied,  until  about  1805. 

tDr.  Gilbert  says  of  this  enlargement :  The  meeting-house  was  turned,  the  side  to 
the  street,  and  twelve  feet  added,  making  it  forty-two  by  forty.  Also,  a  porch  was 
added,  with  a  belfry,  and  a  gallery  put  in.  The  house  had  windows  above  and  below. 
I  counted  them,  and,  taking  into  the  couut  the  two  half  circular  windows  over  the 
two  front  doors,  the  number  was  fifty;  no  blinds;  all  rattled  when  the  wind  blew, 
and  when  the  sun  shone,  we  had  no  "  dim  religious  light."  The  galleries  were  occu- 
pied by  boys  and  girls,  or  transient  people.    They  were  never  very  full. 


SECOND  MEETING-HOUSE.  255 

Worship  was  held  iu  it  for  the  last  time  March  26,  1848.  It  was 
finall}'  removed  and  altered  into  the  Town  House  at  West  New- 
ton, which  subsequently  became  the  Cit}'  Hall.  The  second 
meeting-house  was  dedicated  March  29,  1848.  Rev.  Lyman  Gil- 
bert preached  the  dedication  sermon,  which  was  afterwards  printed, 
from  Acts  XXVIII :  22,  "  But  we  desire  to  hear  of  thee  what  th(ju 
thinkest ;  for,  as  concerning  this  sect,  we  know  that  everywliere 
it  is  spoken  against."  At  the  time  of  the  ordination  of  Mr. 
Greenough,  the  parish  included  not  only  the  village  of  West  New- 
ton, but  what  is  now  that  part  of  Waltham  south  of  Charles 
Kiver,  North  Village,  the  greater  part  of  Newtouville,  Auburn- 
dale,  and  the  Lower  Falls.  In  all  this  territory  there  were  then 
from  fifty-five  to  sixt}-  dwellings.  Several  famihes  asked  and  re- 
ceived permission  to  remain  with  the  parent  church  at  the  Centre. 
Probabl}'  thirty-five  or  forty  families  constituted  the  society'.  It 
was  near  the  close  of  the  war  of  the  Revolution.  The  people 
were  poor,  and  some  who  wished  the  enterprise  well  had  serious 
doubts  as  to  its  success.  We  may  well  admire  the  determined 
courage,  energy  and  perseverance  of  Mr.  Greenough  and  the  little 
band  that  carried  it  thi'ough,  in  the  face  of  so  many  obstacles  to 
success.  His  salary  was  eighty  pounds  and  fifteen  cords  of  wood, 
equivalent  to  $26 6. GO. 

In  1814,  the  families  living  at  the  Lower  Falls,  about  ten  in 
number,  united  with  the  Episcopal  church  then  recently  formed  in 
that  village. 

Mr.  Greenough's  home  was  on  Washington  Street.  The  build- 
ings were  afterwards  burned.  The  house  was  fronted  by  three 
noble  elms,  planted  there  by  fond  parishioners. 

The  ministry  of  Mr.  Greenough  covered  that  period  of  transi- 
tion in  the  Congregational  churches  of  Massachusetts,  when  the 
more  liberal  element  among  the  members  was  sifted  out,  and  theol- 
og}^,  taught  by  the  pulpit  and  discussed  by  the  pews,  assumed  a  more 
definite  shape.  Men,  even  in  the  common  walks  of  life,  formulated 
their  own  creeds,  and  assented  with  less  facility  than  former I3'  to 
what  was  taught  them  by  then*  spiritual  guides.  The  "  Bible 
News,"  of  Rev.  Noah  Worcester,  of  Brighton,  published  near  the 
commencement  of  the  nineteenth  century, —  a  pamphlet  question- 
ing the  Deity  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, —  the  controvers}^  arising 
out  of  the  appointment  of  Dr.  Henry  Ware,  senior,  to  the  Hollis 


256  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Professorship  of  Divinity  in  Harvard  College, — ^a  Unitarian  pro- 
fessor to  be  supported  on  an  "  orthodox  "  foundation, —  and  the  let- 
ters of  Dr.  Jedediah  Morse,  of  Charlestown,  and  Miss  Hannah 
Adams,  in  a  Boston  newspaper,  debating  this  issue  between  the 
churches  and  the  Corporation  of  the  University,  stirred  the  public 
mind  in  a  way  to  stimulate  thought,  and  to  make  the  position  of 
the  ministry''  a  more  difficult  one  than  in  any  former  period  of  New 
England  history.  The  pulpit  was  obliged  to  allow  itself  to  be 
questioned,  in  regard  to  its  teachings,  b}-  the  pews,  and  the  time 
had  come  when  the  preacher's  trumpet  must  give  no  "  uncertain 
sound."  Mr.  Greenough's  geographical  position,  in  the  vicinity  of 
Cambridge  and  Boston,  placed  him  in  the  very  thickest  of  the 
conflict.  But  he  stood  steadfast  to  the  old  New  England  theolog}'. 
The  doctrines  of  the  Puritans  were  the  element  of  his  teachings. 

During  the  same  period,  also,  the  new  Christian  activity  spring- 
ing out  of  the  modern  missionary  enterprise  was  inaugurated,  and 
into  tills  fresh  field  of  promising  interest  and  toil,  Mr.  Greenough 
entered  with  all  his  heart.  The  Monthly  Concert  of  Prayer  for 
the  success  of  missions  was  held  in  his  church  for  j-ears  on  the 
afternoon  of  the  first  Monday  of  every  month,  and  doubtless  seed 
was  sown  which  afterwards  brought  forth  fruit ;  for  the  church  in 
West  Newton  has  since  had  its  representatives  among  Christian 
missionaries. 

Says  Dr.  Gilbert,— 

Father  Greenough  was  once  told  by  an  Englishman  who  had  seen  John 
Wesley,  that  he  looked  like  him  more  than  any  other  man  he  had  ever  seen. 
Wesley's  lithograph,  gown  and  all,  would  be  a  good  fit. 

Dr.  Gilbert  adds,  at  a  later  date, — 

On  page  681  of  Frank  Leslie's  Sunday  Magazine  for  June,  I  find  a  litho- 
graph of  John  Wesley.  It  is  a  profile  view — all  the  better  as  a  likeness  of 
Father  Greenough.  The  latter  told  me  he  used  to  wear  a  gown  and  bands. 
The  stock  and  bands,  as  here  represented,  were  worn  by  him  at  the  time  of 
my  ordination.  He  was  much  scandalized  that  Dr.  Jenks  came  Avithout  his 
bands.  I  do  not  know  whether  he  ever  wore  a  wig,  as  here  represented  [in 
the  likeness  of  Wesley].  But  the  wig  was  the  fashion  of  his  times.  My 
first  wife's  mother  told  me  that  in  her  younger  days  all  the  ministers  on 
public  occasions  used  to  appear  in  powdered  wigs. 

Mr.  Greenough  held  on  to  the  last  to  small  clothes,  shoe  and  knee  buckles ; 
also  to  the  cocked  hat,  until  the  boys  followed  him  when  he  went  through  the 
streets  of  Boston.     He  was  six  feet  tall,  and  a  thin  spare  man. 


DEATH  OF  MR.  GREENOUGH.  257 

Mr.  Greenough  died  Nov.  10,  1831,  fifty  years  and  two  days 
from  the  date  of  his  ordination,  aged  seventj^-five.  He  was  twice 
mari-ied,  first,  to  Abigail,  daughter  of  Rev.  Stephen  Badger,  of 
Natick ;  after  her  death,  to  Mrs.  Lydia  Haskins,  of  Boston,  and 
had  four  children  by  the  first  marriage  and  five  by  the  second.  He 
preached  the  simple  gospel  with  earnestness  and  directness,  and 
his  sowing  was  not  without  fruit.  When  Professors  Park,  Shedd 
and  Stowe  were  all  at  Andover,  an  accidental  comparing  of  notes 
brought  out  the  fact  that  each  of  them  acknowledged  that  his  first 
impulse  towards  the  ministry  was  from  Mr.  Greenough.  It  is 
thus  that  the  small  and  feeble  churches  in  the  country  nurture  in 
pietj'  and  gifts  the  men  who  afterwards  occupy  the  high  places  in 
churches  and  institutions,  and  become  the  liberal  benefactors  of 
all  good  works.  A  rural  pastor  may  seem  to  hold  a  sphere  of  in- 
different importance,  but  in  later  times  it  may  be  manifest  that  he 
commanded  the  head  waters  of  a  tide  of  influence  which  was  des- 
tined to  pour  infinite  blessings  upon  the  world. 

From  the  recollections  of  Dr.  Gilbert,  we  have  a  plan  of  the  old 
meeting-house,  as  it  was  when  he  first  saw  it.  There  was  a  porch 
in  front  and  three  windows  on  each  side  of  the  building.  The 
pews  in  the  middle  of  the  floor  of  the  house  were  square,  and  the 
seats  hung  on  hinges,  in  the  old  style.  The  galleries  were  very  wide 
and  steep  ;  so  great  was  the  elevation  of  the  pulpit  and  the  width 
of  the  gallei'ies,  that  when  the  people  stood,  the  minister  could  not 
see,  from  the  pulpit,  the  heads  of  the  people  on  the  lower  floor  in 
the  wall  pews.  The  pulpit  had  been  previously  rebuilt,  after  the 
model  of  the  pulpit  in  a  church  in  Dedham.  The  plan  of  the 
house,  as  furnished  by  Dr.  Gilbert,  as  it  was  when  he  first  saw  it, 
is  ver}^  interesting ;  and  much  value  is  added  to  it  by  the  names  of 
the  persons  who  occupied  nearly  every  pew  in  the  house.  As  we 
read  them  in  their  order,  we  seem  to  see  the  men  and  women  of 
half  a  century  ago  coming  back  and  taking  their  places,  and  sitting 
by  families  to  join  in  the  worship  of  God.  And  in  view  of  the 
changes  which  fifty  years  have  wrought, —  the  children  in  the  places 
of  the  fathers,  the  new  customs,  the  names  we  miss  that  will  no 
more  return, —  we  are  led  to  ask,  with  vivid  feeling,  "  The  fathers, 
where  are  they  ?  " 

When  Mr.  Greenough's  ministry  had  continued  nearly  half  a 
centur3%  his  age  and  declining  health  led  him  to  propose  the  set- 
tlement of  a  colleague.  In  1827,  the  Rev.  Asahel  Bigelow  was 
17 


258  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

elected  colleague  pastor,  but  he  declined  the  call.  The  follow- 
ing 3'ear,  the  Rev.  Lyman  Gilbert,  of  Middleburj^  Vt.,  was  called 
to  the  same  office,  and  accepted,  and  was  ordained  July  2,  1828. 

The  following  curious  document  though  it  bears  a  comparatively- 
recent  date,  belongs  in  spirit  and  method  to  the  earlier  years  of 
New  England  histoty.  It  was  found  among  the  papers  of  the  late 
Deputy  Sheriff,  Adolphus  Smith,  of  West  Newton. 

To  Mr.  Adolphus  Smith,  collector  of  taxes  for  the  West  Precinct  in 
Newton :  Greeting, — 

In  the  name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Massacliusetts  you  are  required  to 
levy  and  collect  of  the  several  persons  named  in  the  list  herewith  committed 
unto  you  each  one  his  respective  portion  therein  set  down  of  the  sum  total 
of  such  list  it  being  four  hundred  and  eighty  dollars  and  eighty-four  cents, 
granted  by  tlie  inhabitants  of  the  West  Precinct  in  Newton,  at  their  annual 
meeting,  in  March  last,  for  paying  the  Rev.  William  Greenough  his  salary, 
and  for  defraying  the  contingent  charges  of  the  Precinct,  the  present  year, 
and  you  are  to  transmit  and  pay  in  the  same  unto  Captain  James  Fuller, 
Treasurer  of  said  Precinct  or  to  his  successor  in  that  office,  and  to  complete 
and  make  up  an  amount  of  your  collection  of  the  whole  sum,  on  or  before 
the  first  day  of  November  next ;  and  if  any  person  shall  refuse  or  neglect  to 
pay  the  sum  he  is  assessed  in  said  list,  to  distrain  the  goods  or  chattels  of 
such  person  to  the  value  thereof,  and  the  distress  so  taken  to  keep  for  the 
space  of  four  days  at  the  cost  and  charge  of  the  owner,  and  if  he  shall  not  pay 
the  sum  so  assessed,  within  the  said  four  days,  then  you  are  to  sell  at  public 
'vedue  the  distress  so  taken  for  the  payment  thereof  with  charges ;  first  giving 
forty-eight  hours  notice  of  such  sale  by  posting  up  advertisements  thereof  in 
some  public  place  in  said  Precinct;  and  the  overplus  arising  from  such  sale, 
if  any  there  be,  besides  the  sum  assessed  and  the  necessary  charges  of  taking 
and  keeping  the  distress,  you  are  immediately  to  restore  to  the  owner,  and 
for  want  of  goods  and  chattels,  whereon  to  make  distress  (besides  tools  or 
implements  necessary  for  his  trade  or  occupation,  beasts  of  the  plough  neces- 
sary for  the  cultivation  of  his  improved  lands,  arras,  utensils  for  housekeep- 
ing necessary  for  ui)holding  life,  bedding  and  apparel  necessary  for  himself 
and  family)  for  the  space  of  twelve  days,  you  arc  to  take  the  body  of  such 
person  so  refusing  or  neglecting,  and  him  commit  unto  the  common  gaol  of 
the  County,  there  to  remain  until  he  pay  the  same,  or  such  part  thereof  as 
shall  not  be  abated  by  the  assessors  for  the  time  being,  or  the  Court  of  gen- 
eral sessions  of  the  peace  for  said  County. 

Given  under  our  hands  and  seals  this  12th  day  of  July,  A.  D.,  1S28. 


Epiiraim  Jackson,    )    , 
Jonas  Smith,  \  Assessors. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

NEWTON  UPPER  FALLS. EAKLY  SETTLEMENT. THE  INDIAN  DEED. 

DEPOSITIONS  OF  EARLY  RESIDENTS. TRANSFERS  OF  PROPERTY. 

KINDS  OF  BUSINESS. CHANGES. NEWTON  LOWER  FALLS. 

The  settlement  of  Newton  Upper  Falls  owes  its  origin  to  the 
water  priAd leges  on  the  river  Charles.  The  Indian  name  of  this 
river  was  Quinobequin.  It  encircles  a  large  part  of  Newton,  the 
centre  of  its  channel  forming  the  natural  boundary  on  the  major 
portion  of  the  northern,  western  and  southern  sides.  It  is  a 
winding  line,  about  fifteen  miles  in  length. 

In  1636,  the  General  Court  granted  to  the  proprietors  of  Ded- 
ham  the  land  on  the  west  side  of  Charles  River,  now  Needham, 
Natick  and  a  part  of  Sherburne.  The  same  year  the  proprietors 
of  New  Town  (Cambridge)  obtained  a  grant  of  the  Court  of  what 
is  now  Newton  and  Brighton.  These  two  grants  covered  all  the 
land  at  the  westerl}^  curve  of  the  river  Charles,  on  both  sides,  sub- 
ject, however,  to  the  title  claimed  by  the  Indians,  for  which  the 
proprietors  were  to  pay  them  an  equitable  consideration.  Both  the 
law  of  the  colony  and  the  law  of  justice  demanded  this  at  their  hands. 

In  accordance  with  this  condition,  in  April,  1G80,  the  proprietors 
of  Dedham  (the  west  side  of  the  Charles)  agreed  to  give  William 
Nehoiden,  or  Nahaton,  a  sachem,  ten  pounds  in  money,  forty  shil- 
lings in  Indian  corn,  and  forty  acres  of  land,  one  huudred  and 
twenty  rods  long  and  fifty-three  rods  wide,  at  the  Upper  Falls  on 
Charles  River,  in  exchange  for  a  tract  of  land  seven  miles  long  from 
east  to  west,  and  five  miles  wide,  now  the  township  of  Deerficld. 
The  same  year,  they  gave  Maugus,  another  sachem,  eight  pounds, 
for  his  lands  at  Maugus  hill.  Thus  the  Indians  acquu-ed  their  title 
to  Natick,  Needham  and  Dedham  Island.  This  covered  the  first 
of  the  two  grants  of  the  General  Court.  It  is  uncertain  how  or 
when  the  title  of  the  Indians  to  Newton  and  Brighton, —  the  torri- 

259 


200  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

torv  embraced  in  the  second  grant,— was  acquired  by  tliem.  As 
to  the  extinction  of  the  Indian  title  to  the  first  grant,  we  learn 
that  in  1639,  three  years  after  the  action  of  the  GeneraJ  Court,  the 
same  Court  appointed  Edward  Gibbons,  one  of  the  Boston  depu- 
ties, to  agree  with  the  Indians  for  their  lands  within  the  bounds  of 
Cambridge,  Watertown  and  Boston.  Mr.  Gibbons  probably  suc- 
ceeded in  accomplishing  the  object  of  his  appointment,  although 
we  have  found  no  report  of  his  doings.  As  to  the  extinction  of 
the  Indian  title  to  the  second  grant,  we  find  that  in  January',  1700, 
"William  Nahaton,  an  Indian,  of  Punkapoag,  for  twelve  pounds, 
convej'ed  to  Robert  Cooke,  of  Dorchester,  hornbreaker,  the  sur\'iv- 
ing  son  of  Robert  Cooke,  late  of  Dorchester,  hornbreaker,  forty 
acres  of  land  on  the  west  side  of  Charles  River,  just  above  the 
Upper  Falls,  one  hundred  and  twent}'  rods  long  and  fifty-three 
rods  wide."  Jackson  says,  "  This  is  the  same  land  which  the 
inhabitants  of  Dedham  convej^ed  to  William  Nehoiden*  in  April 
1G80." 

New  Cambridge,  New  Town  or  Newton,  being,  at  the  date  of 
the  first  grant,  a  part  of  Cambridge,  the  territory  bestowed  by 
that  grant  became  a  part  of  Newton,  and  of  that  portion  of  it 
afterwards  embraced  in  Newton  Upper  Falls. 

The  first  mill  on  the  banks  of  the  Charles  in  Newton  was  erected 
b}'  Mr.  John  Clark  about  1688,  at  the  Upper  Falls  (upper 
village) ,  where  the  waters  of  the  river  fall  twenty  feet  perpendicu- 
larly, and  then  descend  thirt^'-five  feet  in  the  coui'se  of  half  a  mile. 
The  first  purchase  of  land  bj^  John  Clark,  senior,  at  the  Upper 
Falls  does  not  appear  upon  the  public  records.  Probably  he 
bought  of  the  Cambridge  proprietors  or  their  assigns,  with  the  in- 
cumbrance of  the  Indian  title,  and  neglected  to  record  his  Deed. 
The  mill,  as  was  natural,  in  a  thickly-wooded  neighborhood,  was  a 
saw-inill,  and  its  location,  the  same  which  has  since  been  occupied 
by  the  cotton-mills,  below  the  bridge  at  the  Village. 

The  deposition  of  Ebenezer  Ware,  an  aged  man  of  Needham, 
dated  October,  1763,  states  that  in  1693  he  knew  the  eel  weir, 
just  above  the  Falls ;  and  that  John  Clark,  senior,  told  him   that 


♦■William  Nehoiden  and  William  Nahaton  are  undoubtedly  the  same  individual. 
The  name  is  also  spelt  Ahawton,  Nahaton,  etc.  In  the  body  of  the  Deed  of  the  Ind- 
ians to  the  inhabitants  of  Braintree,  1665,  this  Indian's  name  is  written  Nahanton; 
his  signature  to  the  same  Deed  is  "  Hahaton."  In  the  Indian  Deed  of  the  peninsula 
of  Boston,  1685,  his  name  is  signed  "  Hahaton."  In  his  Deed  to  Robert  Cooke,  1701, 
he  signed  his  name  "  Nahaton." 


INDIAN  DEED.  2G1 

he,  John  Clark,  senior,  bought  all  the  Indians'  right  to  build  mills 
there;  and  also,  that  John  Clark,  jr.,  told  him  that  his  father 
bought  the  eel  weir  of  the  Indians  for  three  pounds  lawful  money, 
and  that  the  stone  walls  of  the  weir  were  about  three  feet  high  from 
the  bed  of  the  river,  when  in  repair.  The  deposition  of  Sarah 
Tray,  an  Indian  woman,  aged  about  fift}',  dated  Ma}',  1748,  states 
that  she  had  often  heard  her  husband's  grandmother  saj'  that  her 
husband,  John  Maugus,  once  owned  the  land  on  the  west  side  of 
Charles  River,  at  the  Upper  Falls,  and  the  rock  house,  which  the 
Indians  improved,  and  that  her  husband,  Maugus,  had  a  wigwam 
there,  and  knew  it  had  been  used  for  forty  years  for  drying  fish 
and  eels  ; —  and  that  the  Englishman  who  built  the  mills  purchased 
the  land. 

The  care  with  which  the  Deed  of  Nahaton  and  these  Depositions 
were  drawn  and  have  been  preserved  indicates  the  high  value  set 
upon  the  property  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Falls.  The  Deed  and 
Depositions  themselves  are  of  sufficient  interest  and  importance  to 
claim  a  place  in  these  Records. 

DEED    OF   WILLIAM    NAHATON. 

To  all  People  unto  whom  these  presents  shall  come.  William  Nahaton,  an 
Indian  of  Puncapoge,  within  the  County  of  SufFolke,  in  the  Province  of  the 
Massachusetts  Bay,  in  New  England, — Sendeth  Greeting. 

Whereas  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Towne  of  Dedham,  in  the  County  afores'd, 
on  the  Fourteenth  day  of  the  Second  Month,  1680,  Granted  to  the  s'd  William 
Nahaton  and  to  his  heires  forever  Forty  acres  of  Land,  Lying  abutting  upon 
Charles  River  towards  the  Northeast,  one  hundred  and  Twenty  rodds  Long, 
just  above  the  Upper  falls,  fifty  three  Rodds  in  breadth,  and  abutting  upon 
Dedham  Land  on  all  other  parts, — With  Liberty  of  ffishing  att  the  s'd  Wil- 
liam's Weares,  Provided  he  or  any  of  his  successors  shall  not  have  Liberty 
to  sell  or  dispose  of  any  of  the  abovesaid  Premises  to  any  man  without  the 
consent  of  the  Selectmen  for  the  Towne  of  Dedham  for  the  time  being, — as  by 
the  said  Towne  Grant,  reference  whereto  being  had  more  fully  may  appeare. 

And  whereas  the  said  Selectmen  of  Dedham  for  the  time  being  have 
granted  unto  the  s'd  William  Nahaton  their  free  consent  and  Liberty  to  dis- 
pose thereof  unto  Robert  Cooke,  of  Dorchester,  in  the  County  of  SufFolke, 
afores'd,  Hornebrcaker,  the  surviving  son  of  Robert  Cooke,  late  of  Dorches- 
ter afores'd,  Hornebreaker,  deceased. 

Now  Know  Yee  that  I,  the  s'd  William  Nahaton,  for  and  in  Consideration 
of  the  Summe  of  Twelve  Pounds  Current  money  of  New  England,  to  me  in 
hand  well  and  truely  payd  att  and  before  the  ensealeing  and  delivery  of  these 
presents  by  John  Hubbard,  of  Boston,  in  the  County  of  SufFolke  aforesaid, 
merchant,  for  account  and  on  behalf  of  the  s'd  Robert  Cooke,  the  receipt 
whereof  to  ffuU   content  and  satisfaction  I  doo  hereby  acknowledge,  .and 


262  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

thereof,  and  of  every  part  and  parcel  thereof  doo  acquitt,  exonerate  and  dis- 
charge the  s'd  John  Hubbard  and  Robert  Cooke  and  each  of  them,  their  and 
each  of  their  heires,  Executors,  administrators  and  assignes  forever  by  these 
presents ;  Have  given,  granted,  bargained,  sold,  aliened,  enfeoffed,  conveyed 
and  confirmed,  and  by  these  presents  Doe  ffully,  ffreely,  cleerly  and  abso- 
lutely give,  grant,  bargaine,  sell,  aliene,  enfeoffe,  conveye  and  confirrae  unto 
the  s'd  Robert  Cooke,  his  heires  and  assignes  Forever,  All  The  aforemen- 
tioned fforty  Acres  of  Land  Lying  within  the  Towneship  of  Dedham  granted 
unto  rae  as  afores'd,  and  bounded  and  described  as  afores'd.  Together  with 
all  profitts,  privilidges,  rights,  commodityes  and  appur'ces  whatsoever  to  the 
same  belonging  or  in  any  wise  appertaining.  And  the  revercion  and  rever- 
cions,  remainder  and  remainders,  rents,  issues  and  incomes  thereof.  And 
also  all  the  Estate,  right,  title,  Interest,  Inheritance,  use,  possession,  prop- 
erty, claimc  and  demand  whatsoever  of  me,  the  s'd  William  Nahaton,  of,  in 
and  to  y'e  same  and  every  part  thereof,  reserving  only  out  of  the  above 
granted  premises  unto  me,  the  s'd  William  Nahaton,  my  heires  and  assignes 
forever,  one  quarter  of  an  acre  of  s'd  Land  for  the  accomodation  of  Fishing 
by  or  neeare  unto  the  afores'd  Vfeares, — 

To  have  and  to  hold  the  s'd  Forty  acres  of  Land,  bounded  and  discribed 
as  afores'd,  with  the  priviledges  and  appurten'ces  thereunto  belonging  (re- 
serving only  as  above  reserved),  unto  the  s'd  Robert  Cooke,  his  heires  and 
assigns,  To  his  and  their  owne  sole  and  proper  use  and  benefitt  and  behoofe 
forever,  absolutely,  without  any  manner  of  Condition,  redemption  or  revoca- 
tion in  anywise.  And  I,  the  s'd  William  Nahaton  for  me,  my  heires.  Execu- 
tors and  Administrators  doo  hereby  covenant,  promise,  grant  and  agree  to 
and  with  the  s'd  Robert  Cooke,  his  heires  and  assignes,  in  manner  and  Form 
following.  That  is  to  say.  That  att  the  time  of  the  ensealing  hereof  and  untill 
the  delivery  of  these  presents,  I,  the  s'd  William  Nahaton,  am  true.  Sole  and 
Lawfull  owner  of  all  the  aforebargained  premises.  And  stand  Lawfully  seized 
th-ereof  in  my  owne  proper  right  of  a  good,  sure  and  Indefeasible  Estate  of 
Inheritence  in  ffee  Simple,  Haveing  in  myself  Full  power,  good  right  and 
Lawfull  authority  to  grant,  sell,  convey  and  assure  the  above  granted  prem- 
isses with  the  appurt'ces  (reserving  as  above  reserved)  unto  the  said  Robert 
Cooke,  his  heires  and  assignes  forever,  in  manner  and  Forme  afores'd,  and 
according  to  the  true  Intent  and  meaneing  of  these  presents.  And  that  the 
s'd  Robert  Cooke,  his  heirs  and  assignes,  shall  and  may  by  force  and  virtue 
of  these  presents,  from  henceforth  and  Forever  hereafter  Lawfully,  peacea- 
bly and  quietly  enter  into  and  upon,  have,  hold,  use,  occupy,  possess  and  en- 
joy the  abovegranted  and  bargained  premisses,  with  the  appurt'ces,  reserving 
only  as  above  reserved,  ffree  and  cleerly  acquitted,  exonerated  and  dis- 
charged of  and  from  all  and  all  manner  of  former  and  other  gifts,  grants, 
bargaines,  sales,  leases,  releases,  mortgages,  joyntures,  dowers,  judgments, 
executions,  entails,  forfeitures,  seizures,  amorciaments,  and  of  and  from  all 
other  titles,  troubles,  charges  and  Incumbrances  whatsoever.  And  Further, 
That  I,  the  s'd  William  Nahaton,  for  me,  my  heires.  Executors  and  Admin- 
istrators, and  every  of  us  doc  liereby  covenant  and  grant  to  warrant  and  de- 
fend all  the  above  granted  and  bargained  premisses,  Avith  the   appurt'ces 


INDIAN  DEPOSITION.  263 

thereof  (reserving  only  as  above  reserved),  unto  the  said  Robert  Cooke, 
his  licires  and  a^signcs  forever,  against  the  Lawful!  claimes  and  demands  of 
all  and  every  person  and  persons  whomsoever.  In  witness  whereof,  I  the 
said  William  Naliaton,  liavc  hereunto  sett  my  hand  and  scale  the  Twenty- 
ninth  day  of  January  anno  Dom'i  one  thousand  seven  hundred,  In  the 
Twelfth  Yeare  of  the  reigne  of  King  William  the  Third  over  England,  &c. 

William  Nahaton.     [seal] 
Signed,  Sealed  and  Delivered  in  the  presence  of  us 

A Leaniiakd 

Signum 
A 
Abraham  Blanchard 
Eliezeu  Moody,  set. 
Suffolk  ss.  Boston,  January  29th,  1700. 

The  above  mentioned  William  Nahaton,  personally  appearing  before  me 
the  subscriber,  one  of  his  Majesty's  Justices  of  Peace  within  ye  County 
afores'd,  acknowledged  this  Instrument  to  be  his  free  and  voluntary  act  and 
deed. 

Epiir.  Hunt. 
Memo.     It's  to  be  understood  That  there  was  formerly  a  deed  given  by  the 
s'd   William   Nahaton  for  the  piece  of  land  above  mentioned:  which  deed 
being  lost,  this  was  againe  given. 

The  depositions  which  follow  furnish  evidence,  in  the  absence 
of  written  records,  of  the  possession  of  the  property  by  the  orig- 
inal owners,  and  of  the  right  of  the  Indian,  to  conve}^  it  to  the 
white  proprietor.  If  Dedhara,  b}^  a  jnst  and  righteous  transaction, 
honestly  extinguished  the  original  Indian  title,  we  have  an  un- 
broken succession  of  the  titles  down  to  the  present  time.  Need- 
ham  was  originally  a  part  of  Dedham,  as  was  Dover  also.  As 
late  as  1790  Needham  was  included  in  the  count3'of  Suffolk. 

The  testimonies  which  follow,  bridge  across  the  civilization  of 
one  or  two  centuries  and  bring  us  face  to  face  with  the  dashino" 
waters  and  the  unbroken  forests  of  the  red  man,  and  the  simple 
manners,  the  cheap  laud  and  the  tenacity  of  the  right  of  posses- 
sion which  characterized  the  fathers  of  the  town  of  Newton. 

DEPOSITION    OF    AMOS    NAHATON. 

Stoughton,  January  ye  4th,  1747. 

The  Deposition  of  Amos  Nahaton,  of  Eighty-two  years  of  age,  doth  testify 
and  say  that  I  well  remember  my  Father,  William  Nahaton,  of  Punkapog. 
owned  the  Great  Falls  in  Charles  River,  and  that  he  owned  the  s'd  River  for 
a  great  ways  above  and  below  s'd  Falls,  and  the  Islands  and  Eell  wares  in 
s'd  River,  and  that  he  owned  the  land  against  s'd  Falls  on  the  West  side  of 


264  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

the  River.  And  I  further  well  remember  Above  sixty  years  past,  My  Father 
sold  A  peice  of  land  called  two  acres  at  the  Great  fishing  place  on  the  West 
side  the  River  for  A  Gun  to  John  Maugus,  of  Natick,  and  that  the  s'd  Maugus 
was  to  have  Liberty  to  fish  at  My  Father's  Wares  in  s'd  River ;  and  I  further 
Testify  That  when  My  Father  sold  A  certain  Peice  of  land  to  Cook  or  Cook's 
Mother,  that  he  did  not  then  sell  Maugusses  land  nor  the  Islands  nor  the 
wares  in  s'd  River;  further,  I  Testify  that  above  sixty  years  past  John 
Maugus  and  the  other  Natick  Indians  were  then  In  the  Possession  of  the 
above  two  acres,  and  had  Wigwams  on  s'd  land. 

his 
Amos  4*  Nahaton. 
mark. 
Stoughton,  Jan'ry  ye  4th,  1747. 
The  within  Deponent,  Amos  Nahaton,  Took  his  Oath  to  the  within  Deposi- 
tion in  Perpetuam  Rei  Memoriam  before  us  — 

Samuel  White,  Justice  of  the  Peace. 

Quorum    Unus. 

Henky  Sewall,  Justice  Peace. 

N.  B.  The  within  Deponent  at  the  time  of  Caption  was  Esteemed  by  U3 
to  be  of  Good  Judgment  and  Sound  Memory. 

Samuel  White, 
Henky  Sewall. 

DEPOSITION    OF   SARAH   TRAY. 

I  Sarah  Tray,  of  Natick,  of  above  fifty  years  of  age,  do  Testify  and  say 
that  I  often  heard  my  Husbands's  Grandmother  Maugus  often  say  that  her 
husband,  John  Maugus  did  once  own  that  peice  of  land  on  the  west  side  of 
Charles  River  at  the  fishing  place  at  the  upper  falls,  which  the  Indians  did 
improve,  and  the  Rock  House ;  and  that  her  Husband  Maugus  had  A  Wig- 
wam on  s'd  piece  of  Land,  and  that  he  gave  said  land  to  his  Daughter 
Catharine.  I  further  Testify  that  my  Husband's  Mother  Catharine  used  to  say 
that  her  Father  Maugus  gave  her  the  above  peice  of  land,  and  that  my  Hus- 
band's Father  and  she  had  a  Wigwam  on  s'd  land,  and  lived  there  ;  and  I  have 
often  heard  my  Mother  Catharine  say  that  the  English  Man  that  Built  the 
Mills  purchased  the  privilidge  of  the  Indians  at  s'd  Falls ;  and  I  further  say 
that  I  well  remember  that  my  Mother  Catharine  and  Samuel  Abraham  used 
to  Improve  s'd  land  and  the  Rock  House  on  s'd  land  by  cutting  Wood,  mak- 
ing fires,  drying  fish  and  Eels  for  forty  years  past. 

her 
Sarah  -|-  Tkay. 
mark. 
Suffolk,  ss.  May  ye  20th,  1748. 

Sarah  Tray,  of  Natick,  Indian,  above  named,  made  oath  to  the  truth  of  the 
above  written  Deposition  in  Perpetuam  rei  memoriam. 

Before  us  Samuel  White,  "t    Justices  of  the  Peace 
Henry  Sewall,  /   and  Quorum  unus. 


DEPOSITIONS.  265 

DEPOSITION   OF   EBENEZER  WARE. 

I  Ebenezer  Ware,  of  Needham,  in  the  County  of  Suffolk,  and  province  of 
the  Massachusetts  Bay  in  New  England,  Yeoman,  Testifie  and  say  that  above 
Seventy  Years  ago  I  knew  a  certain  Ealc-Ware  in  Charles  River,  Just  above 
the  upper  falls  in  said  River.  I  knew  said  Eal-Ware  to  be  Improv'd  above 
Twenty  Years;  and  I  further  Testifie  that  about  Seventy  years  ago  John 
Clark,  Senior,  of  Newton,  Dec'd,  told  mo  he  had  Bought  all  the  Indians' Right 
at  the  Upper  falls  for  a  Conveniancy  to  Build  Mills  thereon ;  and  furthermore 
I  testifie  and  say  that  John  Clark  Junior,  Dec'd,  Told  me  that  his  Father 
Bought  the  above  said  Ele  ware,  and  gave  three  Pounds  for  the  same.  The 
said  Ele  ware  was  in  the  River  just  above  the  foord  way,  which  I  and  the 
Nighbours  used  to  Pass  over  in,  and  below  where  the  Cart  Bridge  now 
stands ;  and.  Furthermore,  I  testifie  and  say,  as  I  used  to  pass  by  said  ware 
frequently,  that  According  to  my  Best  Remembrance,  the  Stone  Walls  of  said 
Ware  was  about  three  feet  from  the  Botom  of  said  River  in  hight  when  in  Re- 
pare  for  Fishing;  and  furthermore,  I,  for  near  seventy  years  Past  never 
heard  any  Person  or  Persons  Lay  Clame  to  said  Ware,  But  the  above  named 
Clarks  and  the  Owners  of  the  Grist  Mill  at  the  upper  falls. 

his 
Ebenezbr  +  Wake. 
mark. 
Suffolk,  ss.,  Octo'r  21th,  1763. 

The  above  named  Ebenezer  Ware  mad  ©ath  to  ye  truth  of  ye  above  Depo- 
sition in  Perpetuam  rei  memoriam. 
Before  us, 

Eliph't  Poxd,  "X  Justices  of  ye  Peace 

Isaac  Gardner,  Jcn'r,  /  Quorum  Unis. 

DEPOSITION    OF   JEREMIAH   WOODCOCK. 

I  Jeremiah  Woodcock,  of  Needham,  in  the  County  of  Suffolk,  and  Province 
of  Massachusetts  Bay,  in  New  England,  Yeoman,  Testifie  and  say  that 
I  knew  a  Certain  Eleware  in  Charles  River,  Just  above  the  upper  falls  in  said 
River,  I  knew  said  ware  improved  for  several  years  for  fishing;  said  ware 
was  in  the  River,  Just  above  tlie  foordvvay  in  which  I  us'd  to  cross  the  River 
in.  Just  below  where  the  Cart  Bridge  now  stands,  that  according  to  the  Best 
of  my  Remembrance  When  in  Repare  for  Fishing,  the  Walls  of  said  Ware 
were  three  feet  in  height ; 

and  also  I  heard  Fifty  years  ago,  the  Clarks,  then  of  Newton,  were  then 
the  owners  of  said  Eleware. 

Jeremiah  Woodcock. 

Suffolk,  ss.,  Octo'r  21st,  1763. 

The  above  named  Jeremiah  Woodcock  made  Oath  to  the  truth  of  ye  above 
Deposition,  in  Perpetuam  rei  memoriam. 
Before  us, 

Eliph't  Pond,  "X  Justices  of  ye  Peace 

Isaac  Gardner,  Jun'r,  j  Quorum  uitis. 


266  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

DEPOSITION    OF   ELIAKIM   COOK. 

Eliakim  Cook,  of  Neadham,  in  the  County  of  Suffolk,  and  William  Clark 
and  Joseph  Chaney,  of  Newton,  in  the  County  of  Middlesex,  all  in  the  Com- 
monwelth  of  Masactusetts,  Living  Near  the  Great  Falls  Called  the  upper 
falls  in  Newtown,  Severally  testify  and  say  that  it  is  more  than  Sixty  years 
that  wee  have  been  Conversant  with  the  River  and  fishery  about  said  falls,  and 
that  wee  Never  New  aney  Salt  water  fish  to  assend  above  said  falls,  nor  do 
wee  Remember  Ever  to  have  heard  our  Predessors  say  that  aney  Salt  water 
fish  did  ever  assend  above  said  falls.  Further  we  say,  and  Give  it  as  our 
Opinion,  that  it  is  Impracticable  for  the  fish  to  Assend  said  falls  ever  while 
wee  consider  it  in  the  State  of  Nature 

Eliakim  Cook, 
William  Clark, 
Joseph  (/Heket. 
Middlesex,  ss.,  February  2,  1790. 

Eliakim  Cook,  William  Clark  and  Joseph  Chaney  made  Oath  to  the  truth 
of  the  above  Deposition  before  me. 

John  Woodward,  yustice  of  the  Peace. 

The  eel-wier,  so  called,  aud  frequently  referred  to  in  the  above 
papers,  was  a  dam  built  b}'  the  Indians  near  the  yard  of  the  pres- 
ent cotton  factory,  and  extending  across  the  channel  of  the  river 
from  the  rock  to  the  island.  The  foundation-stones  of  this  dam  can 
still  be  seen  in  the  bed  of  the  river.  The  island  was  formed  by  a 
supplementary  natural  channel  of  the  river,  which  in  later  times, 
Avas  partially  filled  and  partially  became  the  race-wa}'  for  the  water 
that  supplies  power  to  the  cotton  factory, —  the  latter  being  erected 
partly  on  the  island  as  it  was,  and  partly  ou  the  main  land  or 
shore.  By  subsequent  filling,  the  island  has  become  part  of  the 
factory  yard,  and  the  indications  that  it  was  once  an  island  have 
mainly  disappeared,  except  as  the  fact  is  remembered  by  the  older 
residents.  The  snufi'-mills  of  General  P^lliot,  at  a  later  period, 
were  erected,  not  on  the  island,  but  on  the  easterly  shore.  In 
1798,  according  to  Dr.  Homer,  this  proprietor  had  three  snuff- 
mills,  containing  twenty  mortars. 

John  Clark,  who  built  the  first  mill,  was  born  in  Watertown, 
October  13,  1G41.  His  father,  Hugh  Clark,  removed  from  Water- 
town  to  Roxbury,  where  he  died  in  1G93.  He  was  probably  in 
Newton  as  early  as  1G81.  His  son  John  settled  in  Mudd}' River 
(Brookline)  ;  but  his  father  convcj-ed  to  him  b}-  deed  of  gift  sixty- 
seven  acres  of  land  in  New  Cambridge,  in  April,  1681,  about 
which  time  the  son  probabh'  removed  from  Muddy  River  to  his 


MILLS  AT  THE  UPPER  FALLS.  267 

new  possession.  This  land  was  on  the  easterly  side  of  the  Dedham 
Road  (Centre  Street),  adjoining  and  south  of  what  afterwards 
became  the  Common  in  Newton  Centre.  John  Clark  died  in  1G95, 
aged  fift3'-four.  In  his  will  he  bequeathed  to  his  two  sons,  John 
and  William,  V  all  his  lands  on  the  river  towards  the  saw-mill,  the 
residue  of  his  property  to  remain  in  the  hands  of  his  executor,  to 
bring  np  his  small  children."  Eight  acres  of  land  at  the  river, 
with  the  saw-mill,  were  appraised  at  £180. 

Mr.  Clark's  purchase,  on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  was  ten  or 
fifteen  years  earlier  than  Cook's  purchase  of  the  Indian,  William 
Nehoiden,  on  the  west  side. 

The  saw-mill  above  referred  to,  in  the  progress  of  years,  changed 
owners  several  limes,  and  received  various  additions.  In  Ma}', 
1708,  John  Clark  convej-ed  to  Nathaniel  Parker  one-quarter  part 
of  the  saw-mill,  stream,  dam  and  eel-wier,  and  half  an  acre  of 
land,  for  twelve  pounds,  with  an  open  highway  fi'om  the  county 
road  to  the  mill  and  eel-wier.  Soon  afterwards,  William  Clark 
conveyed  to  Nathaniel  Longley  one-quarter  part  of  the  same. 
And  John  and  William  Clark,  Nathaniel  Parker  and  Nathaniel 
Longley  became  the  equal  owners  of  the  mill,  stream  and  eel-wier  ; 
and  they  added  thereto  a  grist-mill  and  a  fulling-mill.  In  1717, 
John  Clark  convej'ed  his  quarter  of  the  mills  to  Nathaniel  Parker, 
In  1720,  William  Clark  convej-ed  to  Noah  Parker,  son  of  Na- 
thaniel Parker,  one-quarter  pai't  of  the  saw-mill,  fulling-mill,  grist- 
mill and  eel-wier,  with  the  stream  and  dam,  for  ninety-five  pounds. 
The  same  3'ear,  Nathaniel  Longley  conveyed  his  quarter  part  of 
the  same  to  Noah  Parker. 

Nathaniel  Parker  conve^'ed  to  liis  son,  Noah  Parker,  all  his  in- 
terest in  said  mills,  being  one-half  of  the  same,  valued  at  £150; 
Noah  Parker  became  thus  the  sole  owner  of  the  mills  and  appur- 
tenances in  1720.  In  1725,  he  conveyed  the  fulling-mill  to  Samuel 
Stowell,  of  Watertown.  In  17-47  Nathaniel  Parker  died,  and  in 
1768,  his  son  Noah  died  also.  His  mills  and  appurtenances  then 
passed  into  the  hands  of  his  son  and  administrator,  Thomas  Par- 
ker, who  was  also  one  of  the  constituent  members  of  the  First 
Baptist  church.  Mr.  Parker  sold  the  same  to  Simon  Elliot,*  of 
Boston,  tobacconist,  and  about  thirty-five  acres  of  land,  including 


*  Mr.  Elliot's  son,  bearing  the  same  name,  entered  with  spirit  into  the  operations  at 
Newton  ;  the  latter  was  a  Major  General  of  the  militia  in  SufEolk  County.  Like  his 
father,  he  was  a  very  enterprising  man  of  business.    He  died  in  1810. 


268  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

a  dwelling-house,  barn,  malt-house,  etc.,  for  £1,700,  in  1778  and 
1782.  In  addition  to  the  business  already  established,  Mr.  Elliot 
erected  snuff-mills,  besides  other  enterprises.  This  new  industry, 
with  the  grist-mill,  was  continued  by  him  and  his  son,  till  the  year 
1814.  It  is  said  that  the  business  carried  on  here,  in  the  manu- 
facture of  snuff  and  tobacco,  was  the  most  extensive  in  that  line 
in  New  England.  It  is  from  this  Mr.  Elliot  that  the  name  of 
Elliot  has  impressed  itself  upon  hall,  factory  and  street  at  the 
Upper  Falls,  and  not,  as  many  suppose,  from  Rev.  John  Eliot,  the 
missionar}'  to  the  Indians  at  Nonantum  Hill,  whose  name  was  dif- 
ferently spelled. 

In  1814,  the  screw  factory,  wire-mill,  four  snuff-mills,  annealing 
shop,  dwelling-house,  etc.,  were  sold  to  the  Elliot  Manufacturing 
Compan}-,  Frederic  Cabot,  agent.  The  record  that  there  were 
four  snuff-mills  at  this  spot,  at  this  early  date,  and  so  large  a  busi- 
ness done  in  the  manufacture  of  tobacco,  reveals  one  of  the  leaks 
in  the  domestic  economy'  of  the  generation  then  living.  Undoubt- 
edlj',  the  larger  proportion  of  the  product  of  the  mills  found  its 
way  out  of  town.  But  the  fact  of  the  existence  of  such  an  indus- 
try in  their  immediate  neighborhood  must  have  proved  a  temptation 
to  many  of  the  people  to  indulge  in  the  filthy  habit.  The  entire 
population  of  Newton  in  1810  was  onl}^  1,709. 

In  the  sale  of  his  propertj'  to  Elliot,  Mr.  Parker  reserved  about 
four  acres  of  land  below  the  Falls,  to  which  he  added  by  purchase 
in  1781,  a  small  lot  on  the  Needham  side  of  the  river  opposite  the 
small  island,  known  as  Turtle  Island, —  upon  which  the  rolling- 
mill  was  built, —  and  which  he  sold  to  his  son-in-law,  Mr.  Jona- 
than Bixb3'.  At  this  place  another  dam  and  saw-mill  were  erected 
by  him  in  1783.  In  1799  Mr.  Bixby  sold  this  estate  to  the  Newton 
Iron  Works  Company,  who  built  the  rolling-mill  and  commenced 
operations  in  the  j-ear  1800,  in  charge  of  JNIr.  Rufus  Ellis,  agent. 
These  works  have  been  in  operation  for  many  years,  and  were  long 
occupied  by  the  late  Mr.  Frederick  Barden.  In  1809,  a  new  fac- 
tory was  erected  for  the  purpose  of  manufacturing  cut-nails.  The 
same  building  was  afterwards  occupied  b^'  Mr.  Newell,  as  a  paper 
mill.  The  same  year  (1809)  the  Worcester  Turnpike  was  con- 
structed, passing  directly  by  the  nail  and  rolling  mill,  and  bridg- 
ing the  river  at  this  point.  In  1813  this  company-  built  a  cotton- 
mill,  containing  about  three  thousand  spindles,  on  the  Needham 
side  of  the  river,  subsequently  the  site  of  the  grist-mill.  The 
cotton-mill  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  the  spring  of  1850. 


NEWTON  FACTORIES.  2G9 

The  Elliot  Manufacturing  Company  removed  the  old  mills  and 
buildings,  constructed  a  new  dam,  and,  with  the  assistance  of  Mr. 
Otis  Pettee,  who  remained  with  them  as  mechanical  superintendent 
several  5'ears,  erected  a  cotton  factory  with  about  six  thousand 
spindles  for  the  manufacture  of  sheeting,  and  commenced  opera- 
tions in  the  year  1821.  In  1824,  the  same  company  built  another 
large  mill  for  making  thread,  which  was  in  operation  about  five 
years,  and  was  then  changed  to  sheetings,  making  in  all  about  ten 
thousand  spindles  in  the  two  factories. 

In  the  spring  of  1831,  Mr.  Pettee  left  the  employ  of  the  Elliot 
INIanufacturing  Company,  and  started  a  smaU  shop  for  building 
cotton  machiner}-  on  his  own  account,  enlarging  from  time  to  time, 
and  in  1837  he  built  a  foundry  for  making  iron  castings.  This  work 
called  in  a  large  number  of  families.  In  1839  these  works  were 
destroyed  by  fire,  involving  a  loss  of  upwards  of  $60,000.  They 
were  rebuilt  in  1840  and  1841. 

The  Elliot  Manufacturing  Company,  having  been  unsuccessful 
in  their  operations,  became  discouraged;  and,  unable  to  agree  as 
to  what  was  the  best  course  for  them  to  pursue,  at  last  determined 
to  sell  aU  their  property,  which  they  did  in  the  fall  of  1840,  to  Mr. 
Pettee.  Large  additions  were  immediately  made,  with  improve- 
ments in  machinery,  etc.,  all  of  which  tended  to  increase  the  pop- 
ulation. Mr.  Pettee  was  a  man  of  great  genius  and  enterprise, 
and  supplied  machinery  for  many  manufactories  in  the  United 
States  and  Mexico.  Mr.  Pettee,  having  thus  become  possessed 
of  the  property  of  the  Elliot  Manufacturing  Company,  carried  on 
the  business  with  untiring  energ}'  and  industry  till  his  death,  which 
occurred  in  February,  1853.  Mr.  Pettee  was  one  of  the  warmest 
supporters  of  the  project  of  building  the  railroad,  passing  through 
Newton  Centre  and  Upper  Falls,  now  the  New  York  and  New 
England  Railroad.  He  had  six  sons  and  three  daughters,  and  died 
aged  fift3'-eight. 

In  1821,  Mr.  Rufus  Ellis  bought  out  the  Newton  Iron  Works 
Company,  of  which  he  had  been  the  agent,  and  became  the  sole 
owner.  A  new  company  was  formed  in  1823,  consisting  of  seven 
persons,  who  obtained  an  Act  of  Incorporation  by  the  name  of  the 
''Newton  Factories,"  Rufus  Ellis,  Agent.  In  1835,  Rufus  EUis 
and  David  Ellis  became  the  sole  owners  of  this  property. 

Previous  to  the  year  1800,  the  business  carried  on  at  the  Upper 
Falls  by  water  power  was  small,  being  three  snufi'-mills,  a  grist- 


270  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

mill  and  saw-mill.  Only  about  six  families  resided  in  the  place. 
In  1850,  there  were  at  the  upper  dam,  one  cotton  factor}^  with 
about  nine  thousand  spindles,  machine  shops  sufficient  to  accom- 
modate three  hundred  workmen,  and  a  steam  furnace  for  iron  cast- 
ings, employing  about  fifteen  workmen.  At  the  lower  dam,  a 
rolling-mill,  working  about  fifteen  hundred  tons  of  bar  iron  into 
various  shapes  ;  a  nail  factory,  making  about  five  hundred  tons  of 
cut-nails  ;  a  cotton  factor}^  (on  the  Needham  side) ,  with  about  two 
thousand  spindles,  and  manufacturing  about  five  hundred  thousand 
3'ards  of  cotton  cloth  annuall}'.  There  were,  at  that  date,  in  the 
village  about  one  thousand  three  hundred  inhabitants. 

It  is  said  that  at  the  most  flourishing  period  of  the  enterprise  of 
nail-making  at  Newton  Upper  Falls,  whole  cargoes  of  nails  were 
sent  from  the  factory  to  Cuba  and  New  Orleans,  to  be  used  in  the 
manufacture  of  sugar-boxes. 

The  village  of  Newton  Upper  Falls  has  features  of  great  beautj'. 
Half  a  century  ago,  the  population  was  mainly  American ;  but  a 
foreign  element  has  taken  its  place,  changing  the  social  status  of 
the  village,  and  imperilling  that  growth  which  wealth  and  taste 
might  be  expected  to  bring.  But  many  of  the  most  beautiful  sites 
for  building  are  yet  unoccupied,  and  undoubtedly  a  prosperous 
future  is  assured  to  this  charming  locality. 

Newton  Lower  Falls. —  In  June,  1703,  "John  Leverett,  Esq., 
convej'ed  to  John  Hubbard,  of  Roxbury,  four  acres  of  land,  upon 
Charles  Eiver,  at  the  Lower  Falls,  bounded  east  by  a  fortj'-acre 
lot  belonging  to  Harvard  College  ;  west  b}'  the  old  path  that  leads 
to 'the  wading  place,'  formerl}-,  the  Natick  path,  and  south  by 
Charles  Eiver," —  being  the  same  land  which  the  proprietors  of  the 
common  and  undivided  lands  in  Cambridge  granted  to  him,  and 
the  same  which  has  since  been  occupied  b}'  all  the  mills  on  the 
Newton  side  of  the  river. 

In  1705,  John  Hubbard,  merchant,  of  Boston,  conveyed  to  his 
son  Nathaniel  Hubbard,  clerk,  "  one  moiet}'  of  the  four-acre  lot, 
bounded  north  bj'  the  highway  and  south  by  the  river,  together 
with  half  of  the  iron  works  thereon,  with  two  fire  hearths  and  a 
hammer-wheel,  which  said  John  Hubbard  and  Caleb  Church,  of 
Watertown,  are  now  building  in  partnership  upon  said  land,  with 
as  much  of  the  stream  as  ma}'  be  necessary  for  said  works,  with 
half  the  dam,  flume,  head  wares,  running  and  going  gear,  utensils 
and  appurtenances  to  the  forge  belonging." 


LOWER  FALLS.  271 

Business  b}'  water  power  commenced  at  Newton  Lower  Falls  in 
1704,  l)y  the  erection  of  iron  works,  forge  and  trip-hammer  by  Mr. 
Jonathan  AYillard.  The  falls  on  the  Charles  River  at  this  point 
are  two  miles  below  the  Upper  Falls  ;  the  water  makes  two  descents, 
the  first  about  sixteen  feet,  the  second  about  six.  There  are  two 
dams  and  two  bridges. 

In  June,  1722,  Nathaniel  Hubbard,  of  Dorchester,  administrator 
on  the  estate  of  his  father  John  Hubbard,  who  died  in  1717,  in 
consideration  of  one  hundred  and  forty  pounds,  conve^'ed  to  Jona- 
than Willard,  bloomer,  of  Newton,  part  of  a  tract  of  land  pur- 
chased of  John  Leverett,  Esq.,  with  a  smith's  shop  thereon,  now  in 
possession  of  said  Willard,  with  the  privileges  thereto  belonging ; 
also,  all  the  title  and  interest  which  John  Hubbard  had  to  the  said 
four  acres  of  land,  formerly  of  said  Leverett,  bounding  south  hy 
the  river,  and  north  by  the  highway,  with  half  the  iron  works 
thereon,  two  fire  hearths,  hammer-wheel,  dam,  head  wares,  water- 
courses, running  and  going  gear,  and  utensils  of  said  ironworks. 
Jackson  says,  "  Willard  had  occupied  the  smith's  shop  as  a  tenant 
several  years  previous  to  his  purchase  and  partnership  with  Hub- 
bard. He  was  an  ingenious,  upright  and  conscientious  man,  and 
the  first  Baptist  in  the  town, —  the  principal  man  of  the  iron  works 
and  of  the  village  of  the  Lower  Falls,  for  nearly  half  a  century-." 

Jonathan  Willard  married  Sarah  Bartlett,  December  20,  1708, 
and  had  eleven  children,  to  all  of  whom  he  gave  Scripture  names» 
Though  residing  at  the  Lower  Falls,  he  was  baptized  in  1729,  and 
joined  the  First  Baptist  church  in  Boston.  For  many  3'ears  he 
and  his  daughter  Esther  seem  to  have  been  alone  in  that  faith. 
He  died  May  22,  1772,  aged  ninety-five  years.  Steadfast  in  his 
adhesion  to  his  principles,  he  waited  and  pra3-ed  for  the  organi- 
zation of  a  Baptist  church  in  Newton.  It  came,  but  not  till  eight 
years  after  his  decease. 

At  different  periods,  vai'ious  kinds  of  business  requiring  the  aid 
of  water  power  have  been  carried  on,  such  as  iron  works,  saw- 
mills, grist-mills,  snuff'-mills,  clothing-mills,  leather-mills,  paper- 
mills,  calico  printing,  machine  shops,  etc.  But  for  more  than  half 
a  century,  the  manufacture  of  paper  has  been  the  leading  industr}- 
of  the  place.  Eight  or  ten  paper-mills,  in  constant  operation, 
have  supplied  the  wants  of  numerous  traders,  and  fed  the  omnivo- 
rous mouths  of  the  newspaper  presses  of  the  neighboring  cit}-. 
The  names  of  the  eminent  Alexander  H.  Rice,  Ex-Governor  of  the 


272  HISTORY  OF  NEWTOX. 

Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  and  of  Thomas  Rice,  one  of  the 
most  distinguished  and  patriotic  citizens  of  the  town,  are  indisso- 
lubly  linked  with  this  business,  and  with  this  part  of  the  town. 

The  first  paper-mill  at  the  Lower  Falls  was  built  about  1790,  by 
Mr.  John  Ware,  from  Sherburne,  brother  of  Rev.  Henry  "Ware, 
D.  D.,  Professor  in  Harvard  Universit}'.  His  eldest  daughter 
married  Dr.  Ebenezer  Starr,  in  1794.  Dr.  Starr  was  son  of  Dr. 
Josiah  Starr,  of  Weston,  and  a  man  of  note  and  influence  outside 
of  his  profession.  He  graduated  at  Harvard  College  in  1789, 
settled  as  a  physician  at  the  Lower  Falls,  was  representative  two 
years,  and  died  in  1830. 

During  the  half  century  that  followed  Mr.  Ware's  commence- 
ment in  1790,  under  the  management  of  the  Curtises,  the  Crehores 
and  the  Rices,  the  business  was  greatly'  extended.  Formerly  the 
work  was  mostly  done  by  hand,  and  was  slow  and  laborious. 
By  the  invention  of  the  Fourdrinier  machine  in  England,  the 
capacity  to  manufacture  was  greatly  enhanced.  The  first  machine 
of  the  kind  ever  worked  in  this  country  was  placed  In  a  mill  at 
the  Lower  Falls. 

It  is  recorded  that  paper-making,  to  a  greater  or  less  extent, 
has  been  carried  on  at  this  village  for  at  least  a  hundred  years. 
Mr.  Benjamin  Neale,  long  a  resident  of  the  -vdllage,  stated  when 
he  was  eighty  3^ears  of  age,  that  he  was  engaged  in  the  business 
upwards  of  fifty  j^ears  before.  At  one  time  the  firm  of  A.  C.  and 
W.  Curtis,  of  the  Lower  Falls,  supplied  the  book  paper  used  in 
many  parts  of  the  United  States.  The  Crehore  mill,  still  in  active 
operation,  has  produced  paper  which  has  had  an  extensive  sale 
thoughout  the  country.  At  the  Lower  Falls,  also,  there  have  been 
silk  factories,  and  there  are  now  cloth  and  hosiery  mills,  with 
shops  for  the  manufacture  of  machinery,  and  other  industries. 

According  to  Mr.  Neale, — 

In  1800,  there  were  about  eight  or  ten  families  in  the  village  of  Newton 
Lower  Falls.  In  1823,  there  were  four  hundred  and  five  inhabitants  and 
about  thirty-three  dwelling-houses.  In  1837,  there  were  four  hundred  and 
ninety-three  inhabitants,  and  about  eighty-eight  families.  In  1847,  there 
were  five  hundred  and  sixty  inhabitants  and  about  one  hundred  and  three 
families.  In  1850,  there  were  six  hundred  and  twenty-seven  inhabitants,  about 
one  hundred  and  twenty-one  families,  and  eighty  dwelling-houses.  In  1870, 
the  population  was  seven  hundred  and  fifty-seven ;  in  1872,  nine  hundred  and 
forty. 


CHAPTER  XXin. 

THE  CEMETERIES  OF  NEWTON. —  THE  OLD  CEMETERY. — THE  MEMO- 
RIAL PILLAR. INTERESTING  MONUMENTS. WEST  PARISH  BURY- 
ING GROUND. SOUTH  BURIAL  GROUND. LOWER  FALLS  CEME- 
TERY.  DEATHS   IN   NEWTON. —  DEATHS  IN  THE  WEST  PARISH. 

The  Old  Cemetery  on  Centre  Street. — la  imitation  of  the 
churcli-yards  of  England,  the  first  cemetery,  in  Centre  Street, 
was  around  the  church.  Where  the  early  settlers,  living,  had 
worshipped,  there  they  would  sleep  in  death.  They  chose  to  have 
the  sanctuary  cast  its  holy  shadows  over  the  places  where  their 
dust  reposed.  Deacon  John  Jackson  gave  an  acre  of  land  for 
the  first  meeting-house,  and  for  a  burying  place. 

May  14,  1701,  Abraham  Jackson,  son  of  Deacon  John  Jackson,  added  and 
pave  for  the  setting  of  the  school-house  upon,  the  enlarging  of  the  burying 
place,  and  the  convenience  of  the  training  place,  an  acre  more ;  which  said 
two  acres  were  then  laid  out  and  bounded,  west  and  south  by  the  highway, 
east  by  the  land  of  Isaac  Beach ;  marked  at  the  southeast  corner  by  stake 
and  stones;  northeast  corner,  stake  and  stones  ;  north  by  the  land  of  the  said 
Abraham  Jackson ;  a  marked  black  oak  tree  near  the  easterly  corner,  and  a 
white  oak  tree  near  the  middle  by  the  highway  side ;  and  a  white  oak  at  the 
nortliwest  corner,  by  the  highway  side,  "  which  marks  were  stated  and  the 
land  measured  out,  the  day  and  year  above  written,  by  Deacon  James  Trow- 
bridge, Abraham  Jackson,  Joseph  Fuller  and  Edward  Jackson." 

"This  valuable  gift  of  two  acres  of  land,"  says  Mr.  Jackson,  "was  the 
southwest  corner  of  a  tract  of  tAventy  acres,  divided  by  lot  in  1662  to  Deacon 
John  Jackson,  as  one  of  the  proprietors  of  the  Common  lands  of  Cambridge, 
and  which  was  then  called  Chestnut  Hill.  His  son  Abraham  inherited  this 
tract,  and  was  one  of  the  Selectmen  when  he  gave  the  second  acre  and 
helped  stake  it  out  in  1701." 

In  1717,  he  conveyed  Chestnut  Hill  to  his  only  son,  Captain  John  Jackson, 
by  deed  of  gift,  and  described  it  as  follows,  namely :  "  twenty  acres  at  Chest- 
nut Hill,  except  four  acres,  which  in  1686  he  conveyed  to  Isaac  Beach,  which 
18  273 


274  HISTORY   OF  NEWTON. 

lyeth  within  the  bounds  of  the  same,  excepting  also  the  land  whereon  the 
Meeting  House  now  standeth,  so  long  as  the  Town  shall  see  cause  to  improve 
it  for  the  use  they  now  do." 

Capt.  John  Jackson  died  in  1755,  and  his  son  John,  of  the  fourth  genera- 
tion, was  the  executor  of  his  will.  And  he  set  up  a  claim  to  a  part  of  this 
ancient  gift  in  17G5,  because  it  had  never  been  legally  conveyed  to  the  town. 
But  although  the  town  had  no  paper  title,  they  nevertheless  had  the  "nine 
points ;"  they  had  been  in  actual  possession  of  the  first  acre  more  than  a  hun- 
dred years,  and  cf  part  of  the  second  acre  more  than  sixty  years.  But  that 
portion  of  the  second  acre  which  lies  between  the  present  burying  ground  and 
Centre  Street,  was  low,  sometimes  partly  covered  with  water,  was  unsuitable- 
for  graves  and  none  had  been  dug  there.  And  therefore  it  was  doubtful 
whether  the  town  ever  fenced  it  or  had  actual  possession,  or  had  used  it  for 
either  of  the  four  purposes  for  which  it  was  given,  namely,  for  a  meeting- 
house, burying  place,  school-house  or  training  place. 

In  consequence  of  the  claim  of  John  Jackson,  grandson  of  Abraham,  the 
town,  at  its  March  meeting,  1765,  voted  to  settle  the  bounds  of  the  burying- 
place. 

At  a  subsequent  town  meeting,  the  same  year,  the  Selectmen  reported  that 
"  they  had  staked  out  one  and  a  half  acres,  where  the  burying  place  then  was, 
and  John  Jackson  to  give  a  sufficient  title  to  the  same,  on  condition  that  the 
town  fence  in  the  same,  and  maintain  the  fence  forever." 

By  this  settlement  the  town  lost  half  an  acre  and  about  twenty  rods  of  the 
original  gifts.  The  remaining  portion  now  measures  one  acre,  three-quarters 
and  twenty  rods.  The  ancient  donors  were  not  only  liberal  in  their  gift,  but 
liberal  in  their  measure  also,  staking  out  full  two  and  a  half  acres,  and  call- 
ing it  but  two  acres. 

From  the  language  of  the  settlement,  we  infer  that  the  place  was  not  fenced 
in  until  after  1765.  After  it  was  fenced,  the  sexton  pastured  his  cattle  there- 
in until  about  the  year  1800,  and  owing  to  this  practice,  doubtless,  some  of 
the  gravestones  have  been  displaced,  or  broken  by  the  cattle,  and  lost. 

About  1802,  the  proprietors  of  the  brick  tombs  on  the  northwest  side  pur- 
chased a  strip  of  land  one  rod  wide,  adding  thereto  about  nineteen  rods,  with 
a  view  of  continuing  the  tombs  across  that  side  of  the  burjdng  place.  In 
April,  1834,  the  town  purchased  of  Charles  Brackett  one  acre  of  land  adjoin- 
ing the  northeast  side  of  the  burying  place.  The  whole  contents  are  now 
three  acres,  less  seven  rods. 

In  this  cemetery  are  deposited  the  remains  of  the  honored 
pioneers  and  settlers  of  the  town.  The  first  tenant  of  it  was, 
probablj',  the  first  wile  of  John  EHot,  the  carhest  pastor  of  the 
church, —  Sarah  Willett  EUot,  daughter  of  Capt.  Thomas  Willett, 
of  Ptymouth  colon}',  and  first  mayor  of  New  York.  She  died 
April  13,  16G5.  The  second  is  thought  to  have  been  John  Eliot, 
the  pastor.  Richard  Park  died  in  Newton,  in  1665,  but  it  is 
uncertain  whether  he  was  buried  here,  or  in  old  Cambridge,  his 
former  residence. 


THE   MEMORIAL  PILLAR.  275 

On  the  left  hand,  as  the  visitor  enters,  is  the  more  modern  por- 
tion of  the  cemetery.  On  the  right  hand,  advancing  in  line  with 
Centre  Street,  is  a  large  collection  of  headstones,  which  mark  the 
resting  places  of  the  Jacksons,  one  of  the  most  prolific  families  in 
the  town.  Farther  along  is  a  tomb  facing  the  road,  which  has  a 
marble  door,  securely  locked,  with  handles  used  to  remove  it.  It 
is  shaded  by  a  spreading  weeping  willow, —  a  slip  taken  from  the 
willow  that  shadowed  the  grave  of  Napoleon,  on  the  island  of  St. 
Helena, —  and  over  the  top  stands  a  red  sandstone  tablet  on  pil- 
lars. This  is  the  tomb  of  Gen.  WiUiam  Hull.  On  the  table  aver 
the  tomb  are  two  inscriptions,  one  to  the  memory  of  Capt.  Abra- 
ham Hull,  who  fell  in  the  battle  of  Bridgewater,  Upper  Canada, 
in  1814,  and  the  other  to  the  memory-  of  Abraham  Fuller,  who  was 
successively  Representative,  Senator,  Councillor  and  Judge.  The 
wife  of  General  Hull,  who  was  the  daughter  of  Abraham  Fuller,  is 
buried  here  with  him.  There  are  no  records  regarding  the  earlier 
interments,  and  little  is  generally'  known  about  anj',  save  the  most 
distinguished  settlers.  There  are  warriors  here  from  the  revolu- 
tion, the  French  and  Indian  wars,  and  the  rebellion,  though  a 
hundred  years  have  intervened  between  the  periods  of  their  ex- 
ploits and  their  deaths. 

Nearly  in  the  centre  of  the  cemetery  is  the  tablet  to  the  memorv 
of  John  Eliot,  erected  by  the  town  in  1823,  the  inscription  on 
which  is  as  follows  : 

Rev.  .John  Eliot,  A.  M.,  son  of  the  Apostle  Eliot,  Assistant  Indian  Mis- 
sionary; first  Pastor  of  the  First  Church, — ordained  on  the  day  of  its  gather- 
ing, July  20  (Aug.  I,  N.  S.),  IGOi;  eight  years  after  the  forming  of  a  So- 
ciety distinct  from  Cambridge;  Died  Oct.  11,  IGGS,  aged  33.  Learned, 
pious  and  beloved  by  English  and  Indians.  '"  My  dying  counsel  is,  secure  an 
interest  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  this  will  carry  you  to  tlie  world's  end." 
As  a  preacher,  lively,  accomplished,  zealous  and  acute.  He  ripened  fast  for 
heaven,  and  heaven  received  his  ascending  spirit  155  years  since.  Erected 
by  the  town,  1823. 

A  short  distance  from  the  grave  of  Mr.  Eliot,  is  the  marble 
shaft  before  spoken  of  (p.  18G).  This  monument  stands  near  the 
centre  of  the  first  acre  of  land  given  by  John  Jackson,  senior,  on 
the  spot  where  the  first  meeting-house  was  erected  in  1G60. 

Many  of  the  headstones  are  covered  with  a  hard,  scaly  sub- 
stance and  mosses,  filling  up  the  traces  of  the  letters.  Some- 
times several  soldiers  are  buried  close  l)y  each  other,  members  of 


276  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

the  same  famil}',  and  only  the  mUitary  titles  can  be  deciphered. 
Near  the  back  part  of  the  cemetery  a  long  line  of  moss-covered 
slate  stones  marks  the  graves  of  twenty-two  of  the  Ward  family. 

Among  the  interesting  graves  in  this  cemetery,  the  following  are 
conspicuous : —  One  of  the  oldest, — 

Here  lies  ye  body  of  Edward  Jackson,  Aged  79  years  and  3  months. 
Dec'd  June  ye  17,  1G81.  Repaired  1825  by  William,  Stephen,  Francis, 
George,  and  Edmund,  who  descended  from  Edward  (who  came  from  England 

about  1G30)  in  the  line  of .     Sebas  (sea-born),  born  1652,  Joseph,  born 

.  1690,  Timothy,  born  1726,  Timothy,  born  1750.  All  of  whom  lived  and  died 
in  this  town. 

This  Edward  Jackson  was  an  intimate  friend  of  Elliot,  the 
Indian  apostle.  He  was  often  his  companion  on  his  missionary' 
tours  among  the  red  men. 

The  following  is  an  interesting  inscription, — 

The  remains  of  Madam  Mary  Cotton,  Consort  of  ye  late  Reverend  Mr. 
John  Cotton,  who  died,  lamented,  Sept.  28,  1761,  ^t.  67.  Here  lie  the  re- 
mains of  Dr.  John  Cotton,  son  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Cotton  who  died  much 
lamented  Sept.  6,  1738,  aged  29  years. 

This  is  another, — 

This  monument  is  erected  by  members  of  the  Eliot  Church  and  Religious 
Society  in  memory  of  their  late  beloved  pastor,  Rev.  Lyman  Cutler,  who 
died  April  18,  1855,  aged  28  years.     The  memory  of  the  just  is  blessed. 

On  a  green  mound  stand  side  by  side  two  white  monuments  of 
similar  form,  which  mark  the  resting-place  of  the  two  aged  minis- 
ters who  labored  side  by  side  for  nearly  half  a  century, —  one,  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Homer,  pastor  of  the  First  Congregational  church ;  the 
other,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Grafton,  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  chm'ch. 
The  monument  over  the  latter  was  reared  chiefly  through  the  energy 
and  perseverance  of  the  late  Thomas  Edmands,  Esq.,  the  author 
of  the  inscriptions.  The  expense  was  met  principall}'  by  sub- 
scriptions, not  exceeding  one  dollar  each,  from  a  multitude  who 
were  glad  in  this  way  to  do  honor  to  the  aged  pastor.  The  memo- 
rial inscription  is  as  follows  : 

Rev.  Ji>SEPn  Grafton,  Born  in  Newport,  R.  I.,  June  9,  1757.  Died  Dec. 
16,  1836,  Mt.  79.  Pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  in  Newton,  from  June 
18,  1788,  until  taken  from  his  United  People  after  an  Unbroken  Communion 
of  48i  years.     Rom.  xii. 

The  other  monument  bears  this  inscription, — 

Jonathan  Homek,  D.  D.,  Pastor  of  the  First  Church  in  Newton.  Born 
April  15,  1G59,  died  Aug.  11,  1843.     "My  only  hope  is  in  the  mercy  of  God 


INSCRIPTIONS.  277 

through  Christ."  Erected  by  his  congregation,  as  a  grateful  tribute  to  the 
many  virtues  of  a  devoted  pastor,  who  watched  over  them  with  tender  interest, 
Christian  diligence  and  parental  affection  more  than  sixty  years.  Also  to  his 
worthy  companion,  who  exhibited  in  unusual  perfection  all  the  graces  of  a 
Christian. 

There  is  a  striking  epitaph  on  the  tomb  of  John  Kenrick,  an 
eminent  citizen,  and  the  President  of  the  First  Anti-Slavery 
Society.     It  was  written  by  the  late  David  Lee  Child,  Esq. 

John  Kenrick,  Esq.,  aged  77  years.  He  was  laborious,  honest,  and  frugal. 
Though  possessed  of  wealth,  he  loved  not  money,  but  loved  his  fellow  men ; 
rigidly  sparing  in  self-indulgence,  but  bountiful  to  others,  he  was  a  bene- 
factor to  the  needy  and  unfortunate ;  to  the  funds  for  the  poor  of  this,  his 
native  town,  and  to  benevolent  Societies  and  Christian  charities  everywhere. 
To  the  Temperance  Reformation  he  was  an  efficient  and  devoted  friend. 
Early  impressed  with  the  unlawfulness,  impiety  and  inhumanity  of  Slavery, 
and  its  peculiar  incompatibility  with  republican  government,  he  strove  long 
and  unassisted  to  awaken  his  countrymen  to  the  subject:  he  wrote  often  and 
persuasively  for  the  press ;  he  republished  gratuitously  the  writings  of  others ; 
and  if  there  had  been  "ten"  like  him  in  these  States,  the  stain  of  slavery 
would  not  have  darkened  another  Star  in  the  North  American  Constellation. 
A  fore-runner  of  Abolition,  he  was  a  liberal  contributor  to  the  first  Society 
formed  for  that  object  in  our  country,  and  died  its  presiding  officer.  He  be- 
lieved that  goodness  consists  in  doing  good,  and  that  the  truest  homage  to 
Almighty  God  is  a  reverent  imitation  of  His  blessed  works.  He  was  born 
November  6,  1755,  and  died  March  28,  1833. 

His  grateful  children  have  placed  this  marble  over  his  remains. 

Here  are  the  names  of  Hobart  and  Cotton  ;  of  Dr.  King,  Judge 
Fuller,  General  Michael  Jackson,  Colonel  Michael  Jackson,  Major 
Timothy  Jackson,  and  Hon.  William  Jackson  ;  the  descendants  of 
John  Kem'ick,  for  a  half  dozen  generations ;  the  old  Woodward 
family,  and  a  host  of  Wards  and  HjtIbs,  original  settlers. 

When  the  new  cemetery  was  opened,  near  the  geographical 
centre  of  the  town,  several  of  the  sleepers  under  these  consecrated 
shades  were  removed  to  it ;  and  since  that  date  very  few  inter- 
ments have  taken  place  here.  But  the  associations  of  the  earliest 
times  and  of  the  men  who  were  prominent  in  them,  will  render 
this  cemetery  a  hallowed  spot  forever. 

West  Parish  Burying  Ground. —  Col.  Nathan  Fuller  gave  to 
the  West  Parish  one  acre  and  a  half  of  land  for  a  burying  gi-ound, 
about  the  time  of  the  settlement  of  the  first  minister,  the  Rev. 
William  Greenough.  It  was  situated  about  sixty  rods  north  of 
the  meeting-house.     The  deed  of  gift  bears  date  Sept.  21,  1781. 


278  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

• 
In  consideration  of  Ixis  love  and  esteem  for  the  Parish,  he  conveys  it  to 
their  committee,  their  lieirs  and  assigns  forever,  for  the  sole  use  and  improve- 
ment of  the  precinct,  to  be  improved  only  as  a  burying  place,  for  the  reposi- 
tory of  the  dead  in  said  precinct.  Bounded  easterly  by  land  of  Nathaniel 
Greenough,  north  and  west  by  land  of  said  Fuller,  and  south  by  the  town 
way,  as  the  stone  fence  now  standeth. 

Colonel  Nathan  Fuller  also  gave  £60  to  the  church  and  congre- 
gation, in  April,  1785. 

The  first  tenant  of  the  cemetery  was  a  young  woman  who  died 
of  small-pox.  The  inscription  on  her  headstone,  which  is  about 
fifteen  inches  wide  and  two  feet  long,  is  as  follows : 

In  memory  of  Jain  Nottige,  Daughter  of  Josiah  and  Jain  Nottige,  of 
Boston,  who  died  of  ye  Small  Pox,  Nov.  7,  1777,  Aged  17  years. 

The  first  man  buried  here  is  John  Barber.  He  kept  tavern  in 
the  West  Parish  near  the  meeting-house,  and  set  out  the  great 
elm  tree  before  it  in  1767.  His  widow  married  Captain  Samuel 
Jenks,  father  of  the  late  Rev.  William  Jenks,  D.  D. 

South  Burial  Ground. —  A  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
south  part  of  Newton  was  held  June  21,  1802,  to  consider  the 
matter  of  laying  out  a  new  cemetery,  and  Edward  Mitchell, 
Ebenezer  Cheney  and  Jeremiah  Wiswall,  jr.,  chosen  a  committee 
to  purchase  a  piece  of  land  for  that  purpose, —  bought  about  three- 
quarters  of  an  acre  of  land  of  Capt.  David  Richardson,  near  the 
corner  of  the  Dedham  and  Sherburne  roads,  since  denominated  the 
South  Burying  Ground.  Part  of  this  land  was  divided  into 
twenty-nine  equal  lots  for  family  burial  places  for  the  original  pro- 
prietors, namely : 


Jonatliaii  Bixbj% 
Jonathan  Bixby,  jr., 
Luke  Eartlett, 
Salmon  Barney, 
Aaron  Cheney, 
Ebenezer  Cheney, 
Simon  Elliot, 
Edward  Hall, 
Samuel  Hall, 
Solomon  Hall, 
Caleb  Kcnrick, 
Edward  Mitchell, 
Joseph  Parker, 
Jonas  Stone, 


Aniasa  Winchester, 

Daniel  Richards, 

Solomou  Richards, 

Aaron  Richards, 

Thaddeus  Richards, 

James  Richards, 

Samuel  Parker, 

Jonathan  Richardson, 

Benjamin  Richardson, 

Ebenezer  Richardson, 

Jeremiali  Richardson, 

Jeremiah  Richardson,  jr., 

Jeremiah  Wiswall, 

Jeremiah  Wiswall,  jr.,  (two  lots). 


In  1833,  these  proprietors  sold  out  to  the  town,  but  reserved 
the  right  to  bur^^  in  their  respective  family  lots,  according  to  the 
original  plan.     About  the  same  time,  Mr.  Amasa  Winchester  gave 


LOWER  FALLS   CEMETERY.  270 

tfiie  town  about  three-quarters  of  an  acre  of  land,  for  the  purpose 
of  enlarging  the  cemeter}',  being  sixty  feet  on  the  west  line  and 
twent}'  feet  on  the  north  line  adjoining.  The  cemetery  contains 
therefore  about  one  acre  and  a  half,  situated  in  a  retired  nook, 
and  is  beautifully  shaded  with  evergreens.  This  cemetery  was 
used  for  mau}^  years  chicfl}^  by  the  families  living  in  and  near  the 
Upper  Falls  and  the  south  part  of  the  town  (Oak  Hill). 

LowEu  Falls  Cemetery. —  In  1813,  an  Act  of  Incorporation 
was  granted  by  the  General  Court  to  St.  Mar^-'s  Parish,  at  the 
Lower  Falls.  About  the  same  time  a  valuable  lot  of  two  acres  of 
land  was  presented  to  the  corporation,  as  a  site  for  the  church  and 
a  cemetery,  by  Samuel  Brown,  Esq.,  merchant  of  Boston.  In 
this  cemetery  sleep  the  earlier  members  of  the  church  with  their 
families.  One  of  the  most  interesting,  a  name  from  humble  life, 
is  Zibeon  Hooker,  a  drummer  in  the  Revolutionary  war.  He  was 
born  in  Sherburne,  but  spent  most  of  his  maturer  life  in  Newton 
Lower  Falls,  and  died  there  aged  about  eight}-.  He  did  not  shun 
dauger,  as  we  may  infer  from  the  tradition  that  his  bass  drum  in 
the  action  at  Bunker  Hill  was  perforated  by  a  British  bullet. 

Much  that  is  interesting  may  be  gathered  from  a  survey  of  the 
memorials  in  the  old  graveyard.  Some  of  the  ancient  headstones 
stand  aslant,  or  are  buried  in  the  earth  with  the  dust  of  those 
whom  they  were  intended  to  commemorate.  On  some  of  them, 
the  letters  that  enshrine  the  names  of  the  loved  and  lost  of 
former  years,  are  nearly  obliterated.  We  scrape  away  the  cling- 
ing moss,  only  to  be  disappointed,  because  the  inscriptions  have 
vanished,  or  become  illegible.  From  the  monuments  in  the  first 
graveyard  of  Newton,  we  discover  that  the  hardy  pioneers,  as 
the  result  of  their  simple  manners  and  virtuous  and  regular  lives,  lin- 
gered, very  generally,  to  an  advanced  age.  In  the  following  lists 
of  two  hundred  and  sixty-two  names,  we  find  one  who  lived  to  the 
age  of  98  years ;  one  to  95  ;  one  to  93  ;  four  to  92  ;  two  to  91  ; 
one  to  90  ;  one  to  89  ;  one  to  88  ;  five  to  87  ;  one  to  86  ;  one  to 
85  ;  five  to  84  ;  six  to  83  ;  five  to  82  ;  eight  to  81  ;  one  to  80  ;  four 
to  79  ;  six  to  78  ;  seven  to  77  ;  three  to  76  ;  five  to  75  ;  two  to  74  ; 
seven  to  73  ;  five  to  72  ;  two  to  71 ;  four  to  70  ;  forty  to  various 
years  among  the  sixties  ;  seventy-nine  in  all,  beyond  70  ;  one 
hundred  and  nineteen, —  nearly  one-half, —  who  had  attained  or 
exceeded  threescore.  Man}^,  doubtless,  are  sleeping  in  this  field 
of  graves,  over  whom  no  memorial  stone  was  ever  raised,  and 


280  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

their  names  are  consigned  to  forgetfulness.  Many  of  the  earliest 
and  most  honored  inhabitants  were  committed  to  the  dust,  to  rest 
with  the  fathers  in  the  old  cemetery'  of  Cambridge,  opposite  the 
Halls  of  the  Universit}',  djdng  before  Newton  had  a  distinct 
organization  and  a  corporate  name.  Some  were  deposited  in 
tombs  built  for  the  place  of  their  final  repose,  and  no  separate 
memorial  of  them  remains,  apart  from  the  designation  of  the 
ownership  of  the  cr^'pt  in  which  they  are  concealed.  The  death  roll 
kept  in  the  ancient  Records  of  Newton  registers  thirty  names  belong- 
ing to  the  old  families  of  Cambridge  Village,  borne  by  persons 
who  died  previous  to  the  3'ear  1G87.  In  many  cases,  in  this  first 
cemeter}^,  the  name  of  the  head  and  husband  only  appears  on  the 
tombstone,  and  the  other  members  of  the  family  are  not  parti cularlj^ 
enumerated.  Sometimes,  the  husband  erected  a  memorial  to  his 
departed  wife  or  child ;  but  through  age,  or  change  of  circum- 
stances, or  thi'ough  procrastination,  or  the  neglect  of  executors, 
he  who,  in  his  lifetime,  kept  careful  watch  and  ward  over  all  that 
were  his  own,  was  left  to  the  chance  of  having  his  resting-place 
kept  by  faithful  memories,  or,  in  a  brief  period,  forgotten.  And, 
after  two  or  three  generations,  the  historian  seeks  it  in  vain. 
Such  is  the  fate  of  many  who  have  lived  their  Uttle  day  in  this 
world, —  often,  men  of  note,  and  useful  in  their  generation ;  of 
whom  it  was  said,  "  how  will  the  world  be  carried  on  without 
them  ? "  Yet  in  a  little  while  the  tide  rolls  on  ;  they  are  gradually' 
missed  no  more,  and  finally  their  memory  fades  away.  But  how 
interesting  is  the  catalogue,  reproducing,  as  it  does,  the  names  of 
so  many  who  once  tilled  these  broad  acres  and  watched  over  the 
rising  interests  of  the  town,  who  cleared  its  forests  and  marked 
out  its  streets,  who  worshipped  in  its  simple  church  and  built  its 
earliest  dwellings,  who  lived  examples  of  integrity  and  honest 
worth,  and  liave  left  an  inheritance,  so  rich  and  beautiful,  to  their 
posterit}' !  It  is  a  benison  to  linger  among  these  names  and  dates, 
and  thus  to  hold  communion  with  the  departed. 

The  names,  ages  and  dates  of  death  of  the  early  inhabitants  of 
a  town  are  a  fruitful  source  of  information  to  the  antiquarian. 
The  general  reader  passes  them  b}^,  unread ;  but  they  are  often 
among  the  most  suggestive  materials  of  history.  We  have,  for- 
tunately, a  catalogue  from  the' manuscripts  of  Mr.  Ward,  which  we 
gladly  insert. 


DEATHS  IN  NEWTON. 


281 


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282 


HISTORY   OF   NEWTON. 


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A 


DEATHS  IN  NEWTON. 


283 


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Learned  Susan 
Littlefield  Lydi 
Longley  Natha 
Marean  Joshua 
Meriam  Rev.  J 

Mehitab: 
Mirick  Elizabe 
Munroe  Oliver 
Murdock  Elish; 
Murdock  Elish 
Murdock  Hann 
Murdock  Jonat 

284 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


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DEATHS  IN  NEWTON. 


285 


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286 


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CHAPTER  XXIV. 

THE   FmST  BAPTIST    CHUKCH. —  EARLY   BAPTISTS     IN   NEWTON. THE 

NEW     LIGHTS. CHURCH      FORMED. THE      MEETING-HOUSE. 

REV.    CALEB   BLOOD,  FIRST    PASTOR. REV.    JOSEPH  GRAFTON. 

ENLARGEMENT     OP     THE    MEETING-HOUSE. PEW     LOTS. THE 

INTERIOR. MINISTERIAL  TAXES. 

It  was  a  hundred  and  forty-one  years  after  the  first  settlement  in 
Newton,  before  an  effective  movement  was  made  for  the  formation 
of  a  Baptist  church ;  and  ninety  years  before  we  have  any  notice 
that  any  one  in  the  town  maintained  the  views  of  that  denomina- 
tion. Notwithstanding,  at  an  early  period  there  were  people  in 
Newton  of  the  Baptist  persuasion.  The  first  of  whom  any  account 
remains,  was  Mr.  Jonathan  Willard,  who  was  baptized  December 
7,  1729,  and  united  with  the  First  Baptist  church  in  Boston.  Two 
years  later.  May  7,  1732,  Esther  Willard,  of  Newton,  was  baptized, 
and  admitted  to  the  same  church.  Mr.  Willard  lived  till  the  age  of 
ninetj'-four  3'ears,  and  "was  not  a  little  wondered  at  on  account  of 
his  religious  sentiments."  For  several  years  this  family  seem  to 
have  been  alone.  Seventeen  years  later,  July  21,  1749,  Noah 
Parker,  of  Newton,  was  baptized,  and  admitted  to  the  Second 
Baptist  church  in  Boston. 

The  formal  certificate  which  follows  is  a  carious  exhibition  of 
the  solemnity  of  the  action  taken  on  so  grave  an  occasion. 

Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay, 

Conformable  to  a  Law  of  said  Province. 
Suffolk,  ss.  Boston. 
Certificate. 

These  are  to  cerlifie  the  Assessors  and  Town  Clerk  of  Newton,  and  all 
others  whom  it  may  concern,  that  the  bearer  hereof,  Noah  Parker,  of  New- 
ton, aforesaid,  is  in  full  communion  with  the  Baptist  church  in  Boston,  under 
the  pastoral  care  of  Mr.  Epliraim  Bounds,  ordained  Elder  of  said  church,* 

*  Now  the  Warren  Avenue  Baptist  church. 

287 


288  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

and  that  the  said  Noah  Parker  usually  and  frequently  attends  the  worship 
of  God  with  the  brethren  of  the  said  church  on  the  Lord's  day. — Dated  in 
Boston  the  21st  of  August,  Anno  Domini,  1749,  annoque  regni  regis  Georgii 
Secundi  Magnae  Britanniae,  &c. ,  vicessimo  tertio. 

Thomas  Boucher,  \  Committee  appointed 
John  Pkoctor,        J     by  the  said  Church. 
To  the  Assessors  and 
Town  Clerk  of  Newton. 

Boston,  November,  1761. 

This  may  certify  whom  it  may  concern,  that  Mr.  Jonathan  Willard,  of 
Newton,  is  a  member  of  the  Baptist  church  in  Boston.  Attest,  Jeremiah 
Condy,  pastor  of  said  church. 

September  1,  1749,  Esther  Parker  was  baptized  and  admitted 
to  the  same  church;  and  July  1,  1753,  Mrs.  Sarah  Parker,  wife 
of  Mr.  Noah  Parker,  having  been  previously  baptized  by  Dr. 
Thomas  Green,  of  Leicester,  was  also  admitted.  David  Richard- 
son, having  been  propounded  to  the  same  church,  was  baptized 
and  received  a  member  July  2,  1758.  Shortly  afterwards  other 
Baptists  were  residing  in  the  town,  although  the  circumstances  of 
their  baptism  and  place  of  membership  do  not  appear.  The  town 
Records  contain  an  attested  certificate,  signed  by  Rev.  Mr.  Green 
of  Leicester,  and  dated  September  9,  1754,  affirming  that  he  had 
baptized  Messrs.  John  Hammond,  Noah  Wiswall,  and  Thomas 
Parker.     The  certificate  reads  thus  : 

Newton,  Sept.  9,  1754. — This  may  certify  whom  it  may  concern  that  I, 
Thomas  Green,  baptized  John  Hammond,  Noah  Wiswall,  Thomas  Parker,  all 
of  said  town.     I  say,  baptized  by  me, 

Thomas  Green, 
Pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church  of  Christ 
at  Leicester. 

The  year  before  this.  May  14,  1753,  Mr.  Wiswall  and  others 
addressed  a  memorial  to  the  town  meeting,  praying  that  they  might 
be  exempted  from  papng  a  ministerial  tax  for  the  support  of  the 
clerg^Tuan  of  the  town,  because  they  were  conscientious  Baptists, 
and  paid  a  tax  elsewhere.  The  town  voted  that  their  petition  be 
not  granted.  Three  3'ears  later,  March  15,  1756,  some  of  the 
Baptists,  it  Avould  seem,  had  fallen  into  arrears  in  respect  to  the 
payment  of  their  ministerial  rates  to  the  town,  hoping  that  the 
citizens  would  abate  the  demand.  But  the  matter,  being  brought 
up  in  the  town  meeting,  was  summaril}'  disposed  of.  The  Records 
state  the  action  of  the  freemen  thus  : 


CERTIFICATES.  289 

After  some  debate  on  the  request  of  John  Hammond  and  others,  that  they 
might  not  be  rated  for  the  support  of  the  ministry,  the  question  was  put, 
Tvhether  they  should  be  excused  for  the  time  past;  and  it  passed  in  the 
negative.  And  then  the  question  was  put,  whether  they  should  be  excused 
for  the  future ;  and  it  passed  in  the  negative. 

These  measures,  however,  did  not  check  the  extension  of  Bap- 
tist opinions.  Candor  and  charity,  exercised  towards  those  who 
had  made  up  their  minds  from  conviction  and  who  were  conscien- 
tious in  their  action,  would  have  been  far  wiser.  But  the  policy 
of  exclusiveness  prevailed. 

Seven  years  after  this,  a  certificate  given  by  his  pastor  to  Mr. 
Joseph  Bartlett,  of  Newtown,  defining  the  position  of  the  latter, 
proves  that  the  Baptists  were  still  under  oppression.  The  certi- 
ficate is  as  follows : 

Leicester,  June  20,  1763. — This  may  certify  all  people  whom  it  may  con- 
cern, that  Joseph  Bartlett,  of  Newtown,  doth  belong  to  the  Anabaptist  church 
of  Elder  Thomas  Green,  of  Leicester,  and  is  under  his  pastoral  care ;  and 
doth  desire  the  privilege  the  law  gives,  in  being  cleared  from  paying  of  rates 
to  those  of  other  ways  of  thinking.  'Tis  we  Avho  are  chosen  by  the  church 
to  give  certificate  to  those. 

Elder  Thomas  Green, 
Thomas  Holman, 
Samuel  Gkeen. 

The  town  Records,  eleven  3'ears  later,  contain  a  certificate 
addressed  to  the  town,  affirming  that  certain  persons  therein  named, 
ten  in  number,  were  "  Anti-Pedobaptists,"  symbolizing  in  belief  with 
persons  of  that  persuasion,  and  ordinarily  worshipping  with  them. 
The  certificate  is  as  follows  : 

We  the  subscribers  being  chosen  a  committee  by  the  Society  of  the  people 
called  "  Anti-Pedobaptists,"  who  meet  together  for  religious  worship  on  the 
Lord's  day  in  Newton,  to  exhibit  a  list  or  lists  of  the  names  of  such  persons  as 
belong  to  said  Society  or  congregation,  do  certify  that  .John  Dana,  John  Ken- 
rick,  Caleb  Whitney,  Thomas  Parker,  Ebenezer  Bartlett,  Joseph  Hyde, 
Nathaniel  Parker,  Thomas  Tolman,  Widow  Abigail  Richardson  and  Elisha 
Bartlett,  do  belong  to  said  Society  or  congregation,  and  that  they  do  fre- 
quently and  usually,  when  able,  attend  with  us  in  our  meetings  for  religious 
worship  on  the  Lord's  day ;  and  we  do  verily  believe  are,  with  respect  to  the 
ordinance  of  baptism,  of  the  same  religious  sentiments  with  us. 

Signed, 
Aug.  12,  A.  D.,  1774,  John  Dana,  "j 

Thomas  Parker,  >-  Committee. 
Joseph  Hyde.       J 

19 


290  HISTORY  OF  NEWTOK 

The  strictness  of  the  townsmen  began  at  last  to  relent.  In  June, 
1776,  the  5^ear  of  national  freedom,  James  Richards  and  Edward 
Hall  were  excused  from  paying  ministerial  taxes  for  the  support  of 
the  minister  of  the  town  of  the  "  standing  order  ;  "  and  four  j^ears 
afterwards, 'July  5,  1780,  the  First  Baptist  church  was  formed. 

In  the  autumn  of  1740,  Rev.  George  Whitefield  made  his  first 
visit  to  New  England,  and  his  preaching  awakened  general  inter- 
est ;  as  a  fruit  of  which,  gi-eat  attention  to  religion  prevailed  for 
several  years.  The  people  were  aroused  from  a  dead  formalism. 
The  more  spiritual  and  the  newly  converted,  dissatisfied  that  per- 
sons showing  little  or  no  evidence  of  personal  piety  were  admitted 
to  the  Lord's  table,  desired  a  purification  of  the  churches,  so  that 
none  should  be  members  but  persons  making  a  credible  professioa 
of  personal  faith  in  Christ.  The  result  of  this  movement  was  the 
formation,  in  several  towns,  of  what  were  called  Separate,  or  Nevr 
Light  churches.  This  name  was  given  them  as  a  terra  of  reproach, 
as  if  they  pretended  to  have  received  "  new  light  "  from  heaven. 
A  church  of  this  character  was  formed  in  Newton,  meeting  at  tha 
house  of  one  of  their  members,  Mr.  Nathan  Ward,  who  became 
their  pastor. 

Mr.  Ward  was  one  of  Whitefield's  converts  in  Newton,  and  the 
grandson  of  John  Ward,  senior.  Like  Jonathan  Hyde,*  of  Brook- 
line,  also  a  convert  of  Whitefield,  he  was  ordained  to  the  work  of 
the  ministry  in  this  new  connection.  But  Mr.  Ward's  authorit}- 
as  a  minister  of  the  gospel  was  not  conceded  by  "  the  standing 
order."  Notwithstanding  his  position  as  the  pastor  of  an  inde- 
pendent chm'ch,  his  fellow-citizens  accorded  to  him  no  privileges 


*  Jonathan  Hyde,  great  grandson  of  Dea.  Samuel  Hyde,  was  born  in  Canterbury, 
Conn.,  whither  his  father  had  immigrated.  At  the  age  of  forty  or  forty-two,  in  1751 , 
Jonathan  settled  in  Brookline,  near  the  boundary  line  of  Newton.  He  became  a 
Baptist,  was  called  a  New  Light,  and  was  ordained  in  his  own  dwelling-house  in 
Brookline,  in  1751.  It  was  in  that  year,  that,  under  the  influence  of  a  spirit  of  intol- 
erance, he  was  warned  out  of  Brookline.  The  celebrated  preacher,  Elhanan  Win- 
chester, received  baptism  at  his  hands.  Though  without  a  college  education,  Mr. 
Hyde  is  said  to  have  been  "  an  honest,  earnest,  loud-spoken  preacher,  and  an  early 
friend  of  the  First  Baptist  church  in  Newton."  He  was  a  preacher  about  thirty 
years,  and  died  June  4, 1787,  aged  78.  He  had  three  sons  born  in  Canterbury,  and  one 
in  Brookline. 

When  it  became  inconvenient  for  the  New  Lights  to  hold  their  meetings  from  house 
to  house,  HIT.  Winchester  (the  father),  who  had  been  made  deacon,  was  assisted  by  his 
brethren  to  build  a  large  house,  which  should  contain  a  hall  convenient  for  their  use. 
This  house  was  long  known  as  the  "  Richards'  Hotel."  Subsequently  it  became  the 
Sheafe  place,  and  latterly  was  let  to  Irish  tenants.  It  is  situated  near  the  Denny 
estate,  east  of  Chestnut  Hill.    (See  p.  124.) 


MR.  WARD'S  MINISTRY.  291 

or  immunities  above  those  of  his  unclerical  neighbors.  The  new 
sect  met  with  much  opposition.  Mr.  H^^de  was  warned  to  leave 
the  town  of  Brookline,  and  Mr.  "Ward  was  taxed  by  the  authorities 
of  Newton,  though  the  law  exempted  from  taxation  all  ordained 
clergj^men.  Mr.  Ward  remonstrated  against  this  treatment  as  un- 
lawful, and  sent  the  following  memorial  to  the  citizens  assembled 
in  town  meeting  March  3,  1755  : 

Gentlemen  : — It  hath  pleased  a  sovereign  and  all  wise  God,  who  is  wont  to 
choose  the  weak  things  of  the  world  to  confound  the  wise,  as  I  humbly  trust 
and  believe,  to  call  me,  who  am  less  than  the  least  of  all  saints,  to  preach 
his  gospel,  and  also  to  take  the  pastoral  care  of  a  church  in  this  town,  who,  some- 
few  years  past  embodied  into  a  church  for  the  carrying  on  the  worship  of  Gocl 
agreeable  to  his  word  and  their  own  consciences ;  and  I  have  been,  as  some 
of  you  are  eye  witnesses,  ordained,  solemnly  set  apart  to  the  work  of  the 
gospel  miaistry,  by  prayer  and  the  laying  on  of  hands.  And  now,  gentle- 
men, you  well  know  that  it  ever  hath  been  the  case  that  those  that  have  been 
ordained  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry  ever  have  been  freed  from  all  taxes 
or  rates,  and  indeed  they  are  so  both  by  the  Divine  and  civil  law.  But  yet, 
notwithstanding  my  calling  as  a  minister  of  God's  word  and  ordinances,  the 
assessors  of  this  town  have  been  pleased,  since  the  time  of  my  ordination, 
both  to  rate  my  person  and  assess  my  estate,  which,  I  apprehend,  is  not 
their  duty  to  do,  nor  indeed  mine  to  pay.  And  now,  gentlemen,  as  it  is  in 
your  power  to  grant  me  freedom  in  this  matter,  my  humble  petition  and  re- 
quest unto  you  at  this  time  is,  that  you  would  free  me,  together  with  my 
estate  under  my  particular  improvement,  from  being  rated  or  assessed  so 
long  as  I  shall  act  in  this  public  character,  that  I  may  enjoy  the  like  privi- 
leges of  this  nature  as  do  other  ordained  ministers.  And  so  doing,  you  will 
oblige  Your  most  humble  servant, 

Nathan  Ward. 

Mr.  Ward  never  enjoyed  the  benefit  of  a  collegiate  education. 
But  under  the  impression  produced  upon  his  mind  b}''  the  preach- 
ing of  Whitcfleld,  he  conceived  it  to  be  his  duty  to  devote  himself 
to  the  ministry,  and  he  was  ordained  at  Newburyport,  Jul}'  11, 
1765,  with  reference  to  a  pastoral  charge  at  Plymouth,  N.  H.  In 
the  winter  of  17G3-4,  he  removed  with  his  family  from  Newton, 
where  he  felt  that  he  had  been  persecuted,  to  the  place  where  lie 
had  been  designated  to  labor.  The  settlement  consisted,  at  that 
time,  of  only  eight  families.  A  church  was  organized  April  1(), 
1764.  Mr.  Ward  was  twice  manned,  and  had  thirteen  children. 
Five  of  them  died  within  the  space  of  thirty-six  days,  four  of  the 
number  being  of  adult  age.  He  died  at  Plymouth,  N.  H.,  June 
15,  1804,  aged  eighty-three. 


292  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Soon  after  the  settlement  of  Mr.  "Ward  as  their  pastor  in  New- 
ton, some  of  the  members  became  interested  to  search  the  Scrip- 
tures in  regard  to  the  ordinance  of  baptism,  and  many  of  them 
were  baptized  on  profession  of  their  faith.  But  they  still  retained 
their  connection  with  the  church,  and  Mr.  Ward  retained  his  Pedo- 
baptist  views..  After  a  time,  the  majority  of  the  church  having 
become  Baptists,  Mr.  Ward,  not  sharing  their  belief,  retired,  hav- 
ing been  their  pastor  about  seven  years. 

The  Baptists  continued  to  assemble  on  the  Lord's  daj^,  at  first 
in  dwelling-houses,  afterwards  in  a  school-house.  Their  worship 
was  conducted  b}'  Deacon  Jonathan  Richardson  and  Mr.  John 
Dana,  the  father  of  Nathan  Dana,  who  was  afterwards  licensed 
by  the  church,  and  ordained  at  Newton,  November  20,  1793. 
Whenever  they  could  obtain  the  service  of  ministers,  it  gave  them 
great  jo}^ ;  and  several  ministers,  in  the  true  apostolic  spirit,  vis- 
ited them.  They  continued  in  this  manner  to  maintain  worship 
for  uearl}'  twenty  years. 

The  beginning  of  the  year  1780  was  marked  by  special  religious 
interest  in  Newton.  In  the  spring  of  that  3'ear,  Mr.  Elhanan  Win- 
chester, who  at  a  later  period  preached  the  doctrine  of  Universal  Res- 
toration, visited  the  town.  His  labors  were  attended  with  a  blessing, 
and  several  persons,  having  become  hopefuU}'  pious,  received  the 
ordinance  of  baptism  from  his  hands.  Ministers  who  heard  of  the 
excitement  came  and  aided  in  the  work.  The  number  of  converts 
increased,  and  the}"  were  advised  to  form  themselves  into  a  church. 
Preliminar}'  meetings  were  held  June  6,  10,  15  and  22,  in  which  a 
statement  of  their  views  as  to  the  duties  of  a  church  and  the  rela- 
tions of  its  individual  members  was  discussed,  and  drawn  up  in 
twenty-one  articles.  It  is  interesting  to  note  how  these  intelligent 
men  and  women,  taking  nothing  upon  trust,  accepting  nothing  on 
the  strength  of  education  or  tradition,  sifted  every  point  in  their 
church  polity,  and,  in  the  busiest  season  of  the  summer,  took  time  to 
weigh  their  faith  in  the  balances  of  the  sanctuary,  and  to  bring 
every  point  to  the  test  of  the  Divine  word. 

On  the  6th  of  June  a  meeting  of  the  brethren  was  held  at  the 
house  of  Elisha  Fuller,  "  to  know  each  other's  minds  relative  to 
forming  a  new  Baptist  church."  Rev.  Caleb  Blood,  of  Weston, 
was  chosen  moderator,  and  Thomas  Hastings  (of  Angler's  Cor- 
ner) ,  clerk.  At  this  and  subsequent  meetings  held  hy  adjourn- 
ment, the  following  articles  were  thoroughly  debated,  and  finally 
agreed  upon : 


VIEWS  OF  CHURCH  POLITY.  293 

Voted,  The  following  articles  to  be  necessary  to  regulate  our  walk  in 
church-state,  agreeable  to  the  Word  of  God  : 

"1.  We  believe  that  the  church  of  Jesus  Clirist,  under  the  gospel,  is  to 
be  made  up  only  of  persons  wlio  arc  true  believers  in  Christ ;  and  that  the 
design  of  God,  in  having  a  church  in  the  Avorld,  is  to  show  forth  !iis  declara- 
tive glory,  in  maintaining  his  doctrine  and  worship,  for  the  gathering  in  of 
his  elect,  and  the  mutual  edification  and  comfort  of  his  people. 

"  2.  We  believe  the  manner  in  which  God's  people  ought  to  come  to- 
gether in  church-state  is  by  giving  each  other  a  verbal  declaration  of  the 
work  of  God's  grace  upon  their  hearts,  and  the  same  to  be  required  of  all  who 
may  hereafter  join  thcra. 

"  3.  We  believe  that  there  are  no  officers  to  be  ordained  in  the  church  but 
bishops  and  deacons ;  and  their  character  to  be  as  expressed  in  Timothy, 
third  chapter,  from  the  first  to  the  eighth  verse. 

"  4.  We  believe  that  the  work  of  a  bishop  is  to  attend  to  reading  and 
studying  the  Scriptures,  and  to  preach  the  Word,  and  to  administer  the  ordi- 
nances of  the  gospel,  and  to  stand  a  leader  and  overseer  in  the  church. 

"  5.  We  believe  that  the  work  of  a  deacon  is  to  serve  tables,  in  all  things 
that  are  necessary  in  the  church. 

"  6.  We  believe  that  it  is  the  church's  duty  to  support  their  minister,  so 
that  he  may  devote  himself  to  the  work  to  which  he  is  called,  and  to  submit 
to  him  as  a  leader. 

"  7.  We  believe  that  the  manner  we  ought  to  support  our  minister  is  by  a 
freewill  offering,  and  in  case  of  need,  by  an  equality  ;  and  in  like  manner  to 
support  all  other  necessary  charges  in  the  church. 

"  8.  We  believe  that  there  are  gifts  of  exhortation  to  be  improved  in  the 
church,  while  by  no  means  we  would  exclude  the  right  of  any  brother's 
speaking  by  way  of  specialty. 

"  9.  We  believe  that  all  the  gifts  of  the  church  ought  to  be  in  subjugation 
to  each  other. 

"  10.  We  believe  that  the  churches  are  independent  of  each  other  as  to 
the  power  of  action,  and  therefore  have  power  to  elect  and  ordain  their  own 
officers. 

"11.  We  believe  that  a  woman  hath  no  right  to  act,  either  in  teaching  or 
governing  the  church,  while  we  would  by  no  means  exclude  them  the  right 
of  unbosoming  themselves  to  the  church,  either  in  case  of  grief  or  joy. 

"  12.  We  believe  that  the  cliurcli  has  a  right  to  call  her  own  members  to 
an  account,  for  not  attending  public  worship,  sacraments  and  church  meet- 
ings. 

"  13.  We  believe  that  in  case  of  a  brother's  or  sister's  absence  from  the 
public  worship  and  sacraments,  it  is  the  minister's  duty  to  visit  them  and 
inquire  into  the  reason  of  it. 

"  14.  We  believe  that  a  brother  or  sister  hath  no  right  to  be  absent  from 
the  sacraments,  but  only  in  case  they  themselves,  or  the  church,  are  trans- 
gressors of  the  Divine  rules. 

"  15.  We  believe  that  a  private  offence  is  to  be  brought  into  the  church, 
according  to  the  rule  in  Matthew,  eigliteenth  chapter,  from  tlie  fifteenth  to 


294 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


tlie   seventeenth  verse;   and  a  public  offence  to  be  taken  hold  of  by  the 
church  as  a  body. 

"  16.  We  believe  that  no  case  of  difficulty  may  be  considered  as  public,  but 
only  such  as  the  major  part  of  the  church  have  knowledge  of  without 
tattling. 

"17.  We  believe  that  the  church  ought  to  keep  all  her  meetings  for  set- 
tling difficulties  as  secret  from  the  world  as  possible,  consistent  with  evidence. 

"  18.  We  believe  that  no  brother  or  sister  hath  a  right  to  go  to  law  with 
each  other,  while  they  remain  together  in  church-state. 

"  19.  We  believe  no  brother  or  sister  ought  to  make  any  matter  of  diffi- 
culty with  each  other,  either  [as  relates  to]  their  practice  or  principles,  ex- 
cept it  be  contrary  to  the  Word  of  God. 

"  20.     We  believe  the  church  ought  to  support  their  own  poor. 
"21.     We  believe  that  any  person  holding,  or  not  holding,  the  doctrine  of 
laying  on  of  hands  upon  private  persons,  ought  not  to  be  held  as  a  bar  of 
communion." 

The  above  articles,  it  will  be  perceived,  make  no  mention  of 
theological  tenets ;  but  relate  only  to  what  was  anciently  and 
quaintly  called  "  church-building." 

Thirty-nine  names,  signed  to  this  paper,  formed  the  nucleus  of 
the  new  church.     They  are  as  follows : 


Dea.  Elliauan  Winchester, 

Aaron  Winchester,  ( 

Daniel  Winchester, 


father of the 
preaclier. 

)  sons  of  Dea. 
[  Kllianan  Win- 
)  Chester. 


John  Dana, 

Thomas  Hastings,  sou  of  Samuel,  sen. 

John  Shepard, 

William  Cheney,  jr., 

Henry  Winchester,  son  of  Gulliver, 

Edward  Hall, 

Aaron  HaU, 

Nathan  Dana, 

Aaron  Dana, 

Esther  HaU, 

Elizabeth  Hastings,  wife  of  Thomas, 

Olive  Bcal, 

Anna  Blincowe, 

Elizabeth  M.  Winchester,  )  np^^^pfh^nai 
Sarah  Winchester,  j  ^l^cUesi^r? 

Bevilah  Winchester, 


Abigail  Wilson, 

Esther  Richardson, 

Susanna  Parker, 

Lucy  Seager, 

Anna  Pond, 

Abigail  Dana, 

Hannah  Hall, 

Hepsibah  JefEerd, 

Hannah  Morse, 

Dorothy  Richards, 

Deliverance  Wiswall, 

Polly  Cheney, 

Lydia  Cheney, 

Abigail  Prout,  eight  years  old, 

Sarah  Goodspeed, 

Joseph  Hyde, 

Gershom  Hyde, 

Elizabeth  Whitney, 

Noah  Wiswall, 

William  Cheney. 


Thirty-four  names  were  added  to  the  catalogue  in  the  course  of 
five  or  six  weeks,  which  deserve  a  place  here  because  they  belong 
to  the  old  families  of  the  town,  and  some  of  them  were  prominent 
in  the  early  administration  of  the  church. 


THE  FIEST  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 


295 


David  Bartlett, 
Edward  Hall, 
Abigail  Merriam, 
Sarah  Bartlett, 
Hannah  Fuller, 
Jlercy  Barton, 
Lyilia  Cheney, 
Mary  HaU, 
Margaret  Griggs, 

Lydia  "Winchester, 
l^ois  Winchester, 

Dorcas  Richardson, 
Thomas  Parker, 
Thomas  Tollman, 
Eunice  Parks, 
Eleanor  Dana, 
Rebecca  Hammond, 


daught^s  of  Dea. 
Elhanan  Winches- 
ter. 


Silence  Davenport, 
Lucy  Shepard, 
Elizabeth  Cheney, 
Lucy  Richardson, 
Elizabeth  Pond, 
Tliomas  Griggs, 
Benjamin  Park, 
Anna  Kenrick, 
Mehitable  Wilson, 
Elizabeth  Real, 
Esther  Fuller, 
Anna  Ward, 
Samuel  Sampson, 
Elizabeth  Richards, 
Hannah  Gosson, 
Margaret  Hyde, 
Sarah  Jackson. 


On  Wednesday,  July  5,  1780,  the  members  met  in  the  house  on 
the  east  side  of  the  road,  opposite  Wiswall's  Pond,  now  belonging 
to  heirs  of  Deacon  Luther  Paul,  for  the  purpose  of  being  publicly 
recognized  as  a  church  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  First  Baptist 
church  in  Newton.  Four  ministers  were  present, —  Rev.  Noah 
Aldeu,  of  BeUingham,  Rev.  Thomas  Gair,  of  Medfield,  Rev.  Caleb 
Blood,  late  of  Marlow,  N.  H.,  and  Rev.  Ephraim  Bownd,  of 
Boston.  After  having  examined  and  approved  the  steps  taken  bj' 
the  members,  Mr.  Alden  preached  from  Acts  II:  47,  "Praising 
God  and  having  favor  with  all  the  people.  And  the  Lord  added 
to  the  church  daily  such  as  should  be  saved."  "After which,  Mr. 
Gair  made  a  prayer,  and  read  over  a  summary  confession  of  faith, 
—  to  which  thirty-nine  persons  assented,  in  the  presence  of  a  nu- 
merous congregation.  The  whole  was  concluded  by  an  exhorta- 
tion from  Mr.  Blood." 

The  summary  declaration  of  faith,  read  by  Mr.  Gair  at  the 
public  exercise,  was  the  same  which  had  been  adopted  b}-  the  Sec- 
ond Baptist  church  in  Boston.  The  same  j^ear  in  which  the  church 
was  organized,  it  was  admitted,  on  application,  into  the  Warren 
Association,  which  held  its  annual  meeting  at  Athol. 

September  21st,  it  was  "voted  that  Elhanan  Winchester  be  a 
leader  in  this  meeting,  and  John  Dana  be  a  leader  in  the  church, 
until  Christ  shall  raise  up  one  to  take  his  place  ; —  to  have  a  col- 
lection weekl}',  and  John  Shepard  and  Thomas  Hastings  take 
charge  of  the  same  ; — to  give  Noah  Wis  wall  fort}-  pounds,  quar- 
terly, for  the  use  of  his  house  ; — that  Abigail  Prout  be  provided 
ifor,  at  the  expense  of  the  church." 


296  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

The  first  delegates,  appointed  to  the  "Warren  Association,  in 
August,  1780,  were  Elhauan  Winchester,  David  Bartlett  and  John 
Shepard.  "  They  stated  to  tlie  Association  that  the  number  of 
their  church  members  was  seventy,  that  they  were  destitute  of  a 
Pastor,  and  requested  to  have  a  supply  of  preaching  the  ensuing 
j-ear."  This  request  must  have  been  presented  l)efore  Mr.  Blood 
had  expressed  his  acceptance  of  the  call  made  to  him  on  the  loth 
of  July. 

In  December,  1781,  Samuel  Sampson  was  chosen  clerk,  in  place 
of  Thomas  Hastings,  and  John  Shepard  was  elected  deacon. 

The  following  March,  the  church  voted  to  "  assemble  themselves 
in  communion  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  once  in  ever^'  six  weeks." 

Thus  was  the  infant  barque  launched  upon  the  current  of  the 
world's  religions,  and  a  new  light  kindled  amid  the  darkness. 
After  3'ears  of  waiting,  the  principle  of  freedom  in  matters  of  con- 
science was  at  last  so  far  conceded  that  the  members  found  them- 
selves recognized  by  their  fellow-townsmen  as  having  the  right  to 
be.  Departing,  in  some  respects,  from  the  faith  in  which  they 
had  been  educated,  they  held  the  same  cardinal  truths,  and  were 
ready  to  endure  inconveniences  and  trials  for  the  sake  of  the  views 
they  had  espoused.  Their  study  of  the  Scriptures  made  them  in- 
telligent Christians.  In  that  stern  period  which  had  "  tried  men's 
souls,"  and  in  that  furnace  of  political  strife  from  which  the  nation 
was  just  emerging,  they  had  learned  to  think  and  act  for  themselves 
in  the  spirit  of  independence  ;  and  in  their  new  church  relations, 
they  felt  that  they  had  attained  a  blessing  which  rightfully  belonged 
to  them  as  freemen  of  the  new  republic.  Moreover,  as  the  roots 
of  a  thrifty  tree  reach  out  far  and  wide  in  search  of  the  elements 
of  fertility,  so  the  early  members  were  drawn  from  a  wide  range 
of  territory,  and  some  even  from  the  adjacent  towns.  It  would 
have  been  natural  to  predict  for  the  vigorous  bod}-,  after  so  auspi- 
cious beginnings,  a  pro^Dcrous  career. 

The  first  meeting-house  was  erected  on  laud  given  by  Mr.  Xoah 
"Wiswall,  on  the  border  of  Wiswall's  Pond,  at  the  easterly  part, 
fronting  on  the  road.  The  vote  to  build  the  house  is  dated  Janu- 
ary 17,  1781.  The  vote  of  the  Society  directed  that  it  should  be 
thirty-five  feet  square.  In  the  plan  of  the  Building  Committee, 
which  was  accepted  by  the  Societ}',  the  dimensions  were  somewhat 
altered.  The  plan  reported  made  it  forty  feet  by  thirt^'-two,  and 
it  was  calculated  that  the  expense  would  be  about  three  hundred 


FIRST  BAPTIST  MEETING-HOUSE.  297 

pounds  specie,  or  one  thousand  dollars.  The  house,  however,  was 
not  completed  at  once.  The  Society  manifested  the  greatest  dread 
of  accumulating  a  burdensome  debt,  and  proceeded  in  the  work 
onl}'  so  far  as  the  means  in  their  hands  would  warrant  them.  Dur- 
ing the  whole  ministry  of  Rev.  Mr.  Blood,  the  interior  of  the  house 
was  unfinished.  The  only  seats  were  rough  boards  laid  upon  the 
supports  which  are  denominated  by  carpenters,  horses.  The  pulpit 
also  was  a  structure  of  unplaned  boards.  After  the  settlement  of 
Mr.  Grafton,  the  walls  were  plastered,  and  the  interior  arrangements 
assiuned  an  air  of  convenience  and  comfort.  The  church  at  first 
held  their  meetings  in  the  house  of  Mr.  Wiswall,  and  often,  in  mild 
weather,  under  the  noble  elms  in  front  of  the  house.  Up  to 
August,  1788,  a  subscription  had  been  five  times  set  on  foot  for  the 
purpose  of  carrying  on  the  work.  A  pulpit  was  built  in  April, 
1792,  at  an  expense  of  £14  17s.  Id.,  about  849.50.  This,  with  the 
building  of  sheds  for  carriages,  and  the  finishing  of  the  pews  in 
the  galleries,  was  the  consummation  of  the  work.  The  whole  was 
set  in  order  in  April,  1795,  fourteen  years  from  the  commence- 
ment. The  house  was  enlarged  in  the  summer  of  1802  by  the 
addition  of  seventeen  feet  to  the  west  side,  which  gave  space  for 
twenty-four  new  pews.  A  committee  was  appointed  in  the  year 
1782,  while  the  original  house  was  building,  to  "dignify  the  pew 
spots,"  according  to  the  custom  of  the  times.  The  highest  positions 
were  assigned  to  those  whose  subscriptions  to  the  house  had  been 
the  most  liberal ;  and  no  person  could  have  a  pew  who  had  sub- 
scribed less  than  ten  pounds.*  There  were  twenty  wall  pews,  and 
four  pews  "back  of  the  body-seats." 

In  January,  1795,  a  vote  was  taken  to  procure  a  stove  to  warm 
the  meeting-house. t     The  Society's  vote  states  with  great  exact- 


*It  is  an  interesting  fact,  illustrative  of  the  history  of  the  times,  that  among  the 
proprietors  of  the  house,  forty-four  in  number,—  all  but  five  bore  Scripture  names. 
Six  bore  the  name  of  John  ;  Ebenezer,  Samuel  and  Thomas,  four  each  ;  Aaron,  three- 
David,  Elisha,  Jeremiah  and  Noah,  two  each;  Daniel,  Gershom,  James,  Josiah, 
Nathan,  Simeon,  Solomon,  Stephen  and  Thaddeus,  one  each.  The  names  of  females 
were  also  much  more  frequently  scriptural  names  than  in  our  own  days.  Huldah 
seems  to  have  been  a  favorite  appellation. 

tThe  people  of  Newton  were  not  so  tardy  in  providing  in  this  way  for  their  com- 
fort as  some  of  their  neighbors.  So  late  as  November  14, 1806,— the  Federal  Street 
Society  in  Boston,— Dr.  Channing's,— by  their  committee,  "Voted  that  a  stove  be 
permitted  to  be  placed  in  the  Federal  Street  church,  without  expense  to  the  society 
to  be  erected  under  the  direction  of  the  Church  Committee;  its  use  to  be  discontinued 
at  any  time  when  the  committee  shall  direct."  Thus  the  First  Baptist  church  iu 
Newton  was  eleven  years  in  advance  of  one  of  the  wealthiest  churches  iu  Boston. 


298  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

ness  where  the  stove  shall  stand,  together  with  the  course  of  the 
stove-pipe,  and  the  "  window  "  where  it  shall  make  its  exodus  from 
the  house.  The  expense  of  the  stove  and  funnel  was  £11 13s.  lOd., 
—  a  little  less  than  forty  dollars.  So  important  was  this  article  of 
luxury  in  the  view  of  our  fathers,  that  in  the  annual  engagement 
with  the  sexton,  it  was  distinctly  mentioned,  that  he  was  "  to  take 
care  of  the  meeting-house  and  the  stove." 

Among  the  earlj^  arrangements  of  the  Societ}',  votes  occasion- 
ally appear  which  are  interesting,  because  thej'  illustrate  the  man- 
ners of  the  times.  At  the  meeting  of  the  Society  March  19,  17S2, 
it  was  voted  that  "  Messieurs  John  Kenrick,  jr.,  John  Wiswall  and 
Jeremiah  Richardson  be  choristers  for  this  Societ}',  for  the  present 
year."  At  the  same  meeting  it  was  "  voted  that  the  singing,  in  a 
general  way,  be  carried  on  by  reading  a  line  at  a  time  in  the  fore- 
noon, and  a  verse  at  a  time  in  the  afternoon."  This  vote  indicates 
the  deficiency  of  hymn-books  in  the  congregation,  and,  at  the  same 
time,  the  latter  part  of  it  implies  among  the  worshippers,  "  in  a 
general  way,"  a  good  degree  of  familiarity  with  standard  hymns. 

The  first  vote  of  the  Society  connected  with  the  church  has 
reference  to  the  securing  of  a  minister,  and  the  second  to  the  erec- 
tion of  the  meeting-house.  The  by-laws  of  the  Society  are  com- 
menced with  the  following  excellent  preamble  : 

We,  the  subscribers,  members  of  the  First  Baptist  church  and  society  in 
Newton,  taking  into  consideration  the  many  obligations  God  in  his  word  has 
laid  us  under  to  keep  up  and  support  the  gospel  ministry  amongst  us, — 
although  there  has  been,  and  still  are,  diversity  of  opinions  amongst  professing 
Christians  respecting  the  same,  yet  we  are  persuaded  that  reason  and  the 
word  of  God  plainly  dictate  that  it  ought  to  be  done  in  such  a  manner  that 
one  be  not  eased  and  another  burdened ;  also,  that  the  preacher,  whoever  he 
may  be,  who  shall  be  set  over  us,  may  be  so  far  released  from  worldly  busi- 
ness that  he  may  give  himself  to  study  and  the  care  of  the  flock  over  which 
he  is  set.  And,  in  order  that  those  desirable  ends  may  be  answered,  we  do, 
each  of  us,  for  ourselves  voluntarily  agree  to  the  following  articles. 

The  following  is  the  first  article  : 

We  will  each  of  us  contribute  in  proportion  to  our  ability  towards  the  sup- 
port of  the  ministry,  and  pay  the  same  at  such  time  as  shall  be  agreed  on  by 
this  Society. 

The  salary  of  Mr.  Blood,  the  first  minister,  was  small,  amount- 
ing only  to  sixty  pounds  and  "  the  loose  money  "  contributed  on 
Lord's  days.  For  the  sake  of  these  casual  contributions,  the  box 
was  carried  around  generall}"  on  the  lower  floor  every  Sabbath,  and 


EEV.  CALEB   BLOOD,  FIRST  PASTOR.  299 

in  the  gallery  once  in  the  month,  until  the  year  1815.  After  the 
accession  of  Mr.  Grafton,  the  second  pastor,  in  addition  to  the  sal- 
ary and  eight  cords  of  wood,  twenty  pounds  a  year  were  granted 
to  the  pastor,  "  in  consideration  of  the  enhanced  price  of  the  nec- 
essaries of  life."  The  salary  of  Mr.  Grafton  was  increased  from 
time  to  time,  in  proportion  as  the  expenses  of  his  family  and  the 
style  of  living  in  successive  periods  demanded.  In  addition  to  his 
salary,  several  members  of  the  Society  purchased  "  half  of  the  place 
that  Mr.  Blood  used  to  own,"  and  gave  it  "  to  Mr.  Grafton  as  a  set- 
tlement." A  "settlement"  was  a  present,  over  and  above  the 
stipulated  salary,  given  to  the  minister  as  a  token  of  good  will. 
The  amount  paid  for  this  settlement  was  £75  or  about  $250. 

The  Society  was  incorporated  b}'  the  Legislature  of  Massachu- 
setts, and  the  Act  of  Incorporation  signed  hy  the  Governor,  Feb- 
ruary 12, 1821. 

Ten  clays  after  its  formation,  the  church  voted  to  invite  Mr. 
Caleb  Blood  to  take  the  pastoral  care.  In  Januar}-,  1781,  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  to  request  the  church  at  Weston,  then  under 
the  pastoral  care  of  IMr.  Blood,  to  consent  that  he  might  preach  at 
Newton  a  part  of  the  time  until  spring.  Mr.  Blood  soon  became 
a  resident  of  Newton,  and  was  pastor  till  January  24,  1788.  To 
aid  in  his  support,  he  taught  the  district  school  at  Oak  Hill  two 
winters.  By  those  who  remember  him,  his  preaching  is  said  to 
have  been  "plain,  bold,  faithful  and  able."  Though  his  ministry 
was  short,  he  was  much  beloved. 

The  salary  proving  inadequate  to  his  necessities,  Mr.  Blood 
asked  a  dismission,  which  was  granted.  The  Records  contain  an 
official  letter  to  Mr.  Blood,  communicating  to  him  the  action  of  the 
members  on  his  request,  which  is  highly  creditable  both  to  them 
and  to  him.  When  Mr.  Blood  became  pastor  at  Newton,  the  num- 
ber of  members  who  had  been  admitted  to  the  church  was  seventy- 
three  ;  at  his  dismission,  the  number  was  ninety-two.  The  num- 
ber of  additions  was  nineteen.  His  pastorate  continued  about 
seven  years. 

Mr.  Blood  was  born  in  Charlton,  Worcester  county,  Mass., 
August  18,  1754.  In  the  twent^'-first  year  of  his  age,  he  was 
hopefully  converted.  It  is  said  that  he  was  impressed  with  a  deep 
sense  of  his  sinfulness  while  at  a  ball,  in  the  midst  of  mirth  and 
gaiety.  In  about  eighteen  months  he  commenced  preaching  and 
was  ordained  at  Marlow,  N.  H.,  in  1777,  probably  as  an  itinerant. 


300  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

He  continued  here  about  two  years,  and  then  removed  to  "Weston, 
where  he  supphed  the  Baptist  church  about  a  year  and  a  lialf.  He 
was  then  pastor  at  Newton  till  January,  1788,  at  Shaftsbury,  Vt., 
tiU  September,  1807,  over  the  Third  Baptist  church  in  Boston 
(Charles  Street)  till  1810,  and  the  last  four  3^ears  of  his  life  over 
the  First  Baptist  church  at  Portland,  Me.,  where  he  died  March  6, 
1814,  greatly  beloved  and  lamented. 

Mr.  Blood  was  the  author  of  a  controversial  work  on  baptism, 
in  the  form  of  a  dialogue,  between  a  Baptist  and  a  Pedo-Baptist. 
The  charge  given  by  him  at  the  ordination  of  Rev.  Thomas  Green, 
in  West  Cambridge,  November  17,  1783,  was  also  printed,  in  con- 
nection with  the  ordination  sermon  of  Rev.  Thomas  Gair,  of  Med- 
field. 

During  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Blood,  an  event  befell  the  church 
which  proved  a  serious  shock  to  its  growth  and  prosperity.  Rev. 
Elhanan  Winchester,  the  zealous  and  captivating  preacher,  through 
whose  influence  mainly  the  church  had  been  formed,  forsook  his 
earlier  faith,  and  adopted  the  doctrine  of  universal  salvation.  He 
was  able  to  carry  with  him,  in  his  new  views,  several  of  the  lead- 
ing members  of  the  church.  His  father.  Deacon  Elhanan  Win- 
chester, a  pillar  of  the  church  from  the  beginning,  his  wife,  two  sous 
and  four  daughters  embraced  the  new  doctrine  of  Elhanan,  the 
preacher.  So  also  did  Thomas  Hastings  and  Samuel  Sampson, 
the  first  two  clerks  of  the  church,  and  others.  One  after  another 
adopted  the  new  doctrine,  until  fifteen  were,  in  consequence,  ex- 
cluded from  membership,  and  the  harmony  of  the  church  was 
marred  for  a  period  of  nearty  four  years.  This  was  the  period 
when  John  Murray,  the  first  avowed  Universalist  preacher  in  the 
United  States,  commenced  his  labors  in  Massachusetts.  After 
itinerating  several  years,  Mr,  Murray  established  himself  in 
Gloucester,  Mass.,  and  there  the  first  Universahst  Societ}^  in  this 
country  was  organized  in  1779,  and  the  first  meeting-house  erected 
in  1780.  Mr.  Winchester  heard  Mr.  Murra}^  in  Philadelphia,  and 
was  there  converted  to  his  views,  and  became,  next  to  Mr.  Murray, 
the  most  efficient  early  preacher  of  Universalism.  Mr.  Winchester 
was,  at  that  time,  about  thirty  years  of  age. 

For  the  next  twenty  years,  the  church  felt  the  efiects  of  this 
period  of  trial.  The  average  number  of  additions  was  smaller,  for 
that  length  of  time,  than  during  any  other  period  of  its  histor^^ 
Nevertheless,  there  were  years  of  special  prosperity,  in  that  inter- 
val, as  in  periods  both  antecedent  and  subsequent. 


MR.  GRAFTON'S  PASTORATE.  301 

The  same  month  in  which  Mr.  Blood  closed  his  connection  with 
the  church,  Mr.  Joseph  Grafton,  of  Providence,  R.  I.,  was  in- 
vited to  visit  them.  April  10,  1788,  he  was  invited  by  the  Church 
and  Society  to  become  their  pastor.  In  the  letter  containing  the 
call,  it  is  said,  "  For  his  serving  of  us  in  the  ministry,  we  do 
promise  to  support  him  in  such  a  manner  that  he  may  be  free  from 
worldly  care  and  anxiety ;  and  for  the  first  year,  we  promise  him 
the  consideration  of  fifty-five  pounds,  and  to  pay  it  quarter!}' ;  and 
after  that,  to  make  such  further  additions,  as  his  necessities  require 
and  our  circumstances  will  admit  of." 

Mr.  Grafton  wrote  an  acceptance  of  this  call,  dated  May  13, 
1788  ;  "  and,  after  preaching  seventeen  Sabbaths,  to  the  satisfaction 
of  the  church,"  he  was  ordained  June  18,  1788.  The  council  met 
at  Little  Cambridge  (Brighton).  Rev.  .John  Stanford,  of  Provi- 
dence, preached  the  ordination  sermon  from  I.  Peter  V :  4. 

For  nearly  half  a  century,  he  continued  to  go  out  and  in  among 
his  people,  as  a  good  shepherd,  caring  for  the  sheep.  The  whole 
number  who  were  admitted  to  the  church  during  his  separate  min- 
istry was  five  hundred  and  fifty-four.  There  were  onl3'four  years, 
during  his  protracted  residence  at  Newton,  in  which  there  were  not 
additions  to  the  church.  Seasons  of  special  religious  interest 
during  his  pastorate  are  indicated  b}'  the  number  of  persons  who, 
in  various  years,  were  baptized.  In  1788,  the  additions  to  the 
church  were  twent}' ;  in  1789,  eleven;  in  1808,  sixteen;  in  1811, 
fifty-one;  in  1812,  twenty-eight;  in  1813,  eighteen;  in  1817, 
twent3^-seven ;  in  1827,  one  hundred  and  two;  in  1828,  twenty- 
four;  in  1832,  ninet3'-one.  The  whole  number  admitted  to  the 
church,  during  his  entire  ministry,  was  five  hundred  and  sixtj'- 
seven, —  being  an  average  of  more  than  eleven  annually.  In 
addition  to  his  proper  parochial  labors,  he  often  preached  in  the 
open  air,  his  hearers  coming  from  all  parts  of  the  sm-rounding 
country-. 

As  an  indication  of  the  public  estimate  of  his  abiUties  and 
sound  judgment, —  even  in  points  not  pertaining  to  his  profession, 
—  it  may  be  stated  that  Mr.  Grafton  received  twenty-nine  votes, 
out  of  the  whole  number  of  votes  cast  by  his  fellow-townsmen,  as 
a  member  of  the  Convention  for  revising  the  Constitution  of  Massa- 
chusetts, held  in  the  year  1820. 

Honorable  testimony  is  borne  to  the  estimation  in  which  he  was 
held  by  his  brethren,  by  the  numerous  ecclesiastical  oflSces  and 


302  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

appointments  to  which,  at  various  times,  he  was  elected.  He  was 
Vice-President  of  the  Massachusetts  Baptist  Missionary  Society 
(now  the  Massachusetts  Baptist  Convention)  from  1815  to  1825, 
and,  after  the  death  of  Dr.  Baldwin,  President.  He  was  appoint- 
ed on  the  committee  of  the  Evangelical  Tract  Society  in  1817, 
and  Trustee  of  the  same  from  1823  to  1829.  In  the  early  history 
of  the  Baptist  General  Convention  for  Foreign  Missions,  he  was 
one  of  the  committee  for  the  northern  section  of  the  Union  to 
examine  candidates  for  missionary  labor.  In  1819,  he  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  committee  of  the  American  Baptist  Magazine.  He 
was  Vice-President  of  the  -Boston  Baptist  Foreign  Missionary 
Society  for  Boston  and  vicinity,  being  elected  several  times  suc- 
cessively for  the  space  of  three  years  each,  from  the  year  1819. 
In  1826  he  was  elected  the  first  President  of  the  Board  of  Trus- 
tees of  the  Newton  Theological  Institution.  He  was  President, 
successively,  of  the  Norfolk  County  Foreign  Missionary  Society, 
and  of  the  Middlesex  and  Norfolli  County  JMissionarj^  Societ}'. 
He  preached  the  annual  sermon  of  the  "Warren  Association  at 
Middleborough,  in  the  year  1799,  and  of  the  Boston  Association, 
at  the  Charles  Street  chm'ch  in  Boston,  in  1815  ;  and  was  Modera- 
tor of  the  latter  in  the  year  1822  at  the  Second  Baptist  church  iu 
Boston,  and  iu  182G  at  South  Reading. 

His  preaching  was  eminently  simple,  obvious  and  unadorned, 
yet  evangelical  and  effective.  His  theology  was  of  the  order  of 
Andrew  Fuller's.  His  texts  were  chosen  from  the  whole  range 
of  the  Scriptures  ;  and  most  of  his  illustrations  he  drew  from  the 
treasure-house  of  the  Divine  word. 

Mr.  Grafton  was  thrice  married,  and  had,  in  all,  nine  children, 
of  whom  six  died  in  infancy  or  childhood. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  church  held  July  2,  1805,  Mr.  Grafton 
asked  to  be  relieved  from  the  responsibilities  of  the  pastoral 
office,  generously  proposing  to  relinquish  the  emoluments  of  his 
position,  and  advising  the  settlement  of  a  young  and  vigorous 
minister,  who  would  do  for  the  people  a  service  of  which  the  gi'ow- 
ing  infirmities  of  age  rendered  him  incapable.  Accordingly  a  col- 
league pastor  was  settled  with  his  hearty  concurrence. 

The  following  records  are  interesting,  in "  connection  witli  the 
history  of  the  First  Baptist  Society,  as  an  illustration  of  the 
methods  and  measures  of  the  proprietors  of  the  meeting-house 
nearly  three-quarters  of  a  century  ago. 


THE  MEETING-HOUSE  ENLARGED.  303 

Sale  of  Pew  Lots  in  the  Meeting-House. — The  committee  chosen  by 
the  Baptist  Society  in  Newton,  at  their  meeting  in  August  last,  to  make  sale 
of  Pew  Lots  in  their  meeting-house,  have  attended  that  service  and  report  their 
doings  as  follows,  viz. :  That  they  have  sold  five  pew  lots  in  the  Women's 
Gallery  to  the  following  persons,  and  for  the  sura  set  against  their  names  re- 
spectively ;  and  liave  made  and  executed  good  and  sufficient  Deeds  of  said 
lots,  in  behalf  of  said  Society,  as  follows,  viz. : 

Lot  No.  1  To  David  Bartlett,  for  $10.00 

Lot  No.  2  To  Samuel  Prentiss,  for  9.00 

Lot  No.  3  To  Thomas  Hovey,  for  9.00 

Lot  No.  4  To  Benjamin  Richardson,  for  15.00 

Lot  No.  5  To  Jonathan  Richardson,  for  9.50 

Amounting  in  the  whole  to  $52.50 

and  that  they  have  paid  the  money  into  the  treasury  of  said  Society. 

All  which  is  submitted, 

Stephen  Dana, 
John  King, 
J.  Kenkick,  je. 
Newton,  April  2,  1802. 

Enlargement  of  the  Meeting-House  in  1803-4. — The  com- 
mittee appointed  by  the  Baptist  Society  in  Newton,  at  their  meet- 
ing on  the  ninth  day  of  April,  1804,  for  the  purpose  of  enlarging 
their  meeting-house,  and  for  making  sale  of  the  pews  built  in  con- 
sequence of  such  enlargement,  have  attended  to  and  completed 
the  business  of  their  appointment ;  also,  have  made  some  necessary 
repairs  on  the  old  part  of  said  house,  and  have  paid  all  the 
demands  for  work  and  materials  for  the  same,  as  follows,  viz. : 

Paid  Isaac  Dana  and  Joseph  Russell,  as  per  contract,  $1,101.00 

Paid    do.     for  building  three  pews  in  the  gallery,  18.00 
Paid     do.     for  removing  three  pillars  in  the  old  part  of  s'd  house,       3.00 

Paid    do.    for  removing  studs,  &c.,  in  the  new  part,  3.33 

Paid    do.     for  paint,  1.52 

To  cash  paid  Jacob  Weld  for  painting  the  outside,  38.50 

Paid  Daniel  Sanger  for  whitewashing,  G.OO 

Paid  Samuel  Child  for  numbering  the  pews,  1.75 

Paid  Aaron  Richards  for  timber,  work,  &c.,  IG.OO 

Paid  Jacob  Weld  for  painting  the  inside  of  the  house,  7.72 
Paid  Norman  Clark  for  boarding  the  Painters,  and  for  joist 

and  timber  for  the  vestry,  &c.,  10. 14 

Ihe  expenses  of  the  committee  at  tliree  meetings,  2.90 

Whole  amount  of  expense,  §1,209.86 


304 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


The  committee  have  received  the  whole  of  the  proceeds  of  the  sale  of 
twenty  pews  built  on  the  lower  floor  of  said  house, — which  sum,  with  seven 
dollars  received  of  Benjamin  Richardson  for  a  window  put  into  his  pew, 
amounted  to  the  sum  of  twelve  hundred  and  twelve  dollars ;  which  leaves,  a 
balance  in  favor  of  the  Society,  the  sum  of  two  dollars  and  fourteen  cents. 

Stephen  Dana,  Aaron  Dana,  ^ 

John  King,  Noah  King,  !  ^ 

Aaron  Richards,      Ebenezer  Richardson,    j  ^""^"^^  ^^• 
Edavard  Mitchell,  J 

Newton,  April  29,  1805. 

purchasers'    NAMES   AND   NUMBER   OF   PEWS    AND   PRICE    SOLD   FOR. 


NAMES. 

NO. 

price. 

Ebenezer  Hovey, 

37 

^61.00 

John  Peck, 

38 

G5.00 

Josiah  Bacon, 

39 

65.00 

Amasa  Winchester, 

40 

59.00 

James  Hovey, 

41 

63.00 

Stephen  Dana, 

42 

63.00 

Daniel  Richards,  Daniel  Richards,. jr.. 

43 

64.00 

J.  Mclntyre, 

44 

60.00 

John  Peck, 

27 

63.00 

John  Kenrick,  jr., 

28 

63.00 

Moses  Stone, 

29 

64.00 

John  King, 

30 

59.00 

John  Hastings, 

31 

57.00 

Aaron  Richards, 

36 

56.00 

David  Bartlett, 

1 

Salmon  Barney, 

4 

60.00 

Jonathan  Bixby,  jr.,  and  N.  Pettee, 

5 

55.00 

John  Peck, 

6 

62.00 

Ebenezer  Richardson, 

22 

55.00 

Isaac  Dana, 

23 

57.00 

Norman  Clark, 

24 

54.00 

.^1,205.00 

Received  of  Benjamin 

Richardson  for 

a  window  put  "| 

into  his  pew,  included  in  the  contract  with  Dana  )■ 

&  Russell, 

J 

7.00 

$1,212.00 

Proceedings   of  an  Annual  Meeting. — Annual  meeting  of  the  Baptist 
Society  in  Newton,  held  at  their  meeting-house  on  the  29th  of  April,  1809. 
First,  chose  Stephen  Dana,  Esq.,  Moderator. 

2.  Chose  John  Kenrick, Esq.,  Clerk. 

3.  Chose  Lieut.  Ebenezer  Richardson,  Treasurer. 

4.  Voted,  That  Messrs.  Stephen  Dana,  John  Kenrick  and  Norman  Clark 
be  the  Prudential  Committee  for  the  ensuing  year. 

5.  Voted,  Messrs.  Stephen  Dana,  Dea.  Hall,  Caleb  Kenrick,  jr.,  Elisha 
Hyde  and  Ebenezer  Richardson  be  a  committee  to  average  the  expenses  of 
the  Society. 


THE  OLD  MEETING-HOUSE.  ■     305 

6.  Voted,  That  James  Hovcy  be  the  Collector  for  the  ensuing  year. 

7.  Voted,  .$450  for  Mr.  Grafton's  support  the  ensuing  year,  together  with 
the  land  belonging  to  the  Society,  and  the  loose  money. 

8.  Voted,  $20  for  contingent  expenses. 

0.  Voted,  That  Lieut.  Jonathan  Richardson  collect  the  money  in  the 
gallery  on  the  first  Lord's  day  in  each  month. 

10.     Voted,  to  raise  money  by  subscription  to  repay  the  committee  what 
they  have  advanced  for  building  the  vestry. 
Meeting  dissolved. 

Attest, 

J[oseph3  G[rafton],  C[lerk]  P[ro]  T[em]. 

The  pulpit  of  the  old  church  was  high  and  small,  but  still  it 
■was  of  sufficient  size  to  accommodate  two  ministers  at  one  time. 
On  the  floor  of  the  church  were  three  aisles,  the  broad  aisle  and 
two  side  aisles.  Entirely  around  the  auditorium  there  was  a  range 
of  square  pews  with  turn-up  seats,  and  often  the  large  families 
supplemented  the  seats  by  a  chair  which  stood  in  the  middle  space 
in  the  pew.  Besides  the  range  of  square  pews  which  bordered  the 
area,  about  six  other  square  pews  filled  the  lower  part  of  the  broad 
aisle,  three  on  each  side.  The  pulpit  was  reached  by  a  narrow 
flight  of  stairs  on  the  left  side.  The  gallery  on  the  left  had  a 
range  of  square  pews  against  the  wall ;  that  on  the  right  was  filled 
with  slips.  There  was  but  one  entrance  to  the  house,  which  was 
through  a  portico  on  Centre  Street. 

The  basement  story  was  a  single  room,  but  divisible  by  a  swing- 
ing partition,  which  could  be  lifted  up  on  its  hinges,  and  secured 
l)y  hooks  to  the  ceiling.  The  space  was  thus  divided  into  two 
rooms,  for  the  use  of  candidates  on  baptismal  occasions.  A  row 
■of  fixed  seats  around  the  whole  extent  of  the  wall,  and  benches 
without  backs  filled  the  remainder  of  the  space. 

In  the  main  auditorium,  the  pulpit  was  on  the  west  side  of  the 
house,  opposite  the  entrance.  On  this  side  of  the  house  a  projec- 
tion was  added  when  more  space  was  required  for  the  growing 
congregation,  and  the  pulpit  was  removed  back  into  the  new  por- 
tion of  the  house.  The  stove  stood  in  the  broad  aisle,  nearer  to 
the  door  than  it  was  to  the  pulpit.  Mr.  Grafton's  pew  (the  pas- 
tor's) adjoined  the  pulpit  on  the  north  side  ;  next  to  him  was  Henry 
King ;  in  the  northwest  corner,  Norman  Clark ;  on  the  south  side 
■of  the  pulpit  and  adjoining  it,  J.  Bartlett ;  in  the  southwest  corner, 
Mr.  Richardson ;  in  the  southeast  corner,  Thomas  Harback ;  in 
the  northeast  corner,  Mr.  Cook.  In  the  square  pews  near  the  foot 
20 


306  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

of  the  broad  aisle,  Ebeaezer  King  sat  on  the  right,  Seth  Davis  on 
the  left.  In  front  of  Ebenezer  King  was  Aaron  Richards.  Colonel 
Dana  occupied  the  fourth  slip  from  the  pulpit  on  the  left  (south) , 
Mr.  Josiah  Bacon,  the  last.  Opposite  Mr.  Bacon  was  Deacon 
Noah  King,  and  in  front  of  the  latter,  John  Kenrick,  Esq.  Jona- 
than Bixby  sat  half  wa}'  down  the  south  side  of  the  house,  and 
next  to  him  Deacon  Stone  ;  besides  these  were  the  famihes  which 
bore  the  names  of  Parker,  Hove}',  Seaver,  Richardson  and  Richards. 
On  the  north  side  were  Deacon  Pettee,  Edward  Hall  and  others. 
Besides  the  residents  of  Newton,  were  the  worshippers  who  camo 
from  Brookline,  "VVatertowu,  Waltham,  Cambridgeport  and  other 
places.  They  came  conscientiousl}'  to  worship  God,  parents  and 
children,  often  by  a  weary  walk  of  miles,  but  their  seats  were 
rarel}'  empt}'.  No  luxurious  sanctuary  attracted  them.  No  peal- 
ing organ  or  artistic  singing  awaited  their  coming  and  welcomed 
their  approach.  They  were  contented  with  their  plain  bare  floor 
and  uncushioned  seats.  And  in  this  unadorned  sanctuar}'  the 
ancient  men  worshipped,  and  the  word  was  preached  in  demonstra- 
tion of  the  Spirit  and  with  power.  Here  flocked  together  inter- 
ested hearers  from  every  part  of  Newton  and  from  the  neighbor- 
ing towns.  Here  the  venerable  father  Grafton  gathered  hundreds 
into  the  church, —  stars  for  his  future  crown, —  most  of  whom 
have  joined  him  in  his  heavenly  home.  Here  were  laid  the  foun- 
dations on  which  later  accretions  have  grown  up  in  the  same  spirit, 
holding  the  same  faith,  and  inspired  by  the  same  motives.  Mod- 
ern luxurj^  has  brought  the  sanctuary  into  nearer  accord  with  the 
elegances  of  Christian  homes  ;  but  we  may  well  question  whether 
in  any  period  for  the  last  hundred  3'ears  men  have  ever  excelled 
those  early  years,  in  worshipping  God  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 

The  following  copy  of  the  amount  of  the  ministerial  tax  assessed 
on  the  members  and  property  in  the  First  Baptist  Society  in  the 
year  1828  gives  an  interesting  view  of  the  simple  daj-s  of  the 
fathers.  The  assessors  of  the  Society  that  j-ear  were'Seth  Davis, 
Enoch  Richards  and  Peres  Lothrop.  The  whole  amouut  assessed 
for  the  current  expenses  was  $511.13.  The  names  appended  show 
who  were  the  members  of  the  Society  at  that  date ;  and  the 
amount  of  the  tax  of  each  indicates  their  worldly  condition.  The 
document  from  which  this  copy  was  taken  was  fiu'nished  b}'  Seth 
Davis,  Esq.,  who  for  about  thirt}^  3'ears  was  clerk  and  treasm'er  of 
the  Society. 


FIRST  BAPTIST   SOCIETY. 


307 


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HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


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CHAPTER  XXV. 

FREEHOLDERS  IN  1679  AND  1798. 

The  list  of  freeholders  in  the  town  at  various  dates  brings  into 
view  the  forms  of  living  men  who  once  tilled  the  fields,  and  walked 
these  streets,  and  debated  at  town  meetings  and  worshipped 
together  on  the  Sabbath.  The  two  lists  which  follow,  separated 
by  a  period  of  a  hundred  and  nineteen  years,  indicate  the  gradual 
growth  of  the  town.  The  first  list  numbers  sixty-three  names ; 
the  second,  two  hundred  and  eleven.  The  first  belongs  to  a  date 
after  the  town  had  become  a  fixed  fact,  forty  years  after  the  earli- 
est settlement ;  the  second,  to  a  date  after  the  machinery  of  the 
government  had  settled  into  regularit}'  subsequent  to  the  Revo- 
lution. 

FREEHOLDERS   IN   NEWTON   IN    1679. 


NAMES. 


Samuel  Hyde, 
Edward  Jackson, 
John  Parker  (east), 
Jonathan  Hyde, 
John  Fuller, 
Thomas  Prentice, 
Daniel  Bacon, 
Thomas  Wiswall, 
John  Ward, 
Thomas  Park, 
James  Prentice, 
Vincent  Druce, 
John  Spring, 
Isaac  Williams, 
James  Trowbridge, 
Ciregory  Cook, 
Humphrey  Osland, 
John  Kenrick, 
Thomas  Greenwood, 
Samuel  Truesdale, 
Henry  Seger, 


DATE 
OF  DEATH. 


1689 
1681 

1713 
1711 
1608 
1709 
1091 
16S3 
1708 
1690 
1710 
1078 
1717 
1708 
1717 
1690 
1720 
1686 
1693 
1695 


NAMES. 


Nehemiah  Hobart, 
John  Mason, 
John  Woodward, 
John  Clark, 
Joseph  Miller, 
William  Robinson, 
Abraham  Jackson, 
Sehas  Jackson, 
John  Kenrick,  jr., 
Elijnh  Kenrick, 
Joseph  Bartlett, 
John  Smith, 
John  Mirick, 
Simon  Ong, 
David  Meade, 
Neal  McDaniel, 
John  Alexander, 
Daniel  Ray, 
Isaac  Beach, 
Peter  Stanchet, 
Isaac  Bacon, 


DATE 
OF  DEATH. 

1712 

1730 
1732 
1695 
1697 

1740 
1690 
1721 
1680 
1702 

1706 
1678 

1094 
1690 
1710 
1735 

1684 


309 


310 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


FREEHOLDERS  IN  KEWTON  IN  1G79. 


NAMES. 

DATE 

;                  NAMES. 

DATE 

OF  DEATH. 

OF  DEATH. 

Jacob  Bacon, 

1709 

Job  Hvde, 

1685 

John  Fuller,  jr., 

1720 

Samuel  Hyde,  2d,  son 

Jonathan  Fuller, 

1722 

of  Job, 

1741 

Joshua  Fuller, 

1752 

Samuel  Hyde,  son  of 

Joseph  Fuller, 

1740 

Jonathan, 

Jeremiah  Fuller, 

1743 

Thomas  Prentice, 

1710 

Xoah  Wiswall, 

1     Thomas  Prentice,  son 

Ebenezer  Hammond, 

of  James, 

Thomas  Hammond, 

173S 

John  Parker  (south) , 

1686 

Nathaniel  Hyde, 

Stephen  Cook, 

1738 

Jonathan  Hyde,  jr., 

1731 

Richard  Parks, 

1725 

John  Hyde, 

1738 

1     Thomas  Parks,  jr. 

1682 

FREEHOLDERS  IN  1798,  WITH  THEIR  ESTATES  AND  VALUATION. 

The  folio wiug  names,  estates  and  valuations  were  taken  from 
the  Books  of  the  Assessors,  who  were  appointed  under  an  Act  of 
the  Congress  of  the  United  States  passed  in  1798,  levying  a  direct 
tax  upon  the  countiy  of  two  millions  of  dollars.  Principal  assessor 
of  the  District,  Artemas  Ward  ;  assistants  for  Newton,  Ebenezer 
Woodward  and  Joseph  Jackson.  Property  exempted  b}^  State 
laws  was  not  to  be  assessed,  nor  dwelling-houses  of  a  valuation  of 
less  than  one  hundred  dollars.     Taken  October  1,  1798. 

In  the  list  of  owners  and  occupants,  the  names  of  tenants  are 
indented. 


TOTAL 

OWNERS  AND  OCCUPANTS. 

HOUSES. 

VALUE. 

ACKES. 

VALUE. 

VALUE. 

Adams  Joseph,  jr. 

$    140 

18 

§  600 

$      740 

Adams  Eoger, 

300 

16 

900 

1,200 

Adams  Smith, 

65 

40 

1,030 

1,095 

Bartlett  David  and  Joshua, 

300 

104 

2,498 

2,798 

Bartlctt  Elisha, 

118 

118 

1.830 

1,948 

Blake  Joseph, 

4,000 

180 

5,425 

9,425 

Tracy  Daniel, 

433 

433 

Downing  John, 

130 

16 

130 

Beal  Thomas, 

250 

19 

619 

869 

Bixby  Jonathan, 

475 

19 

1,366 

1,841 

Blanden  Francis,  heirs, 

50 

14 

180 

230 

Bullough  Joseph, 

105 

40 

1,000 

1,105 

Boies  John, 

250 

250 

Woodcock  Nathaniel, 

Cheney  Aaron, 

160 

41 

1,170 

1,330 

FREEHOLDERS  IN  1798. 


311 


OWNEKS  AND  OCCUPANTS. 

Cheney  William, 
CJicnev  Ebenezer, 
Child  Daniel, 
Coney  David, 
Cnrtis  Obadiah, 

Comey  Ezra, 
Gushing  Thomas, 

Hyde  William, 
Gushing  Edward, 

Norcross  Josiah, 
Craft  Joseph, 
Cookson  Lydia  and  Betsey, 

Hovey  Thomas,  Maj., 
Clark  Daniel, 
Clark  Norman, 
Clark  Norman, 
Cook  Jonathan, 
Cook  Benjamin, 
Cutler  Richard, 
Curtis  Solomon, 

Curtis  Thomas, 
Curtis  and  Eliot, 

Crane  Stephen, 
Collins  Matthias, 
Craft  Henry, 
Deblois  Sarah, 
Davis  Aaron, 
Daniels  Timothy, 
Durell  Peter, 
Durell  David, 
Durell  John, 
Durant  Mary, 

Greenleaf  William, 
Durant  Thomas, 
Dix  Samuel, 
Elliot  Simon, 
Elliot  Simon, 
Elliot  Simon, 
Eustis  Thomas, 
Fuller  Sarah, 
Fuller  Joseph, 
Fuller  Josiah, 
Fuller  Amariah, 
Fuller  Nathan, 
Fuller  Edward, 
Fuller  Joshua  and  David, 
Fuller  Elener, 
Fuller  Joseph,  jr.. 
Fuller  Nathaniel, 
Grimes  James, 

Bartlett  Luke, 
Greenough  Rev.  William, 
Grafton  Kev.  Joseph, 
Homer  Rev.  Jonathan, 
Hall  Edward, 


HOUSES. 

VALUE. 

ACRES. 

VALUE. 

14 

$   140 

$  390 

50 

1,500 

200 

50 

1,120 

190 

46 

1,080 

1,000 

80 

3,972 

250 

22 

686 

1,250 

57 

2,157 

120 

14 

420 

700 

93 

2,586 

160 

8 

336 

245 

78 

2,612 

120 

50 

700 

335 

98 

2,094 

C85 

90 

2,830 

50 

100 

2,911 

106 

65 

1.899 

385 

4 

366 

370 

100 

2,546 

385 

10 

1,875 

40 

400 

215 

119 

2,152 

20 

320 

545 

760 

100  ■ 

2,790 

169 

5 

225 

350 

20 

836 

350 

26 

1,048 

110 

50 

944 

300 

390 

4 

271 

106 

35 

653 

900 

53 

6,455 

300 

3 

350 

725 

600 

88 

1,731 

276 

249 

9,351 

360 

650 

1 

355 

309 

60 

1,090 

600 

75 

1.870 

105 

70 

1,980 

212 

155 

3,544 

11 

135 

550 

63 

1,765 

17 

314 

105 

41 

837 

23 

not  taxed. 

9 

do. 

33 

do. 

160 

129 

2,588 

TOTAL 
VALUE. 

%  140 
1.890 
1,320 
1,270 
4,972 

830 
3,407 

540 
3,286 

496 
2,857 

820 

2,429 
3,515 
2,961 
2,005 

751 

2,916 

2,260 

40 

400 

2,367 

320 

545 

3,550 

394 

1,186 

1,398 

1,054 

300 

661 

759 

7,355 

650 

725 

2,231 

9,627 

360 

1,005 

1,399 

2,470 

2,091 

3,756 

135 

2,315 

314 

942 


2,748 


312 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


TOTAL 

OWNERS  AND    OCCCTPANTS. 

HOUSES. 

VALUE. 

ACRES. 

VALUE. 

VALUE. 

Hall  Samuel, 

^    350 

60 

$1,471 

$1,821 

Hall  Solomon, 

190 

61 

350 

540 

Hyde  Thaddeus, 

200 

53 

1,828 

2,028 

Hyde  John, 

375 

33 

1,129 

1,504 

Hyde  Elisha, 

40 

24 

855 

895 

Hyde  Susanna, 

12 

220 

220 

Hyde  Samuel, 

105 

29 

948 

1,053 

Hyde  Mary, 

22 

530 

530 

Hyde  Daniel, 

106 

38 

1,124 

1,230 

Hyde  Amos, 

19 

260 

260 

Hoogs  William, 

900 

74 

1,500 

2,400 

Hoogs  William,  jr., 

190 

190 

Hull  Gen.  William, 

552 

50 

1,500 

2,052 

Coolidge  Isaac, 

775 

75 

1,688 

2,463 

Bell  William, 

1,100 

26 

900 

2,000 

Stearns  Dr.  Luther, 

2,450 

10 

566 

3,016 

Hammond  William, 

835 

81 

789 

1,624 

Hammond  Benjamin  and  Ben- 

jamin, jr., 

784 

141 

3,656 

4,39a 

Hammond  Thomas, 

370 

60 

1,540 

1,910 

Hastings  Thomas,  2nd, 

830 

1 

75 

905 

Hastings  John, 

900 

25 

561 

1,461 

Hastings  Samuel, 

d 

230 

230 

Hastings  Daniel, 

230 

20 

656 

886 

Widow  Lois  Parker, 

200 

20O 

Hastings  Daniel, 

762 

21 

946 

1,708 

Learned, 

Hunnewell  Jonathan, 

1,700 

16 

1,875 

3,575 

Jackson  Col.  Michael, 

569 

96 

2,993 

3.562 

Jackson  Michael,  jr.. 

660 

6 

150 

7ia 

Jackson  Simon, 

370 

49 

781 

1,151 

Jackson  Timothy, 

895 

54 

2,108 

2,503 

Jackson  Edward, 

800 

89 

1,785 

2,585 

Jackson  Samuel, 

5 

270 

270 

Jackson  Daniel  and  Joshua, 

370 

65 

1,190 

1,560 

Jackson  Oliver, 

40 

1 

62 

102 

Jackson  Joseph,  jr.. 

300 

66 

1,348 

1,648 

Jennison  Phineas, 

149 

65 

2,023 

2,172 

Jarvis  Caleb  and  Bemis  Luke, 

250 

250 

King  Dr.  John, 

450 

36 

996 

1,446 

King  John,  jr.. 

140 

92 

1,720 

1,860 

King  Noah, 

105 

105 

King  Henry, 

470 

73 

1,102 

1,572 

Kenrick  John, 

280 

280 

Kenrick  John,  jr., 

600 

85 

3,337 

3,937 

Kenrick  Caleb, 

475 

68 

2,490 

2,965 

Kimball  Richard, 

140 

72 

1,197 

1,337 

Lenox  Cornelius, 

20 

2 

100 

120 

Matthews  John, 

590 

130 

2,410 

3,000 

Munroe  Oliver, 

h 

545 

545 

Moore  Reuben, 

i 

300 

300 

Glyde  Samuel, 

Moore  Reuben, 

1 

245 

86 

3,351 

3,596 

Murdock  Samuel, 

1 

545 

112 

S,317 

3,862 

Murdock  Robert, 

8 

197 

197 

FREEHOLDERS  IN  1793. 


3ia 


1                  1 

TOTAL 

OWNERS  AOT>  OCCUPANTS. 

HonsES, ! 

VALUE. 

ACRES. 

VALUE. 

VALUE. 

Murdock  Elisha, 

h 

$    150 

52   , 

$1,275 

.$1,425 

Murdock  Widow  Esther, 

h 

150 

23 

719 

869 

Mitchell  Edward, 

715 

67 

1,912 

2.627 

Marshall  Abigail, 

720 

i 

74 

794 

Norcross  Josiah, 

550 

105 

3,829 

4,379 

NoTcross  Nathaniel, 

260 

260 

Neal  William, 

312 

312 

Nutting  Samuel, 

109 

46 

1.700 

1,809 

Parker  Samuel, 

335 

54 

1,901 

2,236 

Parker  Jonathan, 

300 

93 

2,200 

2,500 

Parker  Joseph, 

230 

104 

1,603 

1,833 

Palmer  John, 

275 

95 

2,006 

2.281 

Park  Joshua, 

475 

15 

888 

1,363 

Park  Amasa, 

375 

37 

1,120 

1,495 

Prentice  Robert, 

105 

44 

1,333 

1,438 

Peck  John, 

600 

84 

3,130 

3,730 

Pigeon  John, 

600 

2h 

290 

890 

Pigeon  Henry, 

850 

150 

3,461 

4,311 

Jackson  Daniel, 

109 

109 

Pratt  Thomas, 

1,120 

69 

2,444 

3,564 

Porter  Amasa, 

400 

400 

Rogers  John, 

760 

18 

1.430 

2,190 

Rogers  John,  jr., 

830 

38 

1,681 

2,511 

Richardson  Samuel, 

285 

88 

986 

1,271 

Richardson  Jeremiah, 

475 

44 

1,457 

1,926 

Richards  Daniel, 

315 

145 

3,288 

3,603 

Richards  Solomon, 

320 

100 

3,250 

3,570 

Richards  Aaron, 

550 

52 

1,665 

2,215 

Richards  Thaddeus, 

340 

35 

1,150 

1,490 

Richards  James, 

77 

1,852 

1,852 

Richardson  Ebenezer, 

360 

30 

545 

905 

Richardson  David, 

120 

a 

170 

290 

Robinson  Bradbury, 

Pritchard  Joseph  and 

Town  Jonathan, 

215 

i 

40 

255 

Robbins  Solomon, 

140 

22 

600 

740 

Robbins  Eliphalet, 

170 

2 

150 

320 

Stone  Dea.  David, 

415 

56 

1,817 

2,232 

Stone  John,  heirs  of 

725 

78 

2,079 

2,804 

Stone  Jonas,  jr., 

340 

52 

1,346 

1,686 

Stone  James, 

400 

56 

1,575 

1,975 

Stone  Ebenezer, 

825 

100 

2,392 

3,217 

Shepard  Elizabeth, 

600 

160 

3,240 

3,840 

Daniels  0., 

Spring  Dr.  Marshall, 

300 

118 

3,900 

4,200 

Jones  A., 

Seaverus  Elisha, 

600 

81 

1,956 

2,556 

Starr  Dr.  Ebenezer, 

250 

250 

Sniiili  Enoch, 

300 

6 

495 

795 

Tolinau  I'homas, 

106 

9 

255 

361 

Tr()wl)ridge  Edward, 

200 

83 

2,164 

2.364 

Trowbridi^e  Samuel, 

360 

82 

1,989 

2,349 

Thwing  Nicholas, 

20S 

80 

i;527 

1,735 

Torrey  Samuel, 

200 

U 

60 

260 

Thwing  John, 

390 

98 

3.180 

3,570 

314 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


TOTAL 

OWXERS  AND  OCCUPANTS. 

HOUSES. 

VALUE. 

ACRES. 

VALUE. 

VALUE. 

Thwing  John,  jr.. 

$    215 

30 

$    886 

$1,101 

Wellington  Ebenezer, 

200 

113 

3,668 

3,868 

Ward  Col.  Joseph, 

2,000 

1.32 

4,340 

5,540 

Parks  Nathan  3rd, 

lOG 

63 

1,488 

1,594 

Ward  John, 

225 

71 

2,100 

2,325 

Ward  Samuel, 

140 

45 

1,700 

1,840 

White  Joseph, 

635 

88 

3,864 

4,499 

Wiswall  Jeremiah, 

285 

16 

587 

872 

Wiswall  William,  heirs  of, 

285 

78 

2,735 

3.020 

Wiswall  Jeremiah,  jr., 

120 

77 

2,735 

2,855 

Wiswall  Jeremiah,  jr., 

300 

300 

Winchester  Amasa, 

550 

151 

4,035 

4,585 

AVhittemore  J.  W. 

312 

312 

Whitney  Thaddeus, 

150 

25 

744 

894 

Whitney  Timothy, 

Ware  John, 

1,100 

129 

2,234 

3,334 

Hooker  Z., 

Ware  Azariah, 

.    340 

340 

Woodward  Ebenezer, 

360 

117 

2,810 

3,170 

White  Benjamin, 

102 

100 

1,965 

2,067 

Welch  Michael, 

169 

61 

1,095 

1,264 

Ward  Joseph, 

106 

63 

1,488 

1,594 

Weld  Nathaniel, 

139 

94 

2,000 

2,139 

Whitney  Moses, 

46 

778 

778 

Cheney  David, 

Park  Nathan  3rd, 

SUMMARY. 

Houses, 

175 

Valuation  of  houses, 

Tenants, 

25 

do.            land, 

Acres  of  land, 

9,543| 

Males  in  the  abov 

e  list, 

197 

Total  Valuation   (as 

Females,     do. 

do. 

12 

taxed) , 

$  71,614.00 
265,439.00 


$337,053.00 


We  know  not  on  what  principle  the  assessors  determined  their 
estimates  of  the  value  of  houses  in  the  town  of  Newton  eighty 
3'ears  since.  Possibty,  they  designedly  set  the  value  veiy  low, 
for  the  purposes  of  taxation,  compassionating  the  slender  resources 
of  their  fellow-townsmen  and  their  own.  But  even  if  the}'  put 
upon  this  kind  of  propertj^  no  more  than  a  two-thirds  valuation,  it 
seems  to  us  that  the  dwellings  of  the  fathers  of  the  town,  of  the 
fourth  generation  after  its  incorporation,  were  ridiculously  cheap. 
According  to  the  above  list,  there  were  only  two  houses  in  the 
town  valued  above  $2,000,  one  of  them  being  set  at  S4,000  and 
the  other  at  $2,450;  only  eleven  above  $1,000  ;  only  thirty-seven 
above  $600  ;  more  than  two-thirds  of  the  whole  number  were  val- 


PAST   AND   PRESENT.  315 

iiecl  at  less  than  $500  ;  sixtj'-eight,  less  than  $300  ;  forty-five  less 
than  $200  ;  seven  less  than  $100.  The  smallest  valuations  were 
one  house  at  $80  ;  one  at  $Go  ;  two  at  $50  ;  two  at  $40,  and  one 
i\i  $20.  The  three  ministers  were  not  required  to  pay  taxes  at  all, 
ill  this  levy,  though  each  of  them  owned  both  house  and  land. 
The  largest  number  of  acres  of  land  owned  by  any  individual  was 
two  hundred  and  forty-nine ;  twenty-seven  owned  between  one 
:ind  two  hundred  ;  one  hundred  and  forty-one,  less  than  one  hun- 
dred ;  four  less  than  twent}^ ;  twenty-two  less  than  ten  ;  thirty-four, 
none  at  all.  Five  hundred  and  thirty-one  and  a  quarter  acres 
stood  in  the  names  of  women. 

Such  was  the  day  of  small  things  in  the  period  of  the  fathers 
of  Newton.  Thej'  had  had  a  continual  struggle  with  the  difficul- 
ties incident  to  a  new  settlement.  They  had  passed  through  the 
period  of  peril,  when  their  territory  was  scarcely  better  than  an  un- 
subdued wilderness,  and  the  exhausting  period  of  the  Revolutionary 
war.  For  many  j'ears,  while  the}'  were  laying  the  foundations  of 
the  infant  township,  the}'  knew,  to  the  full,  the  hardships  of  labor 
and  povert}'.  But  they  were  gradual]}'  coming  out  of  the  dark- 
ness into  a  broader  and  a  brighter  field.  Thanks  to  their  indus- 
trv,  thrift  and  enterprise, —  their  slender  possessions,  notwithstand- 
ing all  difficulties,  had  become  greatly  multiplied,  and  the  few 
thousands  they  brought  with  them  had  grown,  even  at  the  modest 
valuation  of  that  earl}'  day,  to  more  than  half  a  million.  If  we 
compare  the  condition  of  things  in  1639  and  1679,  and  again  at 
the  date  of  the  above  assessment,  and  finally  at  the  period  in  which 
our  own  lot  has  been  cast,  we  cannot  fail  to  acknowledge  the 
gracious  hand  of  Him  who  is  "  wise  in  counsel  and  excellent  in 
working,"  and  whose  "  pillar  of  cloud  and  of  fire  "  has  been,  from 
the  beginning,  om*  refuge  and  defence. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

NEWTON    IN    THE     REVOLUTION. MILITARY    SPIRIT. THE     FRENCH 

"WAR. —  THE  STAMP  ACT. —  TAXATION. — STATUE  OF  GEORGE  lU. 

NAVIGATION    ACT. — INSTRUCTIONS    TO     THE    REPRESENTATIVE. 

LETTER  TO  THE  SELECTMEN  OF  BOSTON. 

Newton  has  honored  itself  from  the  beginning  by  a  patriotic  and 
military  spirit.  No  call  has  been  made  for  the  defence  of  the  na- 
tional domain,  or  the  national  integrity  and  honor,  which  the  citi- 
zens have  not  been  ready  to  answer.  And  many  are  the  bold  and 
fearless  names,  recorded  with  ferv^ent  praise  upon  her  escutcheon. 

It  is  an  indication  of  the  interest  felt  by  the  people  in  militarj' 
affairs  that  two  training-fields  were  laid  out  at  an  early  period, 
as  elsewhere  recorded.  (See  pp.  91,  113.)  These  fields  were 
adapted,  by  their  respective  location,  to  nurse  the  militar}'  spirit 
of  the  diflferent  parts  of  the  town,  gi"ving  to  the  children,  east  and 
west,  opportunities  of  witnessing  military  manoeuvres.  The  first, 
at  Newton  Centre,  nearly  two-thirds  of  the  space  having  been 
given  by  Jonathan  Hyde,  and  upwards  of  one-third  by  Elder  Wis- 
wall,  or  his  sons,  is  known  to  have  been  in  possession  of  the  town 
since  1711  ;  but  no  deed  of  the  gift  is  on  record.  In  1799,  a  pow- 
der house,  which  stood  about  fifty  years,  was  built  on  the  easterlv 
side  of  it.  The  second  training-field,  laid  out  at  Newton\nlle,  in 
April,  1735,  by  Captain  Joseph  Fuller,  was  discontinued  by  the 
town  in  1787,  and  the  land  reverted  to  the  heirs  of  the  donor. 
Very  likel}-,  the  military  furor  incident  to  the  Revolutionary  war 
having  abated,  and  the  government  being  established  on  a  firm  ba- 
sis, the  townsmen  deemed  that  one  militar}'  campus  was  sufficient, 
and  that  the  other  might  be  devoted  without  peril,  to  the  pursuits 
of  peace. 

A  large  number  of  the  citizens,  when  compared  with  the  popu- 
lation of  the  town,  have  borne  military  titles.     A  catalogue  of  the 

316 


MILITARY  SPIRIT.  317 

citizens  contained  in  Mr.  Jackson's  *'  Genealogical  Register,"  which 
reaches  to  the  beginning  of  the  present  century',  but  embraces  also 
a  few  names  belonging  to  a  later  period,  gives  two  generals,  nine 
colonels,  three  majors,  forty-one  captains,  twenty-one  lieutenants 
and  eight  ensigns.  The  later  histor}'  of  the  town,  as  shown  in  the 
records  of  the  recent  war,  presents  no  decline  in  the  number  or 
the  valor  of  the  townsmen. 

In  the  expedition  to  the  West  Indies  in  1740,  Massachusetts 
sent  five  hundred  men,  of  whom  only  fifty  returned  alive.  Of  the 
four  thousand  five  hundred  men  at  Louisburg,  Massachusetts  sent 
three  thousand  two  hundred  and  fifty,  and  Newton  was  not  with-, 
out  its  representative. 

In  the  war  with  the  French  and  Indians,  some  of  the  men  of 
Newton  were  in  hot  engagements,  and  some  were  slain.  Of  these, 
some  of  the  most  distinguished  were  .Samuel  Jenks,  who  served 
as  a  subaltern  officer  in  the  campaign  of  1758  and  1760  ;  Lieuten- 
ant Timothy  Jackson,  whose  wife  carried  on  the  farm  and  herself 
worked  on  the  land,  while  he  was  in  the  arm}" ;  Colonel  Ephraim 
Jackson,  who  was  also  a  lieutenant  in  the  same  war,  and  especially 
Colonel  Ephraim  Williams,  the  founder  of  Williams  College.  He 
displayed  uncommon  militar}'  talents,  and  was  appointed  a  Cap- 
tain in  the  Canada  service.  He  had  under  his  command  a  fort  at 
Williamstown,  under  the  protection  of  which  the  settlers  began 
their  improvements.  He  was  shot  through  the  head  in  the  mem- 
orable battle  fought  with  the  French  and  Indians  near  Lake 
George,  in  September,  1755.  He  lived  a  Ufe  of  single  blessed- 
ness, and  died  at  the  age  of  forty.  His  will  was  made  on  his  way 
to  join  the  army,  about  two  months  before  his  death. 

With  such  antecedents,  the  people  of  Newton  entered  with  vigor, 
as  might  have  been  expected,  into  the  spirit  of  the  Revolution, 
and  contributed  liberally,  both  of  life  and  treasure,  to  the  expenses 
of  that  great  struggle.  No  town  in  the  Commonwealth  can  pre- 
sent a  more  honorable  record.  The  inhabitants  recorded  their 
protest  against  the  Stamp  Act  in  October,  1765,  and  followed  up 
this  movement  aftei-wards  by  a  series  of  acts  well  calculated  to 
prove  that  they  understood  the  exigencies  of  the  times,  and  would 
be  wanting  in  no  measures  which  either  duty  or  patriotism  de- 
manded. In  the  progress  of  the  trying  events  which  preceded 
and  accompanied  the  Revolution,  the  people  of  Newton,  "  almost 
to  a  man,"  says  Mr.  Jackson,  "  made  the  most  heroic   and  vigor- 


318  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

ous  efforts  to  sustain  the  common  cause  of  the  countrj^  from  the 
first  hour  to  the  last."  Ten  days  before  the  Stamp  Act  was  to  go 
into  operation,  October  21,  17G5,  the  town  recorded  its  first  pa- 
triotic and  revokitionary  action  in  the  form  of  instructions  to  Cap- 
tain Abraham  Fuller,  their  representative  to  the  General  Court. 

Tills  first  act,  as  it  was  the  beginning  of  a  series  of  similar  acts, 
was  undoubtedly  the  result  of  principles  early  planted,  and  now 
ready  to  unfold.  It  was  the  legitimate  fruit  of  the  seed  sown, 
generations  before,  in  the  hearts  of  the  Puritan  settlers  of  New 
England.  They  had  not  been  nursed  in  toil  and  self-denial,  in 
the  spirit  of  independence,  decision  and  self-reliance  in  vain. 
And  when  the  oppression  from  which  the}'  had  fled,  now,  after 
nearly  a  century  and  a  half,  proposed  in  a  new  form  to  assert  its 
power  to  control  them  and  its  right  to  tax  them,  tj^ranny  found 
them  ready  to  resist.  The  fathers  had  taught  well  the  sons  whom 
they  had  brought  up  ;  and  the  sons  showed  themselves  worthy  of 
the  energ}',  the  independence  and  the  faith  of  such  fathers.  Eng- 
lish blood  and  heart,  loving  sovereignty  and  scorning  to  be  ruled, 
grandly  asserted  itself  in  the  long  perils  and  the  consuming  years 
of  hardship  which  followed.  The  colonists  had  right  on  their  side. 
English  lawyers  and  statesmen  were  compelled  by  their  convic- 
tions to  assent  to  the  soundness  of  the  principles  maintained  by 
the  colonists  which  culminated  in  the  Revolution.  And  the  ends 
which  the  people  sought,  steadily  pursued,  could  not  fail  to  be 
crowned  at  last,  b}'  the  blessing  of  God,  with  success.  It  is  with 
the  deepest  interest  that  now,  after  the  lapse  of  more  than  a  cen- 
tury, every  American  citizen  contemplates  the  weary  years  of  alter- 
nating despondency  and  hope,  the  depreciated  currenc}',  the  pov- 
erty of*  the  people,  the  lack  of  resources,  the  deficiency  of  men 
who  were  too  few  to  meet  the  emergencies,  the  severity  of  nat- 
ure, and,  at  the  same  time,  the  willing  self-denial  and  the  stern 
decision  of  the  people,  and  the  final  triumph  of  the  cause  in  which 
they  were  engaged. 

The  revolutionary  action  of  the  town  above  referred  to  is  as 
follows : 

At  a  town  meeting  held  October  21,  1765,  Edward  Durant,  Moderator. 

Voted,  the  following  instructions  to  their  representative  (prepared  and  re- 
ported by  Edward  Durant  and  Charles  Pelham). 


THE   STAMP  ACT.  319 

To  Captain  Abraham  Fuller,  Representative  of  Newton : 

Sir, — At  this  most  important  and  alarming  crisis,  when  the  British-Ameri- 
can subjects  are  everywhere  loudly  complaining  of  arbitrary  and  unconstitu- 
tional innovations,  the  town  of  Newton  judge  it  altogether  improper  to  be 
wholly  silent. 

"We  therefore,  the  freeholders  and  other  inhabitants,  being  legally  assem- 
bled in  our  meeting-house,  judge  it  proper  to  impart  to  you  our  united  senti- 
ments, more  especially  with  regard  to  the  Stamp  Act,  so  called,  by  which  a 
very  grievous  and,  we  apprehend,  unconstitutional  tax  is  laid  on  the  colonies  ; 
and,  as  it  is  a  standing  maxim  of  English  liberty  that  no  man  shall  be  taxed 
but  with  his  own  consent,  so  we  very  well  know  that  we  were  in  no  sense 
represented  in  Parliament  when  this  tax  was  imposed. 

By  the  Royal  Charter  granted  to  our  ancestors,  the  power  of  making  laws 
for  our  internal  government  and  of  levying  taxes  is  vested  in  the  General 
Assembly  ;  and  by  the  same  charter  the  inhabitants  of  this  province  are  en- 
titled to  all  the  rights  and  privileges  of  natural,  freeborn  subjects  of  Great 
Britain.  The  most  essential  rights  of  British  subjects  are  those  of  being 
represented  in  the  same  body  which  exercises  the  power  of  levying  taxes  upon 
them,  and  of  having  their  property  tried  by  juries;  wiiereas  the  unconstitu- 
tional law  admits  of  our  properties'  being  tried  by  Courts  of  Admiralt}-, 
without  a  jury.  Consequently  this  at  once  destroys  the  most  valuable  privi- 
leges of  our  charter,  deprives  us  of  our  most  essential  rights  as  Britons,  and 
greatly  weakens  the  best  security  of  our  lives,  liberties  and  estates. 

We  therefore  think  it  our  indispensable  duty,  injustice  to  ourselves  and  to 
our  posterity,  as  it  is  our  undoubted  privilege,  to  declare  our  greatest  dissatis- 
faction with  this  law ;  and  we  think  it  incumbent  on  you  by  no  means  to  join 
in  any  public  measure  for  countenancing  and  assisting  in  the  execution  of 
said  Act ;  but  to  use  your  best  endeavors  in  the  General  Assembly  to  have 
the  unalienable  rights  of  the  people  of  this  province  asserted  and  vindicated, 
and  left  on  public  record,  that  posterity  may  never  have  reason  to  charge  those 
of  the  present  times  with  the  guilt  of  tamely  giving  them  away. 

We  further  instruct  you  to  take  particular  care  that  the  best  prudence  may 
be  used  in  expending  the  public  moneys,  that  no  unaccustomed  grant  may  be 
made  to  those  who  serve  the  government;  and  we  in  general  recommend  to 
your  care,  that  the  moneys  of  the  province  drawn  from  the  individuals  of 
the  people,  may  not  be  applied  to  any  other  purposes  under  any  pretence 
whatever  of  contingent  charges,  but  what  are  evidently  intended  in  the  act 
for  supplying  the  Treasury. 

VoTKD,  that  the  foregoing  instructions  be  the  instructions  to  the  Represen- 
tative of  this  town,  and  that  he  is  now  enjoined  firmly  to  adhere  to  the  same ; 
also,  that  the  same  be  recorded  in  the  Town  Book,  that  posterity  may  see 
and  know  the  great  concern  the  people  of  this  day  had  for  their  invaluable 
riglits  and  privileges  and  liberties. 

A  prominent  question,  at  the  commencement  of  the  revolution- 
ary struggle,  was  whether  the  Parliament  of  Great  Britain  could 
legally  impose  taxes  on  the  American  provinces,  which  were  not 

represented  therein,  without  their  consent.     Bat  in  exercising  their 


320  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

right  of  supremacy,  as  they  understood  it,  thej'  enacted,  besides 
other  methods  of  raising  a  revenue  from  the  Provinces,  the  Act 
styled  the  Stamp  Act,  with  the  provision  that  it  should  take  effect 
November  1, 1765.  The  Massachusetts  House  of  Representatives 
affirmed  the  American  doctrine  October  29,  1765,  with  special 
reference  to  this  Act,  in  a  series  of  fourteen  Resolutions.  "We 
copy  three  of  them. 

III.  Resolved,  that  no  man  can  justly  take  the  property  of  another 
without  his  consent ;  and  tliat  upon  this  original  principle,  the  right  of  repre- 
sentation in  the  same  body  which  exercises  the  power  of  making  laws  for 
levying  taxes,  which  is  one  of  the  main  pillars  of  the  British  constitution,  is 
founded. 

XII.  Resolved,  as  a  just  conclusion  from  some  of  the  foregoing  resolves, 
that  all  Acts  made  by  any  power  whatever,  other  than  the  General  Assembly 
of  this  Province,  imposing  taxes  on  the  inhabitants,  are  infringements  of  our 
inherent  and  unalienable  rights  as  men  and  British  subjects,  and  render  void 
the  most  valuable  declarations  of  our  Charter. 

XIII.  Resolved,  that  the  extension  of  the  powers  of  the  Court  of 
Admiralty  within  the  Province  is  a  most  violent  infraction  of  the  right  of 
trial  by  juries, — a  right  which  this  house,  upon  the  principles  of  their  British 
ancestors,  hold  most  dear  and  sacred,  it  being  the  only  security  of  the  lives, 
liberties  and  properties  of  his  Majesty's  subjects  here. 

Such  were  the  views  solemnly  expressed  by  the  General  Court, 
and  it  was  not  unnatural  that  the  patriotic  and  liberty-loving  citi- 
zens, if  the}^  understood  only  the  first  rudiments  of  statesmanship, 
should  agree  with  them. 

Great  riots  took  place  in  Boston,  in  consequence  of  the  passage 
of  the  Stamp  Act.  Lieutenant  Governor  Hutchinson's  house  was 
sacked,  and  much  property  was  destroyed.  The  people  of  New- 
ton, in  town  meeting  assembled,  expressed  their  abhorrence  of  all 
such  acts  of  outrage  and  violence,  and  subsequently  instructed 
their  Representative  to  use  his  influence  to  have  the  losses  made 
good  to  the  sufferers  out  of  the  public  treasury  or  otherwise,  "  as 
should  seem  most  just  and  consistent."  Thus  they  showed  them- 
selves not  only  jealous  for  their  own  rights,  but  also  for  the  rights 
of  others. 

The  passage  of  the  Stamp  Act  in  1 765  awakened  such  indigna- 
tion in  the  American  colonies  as  clearlj-  showed  that  England 
must  either  change  her  polic}',  or  prepare  to  enforce  it  at  the  point 
of  the  ba^'onet.  The  violent  and  protracted  struggle  following 
the  passage  of  the  Act  indicated  the  determined  spirit  of  the  colo- 
nists, and  was  the  prologue  to  the  drama  of  the  Revolution. 


VOTE  AGAINST  IMPORTS.  321 

On  the  31st  of  October  a  meeting  was  held  bj'  the  merchants  of 
New  York,  and  it  was  resolved, — 

1.  To  import  no  goods  from  England  until  the  Stamp  Act  be  repealed. 

2.  To  immediately  countermand  all  orders  sent  for  spring  goods. 

3.  To  sell  no  goods  from  Great  Britain  on  commission. 

More  than  two  hundred  merchants  signed  their  names  to  these 
resolutions.  Various  popular  demonstrations  followed,  showing 
that  the  sentiment  of  the  merchants  met  the  approval  of  the 
people. 

The  following  year  the  Stamp  Act  was  repealed,  causing  univer- 
sal joy ;  and  the  popular  feeling  found  expression  in  the  erection, 
by  Act  of  the  Legislature,  of  a  leaden  equestrian  statue  of  George 
III.,  on  Bowling  Green  in  New  York  cit3\  But  if  his  Majest}^ 
was  pleased  with  this  demonstration,  he  soon  learned  that  "the 
triumph  of  the  wicked  is  short."  A  few  years  afterward,  this 
statue  was  turned  to  a  purpose  which  the  founders  had  not  dreamed 
of.  In  the  revulsion  of  feeling  which  followed  the  imposition  of 
a  duty  on  tea,  upon  the  reception  in  New  York  of  the  "  Declara- 
tion of  Independence,"  the  horse  and  rider  were  dragged  from  the 
pedestal,  broken  in  pieces,  and  sent  to  Litchfield,  the  residence  of 
OUver  Wolcott,  the  patriotic  governor  of  Connecticut,  b3'  whose 
wife  and  daughters  they  were  run  into  thousands  of  bullets,  which 
were  distributed  among  the  patriots  of  the  surrounding  country. 
With  these  bullets  hundreds  of  British  soldiers  were  shot  during 
the  subsequent  invasion  of  Connecticut.* 

In  1767,  it  was  unanimously  voted  by  the  townsmen  "  stricth'  to 
adhere  to  the  late  regulation  respecting  funerals,  and  not  to  use 
any  gloves  but  what  are  manufactured  here,  nor  procure  any  new 
garments  upon  such  occasions,  but  what  shall  be  absolutely  neces- 
sary." 

Being  an  economical  and  prudent  people,  believing  in  the  protec- 
tion of  home  manufactures,  and  no  less  in  the  development  of  home 
industry,  and  moreover  not  willing  to  be  dependent  on  foreign  na- 
tions in  case  of  war,  at  a  town  meeting  held  November  13,  17G7, 
they  voted  unanimously, — 

That  this  town  will  take  all  prudent  and  legal  measures  to  encourage  the 
produce  and  manufactures  of  this  province,  and  to  lessen  the  tise  of  super- 
fluities, and  particularly  the  following  enumerated  articles  imported  from 
abroad,  viz. :   loaf  sugar,  cordage,  anchors,  coaches,  chaises,  and  carriages 
*Hon.  £.  C.  Cowdin's  speech  at  Lexington. 

21 


322  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

of  all  sorts,  horse  furniture,  men's  and  women's  hats,  men's  and  women's 
apparel  ready  made,  household  furniture,  gloves,  men's  and  women's  shoes, 
sole  leather,  shcatlHng,  duck,  nails,  gold  and  silver,  and  thread  lace  of  all 
sorts,  gold  and  silver  buttons,  wrought  plate  of  all  sorts,  diamond,  stone  and 
paste  ware,  snufF,  mustard,  clocks  and  watches,  silversmiths'  and  jewelers' 
ware,  broadcloths  that  cost  above  ten  shillings  per  yard,  muffs,  furs,  tippets, 
and  all  sorts  of  millinery  ware,  starch,  women's  and  children's  stays,  fire  en- 
gines, china  ware,  silk  and  cotton,  velvets,  gauze,  pewterer's  hollow  ware, 
linseed  oil,  glue,  lawns,  cambrics,  silk  of  all  kinds  for  garments,  malt  liquors 
and  cheese. 

This  action  of  the  citizens  was  provoked  by  the  Navigation  Act, 
so  called,  of  the  British  Parhament,  which  restricted  home  indus- 
try in  the  colonies,  and  tended  to  destroy  their  commerce.  In 
consequence  of  the  passage  of  this  Act,  they  were  not  allowed  to 
trade  with  any  foreign  country,  nor  export  to  England  their  own 
merchandise  except  in  British  vessels.  Iron  abounded  in  the  colo- 
nies, but  not  an  article  could  be  manufactured  by  the  people  ;  aU 
must  be  imported.  Wool  was  abundant ;  but  no  cloth  could  be 
manufactured,  except  for  private  use,  and  not  a  pound  of  the  raw 
material  could  be  sold  from  town  to  town ;  but  all  must  be  sent  to 
England,  to  be  ultimatel}'  returned  as  manufactured  cloths,  bur- 
dened with  heavy  duties.  Beavers  were  plenty  all  along  the 
streams  ;  but  no  hatter  was  permitted  to  have  more  than  two  ap- 
prentices, and  not  a  hat  could  be  sold  from  one  colony  to  another. 
These  are  specimens  of  that  vast  network  of  restrictions  upon 
trade  and  commerce,  in  which  Great  Britain  encircled  the  thirteen 
colonies. 

This  was  not  alone.  The  Parhament  added  humiliation  to  ex- 
tortion. Naval  officers,  acting  under  the  law,  were  insolent 
towards  colonial  vessels.  They  compelled  them  to  lower  then" 
flags  in  token  of  homage,  fired  on  them  at  the  slightest  provoca- 
tion, and  impressed  their  seamen  whenever  they  chose. 

The  Mutiny  Act,  as  it  was  called,  required  the  inhabitants  of 
the  colonies  to  furnish  quarters,  and  to  some  extent,  supplies,  for 
all  the  soldiers  that  might  be  sent  over  from  England  to  oppress 
them.* 

Newton  had  not  yet  become,  to  any  great  extent,  a  manfactur- 
ing  town,  though  something  had  been  done,  both  at  the  Upper  and 
Lower  Falls,  to  meet  the  demands  of  home  consumption,  for  more 
than  half  a  century.     But  the   people  understood   the  principles 

*  Hon.  E.  C.  Cowdin's  speech  at  Lexington,  April  19, 1875. 


RESOLUTIONS.  323 

that  underlie  a  free  government,  and  were  resolved  not  to  yield 
their  rights  to  a  foreign  oppressor. 

At  a  town  meeting  held  September  22,  17G8,  the  citizens  unan- 
imonsty  chose  Abraham  Fuller,  to  join  with  others  as  soon  as  may 
be,  in  a  Convention  to  be  held  in  Faneiiil  Hall,  Boston,  in  order 
that  such  measures  maj'  be  consulted  and  advised,  as  the  peace 
and  safet}'  of  the  subjects  in  the  province  may  require. 

"In  the  succeeding  years,  "says  Mr.  Paige,  in  his  ''History  of  Cambridge,** 
"  the  conflict  between  arbitrary  power  and  the  rights  and  privileges  of  the 
people  became  more  and  more  earnest.  The  British  Government  insisted  on 
its  right  to  bind  tlie  colonies  in  all  cases,  to  impose  taxes  without  their  con- 
sent, to  place  over  them  rulers  not  of  their  own  choice,  to  overawe  them  by 
the  presence  of  foreign  troops,  and  to  supersede  established  laAvs  and  cus- 
toms by  'Eoyal  Instructions.'  On  the  other  hand,  while  the  people  professed 
loyalty  to  the  Crown,  they  protested  against  tliis  invasion  of  their  inalienable 
rights  as  frecborn  Englishmen,  and  indicated  a  determination  to  resist  to  the 
last  extremity.  Among  other  methods  for  the  accomplishment  of  this  pur- 
pose, at  a  town  meeting  held  in  Boston,  Nov.  2,  1772,  upon  the  motion  of 
Samuel  Adams  it  was  voted  '  that  a  Committee  of  Correspondence  be  ap- 
pointed, to  consist  of  twenty-one  persons,  to  state  the  rights  of  the  colonies 
and  of  this  province  in  j)articular,  as  men,  as  Christians,  and  as  subjects;  to 
communicate  and  publish  the  same  to  the  several  towns  in  this  province  and 
to  the  world,  as  the  sense  of  this  town,  with  the  infringements  and  violations 
thereof  that  have  been,  or  from  time  to  time  may  be  made ;  also,  requesting 
of  each  town  a  free  communication  of  their  sentiments  on  this  subject.' 

"At  an  adjourned  meeting,  November  20,  the  report  of  this  committee  was 
accepted  and  ordered  to  be  printed  in  pamphlet  form,  and  distributed  agree- 
ably to  the  original  vote." 

On  the  fourth  of  Januaiy,  1772,  Edward  Durant,  Charles  Pel- 
ham,  Esq.,  Alexander  Shepard,  William  PhilUps  and  Noah  Plydc 
were  chosen  a  committee  "  to  consider  and  report  what  it  may 
be  proper  for  the  town  to  do,  relating  to  the  present  unhappy  situ- 
ation this  country  is  reduced  to,  by  some  late  attacks  made  on  our 
constitutional  rights  and  privileges." 

This  committee  presented  the  following  brave  and  earnest  report : 

I.  We  judge  it  just  and  expedient,  and  do  recommend  it  to  the  town,  as  a 
testimony  of  their  due  sense  of  the  invaluable  rights  and  privileges  belonging 
to  them,  both  as  men  and  as  members  of  the  British  Empire,  and  as  colonists, 
to  come  into  the  following  resolves  : 

Resolved,  that  no  good  man  can  be  silent  and  inactive  in  the  cause  of 
liberty  at  this  alarming  period,  when  such  arbitrary  measures  are  taken  as 
tend  to  destroy  that  glorious  Constitution  which  has  cost  the  labors  of  ages  and 
the  blood  of  thousands,  and  that  all  who  abet  tyranny  merit  the  detestation  of 
this  people  and  the  contempt  of  mankind. 


324  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

Resolved,  that  we  ever  did  and  now  do  bear  true  loyalty  to  the  king  and 
affection  to  our  brethren  in  Great  Britain,  and  shall  ever  contribute,  to  the 
utmost  of  our  ability,  to  promote  the  honor  and  dignity  of  the  Crown  and  the 
prosperity  of  the  parent  state,  as  far  as  may  be  consistent  with  our  rights  and 
privileges  as  colonists. 

Resolved,  that  no  civil  officer,  who,  properly  considered,  is  a  servant  of 
the  people,  can  constitutionally  or  with  safety  to  themselves,  be  dependent  on 
the  Crown  for  his  support, — therefore,  any  grant  or  grants  made  by  the 
Crown  to  the  Judges  of  our  Superior  Court,  must  naturally,  at  least  here- 
after, tend  to  destroy  all  confidence  in  those  Judges,  and  change  the  courts 
of  justice  into  engines  of  slavery. 

Resolved,  that  all  taxation  imposed  on  the  inhabitants  of  the  colonies 
without  their  consent  or  representation  in  Parliament,  for  the  purpose- of 
raising  a  revenue,  is  unconstitutional  and  oppressive. 

Resolved,  that  it  is  tiie  firm  opinion  of  this  town  that  the  establishment  of 
a  Board  of  Commissioners,  with  a  great  number  of  officers  under  them  at  an 
enormous  and  unnecessary  expense,  that  the  large  extension  of  the  powers 
of  the  Courts  of  Admiralty,  whereby  the  lives  and  liberties  of  his  Majesty's 
subjects  in  the  colonies  are  rendered  precarious  and  unsafe, — that  the  intro- 
ducing and  keeping  a  military  force  in  our  metropolis  in  a  time  of  profound 
peace,  to  the  great  disturbance  and  injury  of  the  people, — that  the  pro- 
viding for  the  support  of  the  Governor  in  any  other  way  than  by  grants  of 
our  General  Court,  thereby  rendering  him  entirely  independent  of  the  people 
over  whom  he  presides, — and  many  other  late  proceedings  of  his  Majesty's 
ministers,  are  grievances  of  which  we  justly  complain,  and  must,  in  faith- 
fulness to  ourselves  and  our  posterity,  continue  so  to  do  until  they  are 
redressed. 

II.  We  judge  it  necessary  at  this  time,  and  do  recommend  it  to  the  town, 
to  give  the  Representative  of  the  town  the  following  instructions,  viz.  : 

To  Abraham  Fuller,  Esq.,  Representative  of  Newton  in  General  Assembly  : 

Sir, — At  this  alarming  era,  wlien  the  British- American  subjects  are  loudly 
complaining  of  arbitrary  and  unconstitutional  measures  and  innovations, 
the  town  of  Newton  judge  it  altogether  improper  to  be  wholly  silent.  AVe 
therefore,  his  Majesty's  most  loyal  and  dutiful  subjects,  the  freeholders  and 
other  inhabitants  of  said  town,  in  town  meeting  legally  assembled  on  Monday, 
the  fourth  day  of  January,  1773,  by  adjournment  from  the  28th  of  December 
last,  judge  it  not  only  proper,  but  absolutely  necessary  to  impart  to  you  our 
united  sentiments,  being  as  on  the  one  hand  ever  ready  to  give  all  due  as- 
sistance for  encouraging  and  supporting  the  exercise  of  government  in  a 
constitutional  manner,  so  on  the  other  hand  deeply  concerned  that  the  rights 
and  privileges  of  British  subjects, — that  best  birthright  and  noblest  inheri- 
tance of  mankind,  may  be  securely  enjoyed  by  us  and  transmitted  to  our  pos- 
terity,— cannot  but  express  how  greatly  our  fears  have  been  increased  respect- 
ing the  late  alarming  report,  added  to  the  other  grievances  under  which  this 
people  have  for  a  number  of  years  groaned,  viz. :  that  stipends  are  affixed,  by 
order  of  the  Crown,  to  the  offices  of  the  judges  of  the  Superior  Court  of 


LETTER  TO  THE  SELECTMEN  OF  BOSTON.  325 

Judicature  of  this  province;  consequently,  instead  of  receiving  their  salaries 
or  support,  from  annual  grants,  made  by  the  Great  and  General  Court,  as 
heretofore,  they  are  to  depend  solely  on  the  sovereign  -will  and  pleasure  of 
the  Crown  for  their  support ;  this  change  we  cannot  but  consider  as  a  most 
important  and  dangerous  change, — creating  an  undue  and  unconstitutional 
dependence,  quite  repugnant  to  the  spirit  of  the  British  constitution,  and 
which  will,  we  apprehend,  lay  an  unha^jpy  foundation  for  the  subverting  of 
public  justice. 

And  we  also  cannot  but  take  notice  how  much  more  hard  and  grievous  it 
is,  that  when  all  possible  care  has  been  taken  by  Acts  of  Parliament  and  ex- 
press desire  even  from  his  present  Majesty  upon  his  first  accession  to  the 
throne,  to  make  the  judges  of  England  wholly  independent  of  the  Crown, 
that  the  judges  of  our  Superior  Court  should  be  rendered  absolutely  depen- 
dent on  the  Crown  in  the  important  article  of  salaries,  whereby  we  are  thus 
cruelly  distinguished  from  his  Majesty's  subjects  in  Great  Britain. 

We  therefore  think  it  proper  to  instruct  you,  our  Representative  in  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  that  you  unite  in  such  measures  as  shall  place  the  judges  of 
the  Superior  Court  of  Judicature  of  this  Province  upon  a  constitutional 
basis,  and  make,  when  that  is  done,  suitable  provision  for  their  sujiport, 
adequate  to  their  merit  and  station. 

We  further  instruct  you  that  you  use  your  utmost  endeavors  that  all  our 
rights  be  restored  and  established  as  heretofore,  and  that  a  decent  though 
manly  remonstrance  be  sent  to  the  king,  assuring  his  Majesty  that  univer- 
sal discontent  prevails  in  America,  and  nothing  will  restore  harmony  and 
insure  the  attachment  of  the  people  to  the  Crown,  but  a  full  restoration  of 
all  their  liberties. 

A  circular  letter  having  been  received  from  the  Selectmen  of 
Boston,  in  reference  to  the  state  of  public  affairs,  soliciting  ad- 
vice and  cooperation,  the  foUowing  answer  was  sent  by  vote  of  the 
town: 

We  judge  it  proper,  and  think  it  may  answer  a  good  purpose,  and  so  there- 
fore recommend  it  to  the  town  to  return  the  following  answer  to  a  letter  of 
20th  November  last  from  the  town  of  Boston  directed  to  the  Selectmen  of 
this  town,  viz.  : 

Gentlemen, — We  the  freeholders  and  other  inhabitants  of  the  town  of 
Newton,  in  a  town  meeting  legally  assembled  this  day  by  adjournment,  think 
it  incumbent  on  us  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  20th  Novem- 
ber last  past,  directed  to  the  Selectmen  of  Newton.  We  greatly  applaud 
you,  and  think  ourselves  as  well  as  the  whole  province  much  obliged  to  you 
for  your  generous  exertion  of  that  patriotic  spirit  for  which  you  stand  dis- 
tinguished. And  however  unsuccessful  may  have  been  the  measures  you 
have  taken  for  obtaining  redress  of  sundry  grievances  of  which  we  justly 
complain,  yet  as  far  as  in  us  lies,  we  would  encourage  your  hearts  to  perse- 
vere in  all  legal,  loyal,  regular  and  constitutional  methods  for  the  redress  of 
those  grievances  we  feci,  and  for  preventing  those  we  have  reason   to   fear. 


326  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

We  are  greatly  concerned  at  the  report  wluch  prevails  that  our  judges  of  tlie 
Circuits  are  to  receive  their  salaries  from  home,  which  must  render  them  de- 
pendent on  the  Crown,  and  independent  of  the  people,  the  natural  evil  con- 
sequences of  which  are  too  obvious  and  truly  alarming.  We  regret  the 
odium  cast  on  the  respectable  town  of  Boston  as  being  of  a  factious  spirit, 
and  cannot  but  think  that  a  properly  expressed  union  of  sentiment  by  the 
several  towns  in  the  Province,  when  made  known  to  our  most  gracious 
Sovereign,  must  tend  to  convince  him  and  his  ministry  that  the  resentment 
shown  on  account  of  the  many  unconstitutional  impositions  laid  on  the  coun- 
try in  general,  and  the  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  in  particular,  is 
not  the  ravings  of  a  faction,  but  the  cool,  dispassionate  and  just  complainings 
of  the  generality  of  his  Majesty's  dutiful  and  Icyal  subjects  in  this  populous 
Province ;  and  we  cannot  but  hope  would  render  his  Majesty,  in  his  great 
wisdom  and  goodness,  still  more  disposed  to  grant  us  all  due  relief.  To  pro- 
mote which  valuable  purposes,  as  far  as  our  influence  will  serve,  we  have 
passed  a  number  of  resolves,  and  voted  instructions  to  our  representative, 
— copies  of  which  are  inclosed.  We  heartily  commend  the  present  distressed 
state  of  this  country  to  the  Great  and  Good  King  of  kings,  praying  for  his 
blessing  on  and  directions  to  the  whole  British  empire. 

With  all  due  respect  and  esteem,  and  in  the  cause  of  true  liberty,  we  are. 

Gentlemen, 
Your  brethren  and  most  humble  servants. 
By  order  and  in  behalf  of  the  Town  of  Newton, 

Abr.  Fuller,  Tcnun  Clerk. 
To  the  Gentlemen  Selectmen  of  Boston. 

Lastly,  we  do  recommend  it  to  the  town,  that  they  order  the  foregoing  re- 
solves and  instructions  to  the  Representative  and  letter  to  the  town  of  Boston 
to  be  recorded  in  the  Town  Book  of  Records  belonging  to  the  town,  that  pos- 
terity may  see  and  know  the  great  concern  the  people  of  this  day  had  for 
their  invaluable  rights,  privileges  and  liberties. 

Thus  we  think  we  have  completed  the  business  committed  to  us  ;  and  if  we 
meet  with  the  approbation  of  the  town,  we  shall  think  ourselves  amply 
rewarded. 

Edward  Dorant, 
Alexander  Shepard, 
William  Phillips, 
Charles  Pelham, 
Noah  Hide. 


CHAPTEE  XXVn. 

NEWTON  IN  THE   REVOLUTION. FURTHER   MEASURES. THE   BOSTON 

TEA  PARTY. THE  RECONSTRUCTON  ACTS. GIFT  OF  MR.  PIGEON. 

MILITARY  DRILL. EAST  AND  WEST  COMPANIES. ALARM  LIST. 

MINUTE-MEN.     ' 

We  cannot  admire  too  much  the  energy  and  spirit  manifested  by 
the  fathers  of  the  town  in  the  resolutions  and  instructions  quoted 
in  the  preceding  chapter,  the  cahn,  stern  determination,  the  fixed 
resolve,  the  sober  consideration,  the  sense  of  justice,  the  apprecia- 
tion of  their  rights  and  privileges,  and  their  concern  that  they 
should  be  transmitted,  unabridged,  to  their  posterity'.  They  were 
worthy  of  the  stock  from  which  they  came,  and  worthy  to  be  the 
fathers  of  such  a  republic  as  they  delivered  to  their  successors. 
The  following  years  of  trial,  toil  and  hardship,  the  patient  endur- 
ance of  hunger,  cold  and  poverty,  the  wasting  of  their  wealth  and 
the  sacrifice  of  their  lives  were  a  part  of  the  solemn  work  the^' 
had  undertaken ;  a  portion  of  the  grand  enterprise  to  which  they 
had  consecrated  themselves.  We  are  not  surprised  that  men  so 
enhghtened  as  to  the  nature  of  law  and  right,  and  the  preroga- 
tives which  were  their  inalienable  due,  should  have  fought  out  to 
its  issue  the  battle  of  freedom.  They  were  equal  to  the  dignity 
of  so  great  an  occasion,  and  worthy  to  be  entrusted  with  a  govern- 
ment which  they  gradually  perfected,  and  delivered  unimpaired  to 
their  children. 

While  the  colonists  sought  on  the  one  hand  to  discourage  luxur}'' 
and  extravagance,  and  to  develop  home  industry,  on  the  other 
hand  they  prepared  cautiously  for  the  sharp  struggle  that  was  be- 
fore them, —  as  a  ship  of  war,  while  the  enemy  is  drawing  near 
and  thundering  with  occasional  discharges  of  cannon,  makes 
all  snug,  in  her  sails  and  rigging,  and  clears  her  decks  for  action. 

o27 


328  HISTORY  OF  NE^yTON. 

At  a  town  meeting  held  December  20,  1773,  Charles  Pelham, 
Esq.,  Mr.  Edward  Durant,  Captain  .John  Woodward,  Mr.  Joshua 
Hammond,  and  Dr.  John  King  were  chosen  a  committee  to  make 
a  draft  of  such  measures  as  they  shall  think  best  for  the  town  to 
come  into  at  this  emergenc}',  and  report  at  the  next  meeting. 

At  the  same  meeting,  Thomas  Miller,  Captain  Ephraim  Jackson, 
Phineas  Bond,  Lieutenant  Jeremiah  Wiswall,  John  Palmer,  James 
Grimes,  Deacon  David  Stone,  Deacon  William  Bowles,  Captain 
Benjamin  Hammond,  Amariah  Fuller,  Phineas  Cook,  Lieutenant 
Michael  Jackson,  Captain  John  Woodward,  Joseph  Chene_y  and 
Ensign  Samuel  Craft,  were  appointed  a  Committee  of  Fifteen 
to  confer  with  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  as  to  the  expediency 
of  leaving  off  buying,  selling  or  using  any  of  the  India  teas. 

On  the  sixth  of  January-,  1774,  the  Committee  of  Five,  above 
referred  to,  reported  the  following  preamble  and  resolves,*  which 
were  unanimously  adopted  by  the  town  : 

The  freeholders  and  other  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Newton,  legally  as- 
sembled on  Monday,  the  20th  of  December,  1773,  and  continued  by  adjourn- 
ment to  January  G,  1774,  taking  into  consideration  the  present  diflSculty  of 
our  public  afiiiirs,  are  greatly  alarmed  at  the  reiterated  attempts  of  the  Par- 
liament of  Great  Britain  to  undermine  our  happy  constitution,  and  deprive 
us  of  those  rights  and  privileges  which  we  justly  claim  as  men,  as  members 
of  the  British  Empire,  and  as  chartered  colonists.  And  although  we  always 
have,  and  still  do,  bear  true  and  sincere  loyalty  and  affection  to  our  most 
gracious  sovereign,  yet  we  cannot  but  consider  and  regret  the  great  and 
undue  influence  of  his  ministry  both  in  and  out  of  Parliament,  which,  espe- 
cially if  corrupt  and  selfish  men  should  be  in  place,  we  look  upon  as  a  sore 
scourge  to  the  nation  and  all  its  dependencies. 

We  do  therefore,  with  firmness  of  mind,  on  mature  deliberation,  establish 
the  following  Resolves,  viz. : 

1.  That  an  Act  passed  in  the  last  sessions  of  Parliament,  empowering  the 
Hon.  East  India  Company,  to  export  tea  to  America,  subject  to  a  duty  upon 
its  arrival  in  America,  is  a  fresh  attack  upon  our  rights,  craftily  planned  by  a 
few  of  our  inveterate  enemies  in  the  ministry,  in  order  to  establish  a  tax  on 
us,  plainly  contrary  to  the  constitution  of  England  itself,  and  glaringly  re- 
pugnant to  our  charter ;  which  we  deem  a  grievance  greatly  aggravated  by  the 
cruel  partiality  therein  shown  against  millions  of  His  Jlajesty's  loyal  and 
good  subjects  in  America,  in  favor  of  a  few,  very  few,  opulent  subjects  in 
Britain.  This  we  cannot  brook,  and  do  therefore  solemnly  bear  testimony 
against  it. 


*CharlesPelhara,  Esq.,  chairman  of  the  comuiitteef  is  supposed  t&Iiave  been  the 
author  of  the  resolutions. 


BOSTON  TEA  PARTY.  329 

2.  That  in  justice  to  ourselves,  our  fellow-colonists  and  our  posterity,  we 
cannot,  nor  will,  voluntarily  and  tamely,  submit  to  this  or  any  tax  laid  on  us 
for  the  express  purpose  of  raising  a  revenue,  when  imposed  without  our  con- 
sent, given  by  ourselves  or  our  Kepresentatives. 

3.  That  as  part  of  the  Colonies  laboring  under  oppression,  we  are  deter- 
mined to  join  the  rest,  in  all  and  every  lawful  and  just  method  of  obtaining 
redress,  or  preventing  the  oppression,  even  to  the  risk  of  our  lives  and  for- 
tunes. 

4.  That  all  and  every  person  or  persons,  who  have  been,  are,  or  shall  be, 
advising  or  assisting  in  the  aforesaid,  or  any  such  acts,  or  are  active  or  aiding 
in  the  execution  of  them,  are  (so  far,  at  least)  inimical  to  this  country,  and 
thereby  incur  our  just  resentment;  in  which  light  we  shall  view  all  mer- 
chants, traders  and  others,  who  shall  henceforth  presume  to  import,  or  sell, 
any  India  tea,  until  the  duty  we  so  justly  complain  of,  be  taken  off. 

6.  That  we  each  and  every  one  of  us  will  not,  directly  or  indirectly,  by 
ourselves  or  any  for  or  under  us,  purchase  or  use,  or  suffer  to  be  used  in  our 
respective  families,  any  India  tea,  while  such  tea  is  subject  to  a  duty  payable 
upon  its  arrival  in  America;  and  recommend  that  a  copy  hereof  be  transmit- 
ted to  the  Committee  of  Correspondence  in  Boston. 

6.  That  a  Committee  of  Correspondence  be  appointed  to  confer  and  cor- 
respond with  the  committees  of  any  or  all  our  sister  towns  in  the  Province, 
as  occasion  may  require. 

We  the  subscribers, a  committee  appointed  by  the  town  of  Newton,  to  draft 
what  might  be  proper  for  said  town  to  do  in  the  present  exigency  of  our  pub- 
lic affairs,  do  report  the  foregoing  for  the  consideration  of  the  town,  and  do 
further  recommend  that  a  copy  thereof  be  transmitted  to  the  committee  of 
correspondence  in  Boston. 

Charles  Pelham, 
Edwakd  Durant, 
John  Woodward,      >  Committee. 
Joshua  Hammond, 
John  King,  J 

Attested  by  the  Town  Clerk, 

Abraham  Fuller. 

The  committee  of  correspondence  above  provided  for  were 
Edward  Durant,  William  Clark,  Captain  Jonas  Stone,  Joshua 
Hammond  and  Captain  John  "Woodward. 

It  contributed  undoubtedly  to  the  unanimity-  with  which  the 
above  resolutions  were  passed,  that  the  famous  tea  part}^  in  Boston 
had  taken  place  but  a  few  days  before.  On  the  16th  of  Decem- 
ber, 1773,  a  company  of  men  disguised  as  Indians  boarded  three 
British  vessels  at  Liverpool  Wharf  in  Boston,  commanded  by 
Captains  Hall,  Bruce  and  Coffin,  broke  open  with  their  hatchets 
three  hundred  and  forty-two  chests  of  tea,  and  in  less  than  four 
hours  mingled  the  whole  with  the  waters  of  Massachusetts  Bay. 


330      .  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Newton  was  represented  on  that  occasion  by  two  or  more  of  its 
citizens.  One,  in  particular,  who  drove  a  load  of  wood  to  market, 
staid  very  late  that  day,  and  was  not  very  willing  the  next  morn- 
ing to  explain  the  cause  of  his  detention.  But  as  tea  was  found 
in  his  shoes,  it  is  easy  to  understand  what  he  had  been  doing. 
This  was  Mr.  Samuel  Hammond,  son  of  Ephraim,  then  a  young 
man  twentj'-five  j-ears  of  age,  and  ripe  for  such  an  expedition. 
Samuel's  son,  Peter  Hammond,  a  centenarian,  living  in  the  State 
of  Illinois,  was  invited  to  be  present  at  Newton's  Centennial  in 
1876  ;  this  Peter  Hammond  died  at  his  home  in  Geneseo,  111.,  April 
9,  1878,  aged  102  years.     His  death  occurred  on  his  birthda3\ 

A  vote  was  passed,  enjoining  upon  the  Committee  of  Fifteen 
"to  lay  before  the  inhabitants  of  this  town  a  paper  or  papers,  that 
each  of  said  inhabitants  may  have  opportunity  to  signify  it  under 
their  hands,  that  they  will  not  bu}^,  sell  or  use  any  of  the  India 
teas,  until  the  duties  are  taken  off; — and,  such  as  will  not  sign, 
to  return  their  names  to  the  town  at  the  adjournment." 

It  does  not  appear  that  any  one  refused  to  sign.  The  whole 
population  were  in  dead  earnest.  Men  and  women  alike  entered 
into  the  spirit  of  the  occasion,  and,  forgetting  the  ordinary  dictates 
of  self-love,  they  combined,  like  an  army  with  an  unbroken  front, 
to  meet  the  demands  of  the  hour.  How  sublime  the  spectacle  of 
a  whole  community,  animated  by  one  spirit,  disregarding  all  sel- 
fish aims,  standing  shoulder  to  shoulder  for  the  accomplishment  of 
one  object,  resolved  to  accept  no  compromise,  taking  for  their 
motto,  "  Liberty  or  Death !  "  They  resolved  to  restrict  themselves 
first,  in  the  luxuries  of  life  and  the  delicacies  of  imported  apparel ; 
then,  to  abbreviate  the  diet  on  their  tables  and  to  curtail  the  ele- 
gances of  their  funerals  ;  and  finally,  all  went,  except  the  bare 
necessaries  for  their  existence.  They  subjected  themselves  to 
hard  labor  beyond  their  wont ;  and  after  the}^  had  sacrificed  nearly 
everything  else,  fathers  and  husbands,  lovers,  brothers  and  sons 
were  laid  as  a  holocaust  on  the  altar  of  their  country.  Brave 
men  and  women !  They  deserved  the  freedom  the}-  won.  Would 
that  their  posterity  might  be  as  worthy  as  they,  of  the  rich  inheri- 
tance ;  as  grateful  for  its  possession ;  as  upright  and  unselfish  in 
its  maintenance  ;  as  competent  to  hold  it,  and  as  conscientious  to 
deliver  it,  unimpaired,  to  those  who  shall  come  after  them ! 

The  Stamp  Act,  the  tax  on  tea  and  the  Boston  Port  Bill  had 
exasperated  the  people.  But  the  Reconstruction  Acts  of  1774 
were  the  crowning  measures  of  British  oppression. 


BEITISH  ACTS  OF  OPPRESSION.  331 

The  councillors  had  been  chosen  by  the  people,  through  their  representa- 
tives ;  by  the  new  law  they  were  to  be  appointed  by  the  king,  and  to  hold  at 
his  pleasure.  The  superior  judges  were  to  hold  at  the  will  of  the  king,  and 
to  be  dependent  upon  his  will  for  the  amount  and  payment  of  their  salaries ; 
and  the  inferior  judges  to  be  removable  by  the  royal  governor  at  his  discretion, 
he  himself  holding  office  at  the  king's  will.  The  sheriffs  were  to  be  appointed 
by  the  royal  governor,  and  also  to  hold  at  his  will.  The  juries  had  been 
selected  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  towns ;  they  were  now  to  be  selected  by 
the  new  sheriffs,  more  creatures  of  the  royal  governor.  Offenders  against  the 
peace  and  against  the  lives  and  persons  of  our  people  had  been  tried  here  by  our 
courts  and  juries ;  and  in  the  memorable  case  of  the  soldiers'  trial  for  the  firing 
in  liing  Street  [State  Street]  in  March,  1770,  we  had  proved  ourselves  capable 
of  doing  justice  to  our  oppressors.  By  the  new  act,  persons  charged  with  cap- 
ital crimes,  and  royal  officers,  civil  or  military,  charged  with  offences  in  the 
execution  of  the  royal  laws  or  warrants,  could  be  transferred  for  trial  to  Eng- 
land, or  to  some  other  of  the  Colonies. 

But  the  deepest-reaching  provision  of  the  Acts  was  that  aimed  at  the  town 
meetings.  Thoy  were  no  longer  to  be  parliaments  of  free  men,  to  discuss 
matters  of  public  interest,  to  instruct  their  representatives,  and  look  to  the 
redress  of  grievances.  They  were  prohibited,  except  the  two  annual  meet- 
ings of  March  and  May,  and  were  then  only  to  elect  officers ;  and  no  other 
meetings  could  be  held  unless  by  the  written  permission  of  the  royal  gov- 
ernor ;  and  no  matters  could  be  considered  unless  specially  sanctioned  in  the 
permission. 

'.  .  .  These  acts  sought  a  radical  revolution,  a  fundamental  reconstruc- 
tion of  our  ancient  political  system.  They  sought  to  change  self-government 
into  government  by  the  king,  and  forborne  rule  to  substitute  absolute  rule  at 
"Westminster  and  St.  James'  Palace.  They  gave  the  royal  governor  and  his 
council  here  powers  Avhich  the  king  and  his  council  could  not  exercise  in 
Great  Britain, —  powers  from  which  the  British  nobles  and  commons  had 
fought  out  their  exemption,  and  to  which  they  would  never  submit.  The 
British  Ammal  Register,  the  best  authority  of  that  day  on  political  history, 
says  that  by  this  series  of  Acts  against  the  Colonists  they  "  were  deprived  of 
the  rights  they  had  ever  been  taught  to  revere  and  hold  sacred." 

Nor  were  these  Acts  mere  declarations.  They  were  to  be  enforced,  and 
at  once,  and  absolutely.  The  Military  Acts  provided  for  quartering  the 
troops  upon  the  towns.  In  February,  1775,  a  resolution  of  Parliament  de- 
clared Massachusetts  in  rebellion,  and  pledged  the  lives  and  property  of 
Englishmen  to  its  suppression.  This  resolution  was  little  short  of  a  decla- 
ration of  war.  The  instructions  of  Lord  Dartmouth,  the  secretary  of  State 
for  the  Colonies,  to  General  Gage,  the  royal  governor,  ran  thus  :  "  The  sove- 
reignty of  the  king  over  the  Colonies  requires  a  full  and  absolute  submis- 
sion." Gage  writes  to  Lord  Dartmouth,  "The  time  for  conciliation,  modera- 
tion and  reasoning  is  over.  .  .  .  The  forces  must  take  the  field.  Civil 
government  is  near  its  end."  He  advised  that  the  king  send  twenty  thousand 
men  to  Massachusetts,  and  with  these  he  would  undertake  to  enforce  the  new 
system,  disarm  the  colonists,  and  arrest  the  chief  traitors,  and  send  them  to 


332  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

London  for  trial.  A  force  of  five  thousand  regulars  was  gathered  at  Boston, 
and  more  were  coming,  under  distinguished  leaders.  The  Common  was  oc- 
cupied, tlie  Neclc  fortified,  and  Boston  was  under  martial  law.  General 
Gage  Avas  authorized  to  order  the  troops  to  fire  upon  the  people.  The  people, 
by  peaceful  means  and  moral  coercion,  not  without  intimidation,  but  without 
bloodshed,  prevented  the  new  system  of  legislature,  jurors,  judges,  and  exe- 
cutive officers,  going  into  efiect ;  and  General  Gage  attempted  to  seat  the 
judges  and  the  new  officers  by  the  troops.  The  people  refused  to  serve  on 
the  juries,  and  few,  even  of  the  royalists,  dared  to  accept  the  offices  of  judge, 
councillor,  or  sheriff.  The  people  continued  to  hold  their  town  meetings, 
and  organized  county  meetings  and  a  Provincial  Congress,  and  Gage  resolved 
to  disperse  them  by  the  bayonets  of  the  regulars.  Troops  were  sent  to  Sa- 
lem to  disperse  a  meeting ;  but  they  arrived  too  late.  His  proclamation  for- 
bade the  people  attending  unauthorized  meetings,  disobedience  "to  be  an- 
swered at  their  utmost  peril."  By  another  proclamation  he  had  ordered  the 
arrest  and  securing  for  trial  of  all  who  might  sign  or  publish,  or  invite  others 
to  sign,  the  covenant  of  non-importation  ;  and  the  troops  were  to  do  it.  He 
was  ordered  from  home,  to  take  possession  of  every  fort,  to  seize  all  military 
stores,  arrest  and  imprison  all  thought  to  have  committed  treason,  to  repress 
the  rebellion  by  force,  and,  generally,  to  substitute  more  coercive  measures 
"  without  waiting  for  the  aid  of  the  civil  magistrates."  In  short,  Massachu- 
setts was  placed  under  martial  law,  to  be  enforced  by  the  king's  troops  ;  and 
all  for  the  purpose  of  changing  radically,  by  imperial  power,  the  fundamental 
institutions  of  the  people,  in  which  they  had  grown  up,  which  they  had  wisely, 
safely  and  justly  administered,  and  on  which  their  liberties  depended.* 

Newton  was  so  near  to  Boston,  the  head-quarters  of  the  revo- 
lutionary spirit,  that  its  citizens  could  not  fail  to  feel  the  pulse- 
beat  of  freedom,  which  thrilled  in  the  veins  of  the  capital  and  was 
transmitted  to  every  corner  of  ]Massachusetts.  Too  early  for 
telegraphic  communication,  all  the  atmosphere  seemed  charged 
with  the  spirit  of  resistance  to  oppression,  which  communicated 
itself  with  electric  rapidity  and  certainty  to  every  inhabitant.  And, 
under  this  influence,  from  this  time  the  work  of  preparation  to 
resist  aggression  went  forward  with  terrible  decision.  The  town 
Records,  absorbed,  as  they  are,  year  after  j'ear,  till  the  close  of 
the  war,  with  matters  pertaining  to  the  affairs  of  the  country  and 
its  defence,  remind  us  of  the  waters  of  Niagara,  boiling  and 
seething  in  the  rapids,  before  they  plunge  over  the  rocks  and  are 
lost  in  the  abyss  below. 

The  patriotic  report  of  the  Congress  for  the  county  of  Middle- 
sex, which  convened  at  Concord,  August  30  and  31,  was  adopted 
by  the  town.      John  Pigeon  was  chosen  Chairman  of  a  committee 

*  Oration  of  R.  H.  Dana,  jr.,  at  the  Lexington  Centennial. 


MINUTE-MEN  ENLISTED.  333 

to  instruct  the  town's  Representative.  John  Pigeon  and  Edward 
Durant  were  chosen  delegates  to  join  the  Provincial  Congress  at 
Concord  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  October  following,  or  at  anj' 
other  time  or  place  when  the  Provincial  Congress  shall  meet.  The 
Selectmen  were  required  b}^  vote  of  the  town,  to  use  their  best 
discretion  in  providing  fire-arms  for  the  poor  of  the  town,  who 
were  unable  to  provide  for  themselves.  Januar}'  2,  1775,  Abra- 
ham Fuller  and  Edward  Durant  were  appointed  delegates  to  the 
Provincial  Congress  to  be  holden  at  Cambridge.  Two  field-pieces, 
donated  to  the  town  b}'  John  Pigeon,  were  accepted  by  the  town 
with  a  vote  of  thanks,  and  a  committee  was  charged  with  the  duty 
■of  obtaining  subscriptions  to  mount  the  field-pieces.  It  was  also 
voted  to  raise  men  to  exercise  the  field-pieces,  A  committee 
composed  of  Captain  Amariah  Fuller,  Captain  Jeremiah  "Wiswall 
■and  Major  Benjamin  Hammond  was  chosen  to  enUst  thirt^'-two 
men  for  Minute-men,*  and  to  add  as  many  more  as  they  think 
necessary  for  oflScers,  and  that  they  meet  once  a  week  during  the 
winter  season  half  a  day,  for  exercise,  and  all  that  attend  be  paid 
eight  pence  each.f  Another  committee  was  chosen  "to  observe 
^nd  see  that  all  resolves  and  orders  of  the  Continental  Congress 
that  concern  this  town  be  strictly  observed."  This  committee  was 
composed  of  Samuel  Crafts,  Phineas  Cook,  Dr.  King,  Lieutenant 
Joseph  Fuller  and  Captain  Jonas  Stone,  Voted,  That  the  com- 
mittee of  correspondence  be  allowed  their  pocket  expenses. 

In  January,  1775,  it  was  "voted  that  each  man  of  the  company 
of  Minute-men  be  paid  one  shilling  for  half-da}^  exercising,  and 
eight  shillings  a  day  for  the  eight  officers,  over  and  above  the  one 


*  This  action  of  the  town  furnishes  the  explanation  of  the  fact  that  Newton  had  so 
many  men  engaged  in  the  battles  of  Lexington  and  Concord. 

t  The  Provincial  Congress  of  Massachusetts  which  assembled  at  Salem  t  in  October, 
1774,  determined  upon  forcible  resistance  to  the  oppressive  acts  of  Parliament,  and 
digested  a  plan  for  organizing  the  militia.  This  plan  provided  that  one-(juarter  of 
the  whole  number  enrolled  should  be  arranged  by  themselves  in  companies  and  regi- 
ments, and  be  in  readiness  to  muster  and  march  at  the  shortest  notice.  From  this 
circumstance  they  were  called  Minute-men. 


t  General  Thomas  Gage,  the  Royal  Governor  for  the  Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay, 
had  issued  writs,  dated  September  1, 1774,  convening  the  General  Court  at  Salem,  on 
the  fifth  of  October ;  but  dissolved  it  by  a  proclamation  dated  September  28th.  The 
members  elected  to  it  met  notwithstanding;  and  pursuant  to  the  plan  agreed  on,  re- 
solved themselves  into  a  Provincial  Congress.  They  continued,  with  several  adjourn- 
ments, till  December  10th.  The  second  Provincial  Congress  met  February  1, 1775,  and 
■dissolved  May  29th. 


534 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


shilling  each  ;  the  Minute-men  to  train  once  a  week,  at  the  discre- 
tion of  the  commanding  officer." 

This  brings  the  history  nearly  to  the  period  of  the  battles  of 
Lexington  and  Concord. 

April  19,  1775,*  there  were  three  companies  of  infantry  in 
Newton ;  the  West  company,  commanded  by  Captain  Amariah 
Fuller ;  the  East  company,  commanded  b}'  Captain  Jeremiah  Wis- 
wall ;  and  a  company  of  Minute-men,  raised  in  1775,  commanded 
by  Captain  Phineas  Cook,  all  of  which  were  in  the  battles  of  that 
day,  and  marched  twenty-eight  miles.  The  rolls  of  each  company 
were  returned  to  the  Secretary's  office,  and  sworn  to  by  their  com- 
mander as  follows :  West  company,  105 ;  East  company,  76 ; 
Minute-men,  37  ;  total,  218.  Besides  these,  many  Newton  men, 
not  attached  to  either  of  these  companies,  were  in  the  action.  In 
the  West  company  were  37  volunteers,  called  the  Alarm  List, — • 
men  who  had  passed  the  age  for  military  duty.  Among  them 
were 


Capt.  Joshua  Fuller, 

Aged  72 

Alexander  Shepard, 

Aged  — 

Dea.  Joseph  Ward, 

"     69 

Capt.  John  Woodward, 

"     51 

Capt.  E.  Jackson, 

"     46 

Joshua  Murdock, 

"     54 

Abraham  Fuller, 

"     55 

Peter  Durell, 

"     56 

Benjamin  Eddy, 

"     68 

Thomas  Beal, 

"     58 

Joseph  Adams, 

"     68 

William  Clark, 

"     59 

Thomas  Miller, 

"     62 

Henry  Seger, 

"    67 

In  the  East  company 

were 

Noah  Wiswall, 

Aged  76 

Jonathan  Mirick, 

Aged  53 

Ebenezer  Parker, 

"     73 

Dea.  David  Stone, 

K       

Dea.  Jonas  Stone, 

"    53 

Dea.  William  Bowles, 

(C        

Joshua  Hammond, 

"    54 

Dr.  John  King, 

(c        __ 

*We  tind  the  following  in  the  Massachusetts  Archives,  Book  2G,  Page  120. 
Pay  roll  of  the  Field  and  Staff  officers  of  Col.  Thomas  Gardner's  Regiment  of  INIili- 
tia,  who  marched  in  consequence  of  the  alarm  on  the  19th  of  April,  1775. 


NAMES. 


Thomas  Gardner,  Colonel, 
Wm.  Bond,  Lieut  Colonel, 
Abijah  Brown,  1st  Major, 
Benj.  Hammond,  2d  JNtajor, 
Abner  Craft,  1st  Adjutant, 
Nathan  Fuller,  2d  Adjutant, 


MILES. 

DAYS. 

5 

1 

5 

G 

32 

6 

8 

5 

6 

£2 
1 
9 


£1G 


10 
3 
10 

^ 

10 
5 


Prospect  Hill,  Dec.  3, 1775. 


WM.  BOND,  Lt.  Colonel, 


SOLDIERS   AT   LEXINGTON.  335 

Mr.  Noah  Wiswall,  the  oldest  man  from  Newton,  was  the  father 
of  Jeremiah,  the  captain  of  the  East  companj'.  Two  others  of 
his  sons,  Ebenezer  and  John,  and  some  of  his  sons-in-law,  were 
in  the  same  company.  The  old  veteran  could  not  ho  induced  tO' 
remain  at  home,  because,  as  he  said,  "he  wanted  to  see  what  the 
bo3's  were  doing ;"  and,  when  he  was  shot  through  the  hand  b}-  a 
bullet,  he  C00II3'  bound  it  up  with  his  handkerchief  and  brought 
home  the  gun  of  a  British  soldier  who  fell  in  the  battle.  The 
spirit  of  the  fathers  ruled  in  the  children.  The  spirit  of  the  chil- 
dren was  reflected  back  upon  the  fathers.  The  stalwart  men  of  the 
times  in  their  simple  way  had  doubtless  often  discussed  the  affairs 
of  the  country  in  the  presence  of  the  sons.  The  sons  were  apt 
scholars  under  the  tuition  of  such  patriots.  The  meii  of  New 
England  understood  the  spirit  of  the  times,  and  rightl}'  weighed  the 
exigencies  of  the  age.  Not  mere  machines,  as  the  soldiers  of 
Europe  were  taught  to  be,  blindly  following  their  leaders,  and  not 
knowing  for  what  they  were  contending,  these  men  had  success- 
fully studied  the  principles  of  liberty  and  political  rights ;.  and 
when  the  heel  of  t3Tanny  sought  to  crush  them,  the  spirit  in  them 
was  not  eas}'  to  be  repressed.  From  every  town  and  village,  from 
CA'ery  field  and  home  they  came  flocking  to  the  fray,  ready  to  stand, 
to  labor,  to  endure  self-denial,  and,  if  need  be,  to  die  for  the  cause 
they  had  espoused,  because  thej^  knew  it  to  be  a  righteous  cause. 
How  formidable  to  their  adversaries  is  an  army  of  such  men  ! 

SOLDIERS  FROM  NE^VTON  WHO  SERVED  IN  THE  BATTLE  OF  LEXINGTON. 
MUSTER    ROLL    OF   EAST    NEWTON    COMPANY    IN    LEXINGTON    BATTLE. 

Jeremiah  Wiswall,  Captain. 

Joseph  Fuller,  First  Lieutenant. 

Samuel  Richardson,  Second        do. 

Samuel  Hyde,  Sergeant. 
William  Hammond,  do. 

John  Stone,  '  do. 

James  Stone,  do. 

Benjamin  Eddy,  Corporal, 
Nathan  Robbins,  do. 

Thomas  Durant,  do. 


John  Beal, 
David  Bartlett, 
Edward  Converse, 
Samuel  Coggin, 
Caleb  Whitney, 


Jessee  Jackson, 
Solomon  Robbins, 
Simon  Chamberlain, 
John  Wilson, 
Jolin  Jackson, 


336 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON 


Abner  "Whitney, 
Jonathan  Livermore, 
Phineas  Robbins, 
Thaddeus  Whitney, 
Samuel  Draper, 
John  Rogers,  jr., 
Timothy  Whitney, 
John  Ward,  jr., 
Phineas  Jackson, 
Ezra  Dana, 
Samuel  Wiswall, 
Henry  Parker, 
Ei^hraim  Whitney, 
Abraham  Parker, 
John  Kenrick, 
Ebenezor  Greenwood, 
Gershom  Hyde, 
Andrew  Whiting, 
Caleb  Wheaton, 
Elisha  Cheney, 
Oliver  Fenno, 
Elias  Fuller, 
Asa  Fuller, 
Allen  Durant, 
Aaron  Fuller, 
Caleb  Parker, 
Nathan  Dana, 
Aaron  Jackson, 


Ebenezer  Wiswall, 
George  Teacham, 
John  Adams, 
Jonas  Stone, 
Daniel  Hastings, 
Aaron  Richards, 
Amos  Stone, 
John  Ward,  tertius, 
Elisha  Hyde, 
Elisha  Robbins, 
John  Fillebrown, 
David  Jackson, 
John  Wiswall, 
Thaddeus  Jackson, 
Jonas  Jackson, 
Simeon  Pond, 
Samuel  Newall, 
Mr.  Noah  Wiswall, 

Ebenezer , 

Dea.  Jonas  Stone, 
Dea.  AVilliam  Bowles, 
Mr.  John  Eddy, 
Doct.  John  King, 
Joshua  Hammond, 
Joshua  Flagg, 
Jonathan  Mirick, 
Thomas  Wilson. 

Total,  76. 


MUSTER   ROLL   OF  WEST   NEWTON   COMPANY  IN   THE   BATTLE    OF 
LEXINGTON. 

Captain  Amariah  Fuller's  Company  of  West  Newton,  marched 
from  Newton  on  the  19th  April,  1775  ;  they  marched  twenty-eight 
miles  and  were  out  four  days. 


Amariah  Fuller, 
Isaac  Jackson, 
Edward  Fuller, 
Aaron  Muudock, 
Samuel  Woodward, 
Joshua  Fuller, 
Daniel  Hyde, 
Noah  Hyde, 
Edmund  Trowbridge, 
Daniel  White, 
Samuel  Murdock, 
Ebenezer  Woodward, 


Captain. 
Lieutenant. 

do, 
Orderly  Sergeant. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Corporal. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Drummer. 


ALARM  LIST. 


337 


Ephraim  Burrage, 
Daniel  Fuller, 
Richard  Fuller, 
Joseph  Bullough, 
Jonathan  Bixby, 
Jonathan  Shopard, 
Aaron  Child, 
William  ^Mackintosh, 
Josiah  Parker, 
Jonathan  Bartlett, 
Daniel  Cheney, 
John  Greenwood, 
Joseph  Adams,  jr., 
William  Cheney,  jr., 
Richard  Parks, 
John  Shepard, 
Joseph  Hyde,  jr., 
Roger  Adams, 
John  Parker,  jr., 
Moses  Bartlett, 
Smith  Adams, 
Samuel  Miller, 
John  Hastings, 
George  Bacon, 
Elisha  Murdock, 
Joshua  Greenwood, 
Silas  Chub, 
JTathaniel  Jackson, 


Robert  Bull, 
Benjamin  Prentice, 
Francis  Marshall, 
Jonathan  Cook, 
Amos  Hyde, 
Jonathan  Williams, 
Elisha  Seaverns, 
Jonathan  Winchester, 
Phineas  Bond, 
Peter  Durell,  jr., 
Samuel  Trowbridge, 
Ebenezer  Tollman, 
Joseph  Davenport, 
Moses  Child, 
Josiah  Jackson, 
William  Park,  jr., 
Thomas  Bogle, 
Aaron  Hastings, 
John  Savage, 
Silas  Barbour, 
Samuel  Parker, 
Nathaniel  Segur, 
Jonathan  Howard, 
Elisha  Bartlett, 
Francis  Blanden,  jr., 
Thomas  Jackson  Greenwood, 
Jonathan  Brown, 
Samuel  Seger. 

Total,  68. 


ALAKM  LIST. 


Joshua  Fuller, 
Abraham  Fuller,  Esq., 
John  Brown, 
Norman  Clark, 
John  Woodward, 
John  Fuller, 
Samuel  Craft, 
Ephraim  Jackson, 
Joseph  Ward, 
William  Clark, 
Stephen  White, 
Thomas  Miller, 
Benjamin  Eddy, 
Peter  Durell, 
22 


Phineas  Bond, 
Joshua  Murdock, 
Isaac  Williams, 
Nathan  Morse, 
Joseph  Jackson, 
Thomas  Tolman, 
Francis  Blanden, 
Josiah  Knapp, 
Josiah  Cook, 
John  Bogle, 
John  Murdock, 
Gideon  Park, 
Enoch  Hammond, 
Benjamin  Parker, 


338 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


Joseph  Adams, 
John  Margaret, 
Alexander  Shepard, 
Henry  Soger, 
Thomas  Beal, 


Benjamin  Adams, 
William  Hyde, 
Josiah  Child, 
Daniel  Hammond. 

Total,  37» 


MINUTE-MEN. 

Eaised  about  1773,  and  disbanded  soon  after  the  Lexington  Battle^ 


Phineas  Cook, 

Captain, 

6  miles,          5  day8» 

John  Maeean, 

Lieut.  Capt.    28     "              16     " 

Joseph  Craft, 

\st.  do. 

28     "                6     " 

Caleb  Kenrick, 

2nd.  do. 

28     "                4     " 

Samuel  Jackson, 

Sergeant 

28     "                6     " 

John  Thwing, 

do. 

Aaron  Richardson, 

do. 

Samuel  Guild, 

Charles  Winchester, 

Michael  Jackson, 

Moses  Fuller, 

Elisha  Parker, 

Samuel  Clark, 

Elisha  Fuller, 

Joshua  Murdock, 

Joshua  Jackson, 

Benjamin  Dana, 

John  Barber, 

Norman  Clark,  jr.. 

John  Hcaly, 

Moses  Craft, 

John  Brown, 

Timothy  Jackson, 

Joseph  White, 

Solomon  Richards, 

Daniel  Richards, 

Amos  Stone, 

Eliphalct  Lyon, 

Moses  Hyde, 

John  Jarvis, 

Edward  Jackson, 

Luke  Bartlctt, 

This  roll  is  recorded  Vol.  12,  p.  20. 

Joshua  Jackson,  jr.. 

Signed    by    Joshua    Marean,    Capt. 

Jonathan  Clark, 

Lieut 

,    and   sworn  to  before   Judge 

Robert  Prentice, 

Fuller. 

Edward  Hall,  jr., 
Thomas  Hammond, 

Daniel  Jackson       ]  Tu^'tVi' witfrtown 

•  Such  was  the  roll  of  honor,  furnished  from  the  hearths  and 
homes  of  Newton,  as  the  advance  of  the  arm}!-  of  freedom. 
They  threw  theiTiselves  into  "  the  imminent,  deadly  breach,"  ut- 
terly ignorant  how  long  the  conflict  would  last,  or  what  hardships 
and  dangers  it  might  involve.  But  the}-  had  counted  the  cost, 
and,  like  brave  men,  were  readj'  for  the  sacrifice.  How  large  the 
debt  of  gratitude  we  owe  them !  And  how  pressing  is  the  re- 
sponsibility of  the  children  to  act  worthily  of  such  parentage  ! 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

NEWTON    IX    THE    REVOLUTION. —  MICHAEL    JACKSON's     BRAVERY. 

SOLDIERS     FOR   EIGHT     MONTHS. BATTLE     OF     BUNKER    HILL. 

TROOPS     IN     CAMBRIDGE. CAPTAIN     GARDNER. SOLDIERS     AT 

DORCHESTER  HEIGHTS. SUSPECTED  PERSONS. LOANS. PROVI- 
DENTIAL   EVENT. 

The  citizens  of  the  American  colonies  were  now  thoroughly 
aroused,  and  New  England  led  the  van.  The  flame  which  had 
been  smothered  was  secretly  gaining  strength.  The  people  had 
talked  over  their  grievances  for  years,  in  private  intercourse. 
But  there  is  a  limit  to  endurance.  Now  the  flame  was  ready  to 
burst  forth.  England  little  knew  what  a  storm  was  gathering  in 
her  western  horizon.  But  steadil}'  and  firmly  the  work  went  for- 
ward. The  British  Parliament  by  their  oppressive  acts  were  blow- 
ing the  struggling  embers  into  a  fierce  conflagration.  As  with  the 
tread  of  armies,  the  spirit  of  revolution  strode  onward.  Night 
and  day  it  accumulated  force.  A  few  tories,  timid  and  time-serv- 
ing, might  have  endeavored  to  resist  it.  But  what  is  a  breast- 
work of  osiers  against  the  rushing  tori'ent  ?  What  is  a  veil  of 
gauze  against  a  whirlwind?  There  was  undoubtedl}'  a  period 
when  the  colonists  might  have  been  soothed  into  compliance  with 
the  measures  of  the  mother  country.  A  spirit  of  justice  and  gen- 
tleness would  have  wrought  mightily,  to  prevent  the  breaking  up 
of  the  friendly  relations  between  the  two  peoples.  But  that  time 
was  now  past.  Voices  in  all  the  air  demanded  relief  for  the 
oppressed.  The  red  camp-fires  of  war  were  kindled,  and  the 
whole  sky  was  reddened  with  the  flame. 

As  the  clouds  of  the  Revolution  gathered  blackness,  the  citizens 
of  Newton  took  measures  still  graver  than  mere  resolutions.  How 
little  could  they  have  foreseen  that  the  opening  of  the  next  spring 

339 


340  HISTOEY  OF  NEWTON. 

would  strike  the  hour  for  the  commencement  of  that  subMme  con- 
flict, which  was  to  give  to  the  Western  Continent  a  free  and  inde- 
pendent nation ! 

At  the  opening  of  the  war,  April  19,  1775,  Jeremiah  Wiswall 
commanded  the  East  company' ;  Amariah  Fuller,  the  West,  and 
Phineas  Cook,  the  Minute-men.  Besides  these,  many  Newton 
men  not  attached  to  either  company,  and  who  had  passed  beyond 
the  age  for  military  service,  were  in  the  battles  of  Lexington  and 
Concord.  The  liberty  which  they  loved  was  at  stake,  and  no 
weariness  or  infirmity  of  age  could  quench  the  fire  of  patriotism 
which  burned  in  their  bosoms.  During  the  few  preceding  years, 
galled  by  the  oppi'ession  of  the  British  parliament,  they  had  dis- 
cussed, in  their  simple  way,  in  stores,  at  firesides,  and  in  their 
town  meetings,  the  condition  of  aflfairs.  The}*  had  nursed  their 
determination  to  secui'e  a  government  free  from  injustice,  and  which 
respected  the  right  of  every  man  to  life,  liberty  and  the  pursuit 
of  happiness.  Theh'  demand  was — "  no  stamp  act  —  no  taxation 
without  representation."  Unconsciously,  perhaps,  they  had  edu- 
cated their  children  in  the  principles  of  a  righteous  government, 
and  prepared  them  in  this  emergency  manfullj^  to  resist  the  forces 
which  were  now  mo^ang  by  aggression  of  arms  to  subdue  them. 
It  is  no  wonder  that  the}'  were  eager  to  see  how  well  their  sons 
would  illustrate  by  action  the  teachings  they  had  received.  Had 
the  sons  fallen  in  battle,  or  failed  to  come  up  to  the  requirements 
of  so  gi'ave  an  exigency,  it  would  have  been  no  wonder  if  the 
fathers  had  shouldered  the  guns  and  pressed  into  the  thickest  of 
the  conflict. 

But  the  sous  had  been  well  trained,  and  no  such  necessity 
arose.  Many  of  them  had,  it  is  likely,  little  of  the  learning  of 
the  schools.  But  they  had  wrought  out  the  problem  of  a  righteous 
government,  and  were  competent  to  construct  and  defend  it.  The}' 
had  been  nurtured  in  poverty  and  hardship  ;  the  flrst  century  and 
a  half  of  their  settlement  had  been  a  constant  warfare  against 
difficulty  and  trial.  And  the}'  were  prepared  with  a  determined 
spirit  to  meet  the  stern  realities  of  this  bitter  strife.  They  did 
not  flinch  under  the  fire,  nor  retreat  from  the  purpose  they  had 
formed.  With  the  sons  as  with  the  fathers,  in  action  as  well  as  in 
resolve,  it  was  hberty  or  death.  Could  they  have  foreseen  how 
long  and  hard  would  be  the  struggle  they  were  initiating,  we 
believe  they  would  have  stood  steadfast  to  their  undertaking. 


CAPT.  MICHAEL  JACKSON.  341 

The  story  of  Colonel  Michael  Jackson  of  Newton,  in  connec- 
tion with  the  day  of  Lexington  and  Concord,  is  extremely  inter- 
esting. It  shows  at  the  same  time  how  much  energy  had  been  in- 
fused into  the  patriots  of  that  important  period  by  the  training 
the}^  had  passed  through,  and  with  how  determined  and  danger- 
ous a  foe  Britain  would  have  to  deal.  He  was  the  son  of  Michael 
Jackson,  born  December  18,  1734,  and  therefore  about  fort}'' 
years  old  at  this  time.  He  had  been  a  Lieutenant  in  the  French 
war.  At  the  opening  of  the  Revolution,  he  was  a  private  in 
the  volunteer  company  of  Minute-men.  At  the  early  dawn  of 
April  19,  1775,  a  signal  announced  that  the  British  troops  were 
on  their  march  to  Lexington.*  The  company  of  Minute-men 
were  earl}'  on  their  parade  ground,  but  none  of  the  commissioned 
oflScers  were  present.  The  orderly  sergeant  had  formed  the  com- 
pany, and  a  motion  was  made  to  choose  a  captain  for  the  da}-. 
Michael  Jackson  was  nominated,  and  chosen  by  uplifted  hands. 
He  immediately  stepped  from  the  ranks  to  the  head  of  the  com- 
pany, and,  without  a  word  of  thanks  for  the  honor,  or  the  sUghtest 
formality,  he  ordered  the  compau}- — "  Shoulder  arms  !  Platoons 
to  the  right,  wheel !  Quick  time  !  Forward,  march  !  "  These  few 
words  of  command  were  uttered,  and  the  company  were  on  the 
march  to  join  the  regiment  at  Watertown  meeting-house.  On 
theu'  arrival  there,  the  commissioned  officers  of  the  regiment  were 
found  holding  a  council  in  the  school-house,  and  he  was  invited 
to  take  part  in  their  deliberations.  He  listened  to  their  discussion, 
but  soon  obtained  the  floor.  He  atlh'med  that  there  was  a  time 
for  all  things  ;  but  that  the  time  for  talking  had  passed,  and  the 
time  for  fighting  had  come.  "Not  now  the  wag  of  the  tongue, 
but  the  pull  of  the  trigger."  This  pro-tempore  Captain  accused  the 
officers  of  wasting  time,  through  fear  of  meeting  the  enemy.  He 
told  them,  if  they  meant  to  oppose  the  march  of  the  British 
troops,  to  leave  the  school- house  forthwith,  and  take  up  their 
march  for  Lexington.  He  intended  that"  his  company  should  take 
the  shortest  route  to  get  a  shot  at  the  British ;  and,  suiting  the 
action  to  the  word,  he  left  the  council  and  took  up  his  march. 
This  blunt  speech  broke  up  the  council,  so  that  there  was  no  con- 
cert of  action,  and  each  company  was  left  to  act   as  they  chose. 


•  This  sigual  was  a  volley  from  cue  of  John  Pigeon's  guns,  kept  In  the  gun-bouse 
at  Newton  Centre,  near  the  church. 


342  HISTORY  OF  NEWTOX. 

Some  followed  Captain  Jackson ;  some  lingered  where  they  were, 
and  some  dispersed.  Jackson's  company  came  in  contact  with 
Lord  Percy's  reserve  near  Concord  village,*  and  were  dispersed 
after  exchanging  one  or  two  shots.  But  they  soon  rallied,  and 
formed  again  in  a  wood  near  by,  and  were  joined  hj  a  part  of  the 
Watertown  company.  The}^  hung  upon  the  flank  and  rear  of  the 
retreating  enemy  with  much  effect,  until  they  reached  Lechmere 
Point  (East  Cambridge)  at  nightfall,  and  the  British  regulars  took 
boats  for  Boston.  After  they  had  rowed  beyond  the  reach  of 
musket  shot,  this  company  received  the  thanks  of  General  Warren, 
upon  the  field,  for  their  bravery. 

A  relative  of  Colonel  Michael  Jackson  has  presented  to  the 
Newton  Public  Library,  for  preservation,  his  sword,  which  did 
service  at  Bunlier  Hill  and  in  other  contests  of  the  Revolution. 

Soon  afterwards  Captain  Jackson  received  a  Major's  commission 
in  the  Continental  army,  then  quartered  at  Cambridge,  and  was 
subsequently  promoted  to  the  command  of  the  eighth  regiment  in 
the  Massachusetts  line,  than  whicli  no  regiment  was  more  distin- 
guished for  bravery  and  good  conduct  during  the  war.  In  an 
action  with  the  British  on  Montressor's  Island,  N.  Y.,  Colonel 
Jackson  received  a  severe  wound  in  the  thigh  b}'  a  musket-ball, 
from  which  he  never  entirely  recovered.  Lieutenant-Colonel  John 
Brooks  then  took  the  command  of  Jackson's  regiment,  and 
William  Hull  was  major.  During  the  sanguinary  battles  which 
preceded  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne,  Jackson's  regiment,  under 
Colonel  Brooks,  behaved  ver}'  gallantly,  nearly  half  the  number 
being  either  killed  or  wounded.  Colonel  Jackson  died  April  10, 
1801,  aged  sixty-six.  The  pall-bearers  at  his  funeral  were  Gen- 
eral Henry  Jackson,  Dr.   Eustis,  Colonel  Joseph  A\^ard,  General 


*  Colonel  Beujainin  Hammond  is  supposed  to  have  been  in  command  of  the  Newton 
company  at  this  time.  His  residence  at  a  distance  from  Newton  Centre,  in  the  house 
now  owned  and  occupied  by  Judge  Lowell,  and  wliich  he  erected  in  1773,  accounts 
for  his  delay.  His  descendant,  Mr.  Stephen  Hammond,  relying  on  his  recollection 
of  what  be  beard  in  his  boyhood,  thinks  Colonel  Benjamin  Hammond  came  up  with. 
his  company  before  they  reached  Concord,  and  took  the  command.  The  following, 
from  bis  day-book,  under  date  of  1773-5,  implies  his  captaincy,  and  thus  his  responsi- 
bility for  his  company. 

Account  of  money  paid  since  I  bad  the  command  of  the  Company. 
Towards  one  new  Drum  [old  tenor] 

Paid  to  a  Drummer 

Paid  for  Drummers'  and  Fifers'  Dinner 
Paid  to  Fifers 
Paid  to  Captain  Rigaway  for  changing  drums 


.5 

10s. 

Od 

1 

2 

6 

1 

16 

0 

1 

10 

3 

5 

0 

0 

COL.  JOSEPH   WARD.  343 

Brooks,  General  Knox  and  Joseph  Blake.  A  battalion  of  infan- 
trj'  under  Major  Chene}^  performed  the  escort  duty,  and  a  company 
of  artilleiy  fired  minute-guns,  during  the  march  of  the  funeral 
procession, —  a  tribute  of  respect  due  to  a  man  who  deserved  well 
of  his  country,  fought  her  battles,  and  bled  for  her  independence, 
lie  had  five  sous  and  five  brothers  in  the  arm}-  of  the  Revolution. 
Samuel  Richardson,  of  Oak  Hill,  Newton,  was  first  lieutenant  of 
the  Newton  company,  on  the  dtvy  of  Lexington.  He  was  Select- 
man four  3'ears,  being  elected  in  1777,  and  died  December  25, 
1803,  aged  seventj-j-ears. 

Besides  these  brave  soldiers  and  undaunted  patriots,  was  another, 
of  equal  prowess,  a  member  of  another  of  the  old  families  of  Newton, 
and  a  man  who  distinguished  himself  at  Bunker  Hill  and  afterwards 
in  the  military  service  of  the  State,  taking  a  very  active  part  in  the 
Revolution  both  with  pen  and  sword.  We  refer  to  Colonel  Joseph 
Ward.  He  was  a  master  in  one  of  the  public  schools  of  Boston,  and 
on  the  day  of  the  battles  of  Lexington  and  Concord,  learning  that 
the  British  troops  were  in  motion,  left  for  Newton,  where  he  ob- 
tained a  horse  and  gun,  and  rode  to  Concord  to  animate  his  coun- 
trymen and  get  a  shot  at  the  British.  He  greatly-  distinguished 
himself  on  the  day  of  Bunker  Hill,  where  he  served  as  aide-de-camp 
to  General  Artemas  Ward,  and  held  that  office  until  General 
Ward  resigned,  in  December,  1776.  He  rode  over  Charlestown 
Neck,  tliiough  a  cross-fire  of  the  enem3''s  floatmg  batteries,  to  exe- 
cute an  order  from  General  Ward,  at  which  time  a  broadside  was 
fired  at  him  by  a  British  man-of-war. 

He  continued  to  hold  important  positions  in  the  arm}',  and  was 
honored  b}-  receiving  the  thanks  of  General  Washington  in  a  let- 
ter written  to  him  near  the  close  of  the  war,  in  the  following  terms  : 

"  You  have  my  thanks  for  your  constant  attention  to  the  busi- 
ness of  yom*  department,  the  manner  of  its  execution,  and  your 
ready  and  faithful  compliance  with  all  my  orders ;  and,  I  cannot 
help  adding,  on  this  occasion,  for  the  zeal  you  have  discovered,  at 
all  tixues  and  under  all  circumstances,  to  promote  the  good  of  the 
service  in  general,  and  the  great  objects  of  our  cause. 

"I  am,  dear  sk,  with  great  regard,  3'our  obedient  and  humble 
servant, 

George  Washington." 

Major  Daniel  Jackson,  also,  born  in  Newton  Jul}-  23,  1753, 
€on  of  Joshua  Jackson  and  Huldah  Fuller,  his  wife,  was  in  the 


344 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


battles  of  Concord  and  Bunker  Hill  and  at  Dorchester  Heights,  in 
Captain  Foster's  Company  of  Artiller}',  and  sergeant  in  Captain 
Bryant's  Company  of  Artillery. 

In  Chester  Abbey,  England,  hangs  the  tattered  battle  flag  car- 
ried up  Bunker  Hill  on  the  17th  of  June,  1775. 

Not  long  after  these  earliest  engagements  which  opened  the  grand 
conflict,  two  new  companies  were  raised  in  Newton.  The  war  spirit 
found  organization,  that  it  might  insure  efRcienc3^  The  brilliant 
exploit  of  Captain  Jackson  was  suited  to  a  sudden  emergenc}' ; 
but  steadiness  of  action  was  necessar}^,  if  this  struggle  was  to  be 
protracted  into  years,  and  to  become  incorporated  into  the  life  of 
the  people.  Seventy-four  men  of  these  companies  joined  the 
army  at  Cambridge,  March  4,  1776,  to  serve  eight  months.  The 
following  are  theu'  names,  with  the  names  of  their  several  captains 
and  colonels. 

SOLDIERS   WHO  ENLISTED  IN   THE  REGULAU  ARMY   FOR   EIGHT  MONTHS 
FROM   MAY    1,    1775. 


MEN. 


Phineas  Cook, 
Nathan  Fuller, 
Phineas  Ash, 
Moses  Beal, 
John  Beal, 
Phineas  Blanden, 
David  Colby, 
Daniel  Clark, 
Jonathan  Clark, 
Samuel  Clark, 
Moses  Craft, 
Norman  Clark, 
Silas  Chub, 
Edward  Converse, 
William  Cheney, 
Timothy  Child, 
Samuel  Draper, 
Benjamin  Dana, 
Peter  Durell, 
Joseph  Davenport, 
Richard  Dana, 
Samuel  Eliot, 
Samuel  Fuller, 
Thomas  Fiske, 
Joseph  Gosson, 
Ebenezer  Hinds, 
David  Hager, 
Jonathan  Howard, 
Gershom  Hyde, 


CAPTAINS. 


Phineas  Cook, 
Nathan  Fuller, 
Isaac  Sherman, 
Edmund  Bemis, 
Phineas  Cook, 

John  Currier, 
Phineas  Cook, 


Nathan  Fuller, 

Timothy  Corey, 

<(  (> 

Phineas  Cook, 


Nathan  Fuller, 
John  Currier, 
Abijah  C.  Child, 
Timothy  Corey, 
Ephraim  Coney, 
Samuel  Kelton, 
«  (( 

Phineas  Cook, 


COLONELS. 


Thomas  Gardner, 


A.  Whitcomb, 
Thomas  Gardner, 
<(  « 

James  Frye, 
Thomas  Gardner, 


Samuel  Gerrish, 
<(  « 

Thomas  Gardner, 


Samuel  Gerrish, 

John  Patterson, 
«  « 

Thomas  Gardner, 


EIGHT  MONTHS'  MEN. 


345 


MEN. 


Thaddeus  Hyde, 
Michael  Jackson,  jr.,Fifer, 
Aaron  Jackson, 
Amasa  Jackson,  Drummer, 
lianicl  Jackson, 
David  Jackson, 
Nathaniel  Jackson,  Sergt. 
Phiueas  Jackson,  Corp. 
Simon  Jackson, 
Joshua  Jackson, 
Timothy  Jackson, 
Thomas  Jackson, 
Aaron  Jackson, 
Enoch  Jackson, 
Jonas  Jackson, 
William  Jackson, 
Jessee  Jackson, 
Daniel  J.ackson, 
Eliphalet  Lyon,  Sergt. 
Joshua  Murdock,  Corp. 
Samuel  Murdock, 
Solomon  Newell, 
Samuel  Parker, 
Henry  Parker, 
Nathaniel  Parker, 
Abraham  Parker, 
Aaron  Richards, 
Aaron  Richardson, 
Solomon  Richards, 
Nathaniel  Seger, 
Amos  Stone, 
John  Savage, 
Samuel  Seger, 
Daniel  Upham, 
Ephraim  Williams, 
Ebenezer  Wiswall, 
Abner  Whitney, 
Stephen  Whitney, 
Timothy  Whitney, 
Ephraim  Whiting, 
Jonathan  Williams, 
Charles  Winchester, 
Jonathan  Winchester, 
Andrew  Whitney, 
Ebenezer  Williams. 


CAPTAINS. 


Timothy  Corey, 
Phineas  Cook, 
Samuel  Kelton, 
Benjamin  Locke, 


Nathan  Fuller, 
Timothy  Corey, 


Foster, 

George  Gould, 
Phineas  Cook, 
Abner  Craft, 
Samuel  Dunn, 
Phineas  Cook, 


Nathan  Fuller, 

Phineas  Cook, 

<(  it 

Benjamin  Locke, 
Phineas  Cook, 
Nathan  Fuller, 
«  i< 

Phineas  Cook, 


Edward  Crafts, 
Timothy  Corey. 


COLONELS. 


Samuel  Gerrish, 
Thomas  Gardner, 
John  Patterson, 
Thomas  Gardner, 


Samuel  Gerrish, 


R.  Gridley, 
Paul  D.  Sargeant, 
Thomas  Gardner, 
<(  <( 

Edward  Phinney, 
Thomas  Gardner, 


R.  Gridley, 
Samuel  Gerrish. 


Of  these  seventy-four  men,  fortj^-eight  were  in  Colonel  Thomas 
Gardner's  regiment,  under  Captains  Phineas  Cook,  Nathan  Fuller, 
Abner  Craft  and  Benjamin  Locke.  As  this  regiment  was  ordered 
to  Bunker  Hill  as  a  reinforcement  on  the  17th  of  June,  1775, 
these  soldiers  may  undoubtedly  be  regarded  as  participants  in  the 


346 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


perils  and  honors  of  the  dsLj.     The  following  are  the  names  of  the 
Newton  soldiers  in  Colonel  Gardner's  resriraent : 


Phineas  Cook, 

Nathan  Fuller, 

John  Beal, 

Phineas  Blanden, 

Daniel  Clark, 

Jonathan  Clark, 

Samuel  Clark, 

Moses  Craft, 

Norman  Clark, 

Silas  Chub, 

Edward  Converse, 

William  Cheney, 

Benjamin  Dana, 

Peter  Durell, 

Josejih  Davenport, 

Richard  Dana, 

Jonathan  Howard, 

Gershom  Hyde, 

Michael  Jackson,  jr.,  Fifer, 

Amasa  Jackson,  Drummer, 

Daniel  Jackson, 

David  Jackson, 

Nathaniel  Jackson,  Sergeant, 

Phineas  Jackson,  Corporal, 


Simon  Jackson, 
Joshua  Jackson, 
Timothy  Jackson, 
Thomas  Jackson, 
Joshua  Murdock,  Corporal, 
Samuel  Murdock, 
Samuel  Parker, 
Henry  Parker, 
Nathaniel  Parker, 
Abraham  Parker, 
Aaron  Richards, 
Aaron  Richardson, 
Solomon  Richards, 
Nathaniel  Seger, 
Amos  Stone, 
John  Savage, 
Samuel  Seger, 
Daniel  Upham, 
Ephraim  Williams, 
Ebenezer  Wiswall, 
Abner  Whitney, 
Stephen  Whitney, 
Timothy  Whitney, 
Ephraim  Whiting. 


In  the  terrible  struggle  of  the  years  which  followed,  it  is  esti- 
mated that  full  four  hundred  and  thirtj-,  out  of  Newton's  popula- 
tion of  not  over  fourteen  hundred,  served  in  the  Continental  army, 
in  the  militia,  and  in  the  dutj'^  of  guarding  the  captured  army  of 
General  Burgoyne  ;  two  hundred  and  seventy-five  enlisted  in  the 
Continental  army,  for  a  longer  or  shorter  period. 

In  August,  1775,  Captain  Joseph  Fuller,  of  Newton,  raised  a 
company  of  uinet3--six  men,  and  marched  to  Bennington  and  Lake 
George  to  oppose  Burgoyne.  The  same  year  sixty-four  men  en- 
listed for  three  years.  In  1778  Captain  Edward  Fuller  raised  a 
company'  of  sixtj'-eight  men.  In  1780  fift^-four  men  marched, 
to  reinforce  the  Continental  arm}'.  Jackson  saj's  in  his  His- 
tory, "  The  number  of  men  who  served  more  or  less  in  the  Conti- 
nental army  and  in  the  militia  during  the  war  was  about  one-third 
of  the  entire  population."  Had  the  war  continued  longer  than  it 
did,  it  seems  impossible  that  Newton  should  have  furnished  more 
men. 


BUNKER  HILL.  347 

In  the  biograph}"  of  Nathaniel  Seger,  it  is  stated  that  Colonel 
Gardner's  regiment,  in  which  he  enlisted,  in  Captain  Nathan 
Fuller's  company,  on  the  17th  of  June  was  ordered  to  Bunker  Hill 
after  the  battle  had  commenced,  but  did  not  reach  the  Hill  until 
the  retreat  had  begun.  One  of  the  company,  James  Wall,  was 
wounded,  and  Colonel  Gardner  was  killed. 

Frothingham,  in  his  account  of  this  battle,  saj^s, — 

Colonel  Gardner,  leading  on  a  part  of  his  regiment,  was  descending  Bunker 
Hill,  when  he  received  his  death  wound.  Still  his  men,  under  Major  Jack- 
son, pressed  forw.ard,  and  with  Cushing's,  Smith's  and  Washburn's  companies, 
of  Ward's  regiment,  and  Febiger's  party,  of  Gerrish's  regiment,  poured  be- 
tween Breed's  and  Bunker  Hill  a  well-directed  fire  upon  the  enemy,  and  gal- 
lantly covered  the  retreat.  After  the  battle.  Colonel  Gardner's  regiment 
Avas  stationed  on  Prospect  Hill. 

When  the  morning  of  June  17,  1775,  dawned  upon  the  troops, 
the  British  were  not  a  little  surprised  to  find  that  the  Americans 
had  improved  the  preceding  night  in  throwing  up  a  formidable 
breastwork  for  their  own  defence.  The}'  were  not  prepared  for  so 
extraordinary  an  exhibition  of  industr}'.  And,  as  "  the  stars  in 
their  courses  fought  against  Sisera,"  so  the  heavenly  bodies  helped 
these  enterprising  soldiers  in  preparing  for  the  conflict ;  for,  Provi- 
dentially, the  moon  was  but  little  past  the  full,  and  rose  on  the 
night  of  June  16th,  at  five  minutes  past  eleven. 

We  have  in  Frothingham's  Histor}-  the  following  additional  no- 
tices of  Colonel  Gardner  and  his  regiment : 

Thomas  Gardner's  regiment,  of  Middlesex  county,  was  commissioned  on 
the  second  of  June.  William  Bond  was  lieutenant-colonel,  and  Michael 
Jackson  was  major.  After  the  British  landed,  this  regiment  was  stationed 
in  the  road  leading  to  Lechmere's  Point  (East  Cambridge),  and  late  in  the 
day  was  ordered  to  Charlestown.  On  arriving  at  Bunker  Hill,  General  Put- 
nam ordered  part  of  it  to  assist  in  throwing  up  defences  commenced  at  this 
place.  One  company  went  to  the  rail  fence.  The  greater  part,  under  the 
third  attack,  advanced  towards  the  redoubt.  On  the  way,  Colonel  Gardner 
was  struck  by  a  ball,  which  inflicted  a  mortal  wound.  While  a  party  was 
carrying  him  off,  he  had  an  affecting  interview  with  his  son,  a  youth  of  nine- 
teen, who  was  anxious  to  aid  in  bearing  him  from  tiie  field.  His  heroic  father 
prohibited  him,  and  ho  was  borne  on  a  litter  of  rails  over  Winter  Hill.  Here 
he  was  overtaken  by  the  retreating  troops.  He  raised  himself  and  addressed 
to  them  cheering  words.  He  lingered  until  July  third,  when  he  died.  On 
the  fifth  he  was  buried  with  the  honors  of  war.  He  was  in  his  fifty-second 
year,  and  had  been  a  member  of  the  General  Court,  and  of  the  Provincial 
Congress.     He  was  a  true  patriot,  a  brave  soldier,  and  an  upright  man. 


348  HISTOKY  OF  NEWTON. 

The  die  was  now  cast.  These  courageous  men,  not  enlisted 
as  mere  machines,  but  guided  by  intelligent  purpose,  and  know- 
ing the  merits  of  the  cause  for  which  they  contended,  were  resolved 
to  carry  out  to  the  end  the  conflict  which  was  now  begun.  It 
might  subject  them  to  j-ears  of  suffering,  toil  and  want,  to  hunger, 
and  cold,  and  death  ;  but  they  were  actuated  by  the  stern  purpose 
to  do  or  die,  and  to  hold  out  till  the  right  should  triumph. 

Though  nearlj^  at  the  beginning  of  the  revolutionary  struggle, 
and  though  years  of  hardship,  toil  and  self-denial,  of  want,  and 
sorrow  and  blood  followed,  the  engagements  at  Concord  and  Lex- 
ington exerted  an  important  influence  on  the  country,  and  on  the 
whole  history  of  the  war.  They  put  nerve  and  spu'it  into  the 
brave  hearts  which  had  undertaken  so  solemn  and  so  grand  a  work. 
The  colonists  discovered  their  own  power.  They  learned  what 
stuff  they  and  their  fellows  were  made  of.  Thej^  measured  and 
weighed,  on  this  occasion,  the  men  with  whom  the}'  were  to  con- 
tend in  the  future.  They  began  to  plume  their  wings  for  the  flight 
which  thej'  were  afterwards  to  essay.  And  by  the  spirit  they  ex- 
hibited, they  not  only  stimulated  one  another,  but  also  taught  their 
oppressors  to  respect  and  fear  them.  The  British  loss  in  killed 
and  wounded,  in  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  June  17,  1775,  was 
1,054,  of  whom  134  were  oflficers ;  the  provincials  lost  but  419, 
killed  and  wounded.  The  Britons  entered  the  engagement  with  a 
force  of  2,500  or  3,000  men;  the  Americans  with  onty  1,200. 
The  colonists  were  forced  to  retreat  only  because  their  ammuni- 
tion failed  ;  but  the  troops  of  England  did  not  care  to  linger  till  an 
additional  supply  could  reach  them.  As  an  evidence  of  the  haste 
with  which  they  retreated,  Nathaniel  Seger,  before  alluded  to,  one 
of  the  Newton  soldiers  stationed  at  Prospect  Hill,  Somerville, 
after  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  relates  the  following  incident : 

After  the  British  had  evacuated  Bunker  Hill,  I  with  a  number  of  other 
soldiers  went  to  the  hill  and  found  bottles  on  their  tables,  as  though  they  had 
left  in  great  haste. 

With  an  eye  to  the  supply  of  gunpowder,  requisite  in  future  en- 
gagements, the  citizens  in  town  meeting,  March  4,  1776,  chose 
Alexander  Shepard,  jr..  Captain  Ephraim  Jackson  and  Mr.  John 
Pigeon  a  committee  to  use  their  influence  to  promote  the  manu- 
facturing of  saltpetre. 

On  the  10th  of  Juty,  1775,  the  following  were  all  the  regiments 
in  Cambridge,  with  the  number  of  men  in  each.  John  Pigeon,  of 
Vrcst  Newton,  was  commissary-gcnoral  of  the  forces. 


STATE  OF  THE  TROOPS.  349 


Jonathan  Ward, 

505 

James  Scammon, 

529 

"William  Prescott, 

487 

Thomas  Gardner, 

334 

Asa  Wliitcomb, 

571 

Jonathan  Brewer, 

373 

Ephraim  Doolittle, 

351 

B.  Buggies  Woodbridge, 

34S 

James  Fry, 

473 

Paul  Dudley  Sargeant, 

192 

Eichard  Gridley, 

445 

Samuel  Gerrish, 

258 

John  Nixon, 

482 

John  Mansfield, 

507 

John  Glorer, 

519 

Edmund  Phinney, 

163 

John  Patterson, 

492 

Moses  Little, 

643 

Ebenezer  Bridge, 

509 

Thus  the  whole  number  of  the  troops  in  Cambridge  amounted 
to  only  8,07G.  They  were  encamped  in  tents,  as  far  as  possible  ; 
but  when  the  supply  of  tents  failed,  they  were  sheltered  under  old 
sails,  contributed  by  the  seaport  towns.  Private  houses  were  util- 
ized as  hospitals  for  the  sick.  The  artillerj'  was  almost  without 
horses,  carriages  or  harness,  and  the  troops  had  but  few  baj^onets. 
Washington's  first  requisition,  after  he  arrived  in  camp,  was  for 
one  hundred  axes.  They  had  no  instruments  for  throwing  up 
entrenchments,  except  such  as  they  could  borrow  of  the  neighbor- 
ing farmers.  They  had,  moreover,  no  flag,  and,  previous  to  the 
arrival  of  Washington,  no  commander  clothed  with  absolute 
authority. 

The  spirit  of  patriotism  which  distinguished  Captain  Gardner 
in  the  revolutionary  struggle  is  admirably  brought  out  in  a  letter 
addressed  by  him  to  the  Committee  of  Correspondence  in  Boston, 
dated  "Cambridge,  August  12,  1774."     It  is  as  follows  : 

Feiends  and  Brethren, —  The  time  is  come  that  every  one  that  has  a 
tongue  and  an  arm  is  called  upon  by  their  country  to  stand  forth  in  its  behalf; 
and  I  consider  the  call  of  my  country  as  the  call  of  God,  and  desire  to  be  all 
obedience  to  such  a  call.  In  obedience  thereto,  I  would  administer  some 
consolation  unto  you,  by  informing  you  of  the  glorious  union  of  the  good 
people  of  this  Province,  both  in  sentiment  and  action.  I  am  informed  from 
good  authority  that  the  Committee  of  Correspondence  for  the  several  towns 
in  the  county  of  Worcester  have  assembled,  are  in  high  spirits,  and  perfectly 
united.  The  committee  for  Cambridge  and  Charlestown  are  to  have  a  con- 
ference to-morrow,  and  I  trust  the  whole  county  of  Middlesex  will  soon  be 
assembled  by  Delegates  from  the  respective  towns  in  said  county.  I  have 
the  greatest  reason  to  believe  that  the  people  will  choose  rather  to  fall  glori- 
ously in  the  cause  of  their  country,  than  meanly  submit  to  slavery. 

I  am,  Your  friend  and  brother, 

Thomas  Gardner. 

The  East  and  West  companies,  together  with  such  as  had  been 
added,  numbering  together  one  hundred  and  thiileen  men,  were 


350 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


marched,  at  the  request  of  General  "Washington ,  to  take  possession 
of  Dorchester  Heights.  Their  service  here  was  of  brief  duration  ; 
for  on  the  17th  of  March,  as  the  almanacs  have  recorded  it  from 
that  daj'  to  this,  the  British  troops  evacuated  the  town  of  Boston. 
One  of  these  companies  subsequently  marched  in  the  expedition  to 
Canada. 

SOLDIERS   OF   THE   EAST   COMPANY, 

who,  at  the  request  of  General  Washington,  marched  to  take 
possession  of  Dorchester  Heights,  4th  of  March,  1776,  and  also 
served  five  days  in  Colonel  Hatch's  Regiment : 


Jeremiah  Wiswall,  Captain, 

Joseph  Fuller,  \st  Lieutenant, 

Samuel  Richardson,  2d  Lieutenant, 

Samuel  Hyde,  Sergeant, 

John  Stone,  " 

James  Stone,  " 

Benjamin  Eddy,  Corporal, 

Nathaniel  Robbins,     " 

Edward  Hall,  " 

Elisha  Chauncy,  Drummer. 

Asa  Fuller,  Fifer, 

Daniel  Richards, 

Andrew  Ellis, 

David  Bartlett, 

Luke  Bartlett, 

John  Kenrick,  jr., 

Thomas  Hammond, 

Samuel  Draper, 

John  Wiswall, 

James  Stone,  jr., 

John  Rogers,  jr., 

Jonatlian  Jackson, 

Solomon  Richards, 

Aaron  Richards, 


Ebenezer  Wiswall, 
Aaron  Jackson, 
Elisha  Hyde,  jr., 
Oliver  Fenno, 
Amos  Stone, 
Ebenezer  Greenwood, 
Phineas  Jackson, 
John  Thwing, 
Jonathan  Liverraore, 
Samuel  Coggin, 
James  Coggin, 
Nathaniel  Woodcock, 
Nathan  Dane, 
Samuel  Hall, 
William  Hollis, 
Daniel  Hastings, 
Robert  Downing, 
Ebenezer  Stone, 
John  Healy, 
William  Wheeler, 
John  Wilson, 
John  Mare  an, 
John  Ward,  3rd. 

Total,  47. 


SOLDIERS    OF   THE   WEST   COMPANY, 

who,  at  the  request  of  General  Washington,  marched  to  take  pos- 
session and  man  the  lines  on  Dorchester  Heights,  on  the  4th  of 
March,  1776,  and  served  five  days  in  Colonel  Hatch's  Regiment: 


Amariah  Fuller,  Captain, 
Isaac  Jackson,  \st  Lieutenant, 
Edward  Fuller,  -M  Lieutenant, 
Aaron  Murdock,  Sergeant, 


Samuel  Woodward,  Sergeant, 
Joshua  Fuller,  " 

Daniel  Hyde,  " 

Noah  Hyde,  Corpora!, 


WEST  COMPANY. 


351 


I 


EdmuiKl  Trowbridge,  Corporal. 

Daniel  White,  " 

Samuel  Murdock,  " 

Ebenezer  Woodward,  Drummer, 

Samuel  Spring,  Fifer. 

Daniel  Jackson, 

Robert  Dairy mple, 

William  Upham,  jr., 

David  Fuller, 

Samuel  Fuller, 

Eichard  Fuller, 

Thaddeus  Spring, 

Jonatlian  Shepard, 

Aaron  Child, 

Robert  Bull, 

Benjamin  Prentice, 

Amos  Hyde, 

Moses  Bartlett, 

Ebenezer  Davis, 

John  Hastings, 

Ebenezer  Williams, 

George  Bacon, 

Elisha  Murdock, 

Henry  Pigeon, 

Joshua  Greenwood, 

Phineas  Bond, 

John  Marean,  jr., 

Edmund  Seger, 

Moses  Child, 

Sept.  12,  1776. 
Capt.  Joseph  Fuller. 


Joseph  Adams, 
John  Seaver, 
William  Mcintosh, 
Joim  Brown,  jr., 
David  Clark, 
Joseph  Fuller, 
John  Jarvis, 
Joshua  Murdock,  jr., 
Samuel  Clark, 
Norman  Clark,  jr., 
Moses  Craft, 
Timothy  Jackson, 
Edward  Jackson, 
William  Jackson, 
Enoch  Ward, 
Silas  Chub, 
John  Parker,  jr., 
Aaron  Jackson, 
William  Russell, 
Thomas  Bogle, 
Samuel  Burrage,  jr. , 
Joshua  Jackson, 
Benjamin  Adams, 
Jonathan  Blanden, 
Samuel  Seger, 
Jonathan  Bartlett, 
Edward  Shepard, 
John  Bixby, 
Samuel  Hammond. 


Signed  and  sworn  by 

John  Aveiiy,  Deputy  Secretary. 

The  authorities  of  Newton  instituted  a  strict  guardianship  over 
the  opinions  of  the  citizens.  Without  meaning  to  abridge  any 
man's  libert}',  either  of  thought  or  speech,  they  conceived  this 
precaution  to  be  necessary,  in  view  of  the  exigencies  of  the  times. 
It  was  highl}'  important  to  the  success  of  their  cause  to  guard 
against  the  possibility^  of  the  existence  of  a  traitor  in  the  camp. 
It  was  known  that  there  were  persons  in  the  colonies,  who,  from 
pecuniary  or  other  motives,  did  not  sympathize  with  the  war. 
But  patriotic  Newton  would  have  no  such  men  within  her  borders. 
A  tory  at  heart  could  not  breathe  in  her  air  or  tread  upon  her  soil. 
A  list  was  made  out,  of  persons  whose  residence  in  the  town  was 
thought  to  be  dangerous  to  the  public  safety,  and  arrangements 
were  made  for  theu*  removal.      One  person,  after  having  been 


352  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

examined  as  to  his  political  views,  was  adjudged  pure  from  tory 
sentiments,  and  a  committee  was  appointed  to  draft  a  declaration 
for  him  to  sign,  which  would  be  satisfactorj'  to  the  town.  The 
following  votes  of  the  citizens  are  both  curious  and  interesting. 

Voted,  that  Alexander  Shepard  procure  and  lay  before  the  Court  the  evi- 
dence til  at  may  be  had  of  inimical  disposition  towards  this  or  any  of  the 
United  States,  of  any  person  belonging  to  the  town,  who  shall  be  charged 
by  any  of  the  inhabitants  of  being  a  person  whose  residence  in  this  State  is 
dangerous  to  the  ijublic  peace  and  safety. 

Voted,  to  accept  the  list  now  exhibited  by  the  Selectmen  of  such  persons, 
who  they  believe  to  have  been  endeavoring  to  counteract  the  united  strug- 
gles of  this  and  the  other  United  States  for  the  preservation  of  their  liberties 
and  privileges. 

Voted,  that  John  Rogers  and  Joseph  BuUough  be  added  to  the  list 
aforesaid. 

Voted,  that  Alexander  Shepard,  Colonel  Hammond  and  Deacon  Bowles 
be  a  committee  to  draft  a  declaration  for  Mr.  John  Rogers  to  sign,  to  satisfy 
the  town. 

Voted,  tliat  Mr.  Rogers  be  no  farther  proceeded  with,  relative  to  his  being 
charged  with  being  inimical  to  the  United  States. 

After  debate  on  the  fifth  article  in  the  Warrant,  relative  to  petitioning  the 
General  Assembly  for  removing  Morris  Spillard  and  Captain  McFall  out  of 
the  town  of  Newton, —  the  vote  passed  in  the  affirmative;  and  Alexander 
Shepard,  Aaron  Richardson  and  Captain  Jeremiah  Wiswall  were  appointed 
a  committee  for  that  purpose. 

The  citizens  were  ready  to  contribute  not  only  their  services, 
but  also  their  pecuniary  means,  as  before  stated,  to  promote  the 
military  glory  of  the  town.  Besides  the  gift  of  John  Pigeon,  who 
came  into  the  place  a  few  j-ears  before  the  commencement  of  the 
Revolution,  and  was  a  zealous,  liberal  and  energetic  friend  of  the 
independence  of  the  colonies,  several  persons  loaned  the  town 
larger  or  smaller  amounts,  according  to  their  abilitj^  to  pay  the 
soldiers  in  the  army.  Captain  Jeremiah  Wiswall  led  the  East  com- 
pany of  infantry  at  the  commencement  .and  loaned  the  town 
£45  ;  John  Wiswall  served  in  the  army  and  loaned  the  town,  in 
1777,  £20;  Joseph  White  loaned  £100  ;  Deacon  John  Woodward 
was  in  the  battle  of  Concord,  and  loaned  £100  ;  Samuel  Woodward 
was  likewise  in  the  battle  of  Concord,  and  loaned  for  the  same 
purpose  £120, —  bold  and  freedom-loving  men,  risking  for  theii" 
country's  welfare  both  their  treasure  and  their  blood !  Deacon 
Elhanan  Winchester,  father  of  the   noted  preacher,  who  gained 


SAVING  IMPORTANT  PAPERS.  353 

Ms  livelihood  b}^  the  double  occupation  of  agriculture  and  shoe- 
making,  to  which  he  added  occasional  preaching  without  pecuniary 
compensation,  and  amassed  some  property,  exhibited  true  pa- 
triotism; for  he  loaned  the  town  £300  in  March,  1777,  to  pay  the 
soldiers. 

Every  item  pertaining  to  our  revolutionary  history  is  precious. 
Especially  is  it  a  duty  and  a  privilege  to  record  every  circumstance 
of  that  important  period,  in  which  the  citizens  or  any  citizen  of 
Newton  acted  a  prominent  part.  Dr.  Homer,  in  recording  the 
death  of  Abraham  Fuller,  Esq.,  who  deceased  April  20,  1794, 
after  eulogizing  his  character,  relates  the  following  cii'cumstance, 
which  is  a  valuable  contribution  to  the  history  of  the  revolution- 
ary conflict. 

To  Abraham  Fuller,  as  principal  of  a  committee  of  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress at  Concord,  were  committed  the  papers  containing  the  exact  returns  of 
the  military  stores  in  Massachusetts  at  the  beginning  of  1775.  Upon  the 
recess  of  the  Congress,  he  first  lodged  these  papers  in  a  cabinet  of  the  room 
which  the  committee  occupied.  But,  thinking  afterwards  that  the  British 
troops  might  attempt  to  seize  Concord  in  the  absence  of  the  Congress,  and 
that  these  papers,  discovering  the  public  deficiency  in  every  article  of  mili- 
tary apparatus,  might  fall  into  their  hands,  he  withdrew  them,  and  brought 
them  to  his  house  in  Newton.  That  foresight  and  judgment  for  which  he 
was  ever  distinguished  and  which  he  displayed  in  the  present  instance,  was 
extremely  fortunate  for  the  country.  The  cabinet  was  broken  open  by  a 
British  officer  on  the  day  of  the  entrance  of  the  troops  into  Concord,  April 
19,  1775,  and  great  disappointment  expressed  at  missing  its  expected  con- 
tents. Had  they  fallen  into  their  hands,  it  Avas  his  opinion  that  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  public  deficiency  might  have  encouraged  the  enemy,  at  this  early 
jjeriod  of  the  struggle,  to  have  made  such  a  use  of  their  military  force  as 
could  not  have  been  resisted  by  the  small  stock  of  powder  and  other  articles 
of  Avar  Avhich  the  province  then  contained.  He  considered  the  impulse  upon 
liis  mind  to  secure  those  jsapers  as  one  among  many  Providential  interposi- 
tions for  the  support  of  the  American  cause. 
23 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

NEWTON   IN   THE    REVOLUTION. THE   DIE    CAST. BOUNTIES. THE 

DECLARATION   OF   INDEPENDENCE. —  SOLDIERS'  PAT. —  SPIRIT   OF 
THE    PEOPLE. 

The  mutterings  of  the  distant  thunder  had  now  been  heard  for 
more  than  ten  years.  Darkness  had  nearly  OA^erspread  the  politi- 
cal heavens,  and  a  few  heavy  peals,  with  sharp  flashes  of  hghtning, 
had  given  indications  of  the  approach  of  a  heavy,  if  not  a  protracted 
storm.  The  reverberations  continued  to  roll  among  all  the  hills,  and 
to  sweep  along  thi'ough  the  peaceful  valleys.  Men  talked  seriously 
of  the  signs  of  the  times,  and  prepared  themselves  for  solemn  and 
determined  work.  The  heavens  were  not  likeh'  to  be  soon  clear 
again,  and  the  little  band  of  patriots  girded  themselves  anxiously, 
but  with  undaunted  spirit,  for  whatever  might  come.  They  were 
comparatively  few  in  number  and  feeble  in  resources.  Struggling, 
from  the  beginning,  against  the  infelicities  of  a  rigoi'ous  climate,  a 
stony  soil,  and  an  unsubdued  wilderness,  they  had  created  as  yet 
but  few  of  the  elements  requisite  to  the  conduct  of  a  war.  They 
had  no  army,  no  navy,  no  militar}'  equipments  worthy  of  the 
name.  The  power  the}^  were  to  contend  against  was  rich  in  every 
thing  that  constitutes  national  wealth,  and  entitled  to  be  respected 
on  sea  and  land.  England  had  its  trained  armies,  and  skilful  and 
experienced  generals ;  and,  above  all,  maintained,  in  this  conflict, 
the  justice  of  its  own  cause,  and  branded  the  Americans  as 
rebels.  The  colonists  had,  at  this  time,  no  allies,  and  no  cer- 
taint}^  if  they  should  strike  for  independence,  that  their  independ- 
ence would  be  recognized  by  any  nation  upon  earth.  They  were 
obliged  cautiously  to  feel  their  way,  touching  tentatively  the  public 
pulse,  that  they  might  ascertain  how  far  it  might  be  safe  to  pro- 
ceed towards  extreme  measures.  The  members  of  the  Great  and 
General  Court  were  brave,  and  loyal  to  the  interest  of  the  colo- 

354 


THE   GREAT   QUESTION.  355 

nies.  But,  were  not  the  common  people  likely  to  be  timid  in  this 
emergency?  Could  tlie^-  be  relied  on  to  furnish  strong  arms  and 
iron  hearts?  The  experiences  of  Lexington,  Concord  and  Bunker 
Hill  had  been  inspiring  and  hopeful.  But  if  the  war  should  be 
long  and  exhausting,  if  the  fields  should  be  left  uncultivated  and 
the  armies  without  bread,  if  the  country  should  be  gradually  bereft 
of  its  stalwart  citizens,  and  povert}'  beco:ne  the  only  portion  of  its 
widows  and  orphans,  would  the  people,  in  view  of  such  a  possible 
prospect,  stand  firm  to  their  convictions  ?  Were  the  merchants, 
the  tradesmen,  and  the  yeomen  of  America,  in  the  face  of  such 
an  alternative,  sufficiently  in  earnest  to  be  ready  to  pledge  "  their 
lives,  their  fortunes,  and  their  sacred  honor"  to  the  cause  which 
they  had  espoused  ?  This  was  now  the  question  to  be  determined. 
Accordingly,  on  the  tenth  of  May,  1776,  the  General  Court 
passed  the  following  resolution : 

Resolved,  as  the  opinion  of  this  House,  that  the  inhabitants  of  each  town  in 
the  Colony  ought,  in  full  meeting,  warned  for  that  purpose,  to  advise  the 
person  or  persons  who  shall  be  chosen  to  represent  them  in  the  next  General 
Court,  whether,  that  if  the  Honorable  Congress  should,  for  the  safety  of 
these  Colonies,  declare  them  independent  of  the  kingdom  of  Great  Britain, 
they,  the  said  inhabitants,  will  solemnly  engage  with  their  lives  and  fortunes 
to  support  them  in  the  measure. 

In  response  to  this  proposition  of  the  General  Court,  town 
meetings  were  held  during  the  mouths  of  May,  June,  and  the 
early  part  of  July,  in  many,  if  not  in  all,  of  the  towns  of  Massa- 
chusetts. 

The  meetiug  in  Boston  was  held,  it  is  reported,  on  the  23d  of 
May.  The  meeting  in  Newton  occurred  on  the  17th  of  June,  the 
first  anniversarj'  of  the  daj*  rendered  memorable  by  the  battle  of 
Bunker  Hill,  and  in  which  Newton  had  been  honored  b}-  the 
prowess  of  her  citizens.  Fitting  celebration  of  such  an  event ! 
It  was  the  busiest  season  of  the  3'ear.  The  men  could  ill  spare  the 
time  from  their  labors  in  the  field.  But  the  exigency  was  great. 
They  felt  that  important  interests  were  at  stake.  The  rights  of 
freemen,  for  centuries  to  come,  were  of  more  consequence,  in 
their  estimation,  than  the  bread  of  the  next  harvest.  They  knew 
that  posterity  would  hold  them  accountable  for  their  action  in  such 
an  emergency.  Grave  questions  were  to  be  debated,  and  (!very 
patriot  was  bound  to  be  at  his  post.  The  17th  of  June,  177G, 
was,  to  the  citizens  of  Newton,  a  day  pregnant  with  the  fate  of 


35G  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

coming  centuries.  In  its  balances  hung  quivering  the  destinies  of 
posteritj^  perhaps  to  the  latest  generation.  Shall  the  Americans 
be  freemen?  Or,  shall  they  yield,  weakly,  to  British  aggression? 
This  was  the  question. 

Captain  John  Woodward  was  Moderator  of  the  meeting.  The 
following  was  the  second  article  of  the  warrant  calling  the  citizens 
together : 

"that  in  case  the  honorable  continental  congress  should,  for  the 
safety  of  the  american  colonies,  declare  them  independent  of  the 
kingdom  of  great  britain,  whether  the  inhabitants  of  this  town  will 
solemnly  engage  with  their  lives  and  fortunes  to  support  them  in 
the  measure." 

We  have  no  record  of  the  debate.  We  know  not  who  spoke 
on  the  question,  or  how  many, —  nor  how  long  the  discussion  con- 
tinued. We  cannot  tell  whether  there  was  timidity,  to  be  inspired 
by  courage  ;  or  counter-opinions,  to  be  overcome  hj  argument ;  or 
prudent  men,  counselling  delay,  whom  the  debates  stimulated  to 
advise  immediate  action.  What  would  we  not  give,  if  stenography 
had  preserved  to  us  the  burning  eloquence  of  that  solemn  discus- 
sion? What  would  we  not  give,  if  photography  had  copied  for  us 
the  knit  brows,  the  determined  gait,  the  undaunted  and  defiant  au' 
of  those  bold  spirits,  as  they  adjourned  at  the  close  of  that  sum- 
mer afternoon,  and  went  home  to  report  to  their  families  what 
"  the  inhabitants,  in  town  meeting  assembled,"  had  agreed  upon? 
The  Record  only  enters,  with  the  conciseness  of  true  eloquence, 
these  words : 

"After  debate,  the  question  was  put,   and  the  vote   passed 

UNANIMOUSLY   IN   THE   AFFIRMATIVE." 

"  Bold  and  memorable  words,"  says  Mr.  Hyde,  in  his  Centennial  oration, 
"  that  meant  even  more  than  they  expressed !  They  meant  sacrifice  of  com- 
fort, fortune,  home,  friends,  life,  if  need  be.  All  these  were  laid  upon  the 
altar.  Independence !  the  right  to  govern  themselves,  to  make  their  own 
laws,  to  choose  or  appoint  their  own  officers,  and  to  pay  them,  representation 
or  no  taxation,  in  short  to  enjoy  all  the  rights  of  freemen; — for  these  things, 
which  they  so  highly  valued,  they  were  ready  to  pledge  their  lives  and  for- 
tunes. That  pledge,  so  solemnly  given,  was  fully  redeemed  during  the  long 
and  sanguinary  struggle  for  the  nation's  independence.  In  winter's  snows 
and  summer's  heats  the  men  of  Newton  were  found,  old  and  young,  able  and 
disabled,  filling  the  ranks  of  the  little  American  army.  They  formed  a  part 
of  nearly  every  expedition,  and  were  found  on  nearly  every  field,  from  the 
opening  battles  of  Lexington  and  Concord  to  the  final  surrender  of  Corn- 


CAUSES  OF  THE  EEVOLUTION.  357 

wallis  at  Yorktown.  All  this  the  people  of  Newton  did,  to  redeem  the 
pledges  they  had  given,  and  to  drive  back  from  these  shores  the  armies  of 
those  who  sought  to  deprive  them  of  their  God-given  rights  of  freedom. 

"Newton,  tlien  a  little  country  town,  with  only  about  fourteen  hundred 
inhabitants,  in  town  meeting  assembled,  dared  to  adopt  such  a  vote,  at  the 
early  stages  of  the  war,  more  than  two  Avecks  before  the  Declaration  of  In- 
dependence was  given  to  the  country  by  the  Continental  Congress  at  Phila- 
delphia,—  when  no  human  eye  could  foresee  the  results  of  the  struggle  upon 
wliich  they  had  entered;  when  failure  meant, —  they  knew  not  what,—  suf- 
fering, hardship,  imprisonment,  banishment,  possibly,  death  for  treason. 

"Notwithstanding  all,  there  was  no  uncertain  sound;  the  bugle  blast  for 
freedom  had  been  sounded,  the  first  gun  fired,  the  first  blood  shed.  The  die 
was  cast.  Henceforth, —  let  come  what  would, —  life  or  death, — liberty  was 
the  watchword." 

"That  solemn  and  ever  memorable  vote,"  says  Mr.  Jackson,  "was  not 
meant  for  show.  Those  lives  and  fortunes  went  along  with  it,  honestlv, 
earnestly  and  triumphantly,  from  the  first  hour  to  the  last  of  that  sanguinary 
struggle  for  independence.  Newton  men  formed  a  part  of  every  army  and 
expedition,  fought  in  almost  every  battle  and  skirmish  throughout  the  con- 
test. Scarce  a  man  in  the  town,  old  or  young,  able  or  unable,  but  volun- 
teered, enlisted  or  was  drafted,  and  served  in  the  ranks  of  the  army  from  the 
hardest-fought  battles,  down  to  the  more  quiet  duty  of  guarding  Burgoyne's 
surrendered  army,  partly  by  aged  men." 

Undoubtedly,  the  Stamp  duty  and  the  duty  on  tea  were  far  from 
being  the  principal  causes  of  the  American  Revolution.  These 
taxes,  and  kindred  acts  of  oppression  on  the  part  of  the  mother 
countrj',  only  accelerated  an  event  which  was  as  certain  to  come  to 
pass,  as  that  the  boy  will  become  a  man.  Republican  ideas  had 
been  instilled  into  the  minds  of  the  people  by  such  men  as  Samuel 
Adams  and  his  co-adjutors,  for  years  previous  to  the  signing  of  the 
Declaration.  He  had  counselled  separation  from  Great  Britain 
and  the  independence  of  the  United  States  as  earl}-  as  1769,  and 
would  have  gladly  made  the  Declaration  immediatel}^  after  the 
battle  of  Lexington.  "  *  Taxation '  and  '  taxation  without  repre- 
sentation,' "  says  Mr.  Endicott,  "  were  the  watchwords,  to  some 
considerable  extent.  But  it  was  not  simply  the  paltry  taxes  that 
were  levied  upon  the  colonies  that  led  to  independence.  These 
words  were  but  the  terms  used  to  signify  a  certain  class  of  legis- 
lative acts,  that  were  especiall}-  aimed  at  the  industrial  and  mari- 
time interests  of  the  colonies.  Mr.  Sabine  tells  us,  'there  were  no 
less  than  twenty-nine  laws,  which  restricted  and  bound  down 
colonial  industry,  hardly  one  of  which,  until  the  passage  of  the 
Stamp  Act,  imposed  a  direct  tax.     They  forbade  the  use  of  water- 


358  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

falls,  the  erecting  of  machinery,  of  looms  and  spindles  and  the 
working  of  wood  and  iron.  They  set  the  king's  aiTows  upon  trees 
that  rotted  in  the  forests.'  It  was  not  so  much  '  direct  taxation/ 
■as  it  was  this  restrictive  policy  and  legislation,  the  end  and  pur- 
pose of  which  was  to  keep  the  colonies  as  mere  tributaries  and 
market-places  for  the  trade  and  manufactures  of  the  mother 
country',  and  to  prevent  our  merchants  from  carrying  on  trade 
with  any  nation  other  than  Great  Britain."* 

The  frequency  of  the  town  meetings  at  this  period  is  an  indi- 
cation of  the  feeling  of  unrest  which  pervaded  the  communit}'. 
The  citizens  were  anxious  to  meet  often  and  discuss  the  affairs  of 
the  countr}',  and  to  be  read}'  for  every  sudden  emergency.  At  a 
meeting  held  July  5,  1775,  we  find  this  record  : 

The  question  was  put  whether  the  town  would  grant  an  additional  sum  to 
the  bounty  granted  by  the  General  Court  to  each  person  who  shall  enlist  and 
pass  muster  as  one  of  Newton's  quota  for  the  Canada  expedition  f; — and  the 
vote  passed  in  the  aflBirmative. 

Voted,  that  the  sum  of  £6  6s.  8d.  be  paid  out  of  the  town  treasury  to  each 
person  who  passeth  muster  and  goeth  into  the  service. 

Voted,  that  the  Treasurer  be  directed,  and  is  hereby  empowered,  in  be- 
half of  the  town,  to  borrow  the  money  to  pay  the  bounty  of  the  soldiers 
aforesaid. 

Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  give  orders  on  the  Treasury  for  the  payment  of 
£6  Gs.  8d.  to  each  person  that  shall  be  one  of  Newton's  quota  in  the  expedi- 
tion towards  Canada,  that  are  already  ordered  by  the  General  Court. 

The  Declaration  of  Ixdependence  was  adopted  by  the  Con- 
gress in  Philadelphia  July  4,  1776.  The  Massachusetts  Council 
iumiediately  took  tlie  requisite  measures  to  give  publicity  to  the 
Document  by  passing  the  following  order : 

In  Council,  July  17,  1776. 
Ordered,  that  the  Declaration  of  Independence  be  printed,  and  a  copy  sent 
to  the  Minister  of  each  Tarish,  of  every  Denomination,  within  this  State,  and 
that  they  severally  be  required  to  read  the  same  to  their  respective  Congre- 
gations, as  soon  as  Divine  service  is  ended  in  the  afternoon  on  the  first  Lord's 
day  after  they  shall  have  received  it ;  and  after  such  publication  thereof,  to 


*  Centennial  Oration  at  Canton,  by  Hon.  Charles  Endicott,  July  4, 187C. 

t  In  1775  Canada  was  invaded  by  a  body  of  provincial  troops,  under  General  Mont- 
gomery. Montreal  was  taken,  and  a  gallant,  but  unsuccessful  attempt  was  made  on 
Quebec,  in  whicli  the  brave  Montgoiuery  was  killed.  Only  one  shot  was  tired  by  the 
British,  but  by  that  single  shot  General  Montgomery  and  two  of  his  aides-de-camp 
lost  their  lives. 


WOMEN  IN  THE  REVOLUTION.  359 

deliver  the  said  Declaration  to  the  Clerks  of  their  several  towns  or  districts, 
who  are  hereby  required  to  record  the  same  in  their  respective  Town  or  Dis- 
trict Books,  there  to  remain  as  a  perpetual  Memorial  thereof. 
In  the  name  and  by  order  of  the  Council, 

R.  Dekby,  jk.,  President. 
A  true  copy  :     Attest  John  Avery,  Dep.  Secretary. 

Ill  obedience  to  the  above  Order,  the  Declaration  of  Independ- 
ence was  copied  into  the  Town  Records,  by  vote  of  tlie  town,  the 
citizens  thus  adopting  it  as  their  own. 

That  Newton  may  receive  its  due  share  of  honor  for  the  part 
performed  by  her  citizens  in  the  events  of  that  subUme  but  trying 
period  of  our  history,  when  these  United  States  were  passing  from 
a  condition  of  dependence  to  the  condition  of  a  free  republic,  be 
it  i'emembered  that  one  of  the  fifty-six  signers  of  the  Declaration 
of  Independence,  who  was  also  one  of  the  committee  which 
reported  it  to  the  Congress,  was  Roger  Sherman,  a  native  of 
Newton. 

The  evacuation  of  Boston  hy  the  British  troops  on  the  17th  of 
March.  1776,  gave  great  joy  to  the  Americans.  Soon  afterwards, 
the  American  army  commenced  its  march  for  New  York,  where  they 
arrived  on  the  14th  of  April,  1776,  and  from  thence  Captain 
Nathan  Fuller's  company  marched  with  the  expedition  to  Canada. 
In  this  service,  Captain  Fuller  was  promoted  to  the  oflSce  of  major, 
and  much  praise  is  awarded  to  him  for  his  judgment  and  bravery 
in  that  expedition. 

In  the  hardships  and  perils  of  the  Revolution,  and  in  patriotic 
spirit,  not  the  men  of  Newton  only,  but  the  women  also  shared. 
They  bore  their  full  proportion  in  the  toils  and  sufferings  by 
which  the  freedom  and  prosperity  of  the  republic  was  so  nobly 
and  so  dearl}^  purchased.     In  the  words  of  another, — 

While  a  grateful  nation  recalls  the  deeds  of  the  Revolutionary  soldiers, 
who  a  hundred  years  ago  joined  a  more  than  doubtful  cause,  let  us  not  forget 
the  women,  who  bore  their  share  of  the  toil  and  suffering.  They  could  not 
follow  the  soldiers  into  the  field,  and  become  hospital  nurses,  and  members 
of  the  Sanitary  Commission,  as  their  descendants  did  in  the  civil  war;  but 
they  stayed  at  iiome  and  cultivated  the  land ;  and,  when  the  men  returned, 
sick  and  disabled,  tenderly  nursed  them  back  to  health  and  strength,  or  laid 
tliem  sadly  away  under  the  blue  slate-stones,  now  weather-beaten  and  moss- 
grown,  in  neglected  burying  grounds. 

We  have  a  specimen  of  what  the  women  could  do  in  the  Revolutionary  war, 
in  the  history  of  Timotliy  Jackson,  the  only  son  of  a  widow.  When  he 
joined  the  Revolutionary  army,  he  was  more  than  fifty  years  old.     Slie  had 


360  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

four  daughters  at  home,  the  eldest  being  twenty-two,  and  the  youngest  twelve 
years  of  age.  The  farm  then  contained  about  thirty  acres,  which  they  must 
cultivate,  or  starve.  They  worked  on  the  land,  like  men  and  boys.  Lucy, 
the  eldest,  was  a  noble,  vigorous,  energetic  woman.  She  could  plough  and 
mow,  and  she  followed  these  avocations,  leaving  the  lighter  labors  of  the 
farm  to  the  young  and  less  robust  sisters.  In  this  way  the  family,  like  many 
another  in  New  England,  in  those  days  of  suffering,  privation  and  hardship, 
continued  to  labor  on,  until  Timothy,  after  experiencing  the  horrors  of  prison 
ships,  privateering  and  impressment,  reached  home,  after  the  battle  of  Mon- 
mouth, in  1777. 

It  is  evident  that  the  inhabitants  of  Newton  regarded  the 
Declaration  of  Independence,  as  tlie  act  of  the  whole  people,  and  as 
expressing  the  opinions  and  the  determinations  of  each  and  ever}' 
individual  in  the  town.  The  copy  of  it,  standing  entire  on  the 
Town  Records,  is  a  perpetual  memorial  of  the  wisdom  and  patriot- 
ism of  the  fathers  of  the  town,  and  an  immortal  testimony  to  thei:- 
enlightened  faith. 

How  wise  was  the  action  of  the  signers  of  the  Declaration,  who 
in  this  wa}-  secured  a  place  for  it  on  the  Record  Book  of  every 
town,  where  it  would  often  meet  the  eye  of  every  citizen,  and 
stimulate  the  sense  of  responsibility. 

On  the  sixth  of  Januaiy,  1777,  a  committee  was  appointed  to 
adjust  matters  in  reference  to  the  soldiers'  pay,  and  to  consider 
and  report  how  the  war  should  be  supported  for  the  future.  The 
exigency  required  men  of  calm  heads  and  wise  decision.  Patriot- 
ism was  not  merel}'  a  quality  to  be  boasted  of  by  ambitious  politi- 
cians. It  was  not  to  be  sung  about  on  a  gala  daj^,  in  melodious 
paeans.  It  demanded  iron  nerves  and  will.  It  called  for  wise, 
stead}',  patient,  self-den3'ing  action. 

The  report  of  the  committee  was  as  follows  : 

January  G,  1777. — We  the  subscribers  being  a  committee  chosen  by  the  in- 
habitants of  the  town  of  Newton  at  tiaeir  meeting  legally  assembled  on  the 
18th  of  December,  1776,  to  adjust  matters  relative  to  an  allowance  to  soldiers 
for  services  done  in  the  war  since  the  19th  of  April,  1775, —  and  also  to  con- 
sider in  what  manner  the  war  shall  be  supported  by  the  inhabitants  for  the 
future, — 

Having  attentively  attended  to  the  service,  and,  after  the  most  mature  de- 
liberation, the  majority  of  us  are  of  opinion  and  humbly  conceive  it  to  be 
just  and  equitable  that  there  be  paid  out  of  the  public  treasury  of  this  town 
the  several  and  respective  sums  to  such  persons  belonging  to  the  town  as 
were  in  the  service  of  their  country  in  the  expedition  or  tours  of  duty  which 
are  hereinafter  particularly  expressed, —  excluding  sucli  as  wc  think  the  pay 
was  adequate  to  the  service,  proportionally  with  those  to  which  we  have 
thought  it  just  to  add  to  their  pay,  viz.  : 


PAY  OF   SOLDIERS.  361 

To  such  as  enlisted  in  the  first  eight  months'  service,  and  attended  their 
duty  therein,  forty  shillings  each. 

To  those  who  were  in  the  two  months'  service,  in  the  winter  last  past, 
twenty  shillings  each. 

To  those  who  enlisted  for  the  whole  year  last  past,  and  were  ordered  to 
march  to  New  York,  and  from  thence  to  Canada,  and  attended  their  duty, 
twenty  pounds  each. 

To  those  who  enlisted  for  the  year  last  past,  and  marched  to  New  York, 
ten  pounds  each. 

To  those  who  enlisted  for  the  said  year,  and  marched  to  New  York  in  the 
summer,  eight  pounds  each. 

To  those  who  enlisted  for  the  said  year,  and  marched  for  Ticonderoga  in 
the  summer,  eiglit  pounds  each. 

To  those  who  enlisted  in  Colonel  Craft's  and  Colonel  Whitney's  regiments, 
to  man  the  lines,  three  pounds  each. 

To  those  who  were  drafted  and  marched  to  New  York  for  two  months,  four 
pounds  each. 

To  those  who  marched  for  fourteen  weeks,  to  man  the  lines,  forty  shillings 
each. 

To  those  who  were  drafted  for  New  York  for  three  months,  and  are  now  at 
Providence,  five  pounds  each. 

That  there  be  also  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  aforesaid  to  each  and  every 
person  who  has  paid  money  to  hire,  or  encourage  soldiers  to  enlist  in  any  of 
the  services,  since  the  10th  of  April,  1775,  aforesaid,  the  several  and  respec- 
tive sums  by  them  disbursed :  excepting  such  a  part,  if  any,  that  have  been 
paid  more  than  the  fine  required  by  law.  And  that  such  inhabitants  as  were 
called  forth  upon  any  emergency,  and  were  omitted  in  the  Muster  Rolls,  and 
have  not  received  any  pay  for  their  service,  they  shall  be  paid  in  proijortion 
to  what  others  have  received  who  were  in  the  same  service ;  and  that  the 
charge  of  hiring  soldiers  that  shall  from  time  to  time  be  required  of  this 
town,  as  their  quota  or  proportion  of  men,  during  the  present  war,  shall  be 
paid  out  of  the  Treasury  aforesaid,  and  grants  made  from  time  to  time  and 
assessed  on  the  polls  and  estates  belonging  to  the  town,  for  the  payment  of 
all  and  every  sum  that  shall  be  paid  for  any  of  the  purposes  herein  before 
mentioned. 

Wo  also  humbly  conceive  that  it  would  be  most  expedient  for  the  town  to 
choose  a  committee,  to  be  joined  with  the  commissioned  officers  of  the  town 
for  the  time  being,  to  hire  such  number  of  soldiers  as  shall  from  time  to  time 
be  required  of  the  town  during  the  present  war. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Alexander  Shepard, 
Col.  Benjamin  Hammond, 
Ensign  Samuel  Craft, 
Joseph  Jackson, 
Lieut.  Samuel  Richardson, 
Lieut.  Aaron  Richardson,. 
Lieut.  Joseph  Craft, 
Alex.vnder  Siiepard,  jr. 


362  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

This  report  was  amended  by  giving  thirty  shillings  instead  of 
forty  shillings  to  those  who  manned  the  lines  near  Boston  in  1776  ; 
and  five  pounds  instead  of  four  to  each  of  the  soldiers  who  were 
drafted  and  marched  to  New  York  for  two  months,  and  was  then 
adopted. 

Voted,  that  those  commissioned  officers  who  went  in  the  Continental  ser- 
vice to  New  York  and  thence  to  Canada  the  hist  year,  be  paid  twenty  pounds 
each ;  that  there  be  paid  to  Col.  Michael  Jackson,  for  going  into  the  Conti- 
nental service  in  New  York  last  summer,  eight  pounds,  and  to  Capt.  Edward 
Puller,  in  the  same  service,  two  pounds. 

Although  it  was  a  season  of  comparative  poverty  and  destitu- 
tion, with  the  people  of  Newton,  their  burdens  great,  their  mone}^ 
scarce,  and  the  prospects  before  them  in  the  immediate  future  dis- 
mal and  discouraging,  they  were  nevertheless  liberal  in  voting  the 
necessary  supplies  to  carry  on  the  war,  and  in  subscribing  to  a 
loan  to  aid  the  town.  The  sums  the}^  risked  were,  probably,  at  least 
in  many  cases,  in  generous  proportion  to  their  entire  property. 
And  in  this  act  they  showed  that  they  were  men  of  faith  and  cour- 
age. Where  they  could  not  see,  they  trusted.  And  though  they 
could  not  tell  through  how  many  weary  years  the  struggle  would 
be  protracted,  nor  whether  they  might  not  ultimately  fail, —  relying 
on  the  justice  of  their  cause  and  on  the  God  of  battles,  they  deter- 
mined to  go  forward. 

It  is  interesting  to  see  how  in  the  great  struggle  of  the  country 
to  free  itself  from  a  foreign  yoke,  the  early  settlers  rushed  to  the 
conflict  like  men  who  knew  no  fear,  as  if  regardless  of  all  conse- 
quences to  themselves  or  their  families.  Several  members  of  the 
same  famity,  in  some  instances,  buckled  on  the  harness  and  went 
forth  to  the  fight, —  perhaps  for  mutual  protection  and  succor ; 
perhaps,  because  the  example  of  patriotism  is  contagious,  and 
when  one  went,  others  were  unwilling  to  stay  behind  ;  perhaps,  be- 
cause they  were  alike  schooled  to  love  and  desire  liberty  and  a  free 
country,  and  alike  eager  to  participate  in  paying  the  price  by  which 
such  a  blessing  was  to  be  won.  Thus  three  sons  of  Moses  Whit- 
ney all  died  in  the  army.  Three  of  the  sons  and  some  of  the  sons- 
in-law  of  Captain  Jeremiah  Wiswall  were  in  the  East  Newton 
company  in  the  battle  of  Lexington.  The  bravery  of  the  fathers, 
instilled  by  incessant  teaching  into  the  minds  of  their  ofispring, 
was  transmitted  in  a  foithful  line  of  succession,  and  the  records 
of  that   stormy   age   exhibit,    among   the   Uviug   and   the   dead, 


LIBERALITY  AND   SACRIFICE.  363 

warriors  well  entitled  to  be  characterized  as  "worthy  sons  of 
worthy  sires." 

The  wives  and  mothers  and  sisters  of  those  times  must  have 
been  true  to  the  spirit  of  patriotism,  or  they  would  not  have  been 
parted  so  uncomplainiugl}^  from  their  natural  protectors,  that  the 
latter  might  engage  heart  and  hand  in  the  deadly  conflict.  We 
can  almost  see  them  now,  in  their  sparse  settlements,  living  fru- 
gally on  their  narrow  means,  and  surrounded  by  their  numerous 
and  growing  families, —  shrinking  from  the  sacrifice  of  those  who 
were  dearer  to  them  than  life,  but  at  the  same  time  consenting,  for  the 
interest  of  the  public  weal,  to  lay  upon  the  altar  of  their  country  their 
fathers,  and  their  brothers,  and  their  husbands.  Trul}',  thej'  were 
worthy  mothers  of  the  noble  women  of  the  period  of  our  recent 
national  struggle,  who,  in  a  more  delicate  age  and  in  a  fiercer  con- 
test, emulated  their  example,  and  through  tears  and  blood  trod 
patiently  and  lovingl}'  in  their  footsteps.  All  honor  to  the  women 
of  Newton,  both  of  the  earlier  and  the  later  date.  Without  their 
spirit  of  courage  and  self-denial,  without  their  ardent  patriotism, 
giving  their  beloved  ones  to  their  countr}-  and  cheering  them  on- 
ward in  hours  of  gloom,  how  difierent  might  have  been  the  results 
both  of  the  Revolutionaiy  war,  and  of  the  later  conflict,  waged  in 
behalf  of  the  nation's  life  ! 

Since  the  later  experience  of  1861-5,  we  are  more  competent  to 
appreciate  the  efforts  and  the  self-denial  of  our  ancestors  in  the 
great  revolutionary  struggle.  How  diff"erent  were  their  circum- 
stances from  our  own  !  They  were  comparatively  few  in  number  ; 
obtaining  a  frugal  living  from  fields  but  recently  wrested  from  the 
wilderness.  The  arts  of  war  were  imperfectly  understood.  There 
were  but  few  rich  men.  Even  those  who  had  great  landed  estates 
did  not  abound  in  money,  and  the  mone}'  which  the}'  possessed 
was  fearfully  depreciated  in  value  before  the  close  of  the  war. 
The  entire  country  was  sparselv  peopled,  and  the  means  of  feed- 
ing and  paj'ing  a  large  army  were  not  easj'  to  be  secured.  The 
personal  property  in  the  hands  of  a  few  was  mostly  the  fruit  of 
slow  accumulations  and  of  gi-eat  labor ;  hence  it  was  a  more  seri- 
ous thing  to  part  with  it  than  with  easily-hoarded  gains.  Yet  our 
Newton  ancestors  freely  gave  of  their  substance,  and  generously 
voted  to  raise  mone}''  by  taxation  to  suppl}'  the  wants  of  the  sol- 
diers. Thirty-one  names  are  recorded  of  those  who  loaned  money 
to  the  town  to  pay  the  heroes  in  the  field.     The  smallness  of  the 


364  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

sums  loaned  by  some  of  these  persons  indicated  that  they  offered 
of  their  penury, —  the  fruits  of  wearing  labor, —  on  the  altar  of 
their  country.  Among  those  who  thus  supplied  "  the  sinews  of 
war,"  were  two  colonels,  four  captains,  one  lieutenant,  one  cornet, 
and  two  females  (woman  in  the  war,  as  lately,  so  then,  an  efficient, 
willing,  and  loving  helper) ,  one  of  the  two  a  widow,  and  her  offer- 
ing was  £13.  In  1778,  a  tax  of  £3,000  was  voted  by  the  town 
towards  the  expenses  of  the  war.  In  1779,  the  citizens  voted  a 
tax  of  £3,000  for  raising  men  and  other  expenses.     In  March, 

1780,  £30,000  were  voted  for  the  same  purpose  ;  in  September  of 
the  same  j'ear,  £40,000,  and  in  the  December  following,  £100,000. 
Money,  ir  is  true,  had  greatly  depreciated  in  value  ;  for  in  May, 

1781,  the  town  voted  to  raise  £400  in  silver,  in  lieu  of  £100,000  in 
bills.  But  this  enormous  depreciation  must  have  made  many  poor 
who  had  once  been  rich.  The  loss  of  life  and  of  the  means  of 
living  was  ver}'  great  during  the  war,  making  the  heavy  taxation 
so  much  the  more  burdensome.  The  entire  population  in  1775  has 
been  estimated  at  less  than  1,400.  Yet  nearly  one  in  every  four 
of  the  entire  population  served  in  the  army,  and  both  these  and 
the  sta^'-at-homes  gave  at  the  same  time  their  treasure,  their  ser- 
vice, and  their  blood  to  their  suffering  countrj'.  In  comparison 
with  the  exertion  and  the  sufferings  of  our  fathers,  how  small 
have  been  our  sacrifices  and  how  insignificant  our  efforts  !  Dur- 
ing the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  our  armies  were  multiplied  a  thou- 
sand-fold, as  compared  with  them ;  our  expenses  were  gigantic ; 
our  battles  were  as  a  hundred  to  one  ;  our  wounded  and  our  slain 
were  beyond  calculation.  Every  thing  was  carried  forward  on  a 
scale  suggesting  the  idea  of  sublimity.  But  was  not  that  earlier 
"  day  of  small  things,"  after  all,  in  view  of  the  character  and  the 
circumstances  of  the  age,  more  marvellous  than  the  experiences 
of  our  own  times  ? 

A  writer  in  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Collections,  Vol.  2, 
l^age  239,  at  the  close  of  a  historical  journal  of  the  war  of  the 
Revolution  gives  the  following  summary : 

The  war  being  ended,  we  will  now  see  how  the  account  stands,  and  we 
shall  find  the  following  to  be  a  just  statement  of  it : 

A  loss  to  Great  Britain  of  two  large  armies,  captured  by  the  States,  exclu- 
sive  of  many  thousands  killed  and  taken  in  various  actions  of  the  war ;  thir- 
teen colonies  dismembered  from  them,  and  an  increase  of  their  national  debt, 
in  seven  years,  one  hundred  and  twenty  millions. 


PAY  OF  SOLDIERS.  3G5 

The  United  States  have  gained  independency  and  the  liberty  they  contended 
for,  and  find  their  debt  to  be  less  than  forty  five  millions  of  dollars, —  which 
is  short  of  ten  millions  of  pounds  sterling  (£9,993,424  9s.  Gd.  sterling). 

The  national  debt  of  Great  Britain  at  this  period  amounts  to  240,000,000 
pounds  sterling. 

The  whole  of  the  American  debt  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Foreign  debt, -  ^7,885,085.00 

Domestic  debt    -        - 34,115,290.00 

Annual  interest  on  both, — foreign  at  5  per  cent.)  o  A-ir  q-a  nn 

domestic  G  per  cent,  per  annum.                  /       "  -,41o,yo6.00 

Total, $44,416,331.00 

This  comparison  is  humiliating  to  Great  Britain,  and  highly 
honorable  to  the  financiering  ability  of  the  statesmen  of  the 
Revolution.  The  former  had  learned,  by  the  enjoyment  of  wealth, 
to  be  luxurious  and  wasteful ;  the  latter,  schooled  in  want  and 
frugality,  had  learned  economy.  Their  slender  resources  compelled 
them  to  make  the  best  use  of  what  they  had  ;  and,  taught  in  this 
stern  school,  they  profited  by  the  jDainful  lesson. 

On  the  fourteenth  of  March,  1777,  the  town  voted  that  Phineas 
Bond,  Captain  Amariah  Fuller,  Joshua  Hammond,  Lieutenant 
Jeremiah  Wiswall,  Samuel  Woodward  and  Dr.  John  King  be  a 
committee,  to  be  joined  by  the  commissioned  oflicers  of  the  town, 
to  hire  soldiers,  if  need  be,  to  go  into  the  wars  the  ensuing  cam- 
paign, being  Newton's  quota,  as  cheap  as  may  be,  and  not  give 
more  than  twenty-four  pounds  each.  Also,  that  the  Town  Treas- 
urer borrow,  for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  the  sum  of  one  thousand 
pounds,  and  deliver  it  to  the  aforesaid  committee  as  it  shall  be 
needed. 

And  on  the  twentieth  of  the  same  month  it  was  voted  that  such 
as  are  subjects  of  the  gratuity  for  former  services,  who  have  en- 
listed or  shall  enlist  within  ten  days  from  this  time  into  the  Con- 
tinental service  for  Newton,  and  pass  muster,  shall  receive  of  the 
Town  Treasurer  a  promissory  note  on  interest  for  what  they  are 
entitled  to  for  said  service,  to  be  paid  in  one  year,  they  demandino* 
the  same  at  the  Treasury.  Also,  that  £3  be  paid  by  the  town,  to 
each  soldier  that  lately  went  to  Providence.  And,  in  case  any 
more  men  be  called  .for,  that  the  commissioned  officers  and  the 
committee  be  directed  to  procure  soldiers  on  the  best  terms  they 
can.     The  town  paid  faithfully  the  sums  they  voted. 


366 


HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 


ACCOUNT   OF    MONEYS      BORROWED   BY     THE     TOWN    TREASURER     OF     NEWTO» 
PEOPLE,  TO    PAY   THE    SOLDIERS,  MARCH    21,   1777. 


NAMES. 

£         s,  d. 

NAMES. 

£ 

s.  d. 

Joshua  Hammond, 

72 

Col.  Michael  Jackson, 

87 

Joseph  White, 

100 

John  Ward, 

60 

Widow  Tabitha  Miller, 

13 

John  Ward,  3rd, 

43 

Cornet  Norman  Clark, 

90 

Elisha      Fuller      and 

John  Wiswall, 

20 

others. 

432 

Dr.  John  King, 

24 

Oliver  Fenno, 

74 

Lieut.  Joseph  Craft, 

200 

Miss  Abigail  Stone, 

CI 

Aaron  Jackson, 

24 

Alex.  Shepard,  jr., 

100 

Abraham  Fuller, 

286 

Col.  Nathan  Fuller, 

133 

6  8 

April — Benjamin  Eddy 

52     13  0 

Joshua  Hammond, 

118 

13  4 

May — Samuel      Rich- 

Josiah Hall, 

24 

ardson, 

30 

William  Hammond, 

46 

Ephraim  Williams, 

40 

Stephen  White, 

70 

Capt.    Jeremiah    Wis- 

Samuel Woodward, 

120 

wall, 

45 

Joshua  Murdock, 

64 

Capt.  John  Woodward, 

100 

Capt.  Abraham  Pierce 

133 

Capt.  Edward  Fuller, 

3 

Elhanan  Winchester, 

300 

Thomas  Jackson, 

24 

Total, 

£2,989 

13s. 

These  thii'ty-one  lenders,  of  whom  two  were  women,  and  all  but 
three  were  in  the  army,  gave  to  the  cause  their  treasures  and, 
their  lives.  To  these  are  to  be  added  those  who  loaned  smaller 
sums,  whose  names  are  not  given. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

NEWTON  IN    THE    REVOLUTION. INSTRUCTIONS  TO   THE    REPRESENTA- 
TIVE.—  CONSTITUTION    OF   MASSACHUSETTS. FINANCES. THE 

REVOLUTION      ENDED. THE    PAROLE    OP     CORNWALLIS. — •  MEN 

WHO    SERVED    IN   THE    WAR. NEWTON   MEMBERS    OF    THE   CIN- 
CINNATI. 

In  the  midst  of  the  excitement  of  war,  the  citizens  were  not 
careless  of  the  interests  of  the  State  Government.  In  1777,  the}'' 
elected  Abraham  Fuller,  Esq.,  Colonel  Benjamin  Hammond  and 
Lieutenant  Noah  Hyde,  a  committee  to  report  instructions  to  their 
representative  to  the  General  Court.  The  instructions  were  as 
follows : 

To  Thomas  Parker  of  Newton,  in  General  Assembly : 

Sir, —  In  pursuance  of  a  Resolve  of  the  General  Court  on  the  fifth  of  May- 
current,  relative  to  forming  a  new  Constitution  of  Government, — we,  the 
freeholders  and  other  inhabitants  of  Newton  in  town  meeting  legally  as- 
sembled, on  Thursday,  the  fifteenth  day  of  May,  1777,  judge  it  proper  to  im- 
part to  you  our  united  sentiments,  and  instruct  you,  our  representative  in 
General  Assembly. 

At  this  alarming  crisis,  when  of  necessity  it  must  take  up  the  greatest  part 
of  ihe  time  of  the  General  Court  to  guard  and  defend  the  United  States 
against  the  inroads  and  invasions  of  our  unnatural  and  inveterate  enemies, 
wh'i  are  using  every  measure  to  subjugate  and  enslave  America;  that  you  do 
not  neglect  the  common  and  ordinary  business  that  is  necessary  for  the  im- 
mediate salvation  of  this  State,  by  attempting  to  set  up  a  new  Constitution  of 
Government,  so  long  as  the  public  affairs  continue  so  much  embarrassed,  and 
while  so  many  of  our  worthy  brethren  are  abroad,  who  have  a  just  right  to 
have  a  voice  in  the  acceptance  of  a  new  Constitution,  unless  a  great  majority 
of  the  Assembly  resolve  for  that  purpose.  Then,  in  that  case  you  are  to  use 
your  utmost  endeavors,  that  the  legislative  powers  be  not  confined,  nor  rest 
in  less  than  two  branches  at  least,  and  that  each  branch  have  a  free  and  in- 
dependent exercise  of  its  judgment  and  a  negative  voice  in  the  Legislature ; 
for  history  sufficiently  evinces  that  no  Government  in  any  State  in  the  known 

367 


368  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

world,  where  an  absolute  power  has  been  lodged  in  one  man,  or  one  body  of 
men,  but  that  speedily  issued  in  despotism  and  tyranny. 

We  also  instruct  you  not  to  consent  to  the  making  any  alteration  of  the  law 
of  this  State  relative  to  each  town's  paying  its  representatives ;  and,  as  the 
Honorable  Continental  Congress  has  recommended  to  this  State,  with  others, 
to  keep  as  near  as  may  be  to  the  Charter  Constitution,  we  also  instruct  you 
to  use  your  endeavors  to  conform  thereto,  until  this  State  hath  completed 
another  Constitution  of  Government. 

Abraham  Fuller, 

Benjamin  Hammond,  J-  Committee. 

Noah  Hide, 


-1 


In  May,  1778,  the  town  chose  Joseph  Jackson,  Noah  Hyde, 
Joseph  Hyde,  Joseph  Ward,  William  Clark,  Ebenezer  Bartlett, 
Jonas  Stone,  Joshua  Murdock  and  John  King  a  committee  to 
report  to  the  tovim  their  opinion  of  the  new  Constitution  or  form  of 
government  agreed  upon  by  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  Mas- 
sachusetts. 

In  the  following  month  occurs  this  record  :  " 

The  plan  of  the  Constitution  and  form  of  government  for  the  Massachu- 
setts Bay,  as  proposed  by  the  Convention,  having  been  read,  was  fully  de- 
bated, and  the  number  of  voters  present  being  eighty  (SO),  five  (5)  approved 
of  the  Constitution  and  seventy-five  (75)  disapproved  of  it. 

May  1779. — Voted,  that  a  new  Constitution  or  form  of  government  be 
made.     Forty-one  (41)  yeas  and  five  (5)  nays. 

Chose  Thomas  Parker  representative,  and  voted  that  he  be  and  he  hereby 
is  instructed  to  vote  for  the  calling  of  a  State  Convention,  for  the  sole  pur- 
pose of  forming  a  new  Constitution. 

These  sturdy  politicians,  who  rejected  the  former  Constitution 
by  such  an  overwhelming  vote,  were  doubtless  at  last  satisfied ; 
for  under  date  of  August,  1779,  we  find  this  record: 

The  proceedings  of  the  late  Convention  at  Concord  were  read  by  para- 
graphs to  the  town,  and  they  voted  to  approve  the  same. 

Their  satisfaction,  however,  was  of  brief  duration ;  for  in  Ma}", 
1780,  after  re-electing  Thomas  Parker,  representative,  the  town 
*'  chose  a  Committee  of  Fifteen  to  consider  and  report  to  the  town 
the  alterations  the}^  ma}''  judge  necessary  in  the  new  form  of  Gov- 
ernment." 

The  first  town  meeting  under  the  Constitution  of  Massachusetts 
for  the  election  of  State  officers,  was  held  September  4,  1780. 

Under  the  stress  of  the  times,  the  Convention  held  at  Concord 
adopted  an  article  proposing  to  limit  the  price  of  several  articles 


BORROWING  FUNDS.  369 

in  common  use.  The  citizens  of  Newton,  careful  and  critical, 
watching  every  thing  pertaining  to  the  public  interest,  did  not 
allow  the  measure  to  go  into  effect  without  passing  judgment  upon 
the  action  of  the  Convention.  Indeed,  they  had  already  chosen 
"a  committee,  to  act  by  themselves  or  join  with  a  committee  of 
other  towns,  to  regulate  the  prices  of  sundr}^  articles,  agreeable 
to  the  fifth  resolve  of  the  Convention  at  Concord." 

The  proceedings  of  the  late  Convention  at  Concord  were  read,  so  far  as 
relates  to  the  stipulated  prices. 

Voted,  to  approve  all  but  the  prices  of  potatoes,  geese,  fowls,  turkeys, 
tame  ducks,  cider,  all  kinds  of  wood,  coal,  and  teaming, —  which  were  re- 
ferred for  consideration. 

Then  the  several  resolves  were  read  and  accepted. 

Two  votes  on  the  Town  Records  have  reference  to  the  supply  of 
provisions  for  the  army. 

October,  1780. — Chose  a  committee  to  purchase  the  quantity  of  beef  for 
the  army,  as  required  of  the  town  by  the  General  Court. 

May,  1781. — Voted,  to  choose  a  committee  to  procure  Newton's  quota  of 
beef  to  supply  the  army,  as  called  for  by  the  General  Court. 

During  the  entire  period  of  the  war,  the  inhabitants  of  Newton 
continued  to  vote  supplies  of  money,  as  they  were  needed.  The 
patriotism  of  the  citizens  and  their  hope  of  the  final  success  of 
their  cause  gave  them  courage  even  in  the  darkest  hours.  A  few 
of  their  votes,  during  the  successive  years  of  trial,  may  be  here 
grouped  together. 

September  15,  1777. — Voted,  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  town  be  directed, 
and  he  is  hereby  empowered,  in  the  name  and  behalf  of  said  town,  to  borrow 
the  sum  of  twelve  hundred  pounds,  and  give  his  note  on  interest  for  the  same, 
for  repaying  to  the  commissioned  officers  and  the  committee  to  procure 
soldiers  for  the  Continental  service,  and  also  the  sura  of  six  hundred  pounds, 
towards  procuring  soldiers  for  said  service  for  the  future. 

December  8. —  Deacon  John  Woodward,  Joshua  Murdock,  Joseph  Jackson, 
Dr.  John  King  and  Colonel  Nathan  Fuller  were  chosen  a  committee  to  make 
effectual  provision  for  the  families  of  the  non-commissioned  officers  and 
privates  that  have  engaged  in  the  Continental  service,  agreeable  to  a  resolve 
of  the  General  Assembly  on  the  tenth  of  October  last. 

Voted,  that  the  officers  and  committee  should  hire  men  to  replace  the  late 
detachment  at  Prospect  Hill. 

In  1778,  the  town  voted  a  tax  of  three  thousand  pounds,  towards 
defraying  the  town  charges  of  the  war. 
24 


£185  19s 

Od. 

450     0 

0 

£635  19s 

Od. 

£4,312     7s 

4d. 

.       94  10 

0' 

33    0 

0 

4  13 

0 

£4,444  10 

4 

£201    8s, 

Gd- 

123  10 

0 

185  10 

0' 

384    1 

10 

£894  19 

4 

£11  12 

10 

370  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

A  committee  appointed  in  March,  1779,  to  audit  the  accounts 
of  the  military  committee,  reported  as  follows  : 

Capt.  Edward  Fuller  has  received  as  fines  . 

Capt.  Joseph  Fuller        do.  do. 


Joshua  Hammond  has  received  of  the  Treasurer 
Lieut.  Aaron  Richardson  do.  do. 

Capt.  Jeremiah  Wiswall  do.  do 

Col.  Benjamin  Hammond  do.  do. 

Total  receipts £4,444  10 

Joshua  Hammond  has  paid,  of  money  he  collected  for  taxes 
Col.  Nathan  Fuller  do.  do.  do.  do. 

Capt.  Edward  Fuller        do.    '        do.  do.  do. 

Capt.  Joseph  Fuller  do.  do.  do.  do. 


Remaining  in  the  hands  of  the  committee 

In  August,  1779,  the  inhabitants  voted  to  raise  men,  agreeable 
to  the  resolve  of  the  Court,  and  also  to  raise  £3,000,"  for  raising  of 
men  and  defrajang  town  charges." 

June  19,  1780,  a  committee  of  nine  was  chosen  to  raise  men  for 
the  war,  as  called  for  by  the  General  Court,  and  a  vote  passed, 
appropriating  £30,000  to  defray  the  charges  thereof,  and  for  the 
use  of  the  town. 

In  October  of  the  same  year,  "  chose  a  committee  to  pm'chase 
the  quantity  of  beef  for  the  army,  as  required  of  the  town  by  the 
General  Court."  Also  in  December,  "  chose  a  committee  of  nine- 
teen to  raise  Newton's  quota  of  men,  to  fill  up  the  Continental 
army,"  and  voted  "  a  tax  of  £100,000,  old  currencj',  to  defray 
the  charges." 

March,  1781. —  The  Treasurer  was  authorized  to  give  notes  to- 
the  soldiers  who  have  enlisted  or  shall  enlist  into  the  Continental 
army  for  three  j^ears,  or  during  the  war, 

1781. —  Voted,  that  £400  in  silver  money  be  raised,  in  lieu  of  £100,000  in, 
bills. 

Voted,  to  choose  a  com:nlttee  of  five  to  assist  the  commissioned  officers 
in  procuring  Newton's  quota  of  militia  soldiers,  that  may  be  called  for  by  the 
General  Court  the  present  summer;  and  the  Treasurer  is  authorized  to  give 
notes,  in  the  name  and  behalf  of  the  town,  for  that  purpose.   Also,  to  procure- 


LOANS  TO  THE  TOWN. 


371 


Newton's  quota  of  beef,   as  callod  for  by  the  General  Court,  to  supply  the 
army  with. 

September,  1781. — Voted,  that  £450  silver  money  be  assessed;  March, 
1782,  a  tax  of  £800;  April,  1783,  £1,000;   March,  1784,  £1,500. 

Colonel  Benjamin  Hammond,  of  East  Newton,  bad  charge  in 
1780-82  of  procuring  a  portion  of  the  necessary  quantity  of  beef 
for  the  arm3%  The  following,  from  \iu  day-book,  shows  who  were 
the  patriotic  citizens  who  had  faith  enough  in  the  cause  of  liberty 
to  risk  their  nionc}'. 

Account  of  what  money  I  received  of  the  several  persons  hereafter  named, 
to  purchase  beef  for  the  army,  1780. 


The  Hon.  Abraham  Fuller,  Esq.,    £800 

Mr.  Ebenezer  Bartlett,  370  10 

Mr.  Joshua  Flagg,  200 
Dea.  David  Stone,  -  100 
Mr.  John  Stone,  100 

Mr.  David  Bartlett,  315 

Mr.  Joseph  White,  180 

Mr.  Joseph  Ward  (collector),  3,791    4 

Mr.  Jonathan  Bixby,  300 
Capt.  Jeremiah  Wiswall  (collector)2,717    7 
Mr.  Joshua  Hammond,  500 

Mr.  Ebenezer  Greenwood,  114 

Mr.  John  Stone,  100 

Mr.  John  Jackson,  336 

Mr.  Joseph  Jackson,  150 

Capt.  Edward  Fuller,  225 


Mr.  John  Jackson, 

Dea.  "William  Bowles, 

Advanced,  myself, 

Mr.  Ebenezer  Bartlett, 

Capt.  Jeremiah  Wiswall, 

Mr.  Ebenezer  Bartlett, 

Capt.  Eliphalet  Robbins, 

Solomon  Robbins, 

Mr.  Joseph  Ward  (collector), 

Dea.  David  Stone, 

Capt.  Joseph  Fuller, 

Mr.  Joseph  Ward  (collector). 

Advanced,  myself. 


£150 
120 

96  19 
100 
COO 
570 

90 
150 
430 
200 
lOO 
225 

45 

£13,176 


Dea.  David  Stone, 

£360 

Capt.  Jonas  Stone, 

60 

Capt.  Wiswall, 

361 

Capt.  Wiswall, 

3,582    2 

Advanced,  myself. 

150 

Dea.  David  Stone, 

188    7  10 

£12,761  15  10 

Account  of  what  money  I  received  of  the  several  persons  hereafter  named, 
to  purchase  beef  for  the  army,  1781. 

Th6  Hon  Abraham  Fuller,  Esq., 
Town  Treasurer,  in  old  cur- 
rency, £5,618 

Advanced,  myself,  300 

Of  the  Town  Treasurer,  1,025 

Capt.  Joseph  Fuller,  300 

Of  the  Town  Treasurer  by  the 
hand  of  Col.  Fuller,  600 

Capt.  Jeremiah  Wiswall,  207    6 

May  31, 1782. —  Granted  an  order  to  Capt.  Jeremiah  Wiswall  for  nine 
thousand  four  hundred  and  seven  pounds,  one  shilling  and  four  pence  (£9,407 
Is.  4d. )  for  money  advanced  to  purchase  beef  for  the  army. 

That  Colonel  Hammond  was  captain  of  a  company  appears 
from  an  entry  in  his  day-book,  as  follows : 

November  4,  1771. —  Trained,  and  filled  up  the  company  with  officers,  and 
made  choice  of  Samuel  Richardson,  Samuel  Hide,  William  Hammond,  John 


372  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Stone,  Sergeants ;  Jeremiah  Richardson,  James  Stone,  Benjamin  Eddy,  jr., 
Thomas  Durant,  Corporals ;  William  Fuller,  Nathaniel  Rogers,  Durmer 
[drummer]  ;  John  Ward,  jr.,  Clerk. 

Trained,  June  4,  October  8  and  14,  1772.     Fined Coggin,  William 

Parker,  Nathaniel  Robbins,  Stephen  Hastings,  Timothy  Whitney,  Jackson 
Parker,  Nathaniel  Parker  and  Thomas  Hastings  6s.  each  (the  last  for  want 
of  arms)  ;  Simon  Charaberlin,  John  Hall,  jr.,  Aaron  Cheney,  2s.  each. 

Trained,  June  21,  1773.  Fined  William  Parker,  Jackson  Parker,  Thomas 
Hastings,  Samuel  Knapp,  Ebenezer  Soger,  Joshua  Newell,  os.  each. 

Trained,  June  7,  1774.  Fined  Nathaniel  Robbins,  George  Feacham,  Tim- 
othy Whitney,  Jackson  Parker,  Samuel  Knapp,  Ephraim  Whitney,  Jonathan 
Rugg,  Ephraim  Wilson,  5s.  each. 

As  the  pressure  of  the  times  increased,  the  inhabitants  felt  it 
needful  to  devise  new  methods  to  raise  money  to  meet  the  expenses 
of  the  war.  They  had  taxed  themselves  to  the  utmost,  and  still 
the  war  was  not  ended.  At  last,  the  plan  was  suggested  of  seek- 
ing relief  by  taxing  the  lands  of  non-resident  proprietors.  In 
April,  1785,  a  committee  was  appointed  on  this  suggestion, 
Colonel  Benjamin  Hammond  being  chairman,  who  reported  as 
follows : 

We  the  subscribers,  chosen  by  the  town  to  devise  ways  and  means  where- 
by the  non-resident  proprietors  of  land  lying  within  the  town  of  Newton  may 
be  subjected  to  pay  their  proportional  part  of  the  charge  of  the  men  raised  by 
the  seventeen  classes  made  out  in  the  year  1781,  in  consequence  of  a  previ- 
ous resolve  of  the  General  Court  for  that  purpose,  and  also  to  hear  the 
complaints  of  said  classes  respecting  the  deficiency  of  individuals  of  said  classes 
who  were  unable  to  pay,  or  otherwise, —  and  also  to  hear  the  request  of 
George  Feacham,  that  he  may  receive  certain  moneys  which  he  saith  he 
had  advanced,  to  hire  men  to  go  into  the  public  service,  etc.,  etc.,  have 
attended  to  that  service,  and  beg  leave  to  report  as  follows  : 

1.  That  the  town  choose  a  committee  to  prefer  a  petition  to  the  General 
Court  for  liberty  to  assess  the  non-resident  proprietors  of  lands  lying  within 
the  town  of  Newton  their  proportional  part  of  the  real  cost  of  the  men  pro- 
cured by  the  seventeen  classes  made  out  by  the  Assessors  in  1781,  or  for  the 
average  price  allowed  by  the  State  for  said  men. 

2.  That  all  those  that  are  inadvertently  classed,  and  at  the  same  time  were 
not  proper  subjects  of  taxation,  and  refuse  to  pay, — that  their  taxes  be  abated. 

3.  That  the  class  of  which  the  late  Phineas  Cook  (died  1784)  was  the 
head,  be  abated  as  follows  :  viz.,  of  the  deceased  Henry  Parker's  tax  16 
shillings,  and  of  William  Park's  £4  19s.,  etc. 

It  seems  fitting  that  we  should  present  here  the  last  scene  of  the 
protracted  and  glorious  conflict. 


SURRENDER  OF  CORNWALLIS.  373 

The  struggle  had  lasted  nearly  seven  years,  and  the  resources  of  the 
colonies  were  well  nigh  exhausted,  when  France  became  an  ally  to  America, 
and  transferred  her  war  against  Great  Britain  to  these  shores.  With  troops 
and  ships  and  money  she  came  in  the  nick  of  time,  and  speedily  brought 
matters  to  a  crisis  and  the  conflict  to  an  end.  Reinforced  by  the  Froncli 
forces  and  fleet,  the  Americans,  under  Washington,  took  heart  and  hope,  and 
organized  their  campaign  of  1781  with  great  vigor. 

The  British  under  Lord  Cornwallis  were  in  the  South,  devastating  Virginia, 
and  thither  Washington  and  Lafoyette,  with  the  combined  American  and 
French  forces,  marched,  supported  by  the  French  fleet  in  Chesapeake  Bay 
under  Count  Rochambeau.  Cornwallis,  in  obedience  to  orders  from  Sir  Henry 
Clinton  at  New  York,  concentrated  his  forces,  to  the  number  of  8,000  men, 
at  Yorktown,  the  fortifications  of  which  were  at  once  increased  to  great 
strength.  He  was  also  supported  by  several  English  frigates  and  smaller 
vessels,  which  were  anchored  in  York  River,  between  the  town  and  Glouces- 
ter Point  on  the  opposite  side.  The  allied  forces  to  the  number  of  1G,000 
men,  of  whom  7,000  were  French,  approached  the  town  and  formally  invested 
it  in  siege  operations  toward  the  latter  part  of  September.  On  the  ninth  of 
October  the  first  parallel  was  established  and  several  heavy  batteries  opened 
on  the  enemy,  dismounting  a  number  of  their  guns  and  sinking  a  frigate, 
with  three  large  transports.  A  few  days  afterward,  another  parallel  was 
opened ;  but  as  the  working  parties  were  greatly  annoyed  by  an  enfilading 
fire  from  two  redoubts,  it  was  resolved  to  assault  them. 

This  was  accordingly  done  with  great  success.  The  two  redoubts  were  of 
equal  strength,  and  it  was  determined  to  attack  them,  one  with  an  American 
detachment,  the  other  with  a  French.  Lafayette  himself  led  the  Americans, 
who  carried  the  post  in  such  splendid  style  as  to  excite  the  admiration  and 
emulation  of. the  French,  who  carried  theirs  in  like  manner.  Those  two 
works  being  included  in  the  besieging  line,  the  position  of  Cornwallis  became 
extremely  critical.  He  was  cut  off  from  escape  by  sea  by  the  powerful 
French  fleet  at  the  mouth  of  the  river,  while  he  knew  that  he  could  not  much 
longer  maintain  the  attacks  of  the  allies.  In  his  desperation  the  British  com- 
mander first  attempted  a  sortie  on  the  advanced  batteries  of  the  besiegers ; 
but  being  repulsed,  he  conceived  the  desperate  scheme  of  crossing  the  river 
to  Gloucester  Point  with  his  whole  force  and  pushing  northward  by  rapid 
marches.  But  a  violent  and  Providential  storm  rose  before  he  could  perfect 
his  plans,  and  the  boats  upon  which  he  relied  to  cross  were  driven  far  down 
the  river  and  destroyed.  Then,  to  save  useless  bloodshed,  Cornwallis  pro- 
posed to  surrender. 

Accordingly  on  the  19th  of  October,  terms  were  agreed  upon,  and  the 
British  army,  to  the  number  of  about  7,000,  on  the  same  day  marched  out  and 
capitulated  to  Washington  as  prisoners  of  war.  The  loss  of  the  British  dur- 
ing the  siege  amounted  to  550  men,  and  that  of  the  allies  to  about  300. 
Some  75  brass  and  IGO  iron  cannon,  nearly  8,000  stand  of  arms,  28  regimen- 
tal colors,  and  a  large  quantity  of  munitions  of  war  fell  into  the  hands  of 
the  victors  as  spoils,  and  the  glorious  success  practically  decided  the  conflict 
for  independence  in  favor  of  the  revolutionists.     It  is  said  that  wiien  the  news 


374  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

reached  England  and  was  communicated  to  Lord  North,  the  Premier,  that 
official  threw  up  his  hands  and  exclaimed,  "  O  God,  it  is  all  over!  "  And  so 
it  proved.  But  little  further  fighting  took  place  after  the  fall  of  Yorktown, 
and  peace  was  formally  declared  in  the  following  year. 

The  following  is  a  copj'  of  the  parole  of  Lord  Cornwallis,  which 
was  given  by  him  after  he  surrendered  at  Yorktown,  October  19, 
1781.  The  original  copy  was  purchased  not  long  since  by  the 
State  of  Massachusetts,  from  some  one  in  New  York,  and  has 
been  placed  in  the  State  Library  for  exhibition. 

I,  Charles  Earl  Cornwallis,  Lieutenant-General  and  Commander  of  his 
Britannick  Majesty's  forces,  do  acknowledge  myself  a  prisoner  of  war  to  the 
United  States  of  America ;  and,  having  permission  from  his  Excellency, 
General  "Washington,  agreeable  to  capitulation,  to  proceed  to  New  York  and 
Charlcstown,  or  either,  and  to  Europe,  do  pledge  my  faith  and  word  of  honor, 
that  I  will  not  do  or  say  any  thing  injurious  to  the  said  United  States  or 
armies  thereof  or  their  allies  until  duly  exchanged.  I  do  further  promise, 
that  whenever  required  by  the  Commander-in-chief  of  the  Anerican  array* 
or  the  Commissary  of  prisoners  for  the  same,  I  will  repair  to  such  place  or 
places  as  they  or  either  of  them  may  require. 

Given  under  ray  hand  at  Yorktown,  28th  day  of  October,  1781. 

COENWALLIS. 

The  review,  embodied  in  the  foregoing  pages,  of  the  proceed- 
ings of  Newton,  from  the  passing  of  the  Stamp  Act  to  the  close 
of  the  Revolution,  bears  testimon}^  to  the  patriotic  spirit  of  the 
entire  population,  and  shows  how  great  sacrifices  they  cheerfully 
made  to  sustain  the  principles  the}'  had  espoused. 

In  1765,  the  population  of  Newton  was  1,308  ;  in  1790,  1,360. 
During  the  war  many  lives  were  lost,  and  all  the  industries  bj^ 
which  life  is  sustained  were  greatly  crippled.  Many  jears  would 
doubtless  be  required  to  restore  things  to  as  prosperous  a  state  as 
before  the  Revolution.  Mr.  Jackson  estimates  that  the  popula- 
tion in  1775  could  not  have  been  less  than  1,400.  About  430 
Newton  men  served  more  or  less  in  the  Continental  army  and  in 
the  militia  during  the  war.  "  Deducting  from  this  number  those 
who  were  in  the  battles  of  Lexington  and  Concord, —  the  East  and 
West  companies,  who,  at  the  request  of  General  Washington, 
marched  to  man  the  lines  at  Dorchester  Heights,  and  served  until 
the  British  troops  evacuated  Boston, —  those  who  volunteered  to 
guard  the  surrendered  troops  of  General  Burgoyne  at  Cambridge, 
etc.,   we  shaU  then   have  275   men  from  Newton,   who  actually 


SACRIFICES  OF  THE  PEOPLE.  375 

^enlisted  in  the  Continental  army  for  a  longer  or  shorter  term.  Of 
this  number,  04  enlisted  in  January,  1777,  for  three  j'cars  or  dur- 
ing the  war ;  and  many  of  the  others,  then  in  the  army,  who  did 
not  at  that  time  enlist  for  the  war,  did  nevertheless  continue  in 
the  service  to  the  end  of  it. 

"  The  amount  of  money  raised  by  the  town  for  the  purposes  of  the  war 
cannot  be  computed,  for  lack  of  the  proper  accounts  and  vouchers,  and  from 
the  depreciation  of  the  currency.  But  from  the  abstracts  we  liave  already 
given  of  the  votes  of  the  town,  it  may  be  readily  seen  that  very  large  sums 
of  money  were  raised,  and  the  credit  of  the  town  used  to  its  utmost  tension, 
for  procuring  men  and  money  to  carry  on  the  war  with  vigor.  From  these 
long  continued  and  exhausting  exertions,  the  resources  of  the  country  had 
Ijeen  drained,  heavy  debts  accumulated,  and  business  and  credic  prostrated. 
In  comparison  with  the  wealth  of  the  present  day,  the  property  of  the  inhabi- 
tants then  was  paltry  in  the  extreme ;  and  yet  those  large  sums  of  money 
Tvere  cheerfully  voted  and  soon  paid.  These  Records  of  the  Town,"  con- 
tinues Mr.  Jackson,  "and  the  facts  here  grouped  together  will  serve  to 
prove  how  fully  and  at  what  sacrifices  the  pledge  of  177G  was  redeemed. 
History,  we  think,  will  be  searched  in  vain  to  find  a  parallel  to  the  indomita- 
ble and  long  continued  exertion  and  devotion,  which,  in  common,  doubtless, 
with  New  England  generally,  the  inhabitants  of  this  town  exhibited." 

We  cannot  fail  to  admire  the  frequent  action  of  the  citizens,  in 
town  meeting  assembled,  voting  large  sums  of  moneys  for  the 
purposes  of  the  war.  They  evidently  strained  every  nerve,  volun- 
tarily distressing  and  impoverishing  themselves,  that  they  might 
transmit  to  their  posterity  a  free,  enlightened  and  prosperous 
republic. 

It  is  impossible  for  us  adequately  to  conceive  the  trials  and  dis- 
tresses, and,  at  the  same  time,  the  patriotic  ardor  of  the  citizens. 
Enjoying,  as  we  do,  to  the  full,  the  luxuries  of  life,  with  a  freedom 
broad  as  the  mind  of  man  can  desire, —  and  a  security,  under  God, 
which  seems  to  us  an  absolute  and  immortal  inheritance,  we  try  in 
vain  to  imagine  what  those  early  patriots  felt  and  feared.  Thej^ 
earned  well  the  glor}^  they  won. 

The  people  of  Newton  at  that  period,  says  Mr.  Hyde,  "  were  few  in  num- 
ber, i)oor,  with  little  available  means,  the  countrj'  was  new  and  sparsely 
populated;  and  added  to  all,  the  money  during  the  war  was  greatly  depre- 
ciated. In  illustration  of  this,  it  is  recorded  that  in  1780  they  voted  altogether 
£170,000  and  the  next  year  £400,  in  silver,  in  lieu  of  £100,000  in  bills.  We  of 
to-day  know  something  by  experience  of  the  depreciation  incident  to  a  long 
war,  but  it  is  little  compared  with  the  state  of  affairs  at  that  time.  Yet  there 
was  no  shrinking  from  duty ;  men  and  women  alike  loaned  of  their  private 


376  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

fortunes,  while  yet  the  result  hung  doubtful  in  the  balance,  to  supply  the 
wants  of  the  soldiers." 

The  roster  of  the  army  gives  the  following  names  of  Newton 
men  who  bore  office  among  their  fellow-soldiers  :  Colonel  Joseph 
Ward,  aide-de-camp  of  Major-General  Ward ;  Michael  Jackson, 
Colonel,  and  William  Hull,  Lieutenant-Colonel  of  the  8th  Regi- 
ment; Ephraim  Jackson,  Colonel  of  the  10th  Regiment;  Nathan 
Fuller,  Lieutenant-Colonel  of  the  13th  Regiment ;  seven  captains, 
nine  lieutenants  and  two  ensigns.  Forty-four  descendants  of 
Edward  Jackson,  bearing  the  name  of  Jackson,  were  in  the 
Revolutionary  army  from  Newton.  There  were  twenty-two  bear- 
ing the  name  of  Fuller,  sixteen  the  name  of  Parker,  fifteen  of 
Hyde,  eleven  of  Stone,  nine  of  Clarke,  six  of  Seger,  etc.  Cap- 
tain Henry  King,  of  Newton,  was  one  of  the  guard  at  the  execu- 
tion of  Andre. 

■  The  revolutionary  troops  from  Newton  were  not  without  a 
representative  from  the  sable  sons  of  Africa.  Pomp,  the  slave 
of  Jonathan  Jackson,  was  manumitted  two  weeks  before  the  pro- 
mulgation of  the  Declaration  of  Independence.  He  enlisted  in 
the  army  as  Pomp  Jackson,  served  during  the  war,  and  at  the 
close  received  an  honorable  discharge.  He  ufterwai^ds  settled  in 
the  town  of  Andover,  a  mile  west  of  the  Theological  Seminary, 
and  near  a  pleasant  sheet  of  water  known  as  "  Pomp's  Pond  ", — 
the  vicinity  of  which  was  found  by  the  writer  of  these  pages,  dur- 
ing the  summers  of  1830  and  1831,  to  be  peculiarly  rich  in  speci- 
mens of  the  beautiful  and  various  flora  of  the  New  England 
States. 

The  eyes  of  the  people  were  open  to  guard  in  ever}^  direction 
against  any  regulation  which  seemed  likely  to  abridge  their  free- 
dom or  to  interfere  with  their  liberties  as  independent  citizens. 
An  Act  of  the  Legislatui-e  regulating  the  market  in  Boston,  then 
recently  passed,  awakened  their  jealousy,  and  they  proceeded  at 
once  to  take  measures  for  its  repeal.  At  a  town  meeting  held 
August  16,  1784,  a  committee  of  three  was  chosen,  "to  join  with 
a  committee  from  an}'  other  town  or  towns  in  the  Commonwealth 
of  Massachusetts,  to  petition  the  General  Court  that  a  late  Act, 
entitled, '  An  Act  for  regulating  the  market  in  Boston,'  may  be 
repealed,  or  to  take  such  other  lawful  measures  that  all  imposi- 
tions maybe  removed  that  infringe  on  the  liberties  and  privileges 
of  this  Commonwealth  in  consequence  of  said  Act." 


NEWTON  SOLDIERS. 


877 


Soldiers  who  served  more  or  less  after  the  eight  moDths  had 
expired, —  called  out  in  cases  of  emergency,  or  otherwise,  from 
1776  to  the  end  of-  the  war : 


Jeremiah  Ackers, 
Jonas  Adams, 
Xeliemiab  Abbott, 
Ricbard  Bryan, 
Alexander  Burt, 
William  Bogle, 
Thomas  Boylston, 
Joseph  Blandeu, 
John  Burridge, 
Simon  Burridge, 
Amos  Brown, 
Benjamin  Clark, 
Moses  Child, 
Peter  Clarke, 
Francis  DeGranville, 
John  Durell, 
Jeremiah  Donovan, 
John  Daniels, 
Peter  Durell, 


James  Fuller, 
Ephraim  Fenno, 
Thomas  Fay 
Isaac  Greenwood, 
Jonathan  Hammond, 
Francis  Hoogs, 
Thomas  HUl, 
John  Hamilton, 
Amasa  Jackson, 
William  Jackson, 
Phineas  Jackson, 
Charles  Jackson, 
Samuel  Jackson, 
Caleb  Jackson, 
Henry  King, 
John  Marean,  Lieut., 
James  McCoy, 
John  Miller, 
Lvida  Maier, 


Thomas  Owen, 
Jeremiah  Ackers, 
John  Park, 
Jonathan  Parker, 
Aaron  Parker, 
Francis  Parker 
Elisha  Parker, 
Jackson  Parker, 
Nathan  Pillsbury, 
Silas  Pratt, 

Benjamin  Rose,  or  Ross, 
Isaac  Rogers, 
Samuel  Spring, 
John  Shepard, 
Nicholas  Thwing, 
Samuel  Wiswall, 
Nehcmiah  Wilson, 
Reuben  Whitney^ 

Total,  66 


Captain  Joseph  Fuller,  of  Newton,  raised  a  company  of  ninety- 
six,  and  marched  to  Bennington,  and  from  thence  to  Skeensboro', 
thence  to  Lake  George,  to  oppose  the  progress  of  Burgoyne,  and 
served  from  August  4th  to  November  29,  1777,  three  and  two- 
thirds  months.  They  marched  240  miles.  Burgoyne  surrendered 
October  17,  1777.     The  Newton  men  were 


Joseph  Fuller,  Captain, 
Benjamin  Eddy, 
Jonathan  Stone, 
Samuel  Spring, 
David  Fuller, 
Timothy  Flagg, 
Job  MiUer, 
Phineas  Bond, 
Israel  Blackington, 
Peter  Durell, 
Gershom  Hyde, 


Jessee  Jackson, 
Phineas  Jackson, 
Caleb  Jackson, 
Samuel  Jenison, 
Thomas  Boylston, 
William  Bogle, 
Samuel  Marean, 
Samuel  Miller, 
Pomp  Magus, 
Samuel  Jliller, 
Elisha  Parker, 


Joseph  Parks, 

Asa  Robinson, 
John  Robbins, 
Nathaniel  Seger, 
Samuel  Trowbridge, 
Ebenezer  Williams, 
Peter  Richardson, 
Moses  Child, 
Samuel  Draper. 


The  other  sixty-six  men  were  from  adjoining  towns.  August 
17,  1778,  Captain  Fuller  swore  to  the  Roll. 

Captain  Edward  Fuller  raised  a  companj^,  and  marched  March 
19,  and  served  to  April  15,  1778,  at  Roxbury. 


Edward  Fuller,  Captain, 
Josiah  Capen,  Lieut., 
Isaac  Hager,       do. 
Samuel  Hyde,  Sergeant, 
Joshua  Jackson,    do. 
WilUajn  Jackson,  CorpU, 
Ebenezer  Williams,  do. 


Oliver  Fuller, 
Jonas  Mills, 
Edward  Shepard, 
John  Hall, 
Lemuel  Capen, 
WiUiam  Marean, 
Thomas  Richardson, 


Abraham  Parker, 
Joshua  Jackson,  jr., 
Samuel  Hammond, 
Nathan  Stone, 
James  Downing, 
Joshua  Prentice, 
Jonas  Child, 


378 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


Richard  Fuller, 
Amos  Hyde, 
George  Bacon, 
John  Segar, 
Nathan  Seger, 
Thomas  Fay, 
Ephraim  Jackson, 
Samuel  Jackson, 


Ebeuezer  Stone, 
Simeon  Chamberlain, 
John  Ilealy, 
Abijah  Stowell, 
Nehemiah  Wilson, 
Ebeuezer  Cheney, 
John  "Wiswall, 
Cyrus  Pratt, 


Abraham  Whitney, 
Jonas  Bond. 

Total  from  Ne^vton,    39 
From  other  towns,      29 

Total,  68 


Captain  Edward  Fuller  also  raarched  in  September,  1778. 


Edward  Fuller,  Captain, 
Joseph  Craft,  Lieut., 
Aaron  Murdock,  do- 
Edmund  Trowbridge, 

Sergeant, 
Joshua  Murdock,      do. 
Samuel  Spring,  Fifer, 
Joseph  Adams, 
Roger  Adams, 
Jonathan  Cook, 
Elias  Fuller, 


Noah  Hyde, 

Samuel  Murdock, 

Ebenezer  Williams, 

Silas  Stearns, 

Moses  Child, 

James  Prentice, 

Job  Hyde, 

George  Brown, 

John  Durell, 

Samuel  Jackson 

Captain  Aaron  Richards, 


Richard  Fuller, 
John  Marean, 
Francis  Marshall, 
Edward  Fuller, 
John  King, 
Thomas  Fiske, 
Peter  Parker, 
James  Stevens, 
Samuel  Fuller, 
Daniel  Cook. 

Total, 


31 


On  the  17th  of  October,  1777,  General  Burgoyne  surrendered 
his  army,  numbering  nearty  six  thousand  men,  to  the  Americans. 
This  movement  created  a  necessity  for  troops  to  do  guard  dutj' 
over  the  humbled  Regulars,  and  Captain  Joseph  Fuller's  company 
marched  to  Cambridge,  to  guard  Burgoyne's  captured  troops, 
September  2,  1778, —  as  follows: 


Joseph  FuUer,  Captain, 
John  Marean,  Lieut., 
Samuel  Hyde,  Serjeant, 
James  Stone,         do. 
Benjamin  Eddy,  Corp'' I, 
Thomas  Hammond,  do. 
Asa  Fuller,  Fifer, 
Edward  Converse, 
Thomas  Wilson, 
Jonathan  Harbach, 
George  Feacham, 
John  Rogers,  jr., 
Jonas  Stone,  jr., 
Jonathan  Jackson, 
Richard  Blinkcow, 


John  Ward,  iertius, 
Edward  Hall, 
Samuel  Hall, 
John  Hyde, 
Phineas  Child, 
Thomas  Hastings, 
Elisha  Hyde, 
Gershom  Hyde, 
Francis  Blanden, 
Elisha  Robbins, 
Moses  Stone, 
Samuel  Newell, 
Ebenezer  Cheney, 
Jonathan  Hammond, 
Elisha  Parker, 


Jonathan  Parker, 
Stephen  Winchester, 
Nathaniel  Durant, 
Thomas  Richardson, 
John, 
John, 
Henry, 
Ebenezer, 
John, 

Samuel  Ward, 
Samuel  Wiswall, 
Thomas  Cheney. 
Total, 


42 


Newton  men  who  served  at  West  Point  nine  months  from  March 
20,  1778  : 


William  Bogle, 
Thomas  Fay, 
Thomas  Boyieston, 


Jonas  Blanden, 
John  Park, 
Nehemiah  Wilson, 


Caleb  Jackson, 
Peter  Clark, 
Abner  Davenport. 


Newton  men  who  enlisted  for  six  months  in  the  Continental 
service  from  Jul}'  17,  177'J,  to  January  20,  1780  : 


STANDING  ARMY. 


379 


Nicholas  Thwing, 
-Josiah  Jackson,  Matross, 
Oliver  Jackson,       da. 
Jonathan  Parker, 
Xehemiah  Wilson, 
Isaac  Greenwood, 
Francis  Parker, 
Aaron  Perkin, 
Benjamin  Clark, 


Jonas  Blanden, 
John  Park, 
Samuel  Jackson, 
Jackson  Parker, 
Samuel  Spring,  Fifer, 
Jona.  Jackson,  Matross, 
Jonathan  Hammond, 
Moses  Child, 
Henry  King, 


Jonas  Adams, 
Francis  Hodges, 
Peter  Durell, 
Samuel  Wiswall, 
Isaac  Rogers, 
Nehemiah  Abbott, 
Ephraim  Fenno. 


These  men  marched  220  miles,  and  the  roll  is  certified  by  Benja- 
min Hammond,  William  Hammond,  Edward  Fuller,  as  Selectmen. 

For  a  considerable  period  the  troops  raised  in  the  several  States, 
and  which  composed  the  Continental  army,  had  been  enlisted  only 
for  a  certain  number  of  months,  at  the  expiration  of  which  they 
were  discharged,  and  new  enlistments  made.  This  method  being 
found  to  be  very  injurious  to  the  service,  in  September,  1776, 
Congress  resolved  "  to  raise  a  standing  army,  to  consist  of  about 
75,000  men,  to  serve  for  the  term  of  three  years,  or  during  the 
war."     The  respective  quotas  were  ordered  to  be  as  follows  : 

New  Hampshire, 
Massachusetts, 
Rhode  Island, 
Connecticut, 
New  York, 
New  Jersey, 
Pennsylvania, 

As  an  encouragement  to  engage  in  the  service,  besides  a  bounty 
of  twenty  dollars  for  each  man,  over  and  above  their  wages  and 
allowance  of  rations,  thej'  were  to  have  lands  bestowed  on 
them  at  the  conclusion  of  the  war; — the  officers  in  proportion  to 
their  respective  ranks,  from  500  to  200  acres,  and  the  non-com- 
missioned officers  and  soldiers,  100  acres  each,* — these  lands  to 
be  provided  by  the  United  States.     Their  pay  was  to  be  as  follows  : 


BATTALIONS. 

BATTALIONS 

3 

Delaware, 

1 

15 

Maryland, 

8 

2 

Virginia, 

15 

8 

North  Carolina, 

9 

4 

South  Carolina, 

6 

4 

Georgia, 

1 

12 

Colonel,  per  month, 

$75.00 

Lieutenant, 

§27.00 

Lieutenant-Colonel, 

GO.OO 

Ensign, 

20.00 

Major, 

50.00 

Sergeant-Major, 

9.00 

Chaplain, 

33.33 

Quartermaster-Sergeant, 

9.00 

Surgeon, 

33.33 

Drum  Major, 

8.00 

Surgeon's  mate, 

18.00 

Pife  Major, 

8.33 

Adjutant, 

40.00 

Sergeant, 

8.00 

Quartermaster, 

27.50 

Corporal, 

7.33 

Regiment  Paymaster, 

26.66 

Drummer  and  Pifer, 

7.33 

Captain, 

40.00 

Privates, 

6.66 

*By  an  after  resolve.  Congress  extended  the  donation  of  lands  to  Gener.-a  Officers, 
viz.,  a  Major-Gcneral  1,100  acres,  a  Brigadier-General  750  acres. 


380 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


SOLDIERS     ENLISTED    FOB    THREE   TEARS    OR   DURING   THE  WAR,     COMMENCING 
JANUARY    1,    1777. 


NAMES. 

PERIOD,  &c. 

CAPTAINS. 

Samuel  Bigelow, 

For  the  War. 

Pierce. 

William  Barnard, 

(( 

Wiley. 

John  Barrage, 

Dead. 

Watson. 

Thomas  Bogle, 

3  years. 

Allen. 

Jonathan  Child, 

For  the  War. 

Dix. 

Abraham  Cole, 

(< 

Wiley. 

Aaron  Child, 

Died. 

Josiah  Davenport, 

For  the  War. 

Smith. 

Thomas  Fitch, 

(( 

Miles. 

Prince  Goring, 

3  years. 

Ashby. 

Daniel  Godlip, 

For  the  War. 

Joseph  Gorson, 

3  years. 

Daniel  Hunt, 

For  the  War. 

Brown. 

Thomas  Jackson, 

3  years. 

Wiley. 

Ephraim  Jackson, 

(( 

Aaron  Jackson, 

C( 

Moses  Jackson, 

For  the  War. 

Daniel  Jackson, 

<( 

Watson, 

Nathan  Jackson, 

<( 

Charles  Jackson, 

3  years. 

Wiley. 

Ebenezer  Jackson, 

(( 

(( 

Michael  Jackson, 

t< 

(( 

Amasa  Jackson, 

«( 

<< 

William  Jackson, 

(( 

(( 

Gershom  Jackson, 

(( 

Nathan  Jackson, 

(( 

Jonathan  Jackson, 

« 

Josiah  Jackson, 

(( 

Nathan  Mendon, 

(( 

Jonathan  Spencer, 

(( 

David  Williams, 

it 

Enoch  Williams, 

Dead. 

Christopher  Kelley, 

Joseph  Morse, 

For  the  War. 

Samuel  Miller, 

(C 

Benjamin  Pierce, 

(( 

Colton  2d. 

Jackson  Parker, 

3  years. 

Wiley. 

Samuel  Parker, 

For  the  War. 

(C 

John  Parks, 

3  years. 

Burbeck. 

Anthony  Roster, 

For  the  War. 

Thomas  Robinson, 

({ 

Smart. 

John  ScoUay, 

John  Sibley, 

Ebenezer  Seger, 

45  mo.  17  d. 

Burbeck. 

Jonathan  Winchester, 

33  mo.  3  d. 

Nathan  Willard, 

3  years.     Dead. 

Allen. 

Ephraim  Williams, 

3  years. 

Parker. 

Obadiah  Robertson, 

For  the  War. 

Tliomas  Owen, 

Reuben  Whitney, 

John  Miller, 

REINFORCEMENTS. 


381 


NAMES. 

PERIOD,  &c. 

CAPTAIXS. 

Nathaniel  Pillsbury, 

For  the  War. 

John  Shepard, 

Parker. 

Loda  Maier, 

Jeremiah  Ochre, 

Alexander  Bent, 

Thomas  Hill, 

Benjamin  Rose, 

Cvrus  Pratt, 

Francis  DeGranville, 

James  McCoye, 

John  Hamilton, 

Oliver  Jackson, 

Phineas  Jackson, 

The  three  years  of  these  troops  expired,  and  still  the  war  was 
not  ended.  More  than  three  years  additional  were  to  follow,  be- 
fore the  consummation.  It  was  well  for  them  that  they  could  not 
see  how  long  was  the  waj^,  and  how  distant  the  end. 

NEWTON    MEN    WHO    WENT   TO   REINFORCE    THE    CONTINENTAL    ARMY    IN    1780, 
UNDER   CAPTAIN   POPE. 


NAMES. 

AGE. 

COMPLEXION. 

Peter  Durell, 

22 

Light. 

Jonathan  Jackson, 

19 

li 

Samuel  Jackson, 

26 

Ruddy. 

John  Park, 

21 

Light. 

Jonas  Adams, 

18 

Ruddy. 

Jonathan  Hammond, 

18 

(( 

Samuel  Spring, 

20 

Light. 

Jonathan  Parker, 

20 

<( 

Jonas  Blanden, 

19 

Dark. 

Josiah  Jackson, 

22 

Light. 

Aaron  Parker, 

21 

(( 

Benjamin  Clark, 

21 

Dark,  6  ft.  2  in.  high. 

Ephraim  Fenno, 

20 

Lieht. 

Henry  King, 

17 

u 

Isaac  Greenwood, 

20 

Ruddy. 

Samuel  Wiswall, 

20 

(( 

Nicholas  Thwing, 

18 

Dark. 

Moses  Child, 

21 

(( 

Isaac  Rogers, 

20 

(< 

Oliver  Jackson, 

24 

Light. 

Nehomiah  Abbott, 

27 

Dark. 

Asa  Jackson, 

Nathan  Jackson, 

Simon  Jackson. 

382 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


MILITAfiT    OFFICERS   "WHO    SEEVED   IN    THE   REVOLUTIONARY  WAR, 


Joseph  Ward, 
Michael  Jackson, 
Ephraim  Jackson, 
William  Hull, 
Nathan  Fuller, 
Thomas  Hovey, 
Jeremiah  Wiswall, 
Amariah  Fuller, 
Joseph  Fuller, 
Phineas  Cook, 
Edward  Fuller, 
Simon  Jackson, 
John  Marean, 
Isaac  J.ackson, 
Joseph  Craft, 
Samuel  Richardson, 
Michael  Jackson,  jr., 
Daniel  Jackson, 
Aaron  Murdock, 
Caleb  Kenrick, 
Amasa  Jackson, 
Ebenezer  Jackson, 
Charles  Jackson, 


REGIMENTS. 


Muster  Master,  General. 
Eighth  Regiment. 
Tenth  " 

Eighth  '•' 

Thirteenth  " 


Colonel. 

(( 

Lieut.-Colonel. 


Major. 
Captain. 


Lieutenant. 


Ensign. 


Ill  the  foregoing  lists  are  found  under  the  name  of 


Jackson, 

43 

Bond, 

4 

Coggin, 

2- 

Fuller, 

22 

Dana, 

4 

Downing, 

2 

Hyde, 

15 

Durant, 

4 

Eddy, 

2 

Parker, 

15 

Hall, 

4 

Fiske, 

2 

Stone, 

11 

Marean, 

4 

Fenno, 

2 

Whitney, 

9 

Miller, 

5 

Flagg, 

2 

Clark, 

9 

Shepard, 

4 

Hager, 

2 

Hammond, 

8 

"White, 

4 

Jennison, 

2 

Adams, 

7 

Beale, 

3 

Mirick, 

2 

Seger, 

6 

Barrage, 

3 

Morse, 

2 

Murdock, 

6 

Bogle, 

3 

Pratt, 

2 

Robbing, 

6 

Craft, 

3 

Robinson, 

2 

Blanden, 

6 

Davenport, 

3 

Spring, 

2 

■Williams, 

7 

Durell, 

3 

Trowbridge, 

2 

Richardson, 

5 

Kenrick, 

3 

Thwing, 

2 

Richards, 

5 

King, 

3 

Upham, 

2 

Bartlett, 

5 

Parks, 

3 

"Whiting, 

2 

Ward, 

5 

Prentice, 

3 

Barber, 

2 

"Wiswall, 

5 

Rogers, 

3 

Stearns, 

2 

Cook, 

5 

"Woodward, 

3 

One  each. 

81 

Childs, 

6 

"Winchester, 

3 

Greenwood, 

5 

WUson, 

3 

Total, 

420' 

Cheney, 

5 

Ackers, 

2 

Brown, 

4 

Bixby, 

2 

LIVING  DESCENDANTS. 


383 


DESCENDANTS   OF   THE    NEWTON    MEN    OF   THE     REVOLUTIONARY    ERA 

WHO    WERE   KNOWN  TO  BE    LIVING   AT   THE    DATE    OF    THE    FIRST 

CENTENNIAL    OF   THE    BATTLES    OF    CONCORD    AND    LEXINGTON. 

This  record  is  probably  incomplete. 


William  Adams,  West  Newton, 

Charles  D.  Bartlett,  Newton  Centre, 

Rev.  James  F.  Clarke,  D.  D.,  Boston, 

Isaac  F.  McLellan,  Boston, 

Amasa  Craft,  Newton  Highlands, 

Henry  Cross,  IMelrose, 

Henry  Fuller,  Newton, 

Isaac  Hagar,  Newton  L.  F., 

Francis  Hall,  East  Cambridge, 

Stephen  Hammond,  Roxbury, 

George  Warren  Hanmiond,  Boston, 

George  Hyde,  Newton, 

H.  N.  Hyde, Newton, 

W.  H.  Hyde,  Newton  Highlands, 

Hon.  J.  F.  C.  Hyde,  Newton  Centre, 

Geo.  N.  Hyde,  Colorado, 

John  N.  Hyde,  New  York, 

William  W.  Jackson,  Newton  L.  F., 

John  A.  Kenrick,  Newton  Centre, 

Noah  S.  King,  Oak  Hill, 

Col.  Isaac  F.  Kingsbury,  Newton  Centre, 

David  Hall,  jr.,  Newton  Highlands, 

Francis  jSIurdock,  Newton, 

Prof.  Edwards  A.  Park,  D.  D.,  Andover, 

William  Park,  Newton, 


Dea.  Caleb  Parker,  Dayton,  O., 
Robert  Prentice,  Newton  Highlands, 
Henry  Ross,  Newton  Centre, 
Daniel  Stone,  Chestnut  Hill, 
David  Stone,  Oak  Hill, 
Reuben  Stone,  Oak  Hill, 
Eben.  Stone,  Oak  Hill, 
Thomas  Thwing,  Boston, 
Almarine  Trowbridge,  Boston, 
Alpheus  Trowbridge,  Newton  Centre^ 
Asa  R.  Trowbridge,  Newton  Centre, 
Stephen  W.  Trowbridge,  Boston, 
William  O.  Trowbridge, 
Deunis  Ward,  Spencer, 
George  K.  Ward,  Newton  Centre, 
John  Ward,  Newton  Centre, 
Thomas  A.  Ward,  Newton  Centre, 
Samuel  Ward,  Newton  Centre, 
Ebenczer  D.  White,  Framingham, 
Joseph  White,  Newton  Centre, 
Arteraas  Wiswall,  Oak  Hill, 
William  Wiswall,  West  Newton, 
William  C.  Wiswall,  Oak  Hill, 
Ebenezer  Woodward,  Newton, 
S.  N.  Woodward,  Newton  Highlands. 


Newton  Members  of  Bunker  Hill  Monument  Association. — 
The  Bunker  Hill  Monument  Association  is  composed  of  the  con- 
tributors to  the  fund  for  the  erection  of  that  memorial  shaft.  A 
few  hundred  subscribers  gave  sums  of  one  hundred  dollars  and 
more,  each.  Others  gave  fift}',  twenty-five,  or  ten,  each.  Four 
thousand  three  hundred  and  twentj^  (4,320)  gave  five  dollars,  each. 
Of  the  latter  class  were  the  followiu2r  Newton  names  : 


Kingsbury  Allen, 
Josiah  Bacon, 
Jonathan  Bixby, 
Loring  Carpenter, 
Caleb  Haskell, 
Osborn  Howes, 


William  Liverraore, 
John  S.  Lovell, 
Nathan  Pettee, 
Otis  Pettee, 
John  Richardson, 
G^eorge  Sanderson. 


Newton  Men,  Members  of  the  Massachusetts  Cincinnati. — 
The  Massachusetts  Cincinnati  is  an  Association  of  gentlemen  who 
participated  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  and  theu-  direct  descend- 
ants.    The  title  of  the  body  is  derived  fii-om  the  history  of  the 


384  HISTORY   OF  NEWTON. 

Roman  Cincinnatus,  who  was  called  from  his  plough  to  lead  the 
armies  of  his  countrj^,  and  after  the  war,  returned  to  his  plough 
again.  The  following  catalogue,  taken  from  an  authentic  list, 
contains  the  names  of  those  who  were  natives,  or  had  been  resi- 
dents, of  Newton,  together  with  a  brief  biographical  notice,  chiefly 
restricted  to  the  militaiy  history  of  each. 

1.  Alfred  Louis  Baury,  D.  D.  (Norwich  University,  1865),  son  of  Baury 
de  Bellerive,  admitted  1823 ;  vice-president  1853-65  ;  president  1865  ;  born 
Middletown,  Conn.,  September  14,  1794;  died  December  26,  1865;  ordained 
deacon  Protestant  Episcopal  Cliurch,  September  28,  1820 ;  priest  November 
28,  1822 ;  rector  of  St.  Mary's,  Newton  Lower  Falls,  1823-51 ;  of  St.  Mark's, 
Boston,  1855-58. 

2.  Frederic  Francis  Baury,  only  son  of  Alfred  L.  Baury,  born  1843; 
admitted  1867 ;  volunteer  lieutenant  U.  S.  navy  during  the  Rebellion, 
wounded  at  the  capture  of  Fort  Fisher,  while  leading  a  company  of  sailors 
to  the  assault. 

3.  General  William  Hull,  born  Derby,  Conn.,  June  24,  1753;  died  New- 
ton, November  29,  1825;  Yale  College,  1772;  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1775; 
commissioned  major  January  1,  1777 ;  lieutenant-colonel  of  Greaton's  (3d) 
regiment,  August  12,  1779  ;  after  the  war  practised  law  in  Newton ;  a  leading 
member  of  the  Massachusetts  Legislature;  major-general  of  militia,  and  effi- 
cient in  quelling  Shays'  insurrection,  1786  ;  judge  of  Court  of  Common  Pleas  ; 
Governor  of  Michigan  Territory,  1805-14;  brigadier-general  U.  S.  A.,  com- 
manded northwestern  army,  and  surrendered  at  Detroit,  August  15,  1812; 
condemned  by  court-martial  to  be  shot,  but  pardoned  by  President  Madison; 
author  of  a  defence  of  himself,  1814 ;  "  Campaign  of  the  Northwestern  Army," 
1812 ;  delivered  an  oration  before  the  Massachusetts  Society  of  Cincinnati, 
July  4,  1788. 

4.  Amasa  Jackson,  born  Newton,  June  5,  1765;  died  New  York  City; 
commissioned  ensign  October  *30,  1782,  in  the  regiment  of  his  father.  Colonel 
Michael  Jackson ;  afterwards,  president  of  a  New  York  City  bank. 

5.  Charles  Jackson,  born  Newton,  January  4,  1769;  died  unmarried  in 
Georgia,  1801 ;  commissioned  ensign  February  4,  1783,  in  the  regiment  of  his 
father.  Colonel  Michael  Jackson. 

6.  Daniel  Jackson,  born  Newton,  July  23,  1753;  died  Watertown,  Mass., 
December  13,  1833;  present  at  Lexington  battle;  sergeant  in  Foster's  artil- 
lery company  at  siege  of  Boston ;  in  Bryant's  company  at  Fort  Washington, 
and  for  six  months  a  prisoner ;  pointed  the  cannon  that  destroyed  four  British 
vessels  in  the  North  River,  for  which  service  he  was  promoted  to  lieutenant ; 
commissioned  1st  lieutenant  September  12,  1778  ;  succeeded  to  the  command 
of  the  company  on  the  fall  of  Bryant  at  Brandywine,  where  all  the  officers 
except  himself  and  more  than  half  tlie  company  were  killed  or  wounded,  and 
received  the  thanks  of  General  Knox  for  his  bravery  ;  also  at  Germantown, 
Monmouth,  and  Yorktown;  brevet  major  at  the  closeof  the  war;  major  U.  S. 


^oc.  f^cux/yi 


yj. 


CONCLUSION.  385 

artillery,  1798-1803;  warden  of  Charlestown  State  prison;   vice-president 
Massachusetts  Society  of  Cincinnati,  1832-33. 

7.  Daniel  Jackson,  eldest  son  of  Major  Daniel,  admitted  1834;  born  New- 
ton, August  30,  1785 ;  died  May  31,  1835. 

8.  MichaelJackson,  born  Newton,  December  18,  1734;  died  there,  April 
10,  1801;  lieutenant  in  the  French  war;  captain  at  Lexington;  major  of 
Gardner's  regiment  at  Bunker  Hill ;  lieutenant-colonel  of  Bond's  regiment 
at  siege  of  Boston  and  invasion  of  Canada ;  severely  wounded  at  Montressor's 
Island,  N.  Y.,  September  23,  1776;  colonel  8th  regiment  from  January  1, 
1777,  to  the  end  of  the  war,  in  which  his  five  brothers  and  five  sons  were 
engaged. 

9.  Michael  Jackson,  jr.,  born  Newton,  September  12,  1757;  son  of 
Colonel  Michael,  ensign  and  paymaster  in  his  father's  regiment,  January  1, 
1777;  commissioned  lieutenant  December  15,  1779. 

10.  Simon  Jackson,  born  Newton,  November  20,  1760;  died  there,  October 
17,  1818;  son  of  Colonel  Michael  Jackson,  lieutenant  in  his  father's  regiment, 
1779;  commissioned  captain  April  12,  1782. 

Thus  we  have  reached  the  end  of  the  interesting  history  of  the 
connection  of  the  people  of  Newton  with  the  Eevolutionary  war. 
We  have  seen  how  prompt,  how  sehT-denying,  how  loyal  to  the 
interests  of  the  republic  and  of  freedom  they  were,  during  the 
protracted  struggle.  Years  came,  and  went.  The  ordinary  affairs 
of  life  at  home  proceeded.  The  citizens  and  their  families  lived ; 
they  suffered ;  they  endured  disappointment,  heart-sickness  and 
trial,  patiently  and  without  complaint ;  and,  just  as  in  times  of 
peace,  they  sickened,  and  died,  and  were  buried.  And  in  God's 
good  time,  freedom  was  established  on  a  firm  basis.  How  much  do 
we  owe  to  the  persistent  ardor  of  our  fathers  !  How  great  is  our 
obligation  to  live  worthily  of  them,  and  to  preserve  for  our  children 
that  which  was  so  dearly  puf  chased  for  ourselves  ! 
25 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

NEWTON   AND   THE    SHATS'   REBELLION. INSTRUCTIONS    TO    THE  REF- 

RESENTATIVE. —  EXCESSIVE   LITIGATION. THE  COURTS  THREAT- 
ENED.  CIRCULAR  LETTER. REPLY  OF    NEWTON. LOYALTY  TO' 

THE    UNITED    STATES. FIRST    ELECTIONS    IN    NE"SVTON. 

We  have  seen  that  in  revolutioaaiy  times,  it  was  the  custom  of 
the  town,  after  the  election  of  a  Representative  to  the  Legislature, 
to  appoint  a  committee  to  draw  up  a  code  of  instructions  in  regard 
to  the  most  important  public  matters.  In  May,  1786,  the  Hon. 
Abraham  Fuller  having  been  elected  Representative,  Timothv 
Jackson,  Thomas  Hastings,  Charles  Pelham,  Dr.  John  King  and 
Colonel  Nathan  Fuller,  were  appointed  a  committee  to  report  in- 
structions. It  appears,  from  the  tenor  of  these  instructions,  that 
the  fathers  of  Newton  found  themselves  afflicted,  not  unlike  man}' 
of  their  descendants,  owing  to  a  multiplicity  of  laws.  A  very 
decided  stand  was  also  taken  by  them  against  the  estabhshment 
of  a  paper  currency.     We  quote  the  document  in  full. 

The  Ereeholders  and  other  inhabitants  of  Newton,  in  town  meeting  as- 
sembled, to  tlie  Hon.  Abraham  Fuller,  Esq.  : 
Sir, — AVe  having  chosen  you  to  represeht  us  in  the  Great  and  General 
Court  fur  the  ensuing  year,  being  sensible  of  your  ability,  do  place  the  ut- 
most confidence  in  your  zeal  and  fidelity  for  promoting  the  public  good.  We 
must  therefore  acquaint  j'ou  that  we  labor  under  some  grievances,  which  we 
have  good  right  to  expect,  upon  properly  representing  thera  to  the  Honorable 
General  Court,  may  and  will  be  removed.  We  find  by  experience,  and  dare 
say  it  is  the  case  with  every  citizen  of  the  Commonwealth  who  has  occasion 
to  appeal  to  the  laws  of  the  land,  that  we  cannot  obtain  justice,  freely,  with- 
out being  obliged  to  purchase  it,  completely  and  without  any  denial,  promptly 
and  without  delay,  as  the  Constitution  provides.  One  great  cause  of  this  de- 
ficiency, we  apprehend  to  be,  the  multiplicity  and  ambiguity  of  our  laws  and 
their  being  blended  with  the  British  codes,  whereby  it  becomes  impossible 
for  the  people,  in  general,  to  understand  them,  or  to  form  from  them  a  rul* 
of  conduct. 

386 


INSTRUCTIONS  TO  THE  REPRESENTATIVE.  387 

Another  cause  is  the  great  number  of  actions  brought  to  each  Court ;  from 
these,  together  with  the  pernicious  practice  of  many  of  our  lawyers,  we 
judge,  in  great  measure,  arise  delays,  frequent  appeals,  protraction  of  judg- 
ment, loss  of  time  and  travel  in  attendance,  and  intolerable  expenses  on  law 
suits ;  all  which  we  esteem  very  great  grievances ;  so  that,  unless  it  be  a 
considerable  sum  in  dispute,  it  is  better  to  lose  it,  than  to  seek  a  recover}^  of 
it  at  law. 

All  which,  we  humbly  conceive,  may  be  remedied,  or  greatly  alleviated, 
by  the  following,  or  some  similar  mode, —  viz.,  1.  By  a  revision  of  the  laws, 
reducing  their  bulk,  expressing  them  in  the  most  plain  and  easy  terms,  and 
rendering  them  agreeable  to  our  republican  government.  Then,  let  there  be 
in  each  town  a  court  of  record,  consisting  of  three  or  five  persons,  drawn  at 
proper  periods  out  of  a  box,  as  jurors  are  now  drawn,  to  which  all  civil  ac- 
tions shall  be  brought,  the  defendant  to  lodge  his  plea  a  sufficient  time  before 
the  sitting  of  the  court,  or  be  defaulted ;  the  town  clerk  to  grant  writs  and 
summonses,  make  up  judgments,  give  out  executions  and  keep  the  records; 
let  there  be  an  appeal  from  this  court  to  the  Supreme  Court  of  judicature. 

2.  In  cases  where  dispute  arises  between  persons,  and  they  agree  to  leave 
it  to  arbitration,  as  has  been  usual  heretofore,  and  specify  that  agreement  in 
writing,  the  award  of  such  arbitrators  to  be  final,  and  execution  to  be  issued 
by  the  town  clerk. 

With  great  regret  we  receive  the  idea  of  a  paper  currency  being  estab- 
lished ;  having  long  and  often  observed  and  felt  the  natural  evil  tendency  of 
it  to  the  ruin  of  many  people, —  widows  and  orphans  especially, —  that  we 
cannot  but  heartily  deprecate  it. 

We  think  it  would  answer  a  salutary  purpose  that  the  yeas  and  nays  in  tlie 
Honorable  House  of  Representatives,  on  every  important  transaction,  might 
be  published. 

Now,  Sir,  we  must  and  do  desire  and  expect  your  full  aid  and  assistance 
in  all  these  matters,  and  that  you  do  exert  your  utmost  ability,  and  use  your 
influence  in  the  Honorable  House  of  Representatives,  for  obtaining  such  law 
or  laws  as  shall  redress  or  remove  the  grievances  afore  recited,  in  the  way 
herein  proposed,  or  any  other  that  may  answer  the  purpose  as  well.  Also, 
in  case  a  paper  currency  should  be  proposed,  that  j'ou  do  what  in  you  lies  to 
prevent  its  taking  place,  and  that  you  promote  the  jiublishing  the  yeas  and 
nays  of  the  House,  as  before  mentioned. 

Further,  that  you  use  your  influence  to  prevent  the  importation  and  con- 
sumption of  many  articles  of  luxury  among  us,  which  we  view  as  a  very 
great  grievance. 

The  above  instructions  to  the  Representative  of  the  town  "were 
designed  to  mitigate  some  of  the  most  prominent  e^nls  under  which 
the  people  were  suffering,  from  the  exhausting  effects  of  an  eight 
years'  war,  during  whicli  the  country  had  been  drained  by  taxation  ; 
public  credit  was  nearly  extinct ;  trade  and  manufactures  lan- 
guished ;  paper  money  was  depreciated,  and  well  nigh  worthless  ; 


388  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

and,  meanwhile,  oppressive  debts  rested  on  the  nation,  the  com- 
monwealth, the  town,  and  on  the  individual  citizens. 
Mr.  Lincoln,  in  his  "  History  of  "Worcester,"  says, — 

The  first  reviving  efforts  of  commerce  overstocked  the  markets  with  foreign 
luxuries  and  superfluities,  sold  to  many  who  trusted  to  the  future  to  supply 
the  means  of  payment.  The  temporary  Act  of  1772,  making  property  a 
tender  in  discharge  of  pecuniary  contracts,  instead  of  the  designed  remedial 
effect,  enhanced  the  evils  of  general  insolvency,  by  postponing  collections. 
The  outstanding  demands  of  the  Royalist  refugees,  who  had  been  driven  from 
large  estates  and  extensive  business,  enforced  with  no  lenient  forbearance, 
came  in  to  increase  the  embarrassments  of  the  deferred  pay-day.  At  length, 
a  flood  of  suits  broke  out. 

In  1784,  more  than  two  thousand  actions  were  entered  in  the  county  of 
"Worcester,  then  having  a  population  of  less  than  fifty  thousand.  In  1785, 
seventeen  hundred  actions  were  entered  in  the  same  county.  Lands  and 
goods  were  seized,  and  sacrificed  on  sale,  when  the  general  difficulties  drove 
away  purchasers.  Amid  the  universal  distress,  inflammatory  publications, 
seditious  and  exciting  appeals,  were  circulated  among  the  people.  The  Con- 
stitution was  represented  as  defective,  the  administration  as  corrupt,  the  laws 
as  unequal  and  unjust. 

In  consequence  of  this  state  of  affairs,  in  the  autumn  of  1786, 
bodies  of  armed  men  interrupted  the  proceedings  of  the  count}^ 
courts  of  justice  in  several  of  the  counties  of  Massachusetts.  At 
about  the  same  time,  the  Legislature  of  New  Hampshu-e,  where  the 
same  causes  had  produced  the  same  spirit  of  disaffection,  was 
surrounded  by  an  armed  force,  which,  however,  was  finalty  dis- 
persed by  the  citizens  of  Exeter,  in  which  town  the  Legislatm-e  was 
sitting.  This  was  the  origin  of  the  rebellion  against  the  consti- 
tuted government  in  Massachusetts  in  1786,  commonly  called 
"  Shays'  Insurrection." 

Daniel  Shays  had  held  a  captain's  commission  in  the  patriot  army  during 
the  Revolution,  and  liad  been  a  brave  and  gallant  soldier.  If  not  a  native  of 
Massachusetts,  the  best  part  of  liis  life  was  spent  in  that  State ;  and  in  the 
State  of  Massachusetts  was  the  rebellion.  Shays  was  not  prominent  in  the 
first  movements  of  the  malcontents ;  but,  being  of  a  restless  disposition  and 
a  radical  turn  of  mind,  they  found  in  him  a  prompt  and  hearty  leader.  The 
rebels  were  republicans  run  mad.  They  complained  that  the  salary  of  the 
chief  officials,  and  especially  that  of  the  Governor,  was  too  high ;  that  the 
State  Senate  was  aristocratic ;  tiiat  the  lawj'crs  were  extortionate ;  that  the 
taxes  were  too  burdensome  to  be  borne,  and  that  money  was  unnecessarily 
scarce.  They  demanded  the  issue  of  paper  money  sufficient  to  meet  the 
wants  of  the  suffering  people,  and  that  this  paper  should  be  made  a  legal 
tender ;  and  they  also  demanded  that  the  General  Court  should  be  removed 


SHAYS'  REBELLION.  389 

from  Boston  to  some  place  less  aristocratic.  The  General  Court  was  con- 
vened, and  an  effort  made  to  allay  the  discontent  of  the  complainants.  With 
the  experience  of  worthless  paper  money  in  mind,  the  law-makers  would 
issue  no  more  of  it ;  but  the}"^  went  so  far  as  to  pass  an  act  whereby  certain 
arrears  of  taxes  might  be  paid  in  produce. 

But  tlie  recusants  would  not  be  satisfied.  Bodies  of  armed  men  inter- 
rupted the  sessions  of  the  courts  in  several  counties,  and  in  the  month  of 
December,  1786,  Shays  appeared,  with  a  large  force,  at  Worcester  and  at 
Springfield,  and  prevented  tlie  holding  of  courts  at  those  places.  The 
January  following,  at  the  head  of  fall  two  thousand  armed  men,  he  marched 
to  capture  the  arsenal  at  Springfield;  but  the  State  militia  had  gathered  in 
sufficient  force  to  stop  them,  and  under  command  of  General  Shepard  they 
gave  battle,  and  put  t^ie  rebellious  host  to  utter  rout.  At  the  first  fire  of  the 
State  troops,  the  insurgents  fled  in  dismay,  leaving  three  dead  and  one 
wounded,  of  their  number  upon  the  field. 

On  the  following  day  they  were  pursued  by  an  increased  force  under 
General  Lincoln,  and  nearly  two  hundred  of  them  taken  prisoners,  the 
remainder  escaping  northward.  The  prompt  action  of  the  State  authorities 
crushed  out  the  insurrection  at  once.  A  free  pardon  was.  offered  to  such  as 
would  lay  down  their  arms  and  return  to  their  allegiance,  of  which  most  of 
them  took  advantage.  Fourteen  of  the  chief  conspirators  wore  tried  and 
convicted,  and  sentenced  to  death,  but  afterwards  pardoned.  Daniel  Shays 
removed  to  Sparta,  N.  Y.,  where  he  died  at  an  advanced  age,  September  29, 
1825.  And  that  was  "  Shays'  rebellion."  The  following  anecdote  in  connec- 
tion therewith  is  worth  relating : 

Late  at  night,  after  the  repulse  of  the  insurgents  at  Ordnance  Hill,  in  their 
advance  upon  the  arsenal.  Shays  sent  a  flag  of  truce  to  General  Shepard, 
requesting  that  the  bodies  of  five  of  his  men  who  had  been  killed  in  the  late 
engagement  should  be  sent  to  him.  The  officer  who  met  the  flag,  and  who 
presented  the  case  to  his  commander,  returned  to  the  messenger  as  follows  : 
"Present  Captain  Shepard's  compliments  to  Captain  Shays,  and  inform  him 
that  at  this  time  he  cannot  furnish  him  with  five  dead  rebels,  he  having  no 
more  than  four,  and  one  of  those  not  quite  dead ;  but  if  Captain  Shays  will 
please  to  attack  him  again.  General  Shepard  will  engage  to  furnish  him  with 
as  many  dead  as  ho  shall  desire." 

This  movement  of  the  persons  disaffected  towards  the  govern- 
ment was  brought  before  the  town  of  Newton  by  a  circular  letter 
addressed  to  the  Selectmen,  dated  June  29,  1786,  signed  by  Capt. 
John  Nutting,  of  Pepperell,  as  chairman  of  a  committee  from  the 
towns  of  Groton,  Pepperell,  Shirley,  Townsend  and  Ashb}-,  invit- 
ing the  town  to  choose  a  committee  to  attend  a  Convention  to  be 
held  at  Concord,  August  21,  1786,  to  consult  on  matters  of  public 
grievances  and  embarrassments,  and  devise  a  remedj-  therefor. 
Whereupon  the  town  voted  not  to  join  in  the  proposed  Convention, 
—  right  loyal  then,  as  ever,  both  before  and  since,  to  the  cousti- 


;j<JO  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

tuted  authorities, —  and  chose  a  committee  to  repl}'  to  Captain 
Nutting's  letter,  of  which  committee  Colonel  William  HuU  was 
chairman. 

On  the  twenty-first  of  August,  an  answer  to  Captain  Nutting's 
letter  was  drafted  and  read  to  the  town.  "  Then  the  town  voted 
that  the  Selectmen  send  the  said  draft  to  Mr.  John  Nutting,  afore- 
said, and  that  Colonel  William  Hull  prepare  a  copy  of  the  said 
draft  to  be  printed,  and  that  the  said  draft  be  inclosed  in  the  Town 
Records."     The  letter  is  as  follows  : 

Newton,  August  21,  1786. 
To  Captain  John  Nutting,  Cliairman  of  a  Committee  from  the  several  towns 
of  Groton,  Pepperell,  Sliirley,  Townsend  and  Ashby  : 

SiK, —  In  consequence  of  your  letter  of  tlie  29th  June  last,  tliis  town  has 
been  legally  assembled  for  the  purpose  of  considering  its  contents.  After 
deliberately  attending  to  the  subject,  they  have  declined  your  invitation  of 
choosing  a  committee  to  attend  the  proposed  Convention  at  Concord,  and 
have  instructed  us  to  communicate  to  you  the  following  answer. 

Your  letter  contains  two  propositions, —  one,  to  consult  on  matters  of  public 
grievances  and  embarrassments,  and  tlie  other  to  find  out  means  of  redress- 
ing them.  We  should  have  been  happy,  had  you  been  more  explicit  on  the 
subject,  and  pointed  out  tlie  grievances  to  which  you  alluded.  The  town 
would  have  been  able,  after  knowing  your  object,  to  have  judged  of  the 
propriety  of  the  measure.  At  present  it  appears  to  be  involved  in  uncer- 
tainty; and,  although  we  would  not  wish  to  entertain  uncharitable  sentiments 
of  any  of  our  fellow-citizens,  yet  we  are  constrained  to  observe  that  this 
transaction  has  created  suspicions  in  our  minds  rather  unfavorable  to  the 
authors. 

The  particular  circumstances  of  the  towns  assembled  at  Groton,  and  the 
particular  time  of  their  meeting  induces  us  to  fear  that  their  designs  and 
intentions  were  not  altogether  coincident  with  constitutional  government. 
We  would  ask  whether  either  of  those  towns  had  complied  witii  their  duty 
in  electing  representatives  to  the  General  Court?  AVhether  the  General 
Court  was  not  sitting  at  the  very  time  when  this  meeting  was  assembled  at 
Groton?  If  those  towns  labored  under  any  real  grievances,  why  did  they 
neglect  the  x^roper  mode  of  representing  them?  Why  did  they  not  elect 
representatives,  point  out  to  them  their  grievances,  and  instruct  them  to  use 
their  influence  in  obtaining  redress?  Have  not  the  General  Court  been  ever 
ready  to  attend  to  tlie  grievances  of  every  part  of  the  community,  when 
decently  represented?  We  conceive  they  have;  and  we  feel  a  i)ride  in  bav- 
in"- the  administration  of  our  afRiirs  in  the  hands  of  men  of  our  own  choice, 
who  can  impose  no  burdens  on  us,  but  fall  equally  on  themselves,  and  who 
annually  depend  on  us  for  their  seats  in  our  councils.  Under  the  auspices  of 
an  indulgent  Providence,  we  have  been  conducted  through  the  dangers  of  a 
lon<''  and  obstinate  war.  We  have  obtained  the  object  of  our  wishes,  and  have 
safe  arrived  to  the  haven  of  peace.     Being  totally  freed  from  the  influence 


J 


LETTER  TO  CAPT.  NUTTING.  391 

'of  any  foreign  power,  we  have  had  an  opportunity,  as  the  preamble  of  the 
Constitution  expresses  it,  of  deliberately  and  peaceabh',  without  fraud,  vio- 
lence or  surprise,  of  ■entering  into  an  original,  explicit  and  solemn  compact 
with  each  other,  and  of  forming  a  constitution  of  civil  government  for  our- 
selves and  posterity. 

By  tliis  Constitution  the  people  have  the  privilege  of  annually  electing 
every  branch  of  the  Legislature,  which  body,  being  formed,  is  abundantly 
authorized  to  remove  every  real  grievance  wliich  their  constituents  suffer; 
and  we  are  strongly  inclined  to  believe  that  had  your  grievances  been  real, 
and  such  as  in  justice  and  good  faith  ought  to  have  been  redressed,  you 
would  have  made  your  application  to  this  constitutional  authority.  We  will 
therefore,  as  you  have  left  us  in  the  iield  of  conjecture,  endeavor  to  point 
out,  from  the  best  information  we  have  been  able  to  collect,  wiiat  those  griev- 
ances are,  for  a  redress  of  which  you  have  called  the  attention  of  the  county; 
and  v/e  have  reduced  them  to  the  following  heads  : 

1st.  Public  taxes,  which  are  occasioned  by  the  public  debt ;  and,  2d.  The 
payment  of  private  debts,  wliich  result  from  private  obligations. 

As  to  public  taxes,  we  cannot  by  any  means  consider  them  as  public  griev- 
ances;—  they  are  burdens,  it  is  true,  which  bear  heavy  upon  us,  and  from 
which  we  should  be  happy  to  be  relieved,  provided  it  could  be  done  consist- 
ently with  public  faith  and  the  obligations  we  are  under  to  public  creditors  ; 
but  when  we  consider  that  we  have  voluntarily  taken  upon  ourselves  these 
burdens,  that  the  debt  we  have  contracted  is  the  price  of  our  freedom  and 
independence,  we  feel  ourselves  bound  by  every  principle  of  justice,  every 
consideration  of  policy,  and  every  tie  of  gratitude,  honorably  to  discharge 
it ; — of  justice,  because  it  is  the  duty  of  communities,  as  well  as  individuals,  to 
fulfil  those  engagements  which  they  have  voluntarily  entered  into ;  of  policy, 
because  experience  has  taught  mankind  that  honesty  is  the  best  policy,  and 
that  a  character  for  integrity  and  honor  is  as  necessary  to  the  prosperity  of  a 
community,  as  to  an  individual ;  and  because  the  wisest  man  that  ever 
appeared  on  the  theatre  of  action  has  declared  that  "  righteousness  exalteth  a 
nation,  but  sin  is  a  reproach  to  any  people;"  of  gratitude,  because  strangers 
with  whom  before  we  had  been  at  enmity,  in  the  hour  of  our  deepest  dis- 
tress most  disinterestedly  stepped  in  to  our  assistance,  furnished  us  with 
fleets  and  armies  and  every  supply  which  our  destitute  situation  required; 
and  their  efforts,  joined  to  our  own,  defeated  the  most  powerful  attempts  that 
ever  were  made  on  the  liberties  of  a  people.  By  these  means  we  have  been 
conducted  to  our  present  elevated  situation,  obtained  a  rank  among  the 
nations  of  the  world,  iwid  arrived  to  glory  and  independence;  and  because 
no  ample  provision  is  made  for  those  unfortunate  men  whom  we  dailv  see, 
when  we  consider  the  situation  of  this  unfortunate  class  of  our  fellow-citi- 
zens and  add  to  the  distressed  catalogue,  the  widows  and  orphans  of  those 
brave  patriots  whose  bones  are  scattered  over  those  fields  where  the  freedom 
and  liappiness,  we  now  enjoy,  were  acquired,  we  cannot  expect  that  Heaven 
will  continue  its  blessings  to  us,  unless  we  are  Iionest  and  grateful  to  them. 

In  the  next  place,  we  are  to  inquire  whether  fulfilling  those  engagements 
which  we  have  entered  into  with  each  other  is  a  grievance?     Is  it  a  grievance 


392  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

to  pay  those  debts  we  have  voluntarily  contracted,  and  for  which  we  have 
received  a  valuable  consideration?  Is  it  a  grievance  for  a  man,  after  having 
had  the  use  of  his  neighbor's  property,  to  return  it  to  him?  Is  it  a  grievance 
that  the  fruits  of  a  man's  industry  and  labor  arc  secured  to  him  by  the  laws 
of  the  community?  Is  it  a  grievance  that  the  idle  and  profligate  are  not  per- 
mitted to  riot  on  the  hard-earned  property  of  the  frugal  and  industrious?  Is 
it  a  grievance  that  the  courts  of  justice  are  open  to  all  ranks  and  classes  of 
people?  Is  it  a  grievance  that  the  widow  and  orphan,  the  aged  and  infirm 
can  recover  their  rights  against  those  who  are  dishonest  and  overbearing? 
Is  it  a  grievance,  Mr.  Nutting,  to  you  and  the  people  for  whom  you  appear 
to  act,  that  your  lives,  your  freedom  and  your  property  are  secured  to  you  by 
the  laws  of  your  country?  If  these  are  grievances,  the  mildest  government 
that  ever  secured  to  a  people  its  political  riglits  is  tyranny  and  oppression. 
To  impose  grievances  must  be  tyrannical,  and  if  to  compel  a  performance 
of  public  and  private  engagements  is  tyrannical,  we  confess  we  do  really 
labor  under  grievances,  and  really  believe  you  and  the  people  connected 
with  you  in  this  business  are  the  proper  characters  to  remove  them. 

We  hope,  however,  by  this  time,  you  are  convinced  of  the  impropriety  of 
your  proceedings,  and  will  desist  from  measures  which  we  conceive  to  be  un- 
necessary, if  not  unwarrantable ;  and,  instead  of  assembling  a  County  Con- 
vention, which  will  have  a  tendency  to  create  dissension  and  weaken  our 
government,  it  will  conduce  infinitely  more  to  the  public  advantage  and  our 
own  private  emolument,  peaceably  and  industriously  to  pursue  our  several 
employments,  to  practise  the  duties  of  frugality  and  economy,  and  support 
the  government  under  which  wc  live.  In  this  way  we  shall  soon  relieve  our- 
selves from  our  burdens,  and  be  happy  at  home  and  respected  abroad.  In 
this  way,  we  shall  preserve  the  liberties  we  have  acquired,  and  hand  them 
down  inviolate,  to  posterity.  By  such  conduct,  indeed,  we  shall  convince 
the  world  that  mankind  have  wisdom  and  virtue  sufficient  to  govern  them- 
selves, and  that  nothing  can  justify  the  tyranny  and  oppression  which  is  ex- 
ercised over  the  greatest  part  of  the  human  species.  But  if,  on  the  contrary, 
we  are  tumultuous  and  factious,  uneasy  and  restless  under  so  mild  a  govern- 
ment, and  dissatisfied  with  laws  we  ourselves  have  made,  we  liave  reason  to 
fear  that  anarchy  and  disorder  will  be  the  inevitable  consequence;  that  civil 
discords  will  soon  follow,  and  that  it  will  finally  end  in  tyranny  and  oppres- 
sion. And  while  we  recollect  that  more  republics  have  been  destroyed  by 
factious  men  and  factious  measures,  than  by  any  other  cause,  we  think  it  our 
duty  and  the  duty  of  every  good  citizen  to  discountenance  every  appearance 
of  the  kind,  and  to  make  every  possible  effort  to  confirm,  strengthen  and  per- 
petuate the  principles  of  our  glorious  Constitution. 

This  is  a  brave  document,  and  shows  how  much  real  statesman- 
ship existed  among  the  people  at  this  crisis.  The  citizens  of 
Newton  were  also  ready  to  march  to  the  field  in  defence  of  the 
constituted  government.  For  in  January,  1787,  two  meetings 
were  held  with  reference  to  the  existing  exigency,  at  which  a 
bounty  was  offered  by  the  town  to  every  soldier   enlisting  for  the 


CONSTITUTION  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  393 

requisite  term  of  dut}^ —  the  bounty  to  be  paid  to  the  vokinteers 
before  they  should  be  required  to  march. 

The  patriotic  spirit  of  Newton  did  not  die  out,  when  the  occa- 
sion which  had  called  it  forth  was  withdrawn.  It  was  an  ever 
living  impulse,  ready,  as  soon  as  any  new  emergency  arose,  to 
flame  forth  afresh.  Thus  we  find  under  date  of  May  14,  1798, 
the  following  action  of  the  town  : 

At  a  general  meeting  of  the  freeholders,  after  the  envoys  of  the 
United  States  had  been  denied  a  hearing  by  the  government  of 
France,  the  following  resolutions  were  adopted  : 

1.  That  the  wisdom  and  justice  of  our  National  Government,  in  their  past 
efforts  to  preserve  the  neutrality  and  independence  of  the  United  States  of 
America  meet  our  warmest  approbation. 

2.  That,  whereas  the  citizens  of  this  town  did  at  the  memorable  era  when 
the  great  question  of  independence  was  decided  by  the  American  people, 
u>iamm(nes/j/p\edgc  their  lives  and  fortunes  to  support  the  absolute  sovereignty 
tliereof,  they  now  respect  the  solemn  pledge,  and  will  exert  every  power  they 
possess  to  support  the  Constitution  and  the  Government  against  the  claims 
and  aggressions  of  any  foreign  power,  and  all  open  and  secret  enemies  to  the 
Government  and  people  of  these  United  States. 

CONSTITUTION   OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  people  of  Newton,  before  the  termination  of  the  Revolu- 
tionary war,  interested  themselves,  as  constituent  members  of  a 
free  Commonwealth,  in  the  forming  of  a  Constitution  for  the  State. 
A  State  Convention,  assembled  for  this  purpose,  agreed  upon  a  form 
of  a  Constitution  on  the  28th  of  February,  1778.  It  is  interest- 
ing to  see  what  was  the  fate  of  this  Constitution,  when  submitted 
to  the  critical  examination  of  the  citizens  of  Newton.  On  the 
ISth  of  Ma}',  1778,  a  Committee  of  Nine  was  appointed  "  to  report 
to  the  town  their  opinion  of  said  Constitution."  An  adjourned 
meeting  was  held  June  1st,  and  under  this  date  we  find  the  follow- 
ing record : 

On  the  adjournment  from  May  18th,  at  a  meeting  of  the  male  inhabitants 
of  the  town  of  Newton  who  are  free,  and  twenty-one  years  of  age,  on  the  first 
day  of  June,  1778,  the  Plan  of  the  Constitution  and  Form  of  Government 
for  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  as  proposed  by  the  Convention  February  28, 
1778,  having  been  read,  was  fully  debated;  and,  the  number  of  voters  pres- 
ent being  eighty, —  five  (u)  approved  of  said  Constitution  and  seventy-five 
(75)  disapproved  of  it. 


3y4  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

The  subject,  however,  was  not  finally'  dismissed  ;  foi'  a  year  later. 
Ma}'  17,  1779,  the  Representative  to  the  General  Court  was  in- 
structed to  vote  in  favor  of  "  calling  a  State  Convention  for  the 
sole  purpose  of  forming  a  New  Constitution." 

August  2,  1779,  this  action  of  the  town  on  the  same  subject  is 
recorded : 

After  the  i^roceedings  of  the  late  Convention  at  Concord  were  read  by 
paragraphs  to  the  town,  the  question  was  put^for  their  approbation ;  and  the 
vote  passed  in  the  affirmative. 

The  Constitution,  after  still  further  emendation,  having  been 
accepted  as  the  liasis  of  government  of  the  State,  the  citizens  of 
Xewton  held  their  first  meeting  under  it  for  the  election  of  Gov- 
ernor and  Lieutenant-Governor  of  the  State,  and  five  Senators  for 
the  county  of  Middlesex.  The  importance  of  this  meeting  and 
election,  as  the  first  after  the  framing  of  the  Constitution,  justifies 
the  copying  of  the  entire  record. 

At  a  town  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newton,  duly  warned  and  regu- 
larly assembled  on  Monday,  the  4th  day  of  September,  A.  D.  1780,  qualified 
according  to  the  new  frame  of  government  or  Constitution  to  vote  for  a  Gov- 
ernor for  the  Massachusetts  State,  Lieut.-Governor  for  said  State,  and  five 
Senators  for  the  county  of  Middlesex, —  after  receiving,  sorting  and  count- 
ing the  votes  of  the  said  inhabitants  for  the  several  officers  aforesaid, —  the 
number  of  votes  for  said  officers  are  as  follows,  viz. : 

Hon.  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  had  86  votes  to  be  Governor  of  said  State. 

Hon.  Benjamin  Lincoln,  Esq.,  had  2G  votes  ")      To  be  Lieutenant-Governor 
Hon.  Azor  Orne,  Esq.,  had  25  votes  j  for  said  State. 

Hon.  Josiah  Stone,  Esq.,  had  41  votes,  ") 

Abraham  Fuller, Esq.,  40 

Nathaniel  Goriiam,  Esq.,  40  | 

Oliver  Frescott,  Esq.,  30 

William  Stickney,  Esq.,  23 

Loammi  Baldwin,  Esq.,  15  i  ..u    o        * 

TIT     an    ™      T)     1  r-  r  the  County 

Mr.  1  liomas  Parker,  7  ^ 


For  Senators  for 


of  Middlesex. 


Hon.  Eleazer  Brooks,  Esq., 

Thomiis  Plymton,  Esq.,  2 

Samufl  Thatcher,  Esq.,  2 

Jonas  Dix,  Esq.,  1 

John  Woodward,  Esq.,  1 


Newton's  first  election  of  presidential  electors. 

December  18,  1788,  Newton  cast  its  first  vote  for  two  Electors 
of  President  and  Vice-President  of  the  United  States,  as  follows : 


CITY  HALL. 


VOTES  FOE  GOVERNOK. 


395 


Hon.  Francis  Dana,  Esq  ,  had  9  votes. 
Nathaniel  Gorham,  Esq  ,     "18     " 
Elbridgo  Gerry,  Esq.,  «'    4     «« 

Ebenezer  Bridge,  Esq.,        "    1     " 


Duncan  Ingraham, Esq.,  had  1  vote. 
John  Brooks,  Esq.,  "    1     " 

William  Hull,  Esq.,  "1     " 

Abraham  Fuller,  Esq.,         "18     " 


At  the  same  meeting,  the  citizens  brought  ia  their  votes  for  a 
representative  for  the  District  of  Middlesex,  to  serve  in  the  Fed- 
eral Government, —  as  follows  : 


Nathaniel  Gorham,  Esq., had  20  votes. 
Elbridge  Gerry,  Esq.,        "    11      " 


John  Brooks,  Esq., 
William  Hull,  Esq., 


had  11  votes. 
"      1     " 


Some  curious  revelations  as  to  the  politics  of  the  town  of  New- 
ton, and  the  interest,  or  lack  of  interest,  shown  by  the  townsmen, 
in  the  early  periods  of  the  Government  of  Massachusetts,  are  in- 
dicated by  the  annual  vote  in  Newton  for  chief  magistrate  of  the 
Commonwealth. 

The  first  town  meeting  under  the  Constitution  of  Massachusetts 
for  the  choice  of  the  first  Governor,  Lieutenant-Governor  and  five 
Senators  for  the  county  of  Middlesex  was  held,  as  stated  above, 
vSeptember  4,  1780.  The  vote  for  this  and  twenty  successive  j-ears, 
excepting  1792,  of  which  the  record  is  wanting,  is  as  follows  : 


DATE. 

CANDIDATE. 

0^ 

•  -M 

z  0 

'A> 

8G 
59 
51 
69 
oU 
4 
48 

117 
90 
79 
50 
33 
38 
40 
16 
23 
70 
55 

118 
89 

•Apposing- 
candidate. 

REMARKS. 

Sept.  1780 
April  1781 
"      1782 
"      1783 
"      1784 
"      178.5 
"      178C 
"      1787 

Jolin  Hancock, 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
James  Bowdoin, 
John  Hancock, 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Samuel  Adams, 

do. 

do. 
Increase  Sumner, 

do. 

do. 
Caleb  Strong, 

3 

23 

2 

21 

18 

31 
G7 
12 

33 

All  the  votes. 
Scattering,  4 
All  the  votes. 
Scattering,  1 
All  the  votes. 

86 
63 
51 
70 
56 
40 
51 
140 
92 

1(!0 

69 
40 
41 
40 
59 
90 
90 
63 
130 
124 

John  Hancock, 
James  Bowdoin, 
Elbridge  Gerry, 
James  Bowdoin, 
do. 

"      1788 

"      1789 

"      1790 
"      1791 
"      1793 
"      1794 
"      1795 
"      1796 
"      1797 
"      1798 
"      1799 

Scattering,  1 

do.          7 

do.          3 

All  the  votes, 

Mr.  Cushing,  12 

Scattering,  8 
do.          8 
do.        12 
do.          2 

Elbridge  Gerry, 
Increase  Sumner, 
James  Sullivan, 

"      1800 

Elbridge  Gerry, 

The  spu'it  of  politics  sometimes  ran  high ;  sometimes  it  waxed 
lukewarm.  Only  four  times,  in  these  twenty  years,  was  the  vote 
for  Governor  unanimous.     In  1785  few  cared  to  vote  at  all,  and 


396  HISTOEY  OF  NEWTON. 

their  old  favorite,  John  Hancock,  received  oul}'  four  votes  out  of 
the  forty  that  were  cast.  But  in  1787, —  the  year  of  tlie  adoption 
of  the  Federal  Constitution, —  the  interest  of  the  people  revived 
again,  and  John  Hancock  returned  to  his  place  in  the  affections 
of  the  people.  From  this  time,  again,  for  several  years,  the  towns- 
men gradually  showed  less  and  less  interest  in  their  privilege  as 
freemen  to  express  their  opinions  at  the  ballot-box,  till  1799  and 
1800,  when  the  general  excitement  again  drew  out  a  strong  vote. 
Perhaps  as  many  of  the  citizens  attended  the  town  meeting  in 
proportion  to  the  population  in  those  daj's,  as  is  ordinaril}'  the  case 
*  in  later  times.  But  there  were  fewer  exciten^nts  at  that  period, 
and  the  town  meeting  was  a  relief  from  the  monotony  of  common 
life.  The  people  had  few  topics  of  common  interest  to  discuss, 
above  the  range  of  their  ordinary  pursuits  ;  and  it  would  be  strange 
if  the}'  did  not  discuss  the  more  earnestly  the  claims  of  candidates 
for  high  offices  of  government.  It  is  strange  that  the  nomination 
of  that  grand  patriot,  Samuel  Adams,  in  1794,  did  not  call  out  a 
more  enthusiastic  vote  of  the  people  of  Newton ;  and  when  the 
name  of  Elbridge  Gerry  was  on  the  tickets,  it  is  equally  strange 
that  all  but  sixteen  voters  should  desert  Mr.  Adams  for  the  new 
candidate. 

The   contesting  parties    in  those  days  were  Federalists   and 
Republicans. 


CHAPTER  XXXn. 

STATE   OF    THE   COUNTRY. NEWTON'S    REMONSTRANCE. PRESIDENT 

Jefferson's  reply  to  the  protest  of  Cambridge. —  war 

DECLARED. GEN.   HULL's  SURRENDER. —  NAVAL  BATTLES. 

REV.  3IR.  Grafton's  prayer. —  town  action. 

The  "War  of  1812. —  At  the  commencemeut  of  the  present 
century,  the  country  was  the  victim  of  political  disturbances, 
traceable  more  or  less  to  the  disorganizing  influence  of  the  French 
revolution  and  the  events  resulting  therefrom.  These  disturb- 
ances interfered  with  the  commercial  prosperity  of  the  country-. 
Besides  this,  the  embargo  proclaimed  in  December,  1807,  followed 
by  other  hostile  measures,  culminating  in  a  declaration  of  war 
against  Great  Britain  in  June,  1812,  threw  the  people  out  of  busi- 
ness, and  reduced  many  to  absolute  want.  Real  estate  depreciated 
in  value.  Capitalists  feared  to  invest  their  money  in  the  building 
of  houses  or  stores,  and  ship-owners,  dreading  to  trust  their  prop- 
erty to  the  chances  of  spohations  on  the  sea,  allowed  then*  vessels 
to  rot  at  the  wharves.  The  mutual  dependence  of  men  in  social 
and  civil  life  is  such  that  the  calamit}''  of  one  is  the  calamitj'  of  all, 
and  the  whole  community  was  reduced  to  extremity.  In  common 
■witli  other  towns  in  Massachusetts,  Newton  was  solicited  to  send  a 
petition  to  the  President  of  the  United  States,  protesting  against 
the  embargo,  and  soliciting  its  removal.  It  was  hoped  that  a 
united  appeal  from  the  commercial  and  manufacturing  centres  of 
the  country  would  result  in  the  annulling  of  laws  whose  applica- 
tion led  only  to  the  discouragement  of  enterprise  and  the  crippling 
of  the  most  important  industries  of  the  nation.  A  good  govern- 
ment is  bound  to  listen  to  the  complaints  of  its  citizens,  and,  so 
far  as  possible,  to  aflTord  relief.  Mr.  Jefferson  was  then  President 
of  the  United  States,  and  it  is  perhaps  not  unnatural  that  French 

397 


398  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

politics  should  have  exercised  a  preponderating  influence  in  the 
councils  of  the  country. 

As  the  period  connected  with  the  war  of  1812  with  Great  Brit- 
ain drew  on,  the  Town  Records  show  that  the  citizens  of  Newton 
were  not  blind  to  the  state  of  civil  affairs ;  and  though  the  war 
was  always  unpopular  with  the  people  of  New  England,  the}' 
understood,  nevertheless,  the  exigencies  of  the  times,  and  were 
alive  to  their  duties  as  patriots  and  as  men.  They  were  read}',  as 
occasion  demanded,  to  act  by  themselves  or  to  co-operate  with 
others  for  the  welfare  of  the  country.  Nothing  escaped  their 
notice,  and  they  carefully  watched  every  measure  which  seemed 
likel}'  to  interfere  with  the  rights  of  individuals  or  the  prosperity 
of  the  State.  At  a  town  meeting  held  September  19,  1808,  we 
find  the  following  record  : 

Voted,  that  a  paper  now  in  the  hands  of  the  Selectmen,  containing  Gen- 
eral Eaton's  address  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Brimfield,  be  read  at 
this  meeting. 

Upon  the  receipt  of  a  letter  from  the  Selectmen  of  tlie  town  of  Boston 
respecting  the  sending  a  Petition  to  the  President  of  the  United  States, 
requesting  that  the  embargo  now  existing  on  commerce  might  be  raised, — 
taking  into  consideration  that,  an  answer  having  been  received  from  the 
President,  a  Petition  would  prove  useless, — 

Voted,  that  General  Ebenezer  Chenej-,  George  W.  Coffin,  Charles  Cool- 
idge,  Dr.  Ebenezer  Starr  and  John  Kenrick,  Esq., be  appointed  a  committee  to 
draw  a  Remonstrance,  to  be  forwarded  to  Congress  at  their  next  meeting, 
disapproving  of  the  embargo,  and  lay  the  same  before  the  town  for  their 
acceptance  at  the  adjournment  of  tliis  meeting  on  the  first  Monday  of 
November  next. 

The  Selectmen  were  directed  to  pubKsh  the  proceedings  of  the 
above  meeting  in  one  of  the  Boston  newspapers. 

The  Remonstrance  contemplated  in  the  preceding  item  was  pre- 
sented to  the  town  at  the  meeting  November  7,  1808,  and 
accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  recorded  in  the  Town  Book,  as 
follows : 

The  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Newton,  in  the  County  of  Middlesex  and 
Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  deeply  affected  by,  and  sensible  of  the 
evils,  resulting,  not  only  to  themselves,  but  to  the  Commonwealth  at  large 
and  all  the  Northern  States,  from  the  present  existing  laws  interdicting  the 
commerce  of  the  United  States,  at  a  period  also  when  discontent  is  manifest 
in  every  countenance,  caused  by  this  obnoxious,  impolitic  and,  we  think, 
unjustifiable  law,  passed  at  tlie  first  session  of  the  present  Congress, —  deem 
it  a  duty  they  owe  to  themselves  and  their  posterity,  at  this  alarming  crisis,. 


REMONSTRANCE.  399 

to  express  their  disapprobation  of  the  measure,  and  most  earnestly  request  its 
immediate  repeal.  Entortainini^  fears  that  a  continuance  of  these  laws  must 
inevitably  bring  on  dissension  and  breed  civil  war  within  our  country,  we 
have  judged  it  a  duty  incumbent  on  us.  as  citizens  of  a  free  and  enlightened 
republic,  to  remonstrate  against  this  measure,  tlie  constitutionality  of  which 
is  questionable ;  for,  if  to  regulate  commerce  is  to  abolish  it,  then  may  it  be 
called  constitutional.  But  we  cannot  conceive  that  an  annihilation  of  com- 
merce can  be  a  regulation  of  it;  for  if  it  be  abolished,  it  requires  no  regula- 
tion. The  only  powers  delegated  to  Congress  on  this  subject  are  contained 
in  the  eighth  and  ninth  sections  of  the  Constitution,  viz.,  "  To  regulate  com- 
merce with  foreign  nations  and  among  the  several  States,  and  with  Indian 
tribes, —  No  tax  or  duty  shall  be  laid  on  articles  exported  from  any  State ;  no 
preference  shall  be  given  by  any  regulation  of  commerce  or  revenue  to  tlie 
ports  of  one  State  over  those  of  another ;  nor  shall  vessels  bound  to  or  from 
one  State,  be  obliged  to  enter,  clear,  or  pay  duties  in  another."  By  the  fore- 
going articles,  Congress  have  assumed  the  power  to  lay  a  perpetual  or  unlim- 
ited restriction  on  commerce.  We  are  confident  that  the  Framers  of  the 
Constitution  did  not  intend  such  a  construction  of  these  articles.  But  we  find 
constructions  can  be  put  on  all  things  to  answer  political  purposes.  We 
were  zealous  advocates  for  the  adoption  of  the  Federal  Constitution,  and 
have  been  its  warm  supporters,  by  uniformly  voting  for  men  to  administer 
it,  who,  we  had  reason  to  think,  would  discharge  their  duty  with  fidelity  and 
impartiality,  and  witii  pious  care  transmit  the  Constitution,  uninfringed,  to 
tlieir  successors  ;  and  it  is  with  serious  alarm  we  find  the  spirit  of  our  Con- 
stitution so  far  violated  that  intercourse  between  the  States  is  in  any  degree 
debarred,  and  the  inhabitants  of  one  State  are  denied  the  privilege  of  sup- 
plying their  hungry  neighbors  of  another  State  with  bread,  without  a  permit 
from  a  favorite  of  the  President,  or  being  shot  by  soldiers,  who,  it  appears^ 
are  not  raised  to  defend  the  country  from  foreign  insults  and  aggressions,  but 
to  teach  real  Americans  submission  to  poverty  and  distress  by  the  power  of 
lead  and  the  point  of  the  bayonet. 

We  consider  it  the  duty  of  the  Representatives  of  the  people  to  watch  over 
and  guard  the  affairs  of  the  nation,  and  to  provide  laws  for  the  protection  of 
the  citizens.  The  inhabitants  of  Newton  do  not  conceive  it  conducive  to 
public  good  or  the  perpetuation  of  a  republican  form  of  government,  for  a 
town  or  any  corporate  'Society  to  meet,  and  approve  or  condemn  public 
measures,  till  they  are  generally  understood ;  but  as  the  embargo  has  so 
many  months  been  in  the  full  tide  of  experiment,  and  its  evils  so  sensibly 
felt,  and  its  benefits  never  have  been  seen,  silence  in  those  who  consider  that 
they  are  freemen  would  be  criminal,  and  would  no  doubt  be  construed  into  a 
blind  acquiescence  in  Presidential  infallibility.  For  many  years  past  have 
we  been  blest  with  unusual  prosperity;  our  endeavors  have  been  crowned 
with  success,  and  our  hearts  gladdened.  Even  in  the  year  seventeen  luin- 
dred  and  ninety-eight,  when  the  French  made  depredations  upon  our  com- 
merce, we  were  threatened  with  tlie  pestilence  of  war,  and  our  conuuerce 
was  in  the  most  critical  state ;  yet  a  few  ships  of  war  and  our  merchant  ships, 
allowed  to  arm,  screened  us  from  our  enemies,  and  obtained  a  treaty  which 


400  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

three  Envoys  Extraordinary  could  not  effect.  The  state  of  our  affairs  was 
equally  dark  at  that  period,  as  before  the  embargo  was  laid;  yet  commerce 
was  not  in  any  measure  prevented,  and  our  ships  sailed  with  attendant  risk 
or  tarried  at  home  by  voluntary  pleasure  of  the  owners.  Would  not  this 
kind  of  defence  have  proved  more  for  our  interest  against  the  decrees  of 
France  than  the  measures  adopted?  With  France  we  have  a  treaty, —  and 
in  open  violation  of  that  treaty,  they  have  taken  our  ships  and  confiscated 
the  property,  burnt  others  under  flimsy  pretences  upon  the  high  seas,  and 
by  express  orders  of  Bonaparte,  and  contrary  to  the  laws  of  nations,  have 
openly  declared  the  dominions  of  Great  Britain  in  a  state  of  blockade,  when 
they  have  no  armed  ships  at  libertj''  upon  the  ocean  sufficient  to  effect  the 
blockade  of  a  single  port.  In  defiance  of  all  these  and  many  other  attacks, 
we  seek  revenge  by  keeping  our  shipping  at  home,  and  build  gunboats  to 
carry  embargo  laws  into  execution ;  and  after  all,  we  are  equally  liable  to 
a  war  with  France,  with  less  means  of  protection.  We  contend  that  if 
France  insists  on  this  usage,  we  cannot  finally  avoid  a  war  with  her. 

What  are  our  causes  of  complaint  against  Britain?  They  have  refused  to 
make  a  treaty  with  us  upon  such  terras  as  we  demand.  The  attack  on  the 
Chesapeake  frigate  and  the  Orders  of  Council  are  our  principal  com- 
plaints. Can  it  be  expected  for  a  moment  that  Britain,  who  is  always  in  want 
of  her  mariners,  will  suffer  Americans  to  hold  British  sailors?  We  conceive 
not.  Their  very  existence  as  a  nation  depends  upon  their  mariners,  to  keep 
their  Navy  in  use.  We  are  confident  that  they  will  meet  our  Government  in 
any  measure  that  can  be  arranged  for  the  protection  of  native  Americans, 
and,  we  have  reason  to  believe,  have  made  proposals  to  our  Government  for 
the  express  purpose.  The  attack  on  the  Chesapeake  was  made  by  an  un- 
authorized Admiral,  and  has  been  disavowed  by  Great  Britain.  The  Orders 
of  Council,  we  consider,  as  intended  as  a  retaliation  upon  France,  and  facili- 
tated by  our  cowardice  or  tame  submission  to  the  French  decrees.  In  few 
instances,  however,  do  we  find  any  captures  founded  upon  the  Orders  of 
Council.  These  Orders  are  removed,  so  far  as  relates  to  Spain  and  Portugal, 
which  clearly  proves  that  they  were  not  intended  to  operate  against  the 
country.  With  France  and  her  allies  the}'  are  still  in  force ;  and  will  pro- 
bably continue  so,  until  the  Decrees  of  France  are  rescinded,  or  disautliorized 
by  our  Government.  Yet,  notwithstanding  our  marked  hostilities  to  Eng- 
land by  a  non -importation  Act  and  an  inland  embargo,  they  appear  willing 
to  treat  us  as  if  the  old  Treaty  was  still  in  existence. 

In  viewing  the  acts  of  our  Government  as  they  relate  to  belligerent 
nations,  we  are  ready  to  avow  our  belief  that  it  is  the  work  of  our  Adminis- 
tration to  wage  war  with  England,  in  humble  compliance  with  the  mandates 
of  Bonaparte,  and  wait  only,  for  the  purpose  of  rendering  it  popular  by  pro- 
claiming the  crimes  of  Britain  to  effect  their  wishes.  Whether  the  embargo 
was  laid  on,  to  avert  the  fierce  anger  of  the  Tyrant  of  Europe,  the  upstart 
who  aspires  at  universal  dominion,  or  to  make  Great  Britain  more  complying, 
it  does  not  appear  to  have  had  the  desired  effect,  and  its  burthens  seem  to 
rest  principally  upon  the  shoulder  of  Americans.  It  is  not  in  our  power  to 
discover  the  policy  of  cultivating  the  friendship  of  the  Emperor  of  France, 


PEESIDENT  JEFFERSON'S   LETTER.  401 

as  those  nations  who  have  tamely  submitted  to  his  will,  and  those  who  have 
resisted  his  authority  and  been  subdued  have  shared  the  same  unhappy  fate, 
and  been  deprived  of  liberty  and  property.  And  we  cannot  possibly  con- 
ceive that  it  would  be  any  real  amusement  to  a  President  of  the  United  States 
of  America  to  hunt  a  stag  in  company  with  the  old  King  of  Spain  in  a  forest 
in  France,  while  his  countrymen  at  home  were  bleeding  for  their  dearest 
rights. 

Admitting  that  Great  Britain  has  committed  real  aggressions, —  can  it  be 
wise  policy,  at  this  critical  period  of  the  world,  to  revenge  them,  or  attempt  to 
weaken  her  power,  when  it  is  owing  to  the  noble  stand  she  has  taken  that  any 
nation  now  retains  its  liberty;  and  if  the  island  of  Great  Britain  is  subdued, 
the  Emperor  Napoleon  will  be  Emperor  of  the  world,  and  every  nation  of 
the  earth  pay  him  tribute,  or  its  subjects  fall  by  the  sword. 

"We  are  not  immediately  concerned  in  navigation ;  but  as  commerce  is  the 
great  source  through  which  wo  derive  the  means  of  our  support,  as  the  arti- 
cles of  our  growth  and  manufacture  are  mostly  exported  to  a  foreign  market, 
we  are  equally  concerned  in  its  welfare  with  tliose  whose  resources  are  ship- 
ping; for,  a  diminution  in  value  of  every  article  of  our  growth,  and  an  ad- 
vance in  price  of  every  kind  of  foreign  produce  and  manufacture  leave  us  a 
scanty  reliance  on  the  bounties  of  nature  for  the  comforts  of  life.  We  al- 
ways have,  and  still  deem  it  our  duty  [to  yield  obedience]  to  the  laws  of  our 
country.  But  such  is  the  unequal  and  oppressive  operation  of  the  embargo, 
tliat  we  cannot  believe  that  any  real,  true-hearted  American  can  consider 
passive  obedience  and  non-resistance  a  virtue.  We  therefore  request  that 
Congress  will,  without  delay,  remove  this  unwelcome  and  distressing  measure. 

The  reply  of  President  Jefferson  to  the  protest  of  the  citizens 
of  the  neighboring  town  of  Cambridge  will  be  read  with  interest. 
The  original  document  is  said  to  be,  apparently,  an  autograph  of 
the  President,  and  is  preserved  in  the  office  of  the  Citj'  Clerk  of 
Cambridge. 

To  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Cambridge,  in  legal  town  meeting  assem- 
bled : 
Your  representation  and  request  were  received  on  the  8th  inst,  and  have 
been  considered  with  the  attention  due  to  every  expression  of  the  sentiments 
and  feelings  of  so  respectable  a  body  of  my  fellow-citizens.  No  person  has 
seen  with  more  concern  than  myself  the  inconveniences  brought  on  our 
country  in  general  by  the  circumstances  of  the  times  in  which  we  happen  to 
live, —  times  to  which  the  history  of  nations  presents  no  parallel.  For  years 
we  have  been  looking  as  spectators  on  our  brethren  of  Europe,  afflicted  by 
all  those  evils  which  necessarily  follow  an  abandonment  of  the  moral  rules 
which  bind  men  and  nations  together.  Connected  with  them  in  friendship 
and  commerce,  we  have  happily  so  far  kept  aloof  from  their  calamitous  con- 
flicts, by  a  steady  observance  of  justice  towards  all,  by  mucii  forbearance  and 
multiplied  sacrifices.  At  length,  however,  all  regard  to  the  rights  of  others 
having  been  thrown  aside,  the  belligerent  jjowers  have  beset  the  highway  of 
26 


402  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON.. 

commercial  intercourse  with  edicts,  which,  taken  together,  expose  our  com- 
merce and  mariners,  under  ahnost  every  destination,  a  prey  to  their  fleets  an^ 
armies.  Each  party,  indeed,  would  admit  our  commerce  with  themselves, 
with  the  view  of  associating  us  in  their  war  against  the  other.  But  we  have- 
wished  war  with  neither.  Under  these  circumstances  were  passed  the  laws  of 
which  you  complain,  by  those  delegated  to  exercise  the  powers  of  legislation! 
for  you,  with  every  sympathy  of  a  common  interest  in  exercising  them  faith- 
fully. In  reviewing  these  measures,  therefore,  we  should  advert  to  the  diffi- 
culties out  of  which  a  choice  was  of  necessity  to  be  made.  To  have  sub- 
mitted our  rightful  commerce  to  prohibitions  and  tributary  exactions  from 
others  would  have  been  to  surrender  our  independence.  To  resist  tliem  by 
arms  was  war,  without  consulting  the  state  of  things  or  the  choice  of  the  na- 
tion. Tlie  alternative  preferred  by  the  Legislature,  of  suspending  a  com^ 
merce  placed  under  such  unexampled  difficulties,  besides  saving  to  our 
citizens  their  property  and  our  mariners  to  their  country,  has  the  peculiar 
advantage  of  giving  time  to  the  belligerent  nations  to  revise  a  conduct  as- 
contrary  to  their  interests  as  it  is  to  our  rights.  "  In  the  event  of  such  peace 
or  suspension  of  hostilities  between  the  belligerent  Powers  of  Europe,  or  of 
such  a  change  in  their  measures  affecting  neutral  commerce  as  may  render 
that  of  the  United  States  sufficiently  safe  in  the  judgment  of  the  President," 
he  is  authorized  to  suspend  the  embargo.  But  no  peace  or  suspension  of 
hostilities,  no  change  of  measures  affecting  neutral  commerce,  is  known  to- 
have  taken  place.  The  Orders  of  Enghmd  and  the  Decrees  of  France  and 
Spain,  existing  at  the  date  of  tliese  laws,  are  still  unrepealed,  so  far  as  we 
know.  In  Spain,  indeed,  a  contest  for  the  Government  appears  to  have- 
arisen;  but  of  its  course  or  prospects,  we  have  no  information  on  which  pru- 
dence would  undertake  a  hasty  change  in  our  policy,  even  were  the  authority 
of  the  Executive  competent  to  such  a  decision.  You  desire  that,  in  defect 
of  such  power.  Congress  may  be  specially  convened.  It  is  unnecessary  to- 
examine  the  evidence  or  the  character  of  the  facts  which  are  supposed  to 
dictate  such  a  call ;  because  you  will  be  sensible,  on  an  attention  to  dates, 
that  tlie  legal  period  of  tlieir  meeting  is  as  early  as,  in  this  extensive  countr}', 
they  could  be  fully  convened  by  a  special  call.  I  should  with  great  willing- 
ness have  executed  the  wishes  of  the  inhabitants  of  Cambridge,  had  peace,, 
or  a  repeal  of  the  obnoxious  Edicts,  or  other  changes,  produced  the  case  im 
which  alone  the  laws  have  given  me  that  authority ;  and  so  many  motives  of 
justice  and  interest  lead  to  such  changes,  that  we  ought  continually  to  expect 
them.     But  while  these  Edicts  remain,  the  Legislature  alone  can  prescribe 

the  course  to  be  pursued. 

Tii.  Jeffersox. 
Sept.  10,  1788. 

The  appeals  to  the  President  3'ielded  no  relief.  The  General 
Court  sent  an  addi'ess  to  the  members  of  Congress,  setting  forth 
the  grievances  of  the  people  ;  but  this  produced  no  better  result. 
The  National  Government  was  cvidenth'  animated  by  a  spirit  of 
chronic  hostilit}'   to   England.     The  embargo-,    instead  of  being: 


GEN.   HULL   AT   DETROIT.  403 

removed,  was  made  more  stringent.  The  affairs  of  the  countr}- 
grew  more  and  more  desperate.  The  numerous  protests,  sent  up 
to  Congress  from  every  part  of  New  England,  were  of  no  avail. 
The  growing  trade  and  manufactures  of  the  country,  which 
demanded  a  few  years  of  peace  and  prosperity  for  their  highest 
development,  suffered  a  disastrous  suspension.  And  all  the  inter- 
ests of  the  people  drooped  under  the  sad  rebuff  of  these  j-ears  of 
loss  and  peril. 

We  cannot  tell  how  much  influence  the  remonstrance  of  the  peo- 
ple of  Newton  had  with  the  federal  government,  or  whether  it  had 
any.  We  know,  however,  that  the  embargo,  so  disastrous  in  its 
working  on  the  foreign  commerce  of  the  United  States,  was 
repealed  in  1801).  The  Americans  were  indignant  at  the  depre- 
dations on  their  commerce  perpetrated  bj'  France  and  England, 
and  the  claim,  set  up  by  the  latter,  of  the  right  to  search  American 
vessels  for  the  purpose  of  impressing  British  seamen.  On  account 
of  these  and  other  grievances,  war  was  declared  against  Great 
Britain  in  June,  1812. 

Several  of  the  .States,  and  Massachusetts  especially,  were 
averse  to  the  war.  The  anti-war  party  of  the  Eastern  States 
counted  a  minority,  on  the  decisive  vote  for  the  declaration  of 
war,  of  49  to  79  ;  and  afterwards  continued  to  protest  against  the 
measure.  In  Boston  the  flags  of  the  shipping  were  displayed  at 
half-mast,  in  token  of  mourning  on  account  of  the  declaration  of 
war.  In  the  Southern  States,  however,  the  feeling  was  the  oppo- 
site. The  main  theatres  of  the  engagements  of  this  war,  though 
not  the  only  ones,  were  the  Canadian  border,  the  northern  lakes 
and  the  ocean.  An  army  was  gathered  near  the  frontier,  of 
which  General  Dearborn  was  made  Commander-in-chief,  and  the 
list  of  commanding  officers  included  the  names  of  General  Piuck- 
ne}-,  IVIajor-General  Wilkinson,  General  Hampton,  and  General 
Hull,  of  Newton.  The  latter  was  then  Governor  of  the  territory 
of  Michigan.  About  two  or  three  weeks  after  the  declaration  of 
war,  he  collected  an  arm}-  of  upwards  of  two  thousand  troops  of 
the  line  and  militia,  and  crossed  the  line  between  the  two  coun- 
tries, as  if  he  intended  to  attack  Montreal,  at  the  same  time  pub- 
lishing a  proclamation  which  excited  the  minds  of  the  British  offi- 
cers to  a  spirit  of  resistance.  But  on  hearing  that  the  Indians 
had  attacked  his  territory  on  another  point,  and  that  the  English 
General  Brock,  at  the  head  of  a  respectable  force,  was  near  him,. 


404  HISTORY  OF  NEWTOX. 

he  determined  to  retreat.  He  was  pursued  b}''  Brock  and  besieged 
iu  Fort  Detroit ;  and  when  the  British  General  was  on  the  point 
of  attempting  an  assault,  General  Hull,  feeling  that  he  was  not 
supported  by  the  War  Department  with  an  adequate  supply  of 
troops  and  ammunition  to  enable  him  to  sustain  such  an  attack, 
surrendered,  with  his  fort  and  array. 

The  son  of  General  Hull,  Captain  Abraham  Fuller  Hull,  of  the 
ninth  United  States  regiment,  was  slain  during  this  war  in  the  battle 
of  Bridgewater,  Canada,  July  25,  1813,  aged  twentj'-eight. 

On  land,  the  advantages  of  the  first  campaign  rested  altogether 
with  the  British ;  but  not  so  on  the  sea.  About  the  time  that  Gen- 
eral Hull  surrendered  at  Detroit,  Captain  Hull,  commanding  the 
frigate  Constitution,  engaged  the  British  frigate  Guerriere,  which 
was  forced  to  surrender,  and  was  burned  by  the  captors.  On  the 
17th  of  October,  Captain  Jones,  of  the  sloop-of-war  Wasp,  cap- 
tured the  British  brig  Frolic,  after  an  engagement  of  fortj'-three 
minutes,  on  the  high  seas.  On  the  25th,  eight  days  later,  Com- 
modore Decatur,  of  the  frigate  United  States,  captured  the  Brit- 
ish frigate  Macedonian,  which  was  forced  to  surrender.  On  the 
29th  of  December,  the  Constitution,  under  Commodore  Bain- 
bridge,  obtained  a  victory  over  the  Java,  a  British  frigate  of 
thirty-eight  guns,  in  a  battle  in  which  the  captain  of  the  latter  was 
mortally  wounded.  This  action  was  fought  off  St.  Salvador, 
On  the  first  of  Januarj^,  the  commodore,  finding  his  prize  inca- 
pable of  being  brought  in,  burned  her.  During  the  winter,  the 
Hornet,  Captain  James  Lawrence,  in  an  action  of  fifteen  minutes, 
off  South  America,  conquered  the  British  sloop-of-war  Peacock. 
The  Americans,  in  the  engagements  of  the  war  hitherto,  were 
generally  conquered  on  land,  but  victors  on  the  wave.  This  was 
just  the  opposite  of  all  their  calculations.  But  from  this  circum- 
stance they  were  led  to  concentrate  theii"  efforts,  as  far  as  possi- 
ble, on  the  element  where  their  arms  had  been  victorious. 

Captain  Lawrence,  on  his  return  to  Boston,  was  promoted  to 
the  command  of  tlie  frigate  Chesapeake,  which  soon  afterwards 
had  an  engagement  off  the  Boston  Lighthouse  with  the  British 
frigate  Shannon,  in  which  the  latter  was  victorious  after  fifteen 
minutes'  firing.  In  this  engagement  Captain  Lawrence  was  mor- 
tally wounded,  and  died  while  issuing  the  heroic  order,  "Don't 
give  up  the  ship."  The  uncle  of  Mrs.  Hon.  David  H.  Mason,  of 
Newton,  William  Augustus  White,  sailing-master  of  the  Chesa- 
peake, lost  his  life  in  this  engagement.     His  age  was  twenty-six. 


PEACE  DECLARED.  405 

We  have  not  the  means  to  follow  minutely  the  events  of  the  war, 
which  distracted  the  country,  filled  the  citizens  with  apprehen- 
sions, involved  heavy  expense  and  important  losses,  and  created 
ill  feeling  among  a  people  one  in  their  interests,  but  divided  in  their 
opinions.  The  expeditions  on  the  northern  borders  and  on  the 
lakes,  the  victories  and  defeats,  the  dishonorable  annoyances  and 
needless  destructions  incident  to  such  a  period  of  disaster,  though 
the  war  was  comparatively  short,  made  a  sad  impression  on  the 
country,  never  to  be  forgotten,  and  inflicted  wounds  and  losses  not 
easy  to  be  healed.  The  destruction  of  the  capitol  at  AV  ashington 
and  other  public  buildings,  including  the  Congressional  Library 
and  all  its  treasures,  the  attacks  on  Baltimore,  Alexandria  and 
Plattsburg,  and  the  operations  of  the  invading  army  along  the 
coast  of  Maine,  belong  to  a  history  such  as,  we  trust,  will  never 
be  repeated.  Happilv,  at  the  darkest  hour,  when  a  serious  schism 
seemed  to  menace  the  union  of  the  States,  the  distresses  were 
arrested  by  the  tidings  that  a  treaty  of  peace  had  been  signed  at 
Ghent  in  December,  1814.  The  tidings,  however,  did  not  arrive 
till  after  the  battle  of  New  Orleans,  January  8,  181.5,  in  which  the 
British  army,  victorious  at  Washington,  suffered  a  severe  check, 
and  the  American  army  felt  that  their  honor  on  the  land  had  been 
redeemed.  On  the  17th  of  Februarj',  1815,  the  President  and 
Senate  ratified  the  treat}^  of  Ghent,  and  North  America,  with 
Europe,  breathed  free  again  from  the  horrors  of  war. 

Very  little  mention  is  made,  be3'ond  the  few  items  above  recorded, 
of  the  events  of  the  war  of  1812,  or  of  Newton  men  active  in  it, 
or  of  the  circumstances  leading  to  it,  in  the  Records  of  the  town. 
It  is  probable  that  the  inhabitants  patiently  and  patriotically  en- 
dured the  inconveniences,  the  self-denials,  and  the  enormous 
expense  of  living  incident  to  that  period,  and  the  apprehensions  of 
being  called  upon  to  take  an  efficient  and  bloody  part  in  the  scenes 
of  another  encounter  with  Great  Britain.  If  any  of  the  citizens 
of  the  town  entered  into  the  conflict,  they  must  have  embarked  in 
it  as  individual  volunteers  ;  and  theu'  absence  from  the  accustomed 
haunts  of  their  peaceful  usefulness  created  not  a  ripple  in  the  tide 
of  life  among  their  fellow-citizens.  To  this  period,  however, 
belongs  the  statement  that  the  name  of  General  William  Hull  has 
found  a  place  in  this  connection.  He  was  not  a  native  of  Newton, 
but  married  a  daughter  of  Judge  Fuller  in  1781,  and  owned  and 
resided  in  the  In-ick  or  western  portion  of  tlic  Nonantum  House, 


406  HISTORY  OF  NEWTOX. 

Newtou  Corner,  and  afterwards  on  the  premises  occupied,  at  a 
later  period,  by  Ex-Governor  Claflin  at  Newtonville.  His  services 
during  the  whole  Revolutionar}'  war  are  said  to  have  been  constant 
and  valuable.  At  the  commencement  of  the  war  of  1812,  he  was 
appointed  commander  of  the  northwestern  army  for  the  conquest 
of  Canada,  as  related  elsewhere.  The  same  3'ear,  having  in  an  evil 
hour  surrendered  his  arm}^  to  the  British,  he  was  tried  by  court- 
martial  for  this  act,  and  sentenced  to  be  shot ;  but  recommended  to 
the  mercj'  of  the  President,  on  account  of  his  age  and  revolution- 
ary services.  He  published  afterwards  a  defence  of  his  conduct, 
which  produced  a  favorable  impression  on  the  minds  of  many 
impartial  men.     His  life  was  spared,  but  the  stain  was  indelible. 

To  this  period  belongs  an  interesting  incident  in  the  life  of  the 
Rev.  Joseph  Grafton,  the  pastor  for  nearly  half  a  century  of  the 
First  Baptist  church  in  Newton, —  who  was  distinguished  for  his 
wonderful  gift  in  prayer.  In  those  days  it  was  customary,  on  the 
occasion  of  a  military  review,  to  draw  up  the  soldiers  into  a 
hollow  square,  and  to  have  prayers  offered  by  the  chaplain  of  the 
regiment.  The  troubles  now  threatening  between  America  and 
Great  Britain  gave  an  air  of  unwonted  solemnity  to  the  military 
pomp  and  pageantry  of  the  day.  Mr.  Grafton,  as  chaplain,  was 
called  upon  to  perform  the  usual  service.  Calm  and  self-possessed, 
he  mounted  a  gun-carriage  which  stood  near  him,  and,  placing  one 
foot  on  the  cannon,  poured  forth  such  a  strain  of  devout  supplica- 
tion as  to  astonish  and  delight  every  hearer.  His  apt  allusions  to 
the  existing  state  of  the  country  and  the  perils  into  which  her 
soldiers  might  soon  be  called,  affected  manj'  to  tears.  A  very 
profligate  and  hardened  man  who  was  present,  and  who  was  deeply 
tinctured  with  infidel  notions,  was  afterwards  heard  to  remark,  that 
"Mr.  Grafton  was  the  first  man  who  ever  drew  tears  from  his 
eyes." 

It  is  generally  supposed  that  after  a  period  of  war,  the  morals 
of  a  people  show  marks  of  decline.  The  necessities  of  such  a 
season  of  disorder  and  confusion  often  demand,  or  are  supposed 
to  demand,  labors  on  the  Sabbath  which  are  inconsistent  with  the 
sacredness  of  the  da}'  in  the  time  of  peace.  Promises  are  care- 
lessly- made  and  lightl\-  broken.  The  loose  living  of  men  in  camp, 
away  from  the  restraints  and  amenities  of  social  and  virtuous  life, 
lead  to  rudeness  of  manners  and  the  easy  violation  of  Christian 
obligation.     The  whole  comumnity  is,  to  a  certain  degree,  demor- 


TOWN   ACTION.    .  407 

•alized,  and  it  is  sometimes  long  before  a  healthy  public  sentiment  is 
re-instated.  Under  such  circumstances,  it  is  refreshing  to  find  the 
citizens  of  Newton,  immediately  after  the  war  of  1812,  passing 
resolutions  in  town  meeting,  looking  in  the  direction  of  political 
justice  and  Christian  principle. 
Under  date  of  May  9,  1814,  we  find  this  action  of  the  town  : 

Voted,  that  our  Representatives  are  hereby  requested  to  use  their  in- 
fluence to  oppose  the  passing  of  any  insolvent  law,  or  the  incorporation  of 
any  more  banks  within  this  Commonwealth. 

March  13,  1815. — Voted,  that  the  inhabitants  of  this  town  do  approve  the 
efforts  made  by  the  inhabitants  of  several  parts  of  this  Commonwealth  to 
carry  into  effect,  as  lately  recommended  by  the  Legislature  thereof,  the  laws 
which  have  been  enacted  for  the  due  observance  of  the  Christian  Sabbath, 
^nd  that  we  will  do  .all  in  our  power  to  aid  in  so  wise  a  measure. 


CHAPTER  XXXni. 

THE   FIRST  PAKISH. REV.    JONATHAN   HOMER. MEETING-HOUSE  OP 

1805. BIOGRAPHY  OP   DR.  HOMER. CHURCH  BELL. LETTERS 

OP  DR.  AND  MRS.  HOMER. REV.  MR.  BATES. MR.  BUSHNELL. 

REV.     D.     L.     FURBER. TWENTY-FIFTH     ANNIVERSARY. THIR- 
TIETH  ANNIVERSARY. — -SABBATH    SCHOOL. STATISTICS. 

The  First  Parish  church  and  congregation  having  become,  by 
general  consent,  distinct  from  the  town,  it  is  proper  that  the  resi- 
due of  its  history  should  form  a  separate  chapter  (see  p.  234). 

The  congregation  of  the  First  Parish  having  tested  so  many 
and  various  gifts,  during  the  illness  of  Mr.  Meriam  and  after  his 
decease,  it  was  felt  that  the  time  had  come  to  elect  a  pastor. 
December  18,  1780,  the  church  voted  "that  the  seventh  day  of 
February  next  be  observed  as  a  da}'  of  fasting  and  prayer,  to  seek 
direction  with  regard  to  the  resettling  of  the  gospel  among  us ; 
the  deacons  to  invite  such  of  the  neighboring  ministers  as  they 
think  proper  to  assist  in  the  services,  and  provide  for  them  enter- 
tainment." But  so  great  was  then*  deliberation,  that  it  was  not 
till  October  8th, —  eight  months  afterwards, —  that  the  church  held 
a  meeting  to  choose  a  pastor.  At  that  meeting,  Jonathan  Homer 
received  sixty-eight  votes  ;  eight  persons  signified  that  they  were 
not  read}'  for  a  choice.  Two  hundred  pounds  were  voted,  to* 
encourage  Mr.  Homer  to  settle  in  the  ministry,  one-half  in  one 
year,  and  one-half  in  two  years. 

Appointed  Deacon  Jonas  Stone,  John  Woodward,  Benjamin  Hammond 
and  Joshua  Hammond  to  inform  Mr.  Homer  of  the  votes  of  tlie  church,  and 
to  confer  with  him  about  salary. 

Voted,  one  hundred  pounds  for  his  yearly  salary,  payable  quarterly,  and 
to  procure  for  him  convenient  house-room  for  a  family  for  one  year  at  the 
cost  of  the  parish,  and  sixteen  cords  of  wood  to  be  brought  to  his  door 
annually. 

408 


MR.   HOMER'S  LETTER.  409 

To  the  call  of  the  church  Mr.  Homer  returned  the  following 
reply  : 

Newtoitt  January  4,  1782. 

To  the  church  of  Christ  and  Society  of  the  East  Parish  in  Newton : 

Brethren  beloved, — "We  all  stand  related  to  an  unalterable  eternity,  and 
tlie  grand  end  of  our  existence  on  earth  is  to  prepare  for  it. 

We  who  enjoy  the  light  of  revelation  are  favored  with  distinguishing 
means  for  the  advancement  of  our  immortal  welfore.  The  Great  Head  of 
the  church  has  not  only  given  us  the  written  word,  but  has  provided  ministers 
to  explain  and  enforce  it;  to  proclaim  the  terrors  of  the  law  against  the 
ungodly,  and  the  grace,  the  surprising  grace  of  his  gospel  to  the  chief  of 
sinners. 

Impressed,  I  trust,  with  the  sense  of  the  importance  of  the  means  of  grace, 
you  have  seen  fit,  in  God's  holy  providence,  to  choose  me  as  your  pastor,  to 
watch  over  your  souls,  to  feed,  as  far  and  as  long  as  Heaven  may  enable  me, 
the  sheep  and  the  lambs  pertaining  to  this  flock  of  the  Divine  Shepherd. 

.1  have  long  and  deeply  weighed  in  my  own  breast  the  invitation  you  have 
given  me.  I  have  repeatedly  laid  my  case  and  that  of  this  people  at  the 
throne  of  grace  for  direction.  I  have  attentively  considered  the  apparent 
language  of  Providence,  and  have  felt  a  constant  desire  to  act  as  this  should 
finallj^  dictate.  I  have  asked  the  advice  of  the  reverend  fathers  and  brethren 
in  the  ministry,  and  appealed  to  the  judgment  of  the  serious  and  judicious 
among  the  private  Christians  of  my  acquaintance.  At  length  I  feel  myself 
bound  to  accept  of  the  invitation  of  taking  the  pastoral  charge  of  this  church. 

Your  peculiar  unanimity  in  electing  me,  the  great  cordiality  of  sentiment 
in  doctrine  and  discipline  between  us,  the  diligent  and  solemn  attention  of 
this  people  to  the  public  services  of  religion,  especially  of  the  youth,  in 
which  I  have  seldom,  if  ever,  found  them  equalled  elsewhere^  and  who,  on 
account  of  the  temptations  to  reject  seriousness  of  thought  and  conduct, 
peculiarly  incident  to  their  age  of  life,  might  not  so  naturally  be  expected  to 
manifest  a  regard  for  eternity,  are  circumstances  of  my  call  which  I  cannot 
resist,  and  would  prefer  to  every  other  possible  consideration.  I  only  wish 
an  increase  of  ministerial  qualifications,  that  may  render  me  a  blessing  to 
this  i)eople,  and  capacitate  me  to  discharge  the  important  duties  of  my  office 
to  the  honor  of  religion. 

I  accept  your  offer  for  my  temporal  support,  as  voluntarily  made  by  the 
worthy  freeholders  and  other  inhabitants  of  the  first  precinct  in  Newton,  and 
hope  that  Heaven  will  excite  and  enable  you  and  me  uniformly  and  faithfully 
to  fulfil  our  various  mutual  duties. 

I  desire  the  prayers  of  God's  people,  that  I  may  have  grace  given  me  to 
prove  a  burning  and  shining  light  in  this  branch  of  the  golden  candlestick, 
and  that  I  may  have  many  as  the  seals  of  ray  ministry  and  crown  of  rejoic- 
ing in  the  day  of  my  Lord  and  Master's  appearance.  To  his  benediction  I 
commend  this  church  and  iieoplo,  resting  assured  that  if  we  are  interested  in 
him,  as  our  almighty  friend,  you  will  be  happy  and  I  shall  be  successful  in 
my  ministry.     May  the  great  Head  of  the  church  keep  us  humbly  dependent 


410  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

on  himself  for  a  blessing,  consequent  upon  the  solemn  relation  of  a  pastor 
and  his  flock ;  and  may  death  only  perfect  and  consummate  our  union  to  the 
Lamb  and  each  other,  in  the  city  which  hath  foundations,  whose  builder  and 
maker  is  God.  Commending  you  and  myself  to  the  favor  of  our  Divine  and 
holy  sovereign,  through  the  all  sufficient  merits  of  Jesus,  his  Son, 

I  remain,  dear  brethren,  your  obliged  pastor-elect  and  Avell  wisher  of  your 
souls,  Jonathan  Homer. 

The  ministiy  of  Dr.  Homer  covered  a  period  of  sixty-one 
3'ears.  He  was  sole  pastor  forty-five  5'ears,  till  November,  1827, 
and  then  had  as  colleague  Rev.  James  Bates, —  whose  ministiy 
covered  about  eleven  years  and  a  half.  The  pastoral  relation  of 
Dr.  Homer  and  Mr.  Bates  was  dissolved  the  same  day,  April  17, 
1839.  A  revival  of  rehgion  occurred  during  the  united  ministry 
of  Dr.  Homer  and  Mr.  Bates,  in  1827,  and  in  the  com'se  of  that 
3'ear  seventj'-two  were  admitted  to  the  church,  many  of  them 
heads  of  families.  A  second  season  of  special  religious  interest 
occurred  in  1831-2.  In  the  year  1832,  sixt3'-flve  were  added 
to  the  church  b}^  profession  and  eleven  by  letter, —  total,  seventj^-six. 

From  the  ordination  of  Dr.  Homer  in  February,  1782,  to  the  ordination 
of  his  colleague,  Rev.  James  Bates,  in  November,  1827, —  a  period  of  forty- 
five  years,  about  three  hundred  and  twenty  members  were  admitted  to  the 
church.  The  number  of  children  baptized  by  Dr.  Homer  from  his  ordina- 
tion in  February,  1782,  to  and  including  the  year  1800, —  a  period  of  nine- 
teen years, —  was  about  one  hundred  and  sixty-seven,  and  two  adults. 

Dr.  Homer  had  a  spiritual  field  of  less  magnitude  to  cultivate 
than  his  predecessors.  The  First  Baptist  church  was  organized 
in  1780,  and  the  West  Parish  Congregational  church  in  1781.  By 
the  second  of  these  events,  the  territory  representing  the  parish 
of  Dr.  Homer  was  seriously  diminished  in  extent.  By  the  first,  a 
new  element,  full  of  the  vigor  of  its  young  spiritual  life,  was 
planted  in  the  midst  of  the  people  who  were  properl}'  his  exclu- 
sive parochial  care.  But  new  members  were  added  to  the  church 
nearl}'  ever}-  year,  from  the  beginning  to  the  close  of  his  incum- 
bency. The  most  numerous  additions,  during  the  period  of  his 
sole  pastorship,  were  in  1782,  1783,  1803  and  1811. 

One  of  the  most  important  movements  of  the  Society,  during 
the  ministry  of  Dr.  Homer,  was  the  erection  of  the  meeting-house 
of  1805,  concerning  which  the  following  votes  appear  in  the 
Records. 


PURCHASERS   OF   PEWS. 


411 


.Tune  G,  1803. — Voted,  to  erect  a  new  meeting-house  in  this  place,  and 
appointed  William  Hammond,  Ebenezer  Cheney,  James  Stone,  Samuel 
Clark,  John  Rogers,  jr.,  Ebenezer  Woodward,  Jeremiah  Wiswall,  jr.,  John 
Thwing,  jr.,  and  Jonathan  Parker,  a  committee  to  prepare  estimates. 

1804r. —  Chose  the  same  committee,  adding  Ebenezer  White  and  Silas 
Fuller  thereto,  and  authorized  tiie  committee  to  borrow  money  for  the  pur- 
pose. 

October  28,  1805. —  Meeting  at  the  temporary  building  near  the  meeting- 
house. 

Voted,  that  when  the  new  meeting-house  is  completed,  the  Building  Com- 
mittee proportion  the  cost  of  the  house  on  the  pews,  at  their  discretion,  and 
bid  for  choice  at  auction ;  and  if  there  be  any  overplus,  to  liurchase  a  bell. 

The  old  church  clock,  formerly  given  by  John  Rogers,  senior,  not  being 
suitable  to  hang  in  the  new  house,  it  was  given  back  to  its  original  donor, 
■with  the  thanks  of  the  Society  for  its  many  years'  use. 

November  21,  1805. —  The  new  meeting-house  (being  the  fourth)  was 
dedicated. 

November  19. —  The  right  of  choice  among  the  pews  was  set  up  at  auction, 
the  highest  having  the  right  to  select,  paying  therefor  the  amount  of 
appraisement  and  the  amount  bid  for  choice. 

Tlie  number  sold,  the  names  of  purchasers  and  the  amount  of  appraise- 
ments were  as  follows  : 


No.  2 

Joseph  White, 

§125.  - 

No.  39 

Bela  French, 

$88.— 

3 

Ebenezer  Cheuey, 

130.— 

40 

Joshua  Park, 

4 

John  Kojiers, 

132.  50 

41 

Joseph  White, 

5 

Dea.  Samuel  Murdock, 

132.  50 

43 

John  Stone, 

6 

Jonathan  Hammond, 

130.  50 

45 

Nicholas  Thwing, 

7 

Elisha  Tliwing, 

122.  50 

40 

Ebenezer  Wiswall, 

8 

Simon  Klliot, 

117.,50 

47 

Simon  Elliot, 

9 

Willow  .Mary  Hastings, 

112.— 

48 

Timothv  Jaelvson, 

11 

Use  of  the  Ministry, 

— 

49 

Obadiali  Curtis, 

13 

Benjamin  Hammond, 

130.  — 

50 

SanuK'l  <  laik, 

14 

John  Rogers,  jr., 

132.  50 

51 

Charles  Coolidge, 

15 

Samuel  barker, 

132.  50 

52 

Joshua  Hammond, 

16 

Matthias  Collins, 

130.  — 

53 

Aaron  Luce, 

17 

Jonathan  Hunnewell, 

122.  50 

54 

John  Thwing,  jr.. 

18 

Nathan  Hastings, 

117.  50 

55 

James  Stone, 

21 

George  W.  Coffin, 

100.  — 

56 

Aaron  Cheuey, 

22 

Moses  Stone, 

100.  - 

57 

Jonathan  Parker, 

23 

Samuel  Trowbridge, 

100.— 

58 

Ebenezer  AV^oodward, 

24 

Jonathan  Cook, 

85.- 

59 

Jonathan  Homer, 

25 

Samuel  Ward, 

100.— 

CO 

John  Thwing, 

26 

Elisha  M unlock, 

97.50 

01 

Samuel  Hyde, 

27 

Joseph  Craft, 

95.- 

62 

Dea.  Jeremiah  Wiswall, 

28 

Tha- Ulcus  Whitney, 

65.— 

G3 

Robert  ISIurdock, 

2<> 

Caleb  Kenrick, 

85.— 

64 

John  Wartl, 

30 

Ebenezer  Withington, 

80.  — 

6.5 

Solomon  Child, 

31 

Obadiah  Thayer, 

103.— 

78 

Jeduthan  Sanger, 

32 

William  Hammond, 

103.— 

81 

Joshua  Hammond, 

33 

Edmund  Trowljridge, 

103.— 

82 

.Jonathan  Parker, 

34 

Elijah  Thwing, 

88.— 

88 

Charles  Coolidge, 

35 

Thaddrus  Hvde, 

103.— 

90 

James  Stone, 

36 

Eliinizir  Wiiite, 

100.  — 

91 

Ebenezer  White, 

37 

Nathan  Goodale, 

98.— 

94 

Jonathan  Hammond, 

38 

John  Dowiug, 

68.— 

96 

Jeremiah  Wiswall. 

412  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Thirty  pews  were  unsold.  The  choice-money  amounted  to  $459.63.  The 
prime  cost  of  the  house  was  a  little  more  than  $8,100.  The  sixty-five  pews 
sold,  together  with  the  choice-money,  amounted  to  nearlj'  the  cost  of  the 
house. 

The  wood  on  the  ministerial  lot  was  sold  for  about  one  hundred  dollars,  to 
pay,  in  part,  for  the  new  meeting-house. 

The  above  notes,  from  the  manuscripts  of  the  Hon.  William 
Jackson,  present  the  name  of  the  pewholders  of  the  church  edifice 
built  in  1805,  and  which  has  long  since  passed  away.  Still  they 
have  an  interest  in  man}^  ways.  The}*  show  who  were  some  of  the 
prominent  men  of  Newton  at  that  date,  and  indicate  the  interest 
felt  l\v  them  in  the  religious  institutions  of  the  town.  They  are 
an  intimation, — :  uncertain,  indeed,  and  partial,  but,  in  the  main, 
true, —  of  the  abiltj'  and  the  liberality  of  the  men  whose  memorial 
has  come  down  to  us  in  such  a  connection.  The}'  tell  us  who  cul- 
tivated these  broad  acres  three-quarters  of  a  century-  ago,  and  on 
the  Sabbath  of  rest  went  up  from  these  farms  and  dwellings  to  the 
house  of  God  in  company.  Other  honored  names,  which  are  not 
included  here,  we  are  sure  must  belong  to  the  catalogue,  though 
they  arc  not  recorded.  The  old  families  in  remote  neighbor- 
hoods, alwa3^s  full  of  public  spirit,  and  foremost  in  the  work  of 
worship,  were  not  without  their  places  in  the  house  of  God.  And 
a  complete  programme  of  the  church  edifice  of  1805  would  un- 
doubtedly place  them  among  the  most  prominent  and  zealous 
of  the  worshippers  in  the  house  of  God,  as  the}-  were  in  every  good 
word  and  work. 

The  meeting-house  of  1805  resembled  very  closel}'  the  ancient 
meeting-house  of  the  First  Parish  in  Dorchester.  The  entrance 
was  on  Centre  Street,  b}'  three  doors.  The  pulpit,  on  the  west 
end,  was  overhung  by  a  souudiug-board.  The  entrance  to  the 
pulpit  was  on  the  left,  a  closet  on  the  right.  There  were  three 
aisles,  with  a  cross  aisle  in  front  of  the  pulpit ;  six  wall  pews  on 
the  west  end  on  each  side  of  the  pulpit,  six  each  agaiust  the  north 
and  south  walls  of  the  house, —  these  being  square  pews, —  and 
two  ranges  numbering  twelve  each,  or  fort3'-eight  in  all,  on  each 
side  of  the  middle  aisle,  filling  the  body  of  the  house.  The  wall 
pews  on  the  west  end,  south  of  the  pulpit  and  beginning  at  the 
pulpit,  were  owned  or  occupied  in  order  b}'  Noah  AYorcester,  Jonas 
and  Jonathan  Stone,  Asa  "Williams,  Ephraim  Jackson,  Deacon  E. 
r.  Woodward,  Dr.  Homer's  family ;  on  the  west  end,  north  of  the 


ORDER  OF  THE  CONGREGATION.  413 

pulpit, —  beginning  at  the  second  pew, —  Ira  ^V'ales,  John  Kings- 
bury, Colonel  Brackett,  John  Cabot,  JMisses  Lovell.  The  six  wall 
pews  on  the  north  side  were  occupied  by  Josiah  Stedman,  Deacon 
"William  Jackson,  AVilUam  Brackett,  Charles  Brackett,  John  B.  II, 
Fuller  and  Joseph  Goddard ;  on  the  south  side,  E.  Davis  White, 
William  Hall,  William  Wiswall,  Captain  Samuel  Hyde,  Deacon 
Asa  Cook  and  William  Wiswall,  2d.  The  south  range  in  the  bodj' 
of  the  house,  beginning  as  before,  at  the  pulpit  end  of  the  aisle, 
Mr.  Thayer,  afterwards,  M.  S.  Rico,  Esq.,  William  and  John 
Kenrick,  Nathaniel  Trowbridge,  Elijah  Thwiug,  Thaddeus  Hyde, 
Deacon  Ebenezer  White,  Bethuel  Allen,  Moses  Craft,  Nathan 
Trowbridge,  Joseph  Crackbone,  Edward  Brooks,  one  vacanc}'. 
The  south  side  of  the  middle  aisle  showed  Dr.  Homer,  afterwards 

Joshua  Loring, Loring,  Deacon   Fuller,   Elisha  Wiswall, 

one  vacant,  Matthias  Collins,  Artemas  Ward,  Deacon  Luther 
Paul,  Heurj'  Jepson,  Edmund  Trowbridge,  Ralph  Bacon,  the 
Stove  ;  on  the  north  side  of  the  middle  aisle,  one  vacant,  John 
Pierce,  General  Ebenezer  Cheney,  one  vacant,  Thomas  Smallwood, 
William  Ladd,  John  Ward,  Joseph  Bacon,  Deacon  William  Jack- 
son, one  vacant,  Benjamin  Kingsbur}'.  In  the  parallel  range  to 
the  north,  in  the  third  pew,  Samuel  Trowbridge,  in  the  fifth.  Esquire 
Goodhue,  in  the  seventh,  Samuel  Ward,  in  the  eighth,  Ephraim 
Ward ;  the  other  pews  vacant.  On  the  north  galler}',  which  con- 
tained twelve  pews,  the  front  range  was  appropriated  to  the  young 
ladies  of  the  Newton  Female  Academy ;  the  back  range,  to  the 
pupils  of  Master  Rice's  school.  Of  the  south  gallerj-,  having  also 
twelve  pews,  divided  by  an  aisle,  we  find  no  report.  The  two 
seats  for  the  singers  were  semi-circular,  reaching  from  side  to  side. 
A  case  for  the  viol,  and  a  "  negi'o  pew,"  perched  high  up  in  the 
southeastern  corner,  completed  the  interior  of  the  house. 

The  choir  of  the  First  Parish  church,  according  to  the  memory 
of  one  who  was  a  worshipper  about  1823,  is  thus  described,  "The 
singing  seats  were  on  a  circle,  filling  the  whole  east  end  of  the 
meeting-house,  and  were  filled  with  singers.  The  choir  was  led 
at  that  time  by  Mr.  Nathaniel  Tucker,  a  very  i)opular  singer  and 
leader.  After  his  death,  Colonel  Nathaniel  Brackett  was  leader. 
Then  followed  Deacon  E.  F.  Woodward,  who  occupied  the  jjosition 
a  great  many  years." 

During  the  period  included  in  Dr.  Homer's  ministry',  the  gov- 
ernment of  the  United  States  was  consolidated,  after  the  events 


414  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

of  the  Revolution,  and  the  Constitution  adopted.  The  exciting 
period  when  French  infidelity  was  casting  its  shadows  over  the 
faith  of  multitudes  occurred  only  a  few  3'ears  after  he  began  his 
ministry.  The  foundations  of  politics  and  religion  seemed  to  be 
undermined,  and  good  and  strong  men,  in  some  instances, 
wavered.  All  the  learning  and  logic  of  the  faithful  ministers  of 
the  gospel  must  have  been  called  into  requisition  to  prevent  the 
people  from  drifting  into  universal  irreligion  and  scepticism. 
Soon  after  the  opening  of  the  present  century-,  the  orthodox  Con- 
gregational churches,  especially  in  eastern  Massachusetts,  were 
agitated  by  the  Unitarian  controvers}'.  (See  p.  255.)  Man}' 
circumstances  tended  to  thicken  the  tempest  of  ecclesiastical 
strife.  Rev.  Dr.  James  Freeman  resided  in  Newton, —  Dr. 
Homer's  friend  and  neighbor, —  whose  church  in  Boston, — King's 
chapel, —  was  the  first  in  the  vicinity  to  declare  itself  in  favor  of 
the  new  theology'.  American  tendencies  and  the  lingering  influ- 
ence of  the  half-way  covenant  s^'stem,  diverted  some  of  the 
members  from  the  faith  of  the  first  settlers  of  Massachusetts. 
The  breaking  up  and  recasting  of  ecclesiastical  parties  during  the 
first  third  of  the  nineteenth  century,  all  fell  within  the  range  of 
Dr.  Homer's  ministry.  But  his  people,  as  a  whole,  as  well  as 
Dr.  Homer  himself,  continued  to  hold  rank  with  the  orthodox 
theologians,  though  he  was  not  without  an  evident  leaning  to  the 
liberal  side.  Witness,  his  well-known  explanation  of  the  doctrine 
of  atonement, —  which  he  warped  from  the  orthodox  view  of  sub- 
stitution to  the  idea  of  ''  at-one-ment."  Witness,  also,  a  letter 
from  his  pen,  printed,  in  the  "  Supplement "  to  the  "  Comprehen- 
sive Commentary,"  in  which  he  expresses  doubt  in  reference  to 
the  doctrine  of  the  Trinity',  and  calls  in  question  the  scriptural- 
ness  of  Dr.  Watts'  Christian  doxologies. 

The  period  of  Dr.  Homer's  ministrj'  also  covered  the  distress- 
ing daj's  of  the  war  of  1812,  the  povert}'  and  fear  of  the  nation. 
the  excitement  of  expected  attack  and  of  gathering  forces,  and 
the  disaster  at  Detroit,  in  which  one  of  his  own  parishioners  was  a 
prominent  actor.  Still  later  came  the  period  of  the  separations 
in  many  of  the  Congregational  churches  in  Massachusetts  of  the 
orthodox  from  the  liberal  element ;  and  afterwards  the  revival  of 
religion,  as  a  fruit  of  which  thousands  were  admitted  to  the 
churches.  Through  the  zeal  of  his  colleague  and  Dr.  Homer's 
own  etforts,  the  church  partook  largely  of  the  blessing ;  and  among 


BIOGliAPHY   OF   DR.    HOMER.  415 

the  members  admitted,  in  these  years  of  the  miuistration  of  the 
iSpirit,  were  men  and  women  who  became  pillars  of  the  church. 

Another  event  in  the  history  of  the  First  Parish  belongs  to  the 
period  of  Dr.  Homer's  ministry.  It  was  one  hundred  and  seventy 
years  before  the  people  of  Newton  were  gathered  to  the  worship  of 
God  by  the  sound  of  the  church-going  bell.  In  the  appendix  to 
Dr.  Gannett's  Sermon  on  leaving  the  Federal  Street  Meeting- 
house in  Boston  for  the  new  church  in  Arlington  Street  (Mtirch 
Kn  l8o9),  we  find  that  the  first  church  liell  in  Newton  was  given 
to  the  First  Parish  by  the  old  Federal  Street  church  (Dr.  Chan- 
ning's)  in  December,  1810.     The  following  is  the  statement: 

The  bell  which  liad  for  thirty-five  years  called  the  worshippers  to  Federal 
Street,  was  displaced  by  one,  probably,  of  greater  size  or  sweeter  tone,  but 
was  not  allowed  to  relinquish  its  sacred  service.  At  a  meeting  of  the  pro- 
prietors December  3,  1810,  it  was — 

"  Voted,  that  the  bell  which  belonged  to  the  old  meeting-house  be  presented 
to  the  Society  in  Newton  under  the  pastoral  care  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Homer." 

The  letter  of  the  Special  Committee  charged  with  the  duty  of  conveying 
the  gift  shows  tliat  the  proprietors  did  but  follow  an  example  by  which  they 
had  themselves  been  benefited. 

"Brethren, — Since  the  erection  of  our  new  meeting-house,  a  new  bell 
has  been  provided,  which  renders  our  old  one  useless  to  us.  This  was  given 
by  the  Brattle  Street  Society  in  1773,  when  that  Society  received  a  donation 
of  a  new  bell  from  the  late  Governor  Hancock.  We  are  unwilling  that  that 
which  had  so  long  been  the  monitor  for  Christian  worship  should  now  be  de- 
voted to  any  other  use ;  and,  having  learned  that  you  are  destitute  of  a  bell 
for  your  meeting-house,  we  are  induced  to  hope  that  this  may  be  acceptable 
to  you;  and  we  desire  you  to  receive  it  as  a  testimony  of  our  Christian  fel- 
lowship and  brotherly  love." 

A  reply  was  received  "  expressive  of  the  warmest  gratitude  for  this  bene- 
faction, the  value  of  which  is  greatly  enhanced  by  the  sentiment  you  express 
in  tlie  conclusion  of  your  letter  accompanying  the  bell.  You  desire  us  to  re- 
ceive it  as  a  testimony  of  your  Christian  fellowship  and  brotherly  love ; — 
which  sentiment  we  do  most  sincerely  reciprocate,  and  beg  you  to  accept  our 
best  wishes  for  prosperity  and  happiness  individually  and  as  a  Christian 
Society." 

Dk.  Jonathan  Homer  was  born  in  Boston,  April  15,  1759.  He 
was  the  son  of  Michael  Homer,  jr. ,  grandson  of  INIichael  Homer, 
sen.,  and  great-great-grandson  of  Captain  John  Homer,  who  was 
boru  in  Warwick,  west  of  England,  in  1647.  This  John  Homer 
was  a   mariner,  and  captain  and  part   owner   of  a  ship   trading 


416  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

between  London  and  Boston  ;  he  married  in  Boston,  had  six  sons 
and  three  daugliters,  and  died  in  Boston,  November  1,  1717,  aged 
sevent}^  Dr.  Homer  graduated  at  Harvard  University  in  1777, 
at  the  age  of  eighteen.  He  was  a  member  of  the  same  class  with 
Judge  Dawes,  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Massachusetts  ;  Dr.  James 
Freeman,  his  brother-in-law,  pastor  of  King's  chapel  in  Boston ; 
Hon.  Rufus  King,  senator  of  the  United  States  and  Minister  to 
the  Court  of  St.  James ;  Rev.  SethPayson,  D.  D.,  of  Rindge,  N. 
H.,  father  of  the  celebrated  Dr.  Edward  Payson,  of  Portland, 
Me.,  and  Rev.  Eliphalet  Porter,  D.  D.,  of  Roxbury.  He  received 
the  honorary  degree  of  Doctor  of  Divinity  from  Brown  University 
in  1826.  He  was  ordained  pastor  of  the  church  in  Newton, 
February  13,  1782.  On  the  occasion  of  the  ordination,  the  Council 
met  at  the  house  of  Mrs.  Hannah  Gibbs,  afterwards  owned  by  the 
late  Marshall  S.  Rice,  Esq.  At  the  services  in  the  meeting-house, 
the  church  publicly  testifying  the  renewal  of  their  call  and  the 
pastor-elect  renewing  his  acceptance  of  it,  Mr.  Eckley,  of  Bos- 
ton, prayed ;  then  Mr.  Jackson,  of  Brooldiue,  preached  from 
Isaiah  VI :  5-8  ;  afterwards  Mr.  Eliot,  of  Watertown,  prayed ; 
Mr.  Woodward,  of  Weston,  the  Moderator  of  the  Council,  prayed 
and  gave  the  charge  ;  and  Mr.  Greenough,  of  West  Newton,  gave 
the  hand  of  fellowship. 

Dr.  Homer  married  Anna,  daughter  of  Obadiah  Curtis,  of  Bos- 
ton, who  died  September  4,  1824.  His  only  child,  Jonathan 
Homer,  died  September  7,  1804,  aged  twenty-one.  Dr.  Homer 
died  August  11,  1843,  in  the  eighty-fifth  year  of  his  age  and  the 
sixty-second  of  his  ministr}-.  At  the  funeral  exercises,  held  on  the 
following  Sabbath,  an  appropriate  sermon  was  delivered  by  Rev. 
John  Codman,  D.  D.,  of  Dorchester,  from  Luke  II:  29,  30 ;  and 
the  several  congregations  in  the  town  gave  up  their  usual  worship, 
for  the  purpose  of  attending  the  services  and  doing  honor  to  his 
memory. 

Rev.  Mr,  Bushnell  says  of  him, — 

Dr.  Homer  excelled  in  conversation.     His  thoughts  were  not  profound,  but 

he  always  made  his  visits  agreeable  to  his  people He  read  Hebrew, 

Greek  and  Latin,  and,  after  he  was  sixty  years  old,  learned  to  read  the  Spanish 
language.  He  had  a  rare  and  valuable  library.  Some  of  liis  books,  especially 
those  relating  to  translations  and  translators  of  the  Bible,  were  obtained  witli 
great  pains-taking  and  expense.  All  the  English  translations  of  the  Scrip- 
tures that  had  been  made  up  to  the  date  of  his  death  were  in  his  possession. 


ESTIMATE   OF   DR.    HOMER.  417 

Hence  his  knowledge  in  regard  to  the  English  versions  of  the  Bible  was  more 
extensive  and  more  accurate  than  that  of  any  other  person  in  the  vicinity. 

Dr.  Farber  says, — 

Erom  the  year  1824  and  onward,  Dr.  Homer  was  for  many  years  engaged 
in  an  unwearied  and  enthusiastic  study  of  the  principal  English  translations 
of  the  Bible.  His  aim  was  to  improve  the  text  of  the  common  version.  This 
he  critically  compared  with  the  text  of  Tyndale,  Coverdale,  Rogers,  the 
Cranmer  Bible,  the  Geneva  Bible,  the  Bishops'  Bible,  and  with  the  Hebrew 
and  Greek  originals.  It  was  his  intention  to  publish  a  history  of  the  Eng- 
lish versions  of  the  Bible,  from  that  of  Wycliffe  to  that  of  1611.  He  was 
eminently  qualified  for  such  an  undertaking.  The  late  iirofessor,  B.  B. 
Edwards,  of  Andover,  speaks  of  the  "long  and  indefatigable  attention" 
Avhich  Dr.  Homer  had  given  to  this  subject;  and  adds,  "He  is  more  inti- 
mately acquainted  with  it  than  any  other  individual  in  the  country." 

During  the  process  of  preparing  the  "  Comprehensive  Com- 
mentary" for  publication,  Dr.  Jenks  is  said  to  have  been  in  fre- 
quent consultation  with  Dr.  Homer.  His  notes  on  the  variations 
of  different  versions  were  never  reduced  to  order.  They  were 
left  by  him  in  a  scattered  state,  mostly  on  the  margins  of  his 
books  ;  and  his  researches  and  attainments  in  this  department  of 
sacred  literature  will  never  be  given  to  the  world. 

Mr.  Bushnell  writes  of  him, — 

Dr.  Homer  is  said  to  have  been,  in  early  and  middle  life,  quite  a  popular 
speaker.     I  think  he  spoke,  usually,  extemporaneously.     I  never  saw  any 

manuscript  sermon  of  his He  was  called  to  the  Old  South  church  in 

Boston,  and  also  to  the  church  in  AVoburn,  in  his  youth.     And,  with  those 

two  calls  before  liim,  he  received  and  accepted  the  call  to  Newton Dr. 

Homer  was  liberal  in  his  theology.  Intimate  as  he  was  with  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Pierce,  of  Brookline,  and  Rev.  Dr.  Freeman,  of  King's  chapel,  his  brother- 
in-law,  it  is  not  strange  that  his  opinions  should  have  been  influenced  by 
them.  But  he  was  intimate  also  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Grafton,  Rev.  Dr.  Cod- 
man  and  Rev.  Mr.  Greenough,  and  it  is  perhaps  due  to  their  influence, 
under  God,  that  Dr.  Homer  adhered  to  the  ancient  faith  of  the  churches  of 
New  England. 

Another  writer  says  of  him, — 

The  venerable  Dr.  Homer  was  a  character  in  Newton,  and  held  a  promi- 
nent position  as  pastor  of  the  Congregational  church.  For  many  years,  he 
was  the  dear  friend  of  General  Hull's  family,  rejoicing  with  them  at  their 
weddings  and  festivals,  and  mourning  with  them  in  the  time  of  trouble  and 
disaster.  Mrs.  Hull  felt  a  great  interest  in  the  Doctor  and  his  church.  She 
once  gave  a  Genoa-velvet  gown  for  a  pall-cover,  it  was  used  for  that  purpose 
many  years.  She  also  had  the  venerable  Doctor's  portrait  painted,  taken  in 
27 


418  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

band  and  gown.  As  was  the  custom  of  his  time,  he  wore  black  cotton  gloves 
in  the  pulpit,  which,  being  always  an  inch  or  more  too  long  in  the  fingers, 
used  to  cause  the  younger  part  of  the  congregation  to  smile  audibly  to  see 
the  playful  way  they  had  of  wagging  at  them,  even  in  the  most  impressive 
passages  of  his  sermons,  whicli  were  often  long  and  doctrinal,  reaching  to- 
"Tenthly."  The  Doctor  was  a  very  absent-minded  man,  and  his  wife 
Nancy,  "  my  dear  Mrs.  Homer,"  as  he  called  her,  was  constantly  expecting 
some  odd  event  to  occur  from  his  eccentric  ways. 

Dr.  Homer  enjoyed  unusual  health  during  the  whole  period  of 
his  protracted  ministry.  For  thirty-five  j^ears,  he  was  never  out  of 
his  pulpit  in  consequence  of  sickness.  He  was  a  great  walker, 
and  went  everywltere,  if  the  distance  was  not  unreasonably  long, 
on  foot. 

Dr.  Homer  was  very  scrupulous  in  the  performance  of  his  offi- 
cial duties.  The  following  instance  seems  almost  incredible.  At 
the  funeral  service  of  General  Hull,  having  accidentally  omitted 
to  mention  in  his  prayer  one  of  the  relatives  of  the  famil}^,  he 
prayed  a  second  time,  lest  he  should  be  deemed  guilty  of  a  failure 
in  duty,  or  give  occasion  for  grief  or  offence. 

"Laugh  as  much  as  you  will,"  once  said  Father  Greenough  to  a  few 
friends,  who  were  smiling  at  some  of  his  peculiarities,  "there  is  no  man  among 
us  who  carries  with  him  the  spirit  of  the  Gospel  from  Monday  morning  to- 
Saturday  night,  better  than  brother  Homer.  He  has  always  been  a  friend  to 
the  poor.  To  them  his  house  is  always  open  ;  and  of  orphans  and  homeless 
children,  more  than  thirty  have  been  taken  to  his  house,  fed  and  clothed, 
until  he  could  find  places  where  they  could  be  properly  cared  for." 

He  was  distinguished  by  his  kindness  of  heart.  It  is  reported 
of  him  that  he  once  stopped  his  chaise,  as  he  was  travelling  on  a 
hot  summer  day,  to  remove  a  toad,  which  he  saw  burrowing  in  the 
sand,  into  a  shadj^  retreat.  And  it  is  an  illustration  of  his 
thoughtless  eccentricit}',  that  he  onl}^  removed  the  toad  to  the 
shade  of  his  own  carriage,  and  then  rode  on,  satisfied,  without 
observing  his  mistake. 

An  excellent  autobiographical  portraiture  of  Dr.  Homer,  in  his 
social  qualities  and  religious  spirit,  is  obtained  through  a  letter 
addressed  by  him  to  a  young  relative,  who,  at  the  date  of  the  let- 
ter, was  a  student  in  Harvard  University.  The  3'oung  man  was  a 
son  of  George  Homer,  Esq.,  of  Boston,  the  latter  being  an  own 
cousin  of  Dr.  Homer.  The  young  man  was  in  declining  health, 
and  died,  soon  afterwards,  of  consumption.     A  letter  from  Mrs.. 


LETTER   OF   DR.    HOMER.  419 

Dr.  Homer,  of  a  date  one  month  later,  addressed  to  the  same 
individnal,  also  exhibits,  in  a  most  attractive  light,  her  amiable 
and  pious  spirit.  Dr.  Homer  used  to  speak  of  his  wife,  many 
years  after  her  decease,  as  "a  very  angel,  about  his  house." 
These  letters  were  obtained  from  a  relative  of  George  Homer, 
Esq.     They  have  never  before  been  printed. 

LETTER   FROM  REV.  MR.  HOMER  TO    GEORGE    HOMER,  JR.,  OF    BOSTON. 

Newton,  Feb.  11,  1811. 
My  dear  young  kinsman  : 

I  have  but  lately  learnt,  that  you  were  seriously  unwell,  and  that  your  in- 
disposition increased  rather  than  abated.  I  most  ardently  wish  that  your 
health  may  be  re-established,  and  that  your  parents  may  long  rejoice  in  your 
society.  Btit  whatever  may  be  the  ultimate  determination  of  Heaven  re- 
specting your  life,  it  will  be  of  no  disservice  to  you  to  improve  your  present 
seclusion  from  the  world,  to  seek  and  establish  your  immortal  interests. 

I  also  once  had  as  you  well  know,  an  only  son,  who  was  also  my  only  child. 
When  his  complaints  were  serious,  I  was  principally  solicitous  that  he  should 
be  a  real  and  habitual  Christian.  I  knew,  I  said  to  him,  that  in  this  case, 
the  issue,  whatever  it  were,  would  be  the  promotion  of  his  best  good.  I 
wished  for  evidence  of  that  tliorough  conversion  from  sin  to  holiness,  from 
the  world  to  God,  which  is  effected  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  accompanying  the  truth 
on  the  heart  of  the  regenerate.  I  wished  for  evidence  that  he  "knew  the 
plague  of  his  own  heart;"  that  he  understood  the  law  of  Heaven  to  be  holy, 
just,  and  good;  that  he  was  liable  to  the  penalties  of  this  law,  violated  by  the 
most  virtuous  ;  that  his  salvation  rested  on  sovereign,  unmerited  mercy,  and 
must  be  effected  by  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  only  hope  of  a  penitent  sinner 
towards  God.  I  wished  him  to  call  on  the  Lord  in  humble,  fervent  prayer, 
commending  his  soul  and  body  to  that  infinite  grace,  which  had  provided  a 
ransom  for  lost  sinners.  I  wished  liim  to  behold  and  trust  in  the  Redeemer 
as  "the  end  of  the  law  for  righteousness  to  every  believer,"  through  whose 
obedience  unto  death  and  perfect  sacrifice  he  might  be  justified  at  the  divine 
tribunal.  I  wished  him  to  see  the  evil  nature,  as  well  as  bitter  consequences 
of  sin,  in  thought  as  well  as  word  and  deed,  and  the  beauty  of  holiness, 
strict,  evangelic  holiness.  I  wished  him  to  seek  salvation  from  sin  as  well 
as  misery,  and  to  desire  heaven  as  a  region  of  purity  as  well  as  felicity.  I 
think  I  have  reason  to  hope  that  this  my  wish  and  prayer  were  granted.  The 
hope  of  this  has  frequently  soothed  his  mother  and  me. 

I  believe,  tliat  your  affectionate,  anxious  parents  cherish  the  same  ardent 
wish  for  you.  You  and  they  have  great  reason  of  thankfulness  for  your  pre- 
servation from  gross  vice,  and  that  you  have  exhibited  a  winning  deportment. 
Much  of  filial  piety  has  adorned  you.  But  you  will  not  view  me  censorious 
for  addressing  you  as  a  sinner,  who  is  dependent  on  Him,  who  "will  have 
mercy  on  Avhom  he  will  have  mercy." — "  We  have  all  sinned,"  yet  there  is 
hope.  Each  one  best  knows  his  advantages  and  obligations,  the  light  and 
love  against  which  his  sins  have  been  committed.     I  have  heard,  on  many 


420  HISTORY   OF  NEWTON. 

occasions,  the  most  humble  and  solf-abasing  language  from  the  purest  char^ 
acters.  There  is  no  danger  of  humbling  ourselves  too  greatly  before  God, 
if  we  do  not  desjmir  of  his  mercy.  "Humble  yourself  under  the  mighty 
hand  of  God,  that  he  may  exalt  you  in  due  time  ;  casting  all  your  care  upon 
him;  for  he  careth  for  you."  Peter  I,  5,  6,  7.  Remember  that  the  Saviour 
hath  come  to  "  heal  the  broken-hearted."  If,  upon  examination,  you  approve, 
you  love  his  character  and  redemption,  you  are  willing  to  be  saved  by  him  and 
through  him,  he  will  love  and  save  you.  "Him  who  cometh  unto  me,"  hath 
ho  said,  "I  will  in  no  wise  cast  out."  "  Whosoever  will,"  hath  been  his  in- 
vitation, since  his  ascension  and  glorification,  "let  him  take  the  water  of  life 

FREELY." 

May  he  be  precious  to  you.  May  you  "  believe  and  rejoice  in  him  with 
joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory."  Living  or  dying,  mj'^  dear  young  friend, 
may  you  be  the  Lord's.  May  your  parents  yield  you  to  the  disposal  of  their 
and  your  infinitely  wise  and  beneficent  Proprietor.  May  your  dear  sisters 
learn  the  lesson  of  salvation  froiu  you  and  your  history.  May  they  all,  and 
you  and  we,  meet  and  mingle  at  length  around  the  throne  of  the  Redeemer, 
"  see  him  as  he  is,"  and  be  like  him,  serve  him  with  his  servants,  and  tune 
our  harps  to  his  eternal  praise, — is  the  wish  and  prayer,  of,  yours  afiection- 
ately, 

JoNA.  Homer. 

Geo.  Homer,  jr.,  Boston. 

LETTER   FROM   MRS.    ANNA   HOMER,    WIFE   OF   REV.    MR.    HOMER, 
TO    GEORGE   HOMER,  JR. 

Newton,  March  10,  1811. 
My  dear  young  friend  : 

Your  good  mother,  when  you  were  in  tolerable  health,  requested  me  to 
write  you ;  my  affection  would  have  induced  me  to  this  ;  but  I  was  deterred  by 
the  idea  that  you  were  constantly  reading  something  so  much  better  than  my 
pen  could  furnish,  that  a  line  from  me  could  scarce  be  useful  or  acceptable. 

I  am  sincerely  afflicted  at  your  weakness ;  but  the  great  arbiter  of  life  and 
death  has,  I  trust,  wise  and  gracious  designs  in  your  sorrows.  His  word 
assures  us  that,  "He  does  not  afflict  willingly,  nor  grieve  the  children  of 
men."  I  hope  your  trials  will  issue  in  mercy.  In  this  salutary  school,  you 
may  be  brought  to  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  of  yourself.  The  latter 
seems  necessary  in  order  to  the  former. 

I  believe,  my  lovely  youn^  friend,  that  your  whole  life  has  been  as  pure 
and  free  from  stain,  as  the  life  of  any  mortal.  But  remember,  my  dear,  no 
one  on  earth  can  say,  "  I  have  made  my  heart  clean,  I  am  pure  from  my 
sin."  The  holiest  and  best  men  have  been  sensible  of  this.  They  have 
therefore  abhorred  themselves  "  and  repented  in  dust  and  ashes."  'Tis  im- 
possible we  should  have  too  humbling  a  sense  of  guilt  before  God.  It  is  the 
best  state  of  mind  a  sinner  can  be  in. — "  He  that  humbleth  himself  shall  be 
exalted."  "  To  this  man  will  I  look,  even  to  him  that  is  poor,  and  of  a  con- 
trite spirit,  to  revive  the  spirit  of  the  humble,  and  the  heart  of  the  contrite 


PUBLICATIONS  OF  DR.  HOMER.  421 

ones."  Read  the  whole  passage  in  Isaiah  57 :15.  Our  dear  Redeemer  came 
expressly  to  bind  up  the  broken-hearted,  to  proclaim  liberty  to  the  captives. 
He  came  to  "seek  and  save  those  that  are  lost."  Read  the  loth  of  Luke. 
It  is  fraught  with  encouragement.  "Be  of  good  comfort;  rise,  he  calleth 
THEE."     Do  not  wait  until  you  are  worthy,  or  till  you  are  fit. 

"  All  the  fitness  he  requires, 
Is  to  see  our  need  of  him." 

He  offers  you  salvation,  without  money  and  without  price.  Receive  it  as 
a  free  gift.  If  you  realize  the  purity  and  spirituality  of  the  Divine  law,  and 
feel  the  burden  of  sin,  hear  the  Saviour  saying,  "  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  who 
are  weary  rfnd  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest."  You  shall  be  no  loser 
by  this  visitation ;  what  is  taken  from  the  days  of  time,  shall  be  added  to  the 
years  of  eternity. 

If  you  feel  that  you  "  lack  wisdom,  ask  it  of  God,  who  giveth  to  all  men 
liberally,  and  upbraideth  not."  In  your  state  of  extreme  weakness,  dart  up' 
your  desires  frequently  to  our  gracious  Father  in  heaven,  in  short  ejacula- 
tions. I  trust  you  shall  be  "  accepted  in  the  Beloved."  I  pray  God  to  sup- 
port and  comfort  your  afflicted  parents.  May  you,  my  dear  young  friend,  so 
"believe,  as  to  enter  into  rest."  May  you  be  filled  with  joy  and  peace  in 
believing.      Farewell.     May  we  meet  in  glory. 

Anna  Homer. 
George  Homer,  jr.,  Boston. 

The  publications  of  Dr.  Homer,  so  far  as  known,  are  as  follows  : 

1.  Description  and  History  of  Newton  in  the  County  of  Middlesex.  An 
article  in  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Collections,  1798. 

2.  A  Sermon  delivered  in  Newton,  October  13,  1816,  upon  the  occasion 
of  the  decease  of  Mr.  Samuel  Hammond,  of  Brookline,  who  died  October  5, 
1816,  aged  26.     Published  by  request. 

3.  Address  to  the  Clergy  and  People  of  the  County  oj  Middlesex,  from 
the  Middlesex  Massachusetts  Auxiliary  Society,  established  June,  1817,  in 
aid  of  the  American  Society  for  Educating  Pious  Youth  for  the  Gospel  Min- 
istry.    1819. 

4.  Fourth  and  Fifth  Reports  of  the  Bible  Society  in  the  County  of  Mid- 
dlesex, Massachusetts,  April,  1819,  1820. 

6.  A  Sermon  delivered  before  the  Massachusetts  Society  for  promoting 
Christian  Knowledge,  at  their  Anniversary,  May  29,  1828. 

6.  The  Columbian  Bible.  A  large  folio  edition  of  the  Bible  for  the  pul- 
pit. Dr.  Homer  aided  the  printer  by  editorial  assistance.  A  copy  of  this 
folio  Bible  was  for  many  years  the  Pulpit  Bible  of  the  First  Parish  church. 
Probably  few  copies  of  it  are  now  in  existence. 

7.  Century  Sermon. 

8.  The  Way  of  God  vindicated,  in  a  sermon  preached  Lord's  day,  Sept. 
16,  1804, —  after  the  interment  of  his  only  child,  Jonathan  Homer,  A.  B., 
who  died  of  consumption,  September  7,  1804,  aged  21. 


422  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

The  pastoral  relatiou  between  Dr.  Homer  and  the  First  Congre- 
gational church  was  dissolved  April  17,  1839,  after  having  existed 
fifty-seven  years  and  two  months.  He  lived,  after  this,  four  years 
and  four  months,  receiving  an  annual  stipend  from  the  church  and 
societ}',  and  occasionally  performing  some  ministerial  labor. 

Dr.  Homer  sleeps  in  the  Centre  Burying  Ground,  like  the  first 
three  pastors  of  the  church,  having,  like  them,  begun  and  ended 
his  labors  in  the  ministry  here. 

The  ministry  of  Mr.  Bates,  colleague  pastor  with  Dr.  Homer 
for  twelve  3'ears,  covers  the  latter  portion  of  the  period  of  the 
ministry  of  the  senior  pastor.  The  Records  of  the  church  con- 
tain the  following  notices  in  connection  with  the  settlement  of 
Mr.  Bates.     The  church  took  the  following  action  Sept.  11,  1827  : 

At  a  meeting  of  the  brethren  of  the  First  church  in  Newton,  after  prayer 
to  God  for  direction,  and  after  discussing  the  subject  of  choosing  a  colleague 
with  the  present  pastor, —  it  was  — 

Voted  unanimously,  c^ery  member  acting, —  that  the  church  committee 
be  authorized  to  invite  Mr,  James  Bates  to  settle  over  this  church  as  colleague 
pastor,  provided  the  parish  concur  in  said  invitation. 

Attest,  Jonathan  Homer,  Pastor. 

N'e-wton,  September  17,  1827. 
Mr.  James  Bates  : 

Dear  Christian  Brother, —  We  cordially  and  joyfully  communicate  to 
you,  in  the  name  of  this  ancient  church,  the  above  unanimous  vote,  and  com- 
mend it  to  your  serious  and  prayerful  consideration,  and  offer  our  prayers  to 
God  that  you  may  be  directed  in  the  path  of  duty,  and  that  the  final  result 
may  issue  in  his  gloryi  and  the  spiritual  welfare  and  continued  harmony  of 
this  church  and  congregation.  The  church  did  also  vote  that  five  hundred 
dollars  during  the  life  of  the  present  pastor,  and  six  hundred  and  fifty  dollars 
afterwards,  be  considered  a  suitable  sum  to  otfer  for  the  support  of  a  col- 
league pastor. 

Jonathan  Homer,  "| 

Ebenezeu  White, 

William  Jackson,  \  Committee. 

Asa  Cook,  | 

Asa  Williams,        J 

The  parish  having  expressed  their  concurrence,  the  call  was 
communicated  to  Mr.  Bates,  who  returned  the  following  reply : 

Neivton,  October  9,  1827. 
To  the  First  Church  and  Parish  in  Newton : 

Kespected  Brethren  and  Friends, — Believing  that  the  Great  Head  of 
the  church  united  and  directed  you  in  inviting  me  to  settle  as  colleague  with 
your  reverend  pastor,  I  felt  obligated   to  give   the  subject  a  serious   and 


ORDINATION    OF  MR.   BATES.  423 

prayerful  attention.  It  has  been  an  oljject  of  deep  solicitude  with  me,  to 
notice  the  indications  of  Providence,  and  ascertain,  if  possible,  what  the  Lord 
would  have  mo  to  do.  For  this  purpose  I  have  endeavored  to  acknowledge 
him  in  all  my  ways,  praying  that  he  would  direct  my  paths. 

A  compliance  with  your  invitation  will,  I  am  aware,  place  me  in  a  situation 
of  awful  responsibility.  It  will  impose  upon  mo  duties  which  are  almost  over- 
wlielmin;;, —  duties  which  are  difficult  to  perform,  and  which  will  have  an 
important  bearing  on  our  present  and  eternal  welfare, — duties,  too,  which 
will  probably  be  attended  witli  momentous  and  everlasting  consequences  to 
coining  generations.  Yet  when  Providence  plainly  calls,  we  must  never 
shrink  from  the  path  of  duty,  however  difficult  and  rugged  it  may  be. 

Having  deliberated  for  some  time  upon  your  invitation,  in  its  various  bear- 
ings,—  the  proposals  and  duties  attending  it,  and  my  own  insufficiency  and 
frailty, — in  line,  having  frequently  spread  the  whole  subject  before  him  who 
controls  all  things,  and  sought  for  aid  and  direction,  I  have  concluded  it  is 
my  duty  to  accept  of  your  invitation ;  and  I  do  it  with  pleasure,  hoping  that 
my  motives  are  such  as  conscience  and  God  will  approve. 

Praying  that  this  decision  may  meet  the  approbation  of  our  heavenly 
Father, —  that  it  may  result  in  the  prosperity  and  continued  harmony  of  this 
churcli  and  society,  in  our  mutual  growth  in  grace,  in  the  salvation  of  many 
immortal  souls,  and  in  the  promotion  of  the  Redeemer's  cause, 

I  remain  yours,  in  the  bonds  of  Christian  affection, 

James  Bates. 

At  the  ordination  service,  November  H,  1827,  by  vote  of  the  Council, 
Rev.  Dr.  Holmes,  of  Cambridge,  offered  the  opening  prayer;  Rev.  Dr.  Wis- 
ner,  of  the  Old  South  church  in  Boston,  praached  the  sermon ;  Rev.  Mr. 
Greenough,  of  West  Newton,  offered  the  prayer  of  ordination ;  Rev.  Dr. 
Homer,  senior  pastor,  gave  the  charge ;  Rev.  Edward  Beecher,  of  Park  Street 
church,  Boston,  the  hand  of  fellowship ;  Rev.  Dr.  Codman,  of  Dorcliester, 
addressed  the  people,  and  Rev.  Dr.  Jenks,  of  the  Green  Street  church, 
Boston,  offered  the  concluding  prayer. 

Early  in  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Bates  (February,  1828),  the  Hon.  William 
Jackson  was  elected  Deacon,  and  inducted  into  office  by  solemn  ordination. 
The  Record  says  (April  11,  1828),— 

"Voted,  that  we  proceed  to  set  apart  brother  William  Jackson  as  Deacon 
by  prayer  and  the  imposition  of  hands,  according  to  apostolic  usage.  The 
two  pastors  then  set  apart  brother  Jackson  according  to  the  vote  of  the 
church.     The  senior  pastor  offered  the  consecrating  prayer." 

In  April,  1830,  a  revised  Confession  of  faith  and  covenant  was  adopted  by 
the  church.  The  original  Articles  of  Faith,  if  such  existed,  were  doubtless 
consumed  with  the  house  of  Mr.  Meriam  in  1770. 

In  April,  1770,  t\vent3'-two  daj's  after  the  fire,  the  church  united 
in  the  renewal  of  a  form  of  faith  and  covenant  in  which  all  could 
unite.  This  covenant  was  publicly  renewed,  near  the  beginning 
of  the  pastorate  of  Dr.  Homer. 


424  HISTORY  OF  NEWTOX. 

There  is  something  very  touching  and  beautiful  in  the  religious 
spirit  of  the  fathers  of  the  churcli.  Their  habit  of  recognizing 
their  obligations  to  God  stands  in  strong  contrast  with  heartless 
formalism.  In  the  daj's  of  calarait}^,  after  the  Records  of  their 
church  history  were  consumed,  and  afflictiou  had  come  upon  their 
pastor,  they  recognized  G-od  by  a  solemn  renewal  of  covenant  with 
him  and  with  one  another.  It  was  by  cherishing  such  a  spirit,  that 
they  were  nerved  to  the  grave  exigencies  which  were  to  come  upon 
the  country  during  the  next  ten  years  of  trial,  hardship  and  sorrow  ; 
—  pledged  to  "play  the  man,"  in  their  patriotic  struggles,  and  to 
sympathize  with  and  help  one  another  in  the  da^'s  "  that  tried  men's 
souls."  And  when  the  noise  of  battle  was  hushed,  and  peace 
reigned  over  the  regenerated  land,  how  delightful  it  is  to  see  them 
acknowledging  God  in  the  blessings  of  the  new  government ;  and, 
with  the  establishment  of  the  country  on  a  new  and  constitutional 
basis,  hastening  to  accompany  their  patriotic  rejoicings  with  a  new 
engagement  of  fidelity  to  their  vows  of  mutual  sympathy  and 
Christian  communion.  The  religious  part  of  the  history  of  the 
fathers  of  Newton  in  1770  and  1783,  is  full  of  interest  and  instruc- 
tive suggestion  to  their  posterity. 

Mr.  Bates  resigned  his  pastorship  in  February,  1839,  and  his 
connection  with  the  church  was  dissolved  the  following  April.  As 
a  pastor  and  preacher,  Mr.  Bates  was  declared  by  the  church  to 
be  "arduous,  devoted,  affectionate  and  inadequately  requited;" 
and  the  members  expressed  their  "  heartfelt  obligations  to  him  for 
his  self-denying,  aflectiouate  and  faithful  labors  as  a  minister 
among  this  people,  and  their  earnest  desires  for  his  future  happi- 
ness and  usefulness."  The  period  of  his  ministry  was  character- 
ized by  great  spiritual  prosperity.  More  were  added  to  the  church, 
during  the  seasons  of  special  religious  interest  that  marked  his  min- 
istry, than  in  any  similar  period  previousl}''  within  its  historj'.  And 
though  the  modern  growth  of  the  town  had  not  commenced,  the 
spiritual  harvest  then  enjoyed  would,  at  any  subsequent  period, 
have  been  regarded  as  grand  and  wonderful. 

Rev.  James  Bates  was  born  in  Randolph,  Vt.,  January  17, 
1799.  His  paternal  ancestors  were  among  the  first  settlers  of 
Middleborough  and  Duxbury,  Mass.  He  graduated  at  Dartmouth 
College  in  1822,  and  at  Andover  Theological  Seminary  in  1826. 
He  was  ordained  at  Newton,  as  colleague  with  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Homer,  November  14,  1827,  with  a  salary  of  five  hundred  dollars 


REV.  WILLIAM  BUSHNELL.  425 

per  annum.  He  married  June  4,  1828,  Emily  Atwood,  of  Haver- 
hill, the  3-oungest  sister  of  Harriet  Newell,  the  proto-martyr  of 
American  missions.  During  the  years  182G-7, — ^several  members 
of  the  church,  who  "  walked  irregularl}',"  were  removed  from  its 
fellowship,  the  senior  pastor,  however,  opposing  the  movement, 
saying,  in  the  words  of  the  New  Testament,  "  Let  both  grow 
together  until  harvest."  In  1831,  a  second  revival  of  religion 
commenced,  which  continued  about  two  years.  During  the  min- 
istry of  Mr.  Bates  more  than  two  hundred  were  admitted  to  the 
church.  In  the  whole  period  of  his  ministr}^  in  Newton  he  was 
detained  from  his  official  duties  by  sickness  only  three  Sabbaths. 
After  leaving  Newton  he  was  settled  in  Granby,  Mass.,  and  Cen- 
tre Village,  Conn.  He  died  in  Graubj-,  December  9,  1865,  aged 
sixty-six.  "  His  preaching  was  plain  and  unpretending,  a  model 
of  Gospel  simplicity  and  truthfulness.  His  ministry  seemed  to  be 
always  blessed.  He  was  unwearied  in  \isiting  the  families  of  his 
parish,  in  district  meetings,  and  in  the  care  of  the  Sunday  and 
other  schools."* 

Mr.  Bates  was  efficient  in  the  establishment  of  the  Female 
Seminary  at  Newton  Centre,  and  -also  in  organizing  Lyceums  and 
public  lectures,  when  they  were  a  new  thing  in  the  United  States. 
He  prepared  and  delivered  three  lectures  in  the  first  L3'ceum 
course  ever  undertaken  in  Newton.  Newton  owes  much  to  his 
efficiency  in  connection  with  the  Sabbath  School.  He  is  said  to 
have  been  the  first  to  introduce  singing  into  the  Sabbath  School.f 

After  the  dismission  of  Mr.  Bates,  the  church  was  without  a 
pastor  about  three  years.  For  more  than  one  year  of  this  period, 
the  pulpit  was  supplied  by  the  Rev.  S.  S.  Smith,  afterwards  pastor 
at  Westminster.  Eighteen  were  admitted  to  the  church  in  1840 
and  two  in  1841. 

In  April,  1842,  the  church  and  society  united  in  calling  to  the 
pastorate  the  Rev.  William  Bushnell,  who  was  in  Newton  a  year 
and  three  months  before  the  decease  of  Dr.  Homer ;  and  thus  the 
few  ministerial  services  which  the  ex-pastor  was  able  to  perform 
overlapped  into  the  term  of  service  of  his  successor.  Thus  the 
3'ounger  pastor  was  permitted  to  profit  by  the  experience  of  the 
elder,  and  to  learn  from  his  lips  the  peculiarities  of  the  field  he 
was  to  cultivate.  Their  intercom'se  was  always  genial  and 
friendly.     A  spirit  of  enterprise  began  to  stir  in  the  community, 

♦Boston  Recorder.  fMS.  letter  of  his  son,  Edward  P.  Bates,  Esq. 


426  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

"which  the  presence  of  a  younger  pastor  was  well  adapted  to  foster 
and  guide.  Three  important  projects, —  1.  The  organization  of 
the  Eliot  church,  composed  chiefly  of  members  colonized  from  the 
First  Congregational  church, —  2.  The  erection  of  a  new  meet- 
ing-house on  the  site  of  the  building  which  had  been  occupied 
since  1805, —  and,  3.  The  introduction  of  railroad  facilities  into 
Newton  Centre  were  the  main  features  of  the  period  of  Mr.  Bush- 
nell's  brief  ministry,  which  lasted  only  four  j-ears  and  seven 
months.     He  resigned  his  charge  December  13,  1846. 

Rev.  William  Bushnell  was  born  in  Sa^^brook  (now  West- 
brook),  Conn.,  April  14,  1801,  and  graduated  at  Yale  College  in 
1828,  in  the  same  class  with  Prof  Heniy  N.  Day,  John  Van  Buren, 
and  the  late  Horace  Binney,  jr.  He  studied  theology  in  New 
Haven,  and  while  in  the  vSeminary  supplied  the  Congregational 
church  in  Stratford  ten  weeks.  His  labors  there  resulted  in  the 
conversion  of  upwards  of  seventy  persons,  who  became  active  and 
useful  members  of  the  church.  He  was  ordained  in  the  summer 
of  1832  in  North  Killingly,  Conn.,  where  he  labored  in  the  min- 
istiy  till  April,  1835.  After  this  Mr.  Bushnell  pi-eached  a  short 
time  in  New  Jersey,  and  then  became  pastor  in  Beverly,  Mass., 
where  he  remained  till  ]May,  1842.  He  was  installed  pastor  of 
the  First  church  in  Newton,  May  27,  1842,  and  resigned  December 
13, 1846. 

During  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Bushnell,  as  intimated  above,  thirty- 
one  members  of  the  church  asked  a  dismission,  for  the  purpose 
of  forming  the  Eliot  church  at  Newton  Corner.  The  measure 
was  eminently  wise,  and  useful  alike  to  the  old  church  and  to 
the  new  body.  The  proceedings  were  conducted  in  so  fraternal  a 
manner,  that  the  cordial  fellowship  of  all  the  members  remained 
unimpaired.  Three  others  shortly  afterwards  took  letters  to  the 
EUot  church.  This  movement  was  originated  and  brought  to  its 
consummation  under  the  guidance  and  direction  of  that  eminently 
wise  counsellor  and  judicious  Christian  adviser,  the  late  Deacon 
William  Jackson. 

During  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Bushnell,  the  new  church  edifice 
(the  fifth)  was  built,  and  dedicated  March  24,  1847.  The  erec- 
tion of  this  structure  was  largely  owing  to  the  influence  of  Mr. 
Bushnell.  There  was  some  opposition  to  it  on  various  grounds. 
But  after  the  pastor  had  preached  two  sermons  relatmg  to  the  sub- 
ject,—  the  last  founded  on  Ezra VII:  27,  "Blessed  be  the  Lord 


ORDINATION  OF  REV.  D.  L.  FURBER.  427 

God  of  our  fathers,  which  hath  put  such  a  thing  as  this  in  the 
Icing's  heart,  to  beautify  the  house  of  the  Lord  which  is  in  Jerusa- 
lem,"—  those  who  thought  the  old  one  good  enough,  with  some 
repairs,  yielded  to  those  who  desired  a  better  one. 

After  relinquishing  his  pastorate  at  Newton,  Mr.  Bushnell  acted 
as  agent  of  the  American  Seamen's  Friend  Society,  still  residing 
in  Newton,  and  afterwards  studied  medicine  and  became  a  prac- 
titioner in  Boston,  of  the  Homoeopathic  School,  and  died  in  East 
Boston,  April  28,  1S79,  aged  seventy-eight. 

AVhile  Mr.  Bushnell  was  pastor  at  Newton  Centre,  he  became 
interested  in  the  earl}'  measures  which  resulted  in  the  construction 
of  the  railroad  between  Needham  and  Boston,  afterwards  "Woon- 
soeket  and  Boston.  Having  heard  an  intimation  from  a  fellow- 
•citizen  that  such  an  enterprise  was  feasible,  Mr.  Bushnell,  with  a 
neighbor,  consulted  an  agriculturist  in  Brookline  on  the  subject, 
but  learned  that  the  people  of  that  town  did  not  favor  it.  Their 
gardens  would  be  disturbed,  and  many  strangers  introduced  into 
the  place,  which  they  deemed  undesirable.  In  the  meantune,  the 
people  of  Woonsocket  became  interested  to  secure  a  closer  con- 
nection with  Boston,  and  finall}'  Mr.  Bushnell  and  his  associate 
applied  to  the  late  Otis  Pettee,  Esq.,  of  Newton  Upper  Falls,  who 
was  at  once  deepl}'  interested  and  resolved  to  make  the  enterprise 
a  success.  Mr.  Pettee  was  a  man  who  never  failed  to  accomplish 
his  purpose,  and  this  was  in  due  time  achieved.  But  Mr.  Pettee 
died  just  before  the  railroad  as  far  as  Needham  was  in  operation. 

Mr.  Pettee  was  the  first  President  of  the  Corporation,  wliich  has 
been  known  successively  as  the  Air  Line,  the  Charles  River 
Branch,  the  Hartford  and  Erie,  and  the  New  York  and  New  Eng- 
land Railroad. 

"While  the  new  church  edifice  of  the  First  Parish  was  in  pro- 
cess of  erection,  the  church  and  congregation,  by  invitation  of  the 
First  Baptist  church,  held  their  worship  on  the  Sabbath  in  the 
meeting-house  of  the  latter. 

After  the  resignation  of  Mr.  Bushnell,  the  Society  remained 
without  a  pastor  nearl}-  a  year.  During  this  period,  March  24, 
1847,  tlie  new  church  was  dedicated. 

Ou  the  28th  of  May,  1847,  Mr.  Daniel  Little  Furber  received  a 
unanimous  call  to  the  pastorship,  which  was  accepted,  and  he  was 
ordained  December  1,  1847.  Twelve  churches  were  invited  to  be 
present  by  their  pastors  and  delegates.     Rev.  Lyman  Gilbert,  of 


428  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

"West  Newton,  was  Moderator  of  the  Council,  and  Rev.  A. 
Swasey,  of  Brighton,  scribe.  The  sermon  on  the  occasion  was  by 
Rev.  Nehemiah  Adams,  of  the  Union  church,  Essex  Street, 
Boston ;  ordaining  praj'er  by  Rev.  Silas  Aiken,  of  Park  Street 
church,  Boston ;  charge  by  Rev.  Christopher  Marsh,  of  West 
Roxbmy  ;  right  hand  of  fellowship  b}'  the  late  Rev.  Leonard  Swain, 
of  Nashua,  N.  H.,  afterwards  of  Providence,  R.  I.  ;  address  to 
the  people  by  Rev.  S.  W.  Hanks,  of  Lowell. 

In  March,  1851,  Hon.  William  Jackson,  of  the  Eliot  church,  but 
previously  an  active  member  and  deacon  of  the  First  Parish,  having 
been  removed  bj'  death,  the  church  passed  appropriate  resolutions. 

At  the  church  meeting  November  27,  1857,  revised  Articles  of 
Faith,  with  Rules  of  Order,  were  adopted.  The  only  difference 
between  the  new  articles  and  those  which  had  existed  previously 
was  in  forms  of  expression. 

In  August,  1868,  several  members  were  dismissed  to  form  a  new 
Congregational  church  in  Newtonville. 

In  June,  1870,  the  pastor  left  his  work,  to  travel  for  a  year 
in  Europe.  In  1869,  the  church  and  chapel  were  enlarged 
and  improved.  During  a  large  portion  of  the  summer  months,  the 
church  held  no  public  worship.  Afterwards  public  services  were 
held  in  the  hall  of  the  old  school-house  which  stood  at  the  north- 
erly corner  of  Station  Street,  on  the  site  of  the  present  Methodist 
church ;  then,  in  the  hall  of  the  new  school-house  (until  it  was 
destroyed  bj'  fire),  and  finall}'  in  their  own  chapel,  until  the  altera- 
tions on  the  meeting-house  were  completed.  An  invitation  was 
extended  to  the  church  and  congregation,  as  on  a  former  occasion, 
by  the  First  Baptist  Society  to  worship  with  them  as  long  as  con- 
venient and  agreeable,  and  the  invitation  was  received  with  thanks. 

In  January,  1870,  by  vote  of  the  church,  the  office  of  deacon 
was  made  temporary',  a  new  election  to  be  held  annually,  and  each 
incumbent  to  serve  onty  four  j'ears.  A  former  incumbent  might 
be  re-elected  for  ailother  term.  This  provision  was  directed  to  take 
effect  at  the  succeeding  annual  meeting,  "  at  which  meeting  one 
deacon  shall  be  chosen  for  four  years,  one  for  three,  one  for  two, 
and  one  for  one." 

On  the  30th  of  Maj-,  1872,  twenty-four  of  the  members,  male 
and  female,  were  dismissed,  to  form  the  Congregational  church  at 
Newton  Highlands. 


CORRESPONDENCE.  429 

The  following  letter  of  good  will  and  sympathy  was  addressed 
to  the  members  dismissed  for  the  purpose  of  uniting  in  this  new 
organization : 

To  the  brethren  and  sisters  who  asked  and  received  dismission  from  the  First 
church  in  Newton,  to  organize  a  Congregational  church  at  Newton 
Highlands : 

Dear  Friends, —  At  a  late  meeting  of  the  members  of  the  Old  clmrch, 
where  so  many  of  you  have  for  so  many  years,  and  even  from  your  infancy, 
liad  your  religious  homo, — our  own  hearts  were  deeply  moved  at  the  thought 
that  our  mutual  church  relations  by  your  request  must  be  dissolved. 

But  such  is  the  order  of  the  Providence  of  God  in  this  world.  We  how- 
ever rejoice  in  the  noble  purpose  you  propose  to  yourselves  to  accomplish. 
May  the  richest  blessings  of  the  Great  Head  of  the  church  abound  towards 
you,  and  the  Newton  Highlands  Congregational  church  be  a  heavenly  beacon 
light  to  multitudes  in  this  world  of  sin,  guiding  them  to  the  New  Jerusalem. 
The  church  have  directed  me  to  express  to  you  in  the  following  resolutions 
its  sentiments  of  Christian  regard  and  affection. 

Resolved^  That  recognizing  the  duty  of  the  disciples  of  Christ,  in  their  in- 
dividual and  associate  capacity,  as  members  of  his  church,  to  promote  liis 
kingdom  in  this  world, — we  hereby  express  to  our  brethren  and  sisters  who 
have  asked  a  dismission  from  the  First  church  in  Newton  for  the  purpose  of 
being  organized  in  a  Congregational  church  at  Newton  Highlands,  our  hearty 
sympathy  and  prayers  for  the  prosperity  and  success  of  the  proposed  enter- 
prise. 

Resolved^  That  while  expressing  our  regret  at  the  severing  of  church  rela- 
tions, which  have  for  so  many  years  contributed  so  mucli  of  pleasure  and 
profit  to  our  social  and  Christian  life,  we  will  still  and  ever  be  one  in  the 
spirit  of  Christ  our  Lord  and  Master  and  in  the  fellowship  of  the  saints ;  and 
will  ever  hope  and  pray  that  this  fellowship  may  be  consummated  in  the  per- 
fection of  the  fellowship  of  heaven. 

Resolved,  That  this  church  and  society  cordially  tender  to  our  brethren  and 
sisters  at  the  Highlands  our  meeting-house  and  vestry,  as  they  may  desire,  to 
complete  the  formation  of  their  church  and  society  and  the  ordination  of  a 
pastor ;  and  that  in  calling  a  Council,*we  will  esteem  it  a  privilege  and  pleas- 
ure to  share  in  the  labor  of  providing  for  and  entertaining  the  members  of 
that  ecclesiastical  body. 

Attest,         B.  Wood,  Clerk  of  the  Church. 

Newton  Centre,  June  10,  1872. 

This  letter  called  forth  the  following  reply : 

Letter  of  Christian  fellowship  and  affection  from  brethren  and  sisters  at 
Newton  Highlands. 
To  the  First  Congregational  Church,  Newton  Centre  : 

It  is  with  feelings  of  deep  regret  that  we  separate  from  the  church  we  have 
loved  from  our  earliest  infancy,  and  where  the  associations  were  all  so 


430  HISTOKY  OF  NEWTON. 

pleasant.  But  as  the  Providence  of  God  seems  to  call  us  to  another  part  of 
his  vineyard,  we  trust  we  shall  cheerfully  perform  the  duties  devolving  upon 
us  in  this  new  relation;  but  shall  ei^er  retain  an  interest  in,  and. pray  for  the 
prosperity  of,  our  mother  church,  and  its  long  tried  and  much  loved  pastor. 

At  a  recent  meeting  of  church  members  at  Newton  Highlands,  a  unani- 
mous vote  of  thanks  was  tendered  you  for  your  kind  invitation  in  regard  to 
the  Council,  and  the  offer  was  gratefully  accepted.  We  also  received  with 
pleasure  your  kind  expressions  of  interest  in  us,  and  ask  that  we  may  ever 
be  remembered  in  your  prayers. 

That  God's  blessing  may  ever  rest  on  the  First  church,  hallowed  by  so 
many  pleasant  associations,  is  the  prayer  of  those  who  leave. 

In  behalf  of  whom  I  subscribe  myself 

Your  brother  in  Christ, 

Samuel  N.  Woodward,  Clerk  pro  tern. 
June  26,  1872. 

June  21,  1872,  a  revised  form  of  the  Articles  of  Faith  and  Bj'- 
laws  of  the  First  church  was  adopted. 

The  services  connected  with  the  twenty-fifth  anniversary'  of  the 
settlement  of  Mr.  Furber,  as  pastor  of  the  First  Congregational 
church,  December  1  and  2,  1872,  were  of  sufficient  historical 
importance  to  claim  a  notice  here.  On  Sabbath  afternoon,  Dec. 
1st,  Mr.  Furber  preached  a  sermon  (text  —  I.  Cor.  II :  2),  review- 
ing the  work  of  his  pastorate  in  Newton.  On  the  wall,  behind  the 
pulpit,  was  a  wreath,  inclosing  the  date  of  the  formation  of  the 
church  (July  30,  1G64),  and  on  the  right  and  left  of  it,  the  dates 
of  the  beginning  of  Mr.  Furber's  settlement  and  of  the  twent}'- 
fifth  anniversary  (1847-1872).  Among  the  historical  facts  stated 
in  the  sermon,  it  was  said  that  at  the  commencement  of  this  period 
of  twenty-five  j^ears,  the  Society  was  weak  and  small,  but  resolute, 
and  determined  to  live.  The  church  edifice  was  small,  containing 
about  sixty  pews.  Now,  after  the  lapse  of  a  quarter  of  a  century, 
there  are  one  hundred  and  fifty  pews,  well  filled  every  Sabbath. 
The  church  had  just  been  depleted  by  the  dismission  of  thirtj'-four 
members,  to  form  the  Eliot  church  at  Newton  Corner,  and  it  had 
only  about  eighty  members  left,  and  fifty  families.  The  church 
edifice,  then  recently  built,  has  been  twice  enlarged.  At  that  date 
there  were  several  aged  people  in  the  parish.  The  average  age  of 
ten  of  the  most  noted  of  them  was  a  little  over  eight3--six  years 
each.  Six  members  of  the  Society  fell  in  the  war  of  the  RebelKon. 
Others  died  from  the  sufferings  they  endured  at  the  South.  Five 
young  men,  members  of  the  church,  have  recently  entered  the  min- 
istry.    During  this  period  the  church  has  received  as  members 


Dll.  FURBER'S  THIRTIETH  ANNIVERSARY.  431 

three  hundred  and  sixteen  persons,  about  one-half  of  them  by 
profession.     In  the  same  period,  eighth' -two  have  deceased. 

A  fitting  close  of  the  history  of  this  ancient  church  is  furnished 
in  the  following  extracts  from  a  sermon  preached  b}^  Rev.  Dr. 
Furber,  December  1,  1877,  the  thirtieth  anniversary  of  his  settle- 
ment. 

The  history  of  this  cliurch  shows  that  it  has  favored  permanence  in  the 
pastoral  relation.  One  of  my  predecessors  was  here  twenty-two  years, 
another  forty,  another  forty-two,  another  fifty-seven.  This  church  in  the  two 
hundred  and  thirteen  years  of  its  existence  has  never  dismissed  but  two  pas- 
tors. One  of  these  was  Mr.  Bates,  who  was  dismissed,  as  I  have  been  told, 
in  order  to  save  the  feelings  of  Dr.  Homer,  the  aged  senior  pastor  with  whom 
Mr.  Bates  was  colleague,  and  the  other  was  Mr.  Bushnell,  who  resigned  at  a 
time  when  the  church,  weakened  by  heavy  losses  occasioned  by  the  forma- 
tion of  the  Eliot  church,  hardly  felt  able  to  support  a  minister. 

I  was  ordained  to  the  Christian  ministry  thirty  years  ago  in  this  house,  and 
in  the  pulpit  that  stood  where  this  one  now  does.  The  house  was  then  new 
and  small.  It  had  been  dedicated  about  eight  months,  and  contained  sixty 
pews.  There  was  no  organ,  but  a  bass-viol  and  other  instruments,  and  a 
choir  of  considerable  size.  The  vestry  in  which  the  evening  meetings  were 
held  was  a  small,  low-roofed  building,  not  very  well  lighted.  The  meeting- 
house grounds  were  not  inclosed,  and  the  public  travel  was  directly  through 
them. 

The  deacons  were  Deacon  Paul  and  Deacon  Cook.  Deacon  Ebenezer 
White  was  still  living,  past  eighty  years  of  age  and  too  infirm  to  attend 
meetings.  He  came  to  church  on  the  first  Sabbath  after  my  ordination  and 
never  after  that.  Deacon  Paul  had  been  in  office  a  little  more  than  two 
years,  having  been  chosen  to  fill  the  place  made  vacant  by  the  resignation  of 
Deacon  Jackson,  at  tine  time  the  Eliot  church  was  formed.  He  held  the  office 
eighteen  years,  until  his  death  in  1863,  at  the  age  of  seventy.  Deacon  Cook 
had  been  in  office  about  a  year  and  a  half,  having  been  elected  at  the  time  of 
Deacon  Woodward's  death  in  1846.  He  held  the  office  nearly  twenty-six 
years,  until  his  death  in  1872,  at  the  age  of  seventy-five. 

Of  those  who  were  members  of  this  clmrch  thirty  years  ago,  only  thirteen 
are  now  seen  in  our  Sabbath  congregations.  Of  the  one  hundred  and  ninety- 
six  whose  deaths  are  recorded  upon  our  books,  forty-one  were  under  ten  years 
of  age ;  twenty-four  were  over  seventy ;  twenty  were  over  eighty,  and  four 
were  over  ninety. 

Thirty  years  ago  the  church  had  been  weakened  by  the  loss  of  more  than 
thirty  of  its  members,  who  had  just  left  to  form  the  Eliot  church,  among 
Avhom  were  some  of  the  most  active  and  efficient  members  of  the  church, 
and  some  of  its  most  liberal  givers.  In  less  than  a  year  after  the  formation 
of  the  Eliot  church,  occurred  the  death  of  Deacon  Elijah  F.  Woodward,  who 
had  been  deacon,  and  leader  of  the  choir,  and  Superintendent  of  the  Sunday 
School  more  than  thirty  years.  Deacon  Jackson  had  been  in  office  seven- 
teen years,  and  he  and  Deacon  Woodward  had  been  the  pillars  of  the  church. 


432  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Here  then  was  left  a  small  church  of  about  one  hundred  members  and  a 
parish  of  a  little  more  than  fifty  families.  They  very  naturally  felt  that  they 
were  few  and  weak,  and  were  ready  to  ask,  "  By  whom  shall  Jacob  now 
arise,  for  he  is  small."  And  there  were  some  who  even  raised  the  question 
whether  it  would  not  be  better  to  dissolve  the  old  church  and  unite  with  the 
Eliot  church.  Some  proposed  moving  the  church  to  the  vicinity  of  Uijper 
Falls.  But  these  suggestions  were  answered  with  a  very  decided  negative. 
And  it  was  determined  to  pull  down  the  old  meeting-house  in  which  the  wor- 
shippers felt  so  far  apart  from  each  other,  and  to  build  a  new  and  smaller 
house.  The  house  was  completed  and  dedicated,  and  we  began  our  work 
together  on  the  first  of  December,  1847.  Our  organ  was  purchased  soon 
afterwards.  There  Avas  then  no  railroad  to  this  place,  and  the  growth  of  the 
place  was  slow.  But  in  seven  years  it  became  necessary  to  enlarge  the  meet- 
ing-house by  adding  twenty  pews.  At  the  same  time  the  chapel  was  built, 
smaller  than  it  now  is,  a  cheerful  and  pleasant  room.  In  1868  we  parted 
with  nine  of  our  members,  living  at  Newtonville,  on  the  occasion  of  the  for- 
mation of  the  new  church  in  that  place.  In  1869-70,  the  meeting-house  was 
again  enlarged  to  more  than  twice  its  original  size,  and  to  almost  twice  the 
size  it  had  after  the  first  enlargement.  The  chapel  was  also  enlarged,  and  a 
committee  room  and  other  adjuncts  provided,  at  a  cost  of  about  $22,000.  In 
1872  we  dismissed  twenty-four  members  to  form  the  church  at  Newton  High- 
lands. We  have  parted  with  most  valuable  and  beloved  members  for  the 
formation  of  new  churches ;  sixty-seven  have  thus  gone  out  from  us  in  thirty- 
two  years;  and  some  of  the  best  material  the  church  had.  In  1848  our 
benevolent  contributions  amounted  to  less  than  $100.  Now  we  give  from 
$2,000  to  $3,000  a  year.  We  now  number  scarcely  one  hundred  and  twenty 
families. 

We  have  welcomed  to  membership  in  the  church  two  hundred  and  sixteen 
by  profession  and  two  hundred  and  thirty-two  by  letter ;  in  all  four  hundred 
and  forty-eight.  Dividing  the  thirty  years  into  periods  of  five  years,  we  re- 
ceived by  profession  in  the  first  period  thirteen;  in  the  second,  twenty -five; 
in  the  third,  tliirty-five ;  in  the  fourth,  forty-six ;  in  the  fifth,  thirty-two,  and  in 
the  sixth,  sixty-five.  This  is  a  regular  increase  in  the  number  received,  except 
in  the  fifth  period,  which  includes  the  year  of  my  absence  for  foreign  travel, 
and  of  the  interruption  of  public  worship  by  the  enlarging  of  the  meeting- 
house. The  first  period  also  shows  a  smaller  number  received  than  might 
have  been  expected  under  a  new  minister ;  but  this  period  also  was  broken  by 
the  illness  of  the  pastor  and  his  absence  from  the  pulpit  a  year  and  four 
months  at  one  time.  The  last  ])eriod  has  been  the  most  encouraging  of  all, 
including  as  it  does  the  last  winter's  work  under  the  stimulating  influence  of 
Mr.  Moody's  labors  in  Boston,  and  the  awakening  of  interest  that  occurred 
here  four  years  ago. 

The  church  thirty  years  ago  numbered  about  one  hundred ;  at  present  two 
hundred  and  eighty-five.  In  1852,  after  the  first  five  years,  it  was  one  hun- 
dred and  thirty ;  in  1857,  after  the  second  five  years,  it  Avas  one  hundred  and 
forty-two ;  in  1862,  one  hundred  and  seventy-one ;  in  1867,  two  hundred  and 
fifteen;  in  1872  two  hundred  and  nine;  in  1877,  two  hundred  and  eighty-five. 


FIRST  PARISH  SABBATH  SCHOOL.  433 

No  record  of  our  benevolent  contributions  for  the  first  nine  years  of  my 
ministry  has  been  preserved ;  but  in  the  twenty  years  succeeding,  and  ending 
with  December,  187G,  they  amounted  to  about  .^45,000. 

Let  the  thirty  years  wliich  we  now  review  be  compared  with  the  thirty 
that  preceded  them  in  the  history  of  this  church.  Let  us  look  back  from 
1847  to  1817.  We  shall  then  include  the  revival  period  by  which  this 
church  was  so  greatly  blessed  between  1827  and  1833.  That  was  the  time  of 
protracted  meetings  when  the  most  pungent  preachers  were  employed,  and 
crowded  meetings  kept  up  for  several  successive  days.  Such  men  as  Dr. 
Lyman  Beecher  and  Dr.  Wisner  preached  here  at  that  time,  and  produced 
powerful  impressions ;  seventy  were  received  into  the  church  in  one  year, 
and  seventy-six  in  another.  If  you  count  all  the  names  upon  our  catalogue 
from  1817  to  1847,  you  will  find  only  331,  whereas  from  1847  to  1877  there 
are  448.  This  statement  is  not  completely  satisfactory,  because  I  do  not 
know  the  number  of  new  converts  as  compared  with  the  whole  number 
received.  Newton  Centre  is  growing  faster  now  than  it  was  then,  and  it  is 
probable  that  we  receive  more  by  letter  and  less  by  profession  than  were 
received  forty  or  fifty  years  ago.  But  we  have  received  one  hundred  and 
seventeen  more  in  the  same  length  of  time  than  were  then  received,  without 
any  help  from  revivalists  or  from  protracted  meetings. 


FIRST   PARISH    SABBATH    SCHOOL. 

The  Sabbath  School  of  the  First  Parish  of  Newton  was  com- 
menced in  the  summer  of  1816  by  Miss  Mary  Clark,  who  was 
occasionally  assisted  by  Mrs.  Dr.  Homer.  The  books  used  in  the 
school  were  the  Bible  and  the  Assembly's  Catechism.  Deacon  E. 
F.  Woodward  was  the  first  male  teacher,  and,  for  a  time,  the  only 
one ;  and,  excepting  one  j'ear,  he  was  the  onl}-  Superintendent, 
from  the  commencement  of  the  school  till  his  death. 

Early  in  the  summer  of  1817,  Miss  A.  Haven,  then  teacher  of 
the  public  school  at  Newton  Centre,  and  Miss  S.  Mitchell,  who 
resided  in  the  Aiciuit}-,  undertook  to  classif}^  and  teach  the  girls 
who  attended  the  school,  and  were  much  encouraged  in  their  work 
by  the  growth  of  numbers  and  interest.  The  bo^'s  were  taught  by 
Deacon  Woodward.  Clothing  was  procured  for  some  indigent 
children,  to  enable  and  induce  them  to  attend. 

The  school,  at  first,  was  held  onl}'  in  the  summer.  The  studies  in 
1817  were  "  Cummings'  Questions,"  catechisms  and  hymns,  and 
the  older  scholars  studied  "Watts  on  the  Improvement  of  the 
Mind."  At  the  close  of  the  school  this  year,  several  Bibles  and 
other  books  were  distributed  as  rewards  of  merit  among  the 
scholars. 

28 


434 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


In  1818  the  school  was  still  larger.  The  public  mind  had  grown 
into  the  plan,  since  universal,  of  having  small  classes  and  more 
teachers.  • 

CHURCH  EDIFICES  OF  THE  FIRST  CONGREGATIONAL  CHURCH. 

No.  1,  built  in  1660,  used  as  a  place  of  worship  38  years. 
No.  2,    "      "    1698,        "  "  "  23    " 

No.  3,    "      "    1721,        '<  '•  «  84    « 

No.  4,    "      "    1805,        "  "  "  42    " 

No.  5,    "      "    1847. 

PASTORS. 

1.  Kev.  John  Eliot,  jr.,  ordained  July  20, 1664,  died  Oct.  11, 1668,  aged  33. 

2.  Rev.  Nehemiah  Hobart,  ordained  Dec.  23, 1674,  died  Aug.  25, 1712,  aged  64. 

3.  Rev.  John  Cotton,  ordained  Nov.  3, 1714,  died  May  17, 1757,  aged  C4. 

4.  Rev.  Jonas  Meriam,  ordained  March  22, 1758,  died  Aug.  13, 1780,  aged  50. 

5.  Rev.  Jonathan  Homer,  D.  D.,  ordained  Feb.  13,  1782,  died  Aug.  11, 1843,  aged 84. 

6.  Rev.  James  Bates  (colleague),  ordained  Nov.  14, 1827,  resigned  April  17, 1839. 

7.  Rev.  William  Bushnell,  installed  May  24, 1842,  resignett  Dec.  13, 1840. 

8.  Rev.  Daniel  L.  Furber,  D.  D.,  ordained  Dec.  1, 1847. 


DEACONS. 

ELECTED. 

DATE  OF 
DEATH. 

AGE. 

Thomas  Wiswall,  Ruling  Elder, 

1604 

1083 



John  Jackson,  sen.. 

1C64 

1674 

— 

Samuel  Hyde,  sen.. 

1G64 

1689 

79 

Isaac  Williams, 

1707 

69 

James  Trowbridge, 

1717 

81 

Edward  Jackson,  jr., 

1707 

1727 

75 

Thomas  Oliver, 

1707 

1715 

70 

Richard  Ward, 

1739 

73 

John  Staples, 

1740 

82 

William  Trowbridge, 

1744 

60 

Ebent'zer  Stone, 

1754 

92 

John  stone, 

1769 

76 

John  Clark, 

1773 

— 

Ephrfiiui  Ward, 

1772 

69 

Thomas  Greenwood, 

1774 

7& 

John  Woodward, 

1801 

76 

David  Stone, 

1802 

74 

Jonas  stone, 

1804 

82 

Ebenezer  Woodward, 

1806 

49 

Samuel  Murdock, 

1814 

62 

Jeremiah  Wiswall, 

Sept.  21.1708 

1836 

76 

Ebenezer  White, 

June  11,  1815 

18.53 

87 

Eliiah  F.  Woodward, 

June  11,  1815 

1846 

60 

William  Jackson, 

Feb.  15, 18J8 

1855 

71 

Luther  Paul, 

Aug.  24, 1845 

1863 

70 

Asa  Cook, 

June  10,  1846 

1872 

75 

Albert  Little, 

Dec.  20,  I860 

resigned  i 

Q  1865 

Silas  C.  stone, 

Oct.    13,  1865 

" 

1866 

J.  Evarts  Cornolius, 

Oct.    20,1865 

« 

1870 

Charles  S.  Davis, 

Oct.    20,  1865 

" 

1870 

.Tolin  Ward, 

Oct.    10,  1866 

Erastus  Blakeslee, 

Dec.  29,  1870 

" 

1876 

James  F.  C.  Hyde, 

Dec.  29,  !870 

" 

1872 

Bartholomew  Wood, 

June  28,  1872 

" 

1875 

George  P.  Davis, 

Jan.   16,  1873 

" 

1877 

Edward  W.  Noyes, 

1876 

it 

1879 

Wilson  J.  Welch, 

1876 

Nelson  Curtis, 

1878 

STATISTICS. 


435 


SUPERINTENDENTS  OF  THE  SABBATH  SCHOOL. 


Dea.  Elijah  F.  Woodward, 
Roswell  W.  Turner, 
Luther  Paul, 
Bartholomew  Wood, 


John  Ward, 
Albert  Little, 
James  F.  C.  Hyde, 
Isaac  F.  Kingsbury, 


Charles  S.  Davis, 
Edward  W.  Noyes, 
Nelson  Curtis. 


ADMISSIONS  TO  THE  CHURCH  PREVIOUS  TO  1773-203.   FROM  1773  TO  1812 
AND  NOW  DECEASED. 


1773 

1774 
1777 
1781 
1782 
1783 
1784 
1785 
1786 
1787 
1789 


8 

1790 

6 

1791 

1 

1792 

1 

1793 

14 

1794 

22 

1795 

5 

1706 

3 

1797 

3 

1793 

5 

1799 

6 

1800 

3 

1802 

1 

1803 

1 

1805 

3 

1806 

4 

1807 

6 

1808 

1 

1809 

1 

1810 

1 

1811 

1 

3 

6 
20' 
3 
2 
1 


4 

12 


160 


ADMITTED  SINCE  1812. 


1813 
1814 
1815 
1816 
1817 
1818 
1819 
1820 
1821 
1822 
1823 
1824 
1826 
1827 
1828 
1829 
1830 
1831 
1832 
1833 
1834 
1835 


2 

1836 

2 

1838 

3 

1840 

6 

1841 

1 

1842 

3 

1843 

4 

1844 

3 

1846 

6 

1847 

7 

1848 

3 

1850 

1 

1851 

1 

1852 

71 

1853 

32 

1854 

9 

1855 

4 

185C 

24 

1857 

76 

1858 

14 

1859 

5 

1860 

16 

1861 

1862 
1863 
1864 
1805 
1866 
1867 
1868 
1869 
1870 
1871 
1872 
1873 
1874 
1875 
1876 
1877 
1878 
1879 


Total 


17 
16 
2G 
19 
21 
19 
20 
21 
10 
14 
15 
33 
11 
17 
27 
42 
12 
10 

812; 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

EDUCATION    IN    NEWTON   AFTER    1800. SCHOOL   WARDS. —  SCHOOLS 

AT     THE    UPPER     FALLS. SCHOOL     REGULATIONS. APPROPRIA- 
TIONS.  HIGH    SCHOOLS. NEW  SCHOOL-HOUSES. HIGH  SCHOOL 

AT      NEWTONVILLE. GRADUATES. ART       MUSEUM. SCHOOL- 
HOUSE    PROPERTY. 

In  a  former  chapter  we  surveyed  the  history  of  education  down 
to  the  year  1800  (pp.  235-249). 

At  a  town  meeting  held  May  6,  1805,  a  committee  appointed  to 
prepare  a  general  plan  of  school-houses  and  schooling,  presented 
a  report  which  was  accepted  by  the  town,  closing  with  the  follow- 
ing words : 

We  believe  it  will  be  for  the  interest  of  the  town  very  soon  to  add  at  least 
two  school-houses  to  our  number,  with  other  necessary  alterations ;  since,  in 
a  government  like  ours,  it  is  of  the  utmost  consequence  that  the  youth  are, 
in  our  opinion,  accommodated  and  instructed  in  the  best  manner  that  can  be 
consistently. 

At  a  town  meeting  held  April  7,  1806,  being  an  adjournment 
from  March  8,  1806,— 

Voted,  to  choose  a  committee  of  seven  persons,  to  propose  such  a  general 
plan  of  school-houses  and  schooling,  as  they  shall  think  will  be  most  for  the 
interest  of  the  town  to  adopt,  and  lay  the  same  before  the  town  at  the  adjourn- 
ment of  this  meeting  in  the  month  of  May  next. 

May  12,  1806. — "The  committee  reported  that  it  is  their  opinion  that  the 
town  erect,  as  soon  as  convenient,  six  school-houses,  exclusive  of  that  at  the 
Lower  Falls,  which  is  to  remain  at  present  where  it  now  is  ; — the  other  five 
to  be  sold, —  and  that  a  new  one  be  erected  the  present  year  in  the  west  dis- 
trict, near  the  house  of  Amasa  Park;  another,"  etc. 

Mr.  Davis  gives  the  following  recollections  of  one  of  these 
school-houses : 

436 


1 


SCHOOL  WARDS.  437 

The  school-house  was  built,  thirty  by  thirty-six,  in  180G,  on  the  westerly 
side  of  the  road,  about  two  hundred  and  twenty-five  feet  a  little  southwesterly 
of  ray  dwelling-house,  and  there  remained  about  twenty-one  years.  The 
same  was  removed  l)y  me  to  the  corner,  on  the  old  Sherburne  road,  and  occu- 
pied by  Mr.  M.  Ruttcr,  John  Mead  (as  a  grocery  store),  and  others. 

The  old  school-house  was  sold  to  Benjamin  Jenison.  It  stood  on  the  west 
side  of  the  Sherburne  road,  on  the  spot  where  Mr.  Wentworth  and  others 
resided  in  a  low-studded,  one-story  house  in  1828.  Mr.  Jenison's  father  gave 
him  an  acre  of  land,  to  which  his  son  Benjamin  removed  the  old  school-house, 
and  he  lived  in  the  same,  being  enlarged,  during  life. 

The  citizens  were  evidently  feeling  tlieir  way  to  a  better  state  of 
things.  They  moved  slowly  and  cautiouslj' ;  often,  as  it  seems  to 
us,  without  sufficient  energj*,  but  making  fewer  mistakes  than  have 
been  made  in  later  times.  The  education  for  which  they  provided 
was  not  broad  or  showy  ;  but  on  its  foundations  man^'  a  child  was 
built  up  into  an  honored  and  useful  citizen,  a  blessing  to  liis  coun- 
try and  his  race. 

In  1808  the  town  was  divided  into  ''  School  Wards  "  by  a  com- 
mittee appointed  for  that  purpose,  the  town  accepting  their  report, 
which  is  as  follows  : 

We  the  subscribers  being  chosen  a  committee  at  the  Annual  Meeting, 
March  14,  1808,  for  the  purpose  of  dividing  the  town  into  seven  school  wards, 
and  proportioning  the  sum  of  eight  hundred  dollars  to  the  several  schools, 
report  that  we  have  attended  to  said  business,  and  liave  divided  the  town  into 
the  seven  following  wards,  viz.  : 

West  School  Ward. — Beginning  at  Robinson's  Bridge,  so  called,  and 
following  the  road  to  Sherburne  road,  near  Ephraim  Jackson's  house,  inclutl- 
ing  said  Jackson's  house ;  thence,  down  said  Sherburne  road  to  Durant's 
corner,  including  the  inhabitants  living  on  said  road ;  from  thence  running  a 
straight  line  to  Charles  River,  between  the  houses  of  Thomas  Pollock  and 
Henry  Crafts,  including  all  the  inhabitants  living  Avithin  said  lines. 

North  School  Ward. — Beginning  where  the  line  of  the  West  Ward  ends 
on  Charles  River;  thence  running  on  Charles  River  to  Watertown  line; 
thence  on  said  line  to  Brighton  line ;  tlience  on  Brighton  line  to  the  road  near 
the  house  of  Jonathan  Hunnewell;  thence  on  a  line  running  so  as  to  include 
the  houses  of  Samuel  Hyde,  Samuel  Nutting,  and  the  new  house  of  Samuel 
Trowbridge,  jr.,  to  Durant's  Corner;  thence  on  the  line  of  the  West  Ward 
to  Charles  River,  including  the  inhabitants  living  within  said  lines. 

East  School  Ward. — Beginning  at  Brighton  line,  near  Jonathan  Hun- 
newell's.  house,  and  running  on  said  line  to  Brookline  line,  and  on  said  line 
to  Worcester  Turnpike  [Boylston  Street],  and  from  thence  running  on  a  line 
west  of  the  houses  of  John  Thwing,  Thomas  Harback  and  Charles  Coolidge 
to  the  bounds  first  mentioned,  including  all  the  inhabitants  within  said  lines. 


438  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

SouTn  School  Ward. — Beginning  at  Brookline  line  on  Worcester  Turn- 
pike [Boylston  Street],  and  running  north  of  the  houses  of  Jeremiah  Rich- 
ardson and  Benjamin  Richardson,  and  between,  the  houses  of  Joseph  Parker 
and  John  Ward  to  Charles  River,  including  all  the  inhabitants  within  said 
lines. 

Southwest  School  Ward.— Beginning  at  the  South  Ward  line  on  Charles 
River,  thence  running  down  said  river  to  land  of  Matthias  Collins ;  thence 
running  to  the  house  of  Mr.  MeNoah,  including  said  house ;  thence  running 
north  of  Norman  Clark  and  Aaron  Richards  to  Brookline  line  on  Worcester 
Turnpike ;  thence  on  South  Ward  line  to  Charles  River,  including  all  the 
inhabitants  within  said  lines. 

Falls  School  Ward. — Beginning  at  the  Southwest  Ward  line  on  Charles 
River,  and  running  down  to  Robinson's  Bridge ;  thence  on  the  West  Ward 
line  to  Ephraini  Jackson's  house  ;  thence  running  east  of  the  house  of  Samuel 
Stimson  and  south  of  the  house  of  John  King  to  the  house  of  Mr.  McNoah ; 
thence  on  Southwest  Ward  line  to  Charles  River,  including  all  the  inhabi- 
tants within  said  line. 

Centre  School  Ward. — This  includes  all  the  inhabitants  not  included 
in  the  lines  limiting  the  other  wards. 

This  year  (1808)  the  committee  "  proportioned "  the  sum  of 
eight  hundred  dollars  to  the  schools  in  the  several  Wards  in  the 
manner  following : 


West  Ward, 

$126 

Southwest  Ward, 

#107 

North      " 

126 

Falls  Ward, 

100 

East         " 

105 

Centre     " 

•  110 

South      " 

126 

In  1819  a  Northwest  district  was  formed,  and  in  1824  an  Upper 
Falls  district. 

"The  children  from  the  Upper  Falls  and  vicinity,"  saj's  Mr. 
Pettee,  "  attended  school  in  the  Southwest  district ;  but  as  the  busi- 
ness increased  and  the  village  became  more  populous,  it  was  nec- 
essary to  divide  the  district  and  establish  what  was  called  the 
Upper  Falls  district,  and  a  school-house  was  built  in  the  3'ear  1818 
on  the  turnpike,  just  below  the  residence  of  Mr.  Luther  Ray- 
mond. 

"In  the  year  1811,  a  new  school-house  was  built  southeast  of 
the  residence  of  Deacon  Cook,  on  the  west  side  of  the  road  lead- 
ing to  Newton  Centre,  to  take  the  place  of  the  old  brick  building 
in  the  Southwest  district,  whicli  had  become  untenantable. 

"  The  old  school-house  by  the  Post-offlce  at  the  Upper  Falls 
being  very  much  out  of  repair  and  insufficient  in  size,  a  new  house 
was  built  with  two  stories  and  all  modern  improvements,  on  what 


SCHOOL  EEGULATIONS.  439 

was  known  as  the  frog  pond  lot,  and  was  occupied  for  school  pur- 
poses until  the  abolishment  of  the  district  sj'stem  by  the  town. 
The  new  and  large  house  which  now  stands  in  the  rear  of  the 
present  one,  was  built  in  1853,  when  the  old  houses  in  the  village 
and  southwest  districts  were  abandoned. 

"  The  \'illage  house  was  sold  at  auction  to  Mr.  Marcy,  and  occu- 
pied by  Messrs.  Howe  and  Colburn,  for  stores.  The  southwest 
house  was  more  recently  sold  to  Mr.  Davis  C.  Mills,  and  removed 
to  the  village,  and  occupied  as  tin  shop,  etc." 

Notwithstanding  the  error  of  the  townsmen  in  changing  nearly 
the  entire  Board  of  the  School  Committee  every  year,  they  seemed 
to  act  wisely  in  promoting  the  cause  of  education.  The  annual 
grant  for  the  support  of  teachers  which  had  been  £50  annually  for 
many  j-ears  previously,  was  raised  in  1774  to  £60,  in  1786  to  £80, 
in  1790  to  £85,  in  1791  to  £100,  in  1795  to  £130,  in  1796  to  $500, 
in  1800  to  $600,  in  1806  to  $800,  in  1813  to  $1,000,  in  1816  to 
$1,200. 

March  13,  1817,  a  committee  was  chosen  to  "endeavor  to  form 
some  plan  for  the  better  regulation  and  government  of  the 
schools."  This  committee  consisted  of  the  Bev.  Messrs.  WilUam 
Greenough,  Joseph  Grafton  and  Dr.  Homer,  and  one  from  each 
school  district, —  Messrs.  Ephraim  Jackson,  John  Kenrick,  Caleb 
Kenrick,  Elijah  F.  Woodward,  Joseph  Jackson,  William  Trow- 
bridge and  Obadiah  Thayer. 

On  the  12th  of  May  following,  this  committee  brought  in  a 
report  which,  as  it  was  mainly  adopted  b}'  the  town,  shows  the  state 
of  the  public  mind  at  that  date,  and  indicates  the  opinions  then 
prevalent  as  to  the  requisites  of  a  good  school. 

Your  committee,  appointed  to  determine  some  regulations  for  the  schools  in 
Newton,  have  attended  to  that  service,  and  report  as  follows  : 

1.  For  the  purpose  of  ejcciting  in  the  minds  of  the  scholars  a  reverence 
for  the  Word  of  God,  and  of  aiding  them  in  reading  it  with  propriety,  it  is 
recommended  that  a  portion  of  it  bo  publicly  and  daily  read  in  the  morning 
in  each  school  by  the  Preceptor  or  Preceptress,  and  that  the  scholars  shall 
read  the  same  after  him  or  her. 

2.  That  wliereas  there  has  been  long  and  frequent  complaint  of  great 
deficiency  of  books  among  the  scholars  in  several  of  the  schools,  it  is  earn- 
estly recommended  that  all  parents  and  guardians  procure  suitable  books  for 
each  of  the  children  or  youth  under  their  care,  and  that  the  Selectmen  be 
requested  by  the  committee-man  of  the  district  to  furnish  books  at  the 
expense  of  the  town  for  those  scholars  whose  parents  or  guardians,  in  his 
opinion,  are  unable  to  purchase  them. 


440  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

3.  That  the  New  Testament  be  one  of  the  standard  reading-books  in  all 
the  schools  in  this  town.  And  your  committee  do  in  a  special  manner  recom- 
mend Cummings'  New  Testament,  designed  for  schools,  with  Maps  of  the 
Countries  and  Places  mentioned  in  the  Scriptures,  and  Explanatory  Notes. 

4.  That  Murray's  English  Reader  or  Lyman's  American  Reader  be  recom- 
mended for  instruction  in  reading  in  the  schools  of  this  town. 

5.  That  whereas  it  appears  upon  inquiry  that  "Walker's  Dictionary  has 
become  a  growing  and  general  standard  for  pronunciation  in  the  colleges  of 
this  State,  and  in  the  colleges  and  academies  of  the  United  States,  your  com- 
mittee recommend  Walker's  Pronouncing  Dictionary  as,  in  the  general  tenor 
of  the  work,  the  best  standard  to  be  used  by  instructors  in  the  public  schools ; 
and  that  the  scholars  of  the  first  class  be  provided  with  the  small  edition  of 
this  Dictionary. 

Your  committee,  however,  in  recommending  Walker's  Dictionary,  would 
be  understood  as  having  reference  principally  to  the  accent,  and  not  as  decid- 
ing on  the  propriety  or  impropriety  of  his  mode  of  pronouncing  virtue, 
nature,  creature, —  virtshu,  natshure,  cretshure, —  and  a  few  other  words. 

6.  That  the  town  recommend  to  every  religious  teacher  of  the  schools 
to  open  and  close  them  daily  by  prayer. 

7.  That  every  master  be  desired  to  comply  with  the  laws  of  the  Com- 
monwealth, which  require  him  to  give  moral  and  religious  instruction  to  his 
pupils. 

8.  As  most  of  your  committee  have  been  called  frequently  to  visit  the 
schools  in  this  town,  and  have  been  satisfied  that  the  number  of  children  in 
several  of  them  is  greater  than  can  be  taught  or  governed  to  advantage,  they 
earnestly  recommend  as  an  essential  and  important  aid  in  instructing  and 
governing  the  public  schools,  that  no  children  shall  be  admitted  into  the 
winter  schools  until  the  complete  age  of  seven  years. 

9.  It  is  recommended  to  the  town  that  a  fourth  part  of  the  moneys 
annually  granted  for  the  support  of  public  schools,  be  devoted  to  the  support 
of  summer  schools. 

10.  That  the  Town  Clerk  be  requested  by  the  town  annually  to  furnish,  at 
the  town's  expense,  copies  of  these  votes  to  each  school  committee-man. 

11.  We  recommend  renewed  attention  on  the  part  of  the  town  to  a  former 
vote  of  the  town,  relative  to  the  committee-men  of  the  several  schools  acting 
in  concert,  not  separately,  in  employing  instructors. 

The  Town  Clerk  records  this  vote  : 

Voted,  to  accept  the  foregoing  report,  with  the  exception  of  the  eighth 
article,  which,  of  course,  was  rejected. 

The  Town  Clerk,  Joseph  Jackson,  Esq.,  by  the  insertion  of  the 
words  "  of  course,"  takes  occasion  to  give  a  gratuitous  expression 
of  his  own  opinion. 

In  May,  1821,  the  town  voted  that  "the  several  school  districts 
be   allowed   and  empowered  to  apply  thek  proportion  of  school 


SCHOOL  APPROPRIATIONS. 


Ul 


money  for  schooling  as  the}'  may  think  best,  and  to  manage  their 
schools  in  their  own  way."  This  was  evidently  a  plan  either  to 
relieve  the  superintending  School  Committee  of  responsibility,  or 
to  satisf}'  neighborhoods  disposed  to  complain  of  the  management 
of  such  committee.  The  vote  was  reaffirmed  in  1823.  Some  of 
the  duties  properly  belonging  to  the  School  Committee  seem  to 
have  been  assumed  by  the  town.  For  example,  in  1828  the  town 
voted  their  approbation  of  the  Pupil's  Axithmetic  by  Mr.  Seth 
Davis,  "  now  used  in  our  public  schools,  as  a  book  well  calculated 
to  aid  our  3'outh  in  acquiring  a  knowledge  of  this  science." 

Previous  to  1825  most  of  the  country  school-houses  were  built 
fi'om  twenty-five  to  forty  feet  square,  one  storj'  high,  with  rows  of 
benches  on  either  side  of  a  wide  alle}',  through  the  middle,  and  a  box' 
stove  in  the  middle,  or  an  open  fire  at  one  end  of  the  alle}',  around 
which  the  scholars  were  permitted  to  gather  in  cold  da^'s  to  warm 
themselves.  There  was  an  entry  across  one  end  to  hang  garments 
in.  These  country  school-houses  probably  cost  from  $300  to 
$1,000  each,  according  to  size.     Many  of  them  were  painted  red. 

The  grants  of  monc}'  for  the  support  of  schools  in  successive 
periods  are  interesting  and  instructive.  For  many  j-ears  preced- 
ing 1774,  the  amount  appropriated  was  £50  annually;  in  succes- 
sive years  it  was  raised  four  times,  till  in  1795  it  reached  £130. 
The  amount  subsequently,  in  successive  years,  was,  from 
179G-1799,  -        -        -  $500      1852,  -        -        -        $6,000 

1800-1805,  -        .        -  GOO      1853,  -        -        -  7,000 

1800-1812,  -        -        .  800      1854-,  -        -        -  8,800 

1813-1815,  -        -        -  1,000     1855-1856,         -        -        -         11,000 

1816-1819,  -         -         -  1,200      1857-1858,  -         -         -         12,000 

1820,  -        -        -  1,000      1859,  -        -        -         13,000 

1821,  -  -  -  1,100  16^,  -  -  -  U,000 
1822-1823,  -  -  -  1,200  1861,  -  -  -  12,000 
182-1,  -  -  -  1,300  1862,  -  -  -  15,000 
1825,  -  -  -  1,400  1863,  -  -  -  16,000 
1826-1832,  -  -  -  1,600  1864,  -  -  -  19,500 
1833-1834,  -  -  -  1,800  1865,  -  -  -  26,000 
1835-1836,  -  -  -  2,000  1866,  ...  31,500 
1837-1840,          -         -         -          2,500      1867,                    -         -         -         41,500 

1841,  -         -         -  2,000      1868,  -         -         -         44,000 

1842,  -         -         -  2,500      1869,  -         -         -         49,000 

1843,  -  -  -  2,000  1870,  -  -  -  54,000 
1844-1847,          -        -        -          3,125      1871,                   -        -        -        54,000 

1848,  .        -        -  4,000     1872,  -        -        -        69,000 

1849,  -  -  -  4,500  1873,  -  -  -  73,000 
1850-1851,          -        -        -         5,000 


442  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

In  1835  the  town  voted  that  a  terrestrial  globe  be  purchased  for 
each  of  the  District  Schools,  and  that  the  committee  in  each  dis- 
trict provide  a  box  for  its  safe  keeping. 

As  the  population  and  prosperity  of  the  town  advanced,  the 
question  of  school  accommodations  became  one  of  increasing  impor- 
tance. The  villages  of  the  town  required  more  room  for  scholars, 
higher  instruction,  and  consequently  larger  outlays  of  mone}'. 
With  the  general  advancement  of  intelligence  and  culture  in  the 
community,  the  interests  of  the  town  demanded  more  liberal  views 
and  more  generous  provision.  The  time  was  now  evidently  draw- 
ing near  when  the  old  district  S3'stem  was  destined  to  wane,  and 
when  Newton,  like  the  neighboring  cit}'  of  Boston,  must  have  its 
^'aded  schools,  for  the  sake  of  a  more  orderly  and  perfect  s^^stem 
of  teaching,  and  its  high  school  and  grammar  school,  to  prepare 
boys  for  college,  and  to  give  a  broader  education  to  those  who 
were  ambitious  of  more  generous  culture,  but  whose  aim  was  oul}' 
to  be  fitted  for  business  and  public  life,  that  they  might  stand, 
without  a  consciousness  of  inferiority,  among  the  cultivated  men  and 
women  of  the  age.  And  thus  the  subject  of  schools,  which  in 
earlier  days  had  absorbed  little  attention,  gradually  came  to  fill  a 
larger  space  in  the  Records  of  the  town  meetings.  District  lines, 
the  forming  of  new  districts,  the  erection  of  new  school-houses, 
the  equitable  distribution  of  school  funds,  the  increase  of  the 
grant  of  money  for  the  support  of  education, —  all  foreshadow 
the  period  since  inaugurated,  which  has  made  Newton  "  a  name 
and  a  praise,"  to  the  department  of  education,  on  both  sides  of 
the  Atlantic. 

In  March,  1838,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  consider  the 
expediency  of  establishing  ?Jue  or  more  free  High  Schools  in 
Newton.  In  May  following,  tiieir  report  was  ordered  to  be  print- 
ed, and  a  copy  placed  in  every  family  in  the  town.  But  the  time 
evidentl}^  had  not  3'et  come. 

In  April,  1845,  a  vote  of  the  town  was  passed,  authorizing  each 
school  district  to  employ  a  teacher  of  music,  the  expense  to  be  de- 
frayed from  the  school  funds. 

On  the  31st  of  December,  1849,  a  committee  on  High  School 
education  in  Newton,  of  which  the  Hon.  WilUam  Jackson  was 
chairman,  made  the  following  report  to  the  town,  the  recommen- 
dations of  which  were  adopted  by  the  meeting. 


EEPORT   ON  HIGH   SCHOOLS.  443 

'The  committee  to  wliom  was  referred  the  subject  relative  to  a  High  School 
in  Newton  have  attended  to  the  same  and  report, — 

That  the  law  requires  every  town  having  four  thousand  inhabitants  to 
establisli  such  a  school  for  the  benefit  of  all  the  inhabitants,  to  be  taught  by 
a  Miistor  competent  to  instruct  in  the  Latin  and  Greek  languages ;  and  to  be 
kept,  at  least  ten  months  in  a  year,  in  such  place  or  places  in  the  town  as  the 
inliabitants  shall  at  their  annual  meeting  determine. 

The  penalty  for  neglecting  compliance  with  this  law  is  a  sum  equal  to 
twice  the  Iiighest  sum  which  has  ever  before  been  voted  for  the  support  of 
schools  in  tlie  town,  to  be  paid  into  the  County  Treasury, —  one-fourth  of 
which  siiall  be  for  the  use  of  the  county;  the  remaining  three-fourths,  for 
school  purposes  in  the  town. 

The  highest  appropriation  in  the  town  is  four  thousand  five  hundred  dol- 
lars. The  town  therefore  is  now  liable  to  a  fine  of  nine  thousand  dollars, — 
one-fourth  of  which,  amounting  to  two  thousand  two  hundred  and  fifty  dol- 
lars, would  be  a  total  loss  to  the  town. 

Your  committee  are  unanimous  in  the  opinion  that  the  town  must,  in  some 
•way,  conform  to  the  requirements  of  this  law. 

Located  as  our  inhabitants  are,  there  is  no  place  where  such  a  school  can 
bo  established,  and  be  of  any  value  to  more  than  one-fourth  or  one-fifth  part 
of  said  inhabitants. 

Your  committee  cannot  therefore  recommend  the  building  of  a  school- 
house  and  the  establishment  of  such  a  school  at  this  time.  They  find,  how- 
ever, upon  inquiry,  that  Mr.  Weld  has  established  an  Academy  in  Auburn- 
dale,  in  which  all  the  branches  required  by  tlie  law  for  a  High  School  are 
taught ;  and  that  Mr.  Moses  Burbank  has  established  a  similar  school  in 
Newton  Centre  ;  and  that  these  teachers  will  admit  into  their  schools  all  who 
wish  to  pursue  such  studies  for  five  months  in  each  year,  upon  the  payment 
by  the  town  of  twelve  dollars, —  or  twenty-four  dollars  for  ten  months  for 
each  scholar.  This  would  be  of  but  little  or  no  value  to  any  other  part  of  the 
town,  except  those  two  villages ;  but  as  it  would  accommodate  a  greater 
number  than  the  establishment  of  one  school  in  any  part  of  the  town,  and  as 
it  will  be  a  conformity  to  the  law,  your  committee  recommend  that  such  an 
arrangement  be  made  with  those  gentlemen  by  the  School  Committee  alter- 
nately, commencing  with  Mr.  Burbank  and  continuing  with  him  ten  months, 
unless  the  law  imposing  tiiis  obligation  upon  the  town  shall  be  repealed. 

Your  committee  further  recommend  that  an  application  be  made  to  the 
Legislature  at  their  next  session  for  a  repeal  of  this  law,  so  far  as  it  applies  to 
the  town  of  Newton. 

William  Jackson,        "| 
Lemuel   Crehore,  -, 

Jo&EPii  L.  Partridge,  f  <^^^'«^'^^^- 
Marshall  S.  Rice,       J 

It  was  aftei'wavds  ascertained  that  the  town  was  not  liable, 
under  the  law  touehuig  High  School  teaching,  and  the  vote  mak- 
ing the  above  provision  was  reconsidered. 


444  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

But  the  march  of  progress  in  intellectual  culture  was  not  to  be 
arrested.  The  public  mind  had  been  turned  in  the  direction  of  a 
higher  education,  and  tlie  current  could  not  be  staj^ed.  Notwith- 
standing the  failure  of  the  action  of  December  31,  1849,  to  accom- 
plish any  valuable  results,  a  more  important  movement  was  soon 
to  take  place.  In  the  warrant  for  the  town  meeting  of  March  1, 
1852,  six  successive  articles  had  reference  to  the  interests  of  the 
schools ;  and  at  the  meeting  held  on  that  date,  these  six  articles 
were  referred  to  a  Committee  of  Eighteen,  to  consider  and  report 
at  the  adjournment.  The  action  that  followed  is  so  important  to 
the  interests  of  education  in  the  town  of  Newton  that  we  give 
their  names. 


Rev.  Barnas  Sears,  D.  D., 
Hon.  William  Jackson, 
Hon.  Ebenezer  Bradbury, 
Rev.  Lyman  Gilbert, 
Seth  Davis, 
Isaac  Hagar, 
Hon.  J.  Wiley  Edmands, 
George  W.  Keyes, 
John  Ward, 


Dr.  Henry  Bigelow, 
Joseph  L.  Ellis, 
James  L.  Harrastead, 
T.  H.  Carter, 
Jonathan  Avery, 
Dr.  A.  D.  Dearborn, 
Lemuel  Creliore, 
John  W.  Harbach, 
Hon.  David  H.  Mason. 


The  report  of  this  committee  was  read  at  an  adjourned  meeting, 
March  15th,  by  Dr.  Sears,  the  Chairman  of  the  committee  and  Secre- 
tary of  the  Massachusetts  Board  of  Education,  and  accepted  by 
the  town.  And  then  the  town  voted  that  the  School  Districts  of 
this  town  be  and  hereby  are  abolished. 

This  was  a  most  important  step.  A  hundred  and  flfty  years 
had  passed  away  since  the  town  voted  "  to  build  a  school-house  as 
soon  as  they  can."  A  century  and  a  quarter  had  elapsed,  since 
they  divided  the  town  into  three  districts  (in  1723),  the  east,  the 
south  and  the  west.  The  districts  had  gradually  increased  in 
number,  in  population,  in  wealth,  in  intelligence  and  in  efficiency, 
till  from  three  in  umiiber  they  had  become  eleven,  and  the  salary' 
of  eight  shillings  a  week,  voted  to  John  Staples, —  being  two  shil- 
lings a  day  for  four  days  in  the  week, —  had  changed  to  an  appro- 
priation of  five  thousand  dollars  a  year. 

In  November,  1850,  the  town  passed  a  vote  authorizing  the 
School  Committee  to  furnish  the  teacher's  desk  in  each  school  with 
one  copy  of  each  text-book  required  by  them  to  be  used  in  the 
school. 


HIGH   SCHOOL   STUDIES. 


445 


At  the  last  census  of  the  districts,  made  in  1850,  with  reference 
to  the  distribution  of  the  school  appropriations,  the  table  stood  as 
follows : 


DISI'KICT. 

CHILDREN 
CNDER  5  YEARS. 

CHILUREN 
FROM  5  TO  15. 

TOTAL. 

AMOU>'T  OF 
APPROPRIATION. 

No.  1 

36 

81 

117 

$350 

2 

27 

51 

78 

300 

3 

15 

43 

58 

280 

4 

51 

77 

128 

490 

5 

103 

157 

260 

700 

6 

43 

81 

124 

500 

7 

104 

161 

265 

765 

9 

43 

55 

98 

325 

10 

125 

237 

362 

950 

11 

26 

60 

86 

340 

573 

1,003 

1,576 

$5,000 

The  committee,  whose  report  led  to  the  important  resolution  to 
abolish  the  district,  and  to  inaugurate  the  graded,  system  of  schools, 
were  appointed  to  ascertain  what  new  buildings  or  repairs  may  be 
necessary  for  the  Grammar  and  Primary  schools  to  be  substituted 
for  the  District  schools,  and  to  report  plans  of  the  new  school- 
houses  to  be  erected,  with  estimates  of  the  expense  of  the  same. 

That  committee,  on  the  29th  of  March,  1852,  reported, — 

That  they  find  it  essential  to  the  establishment  of  the  system  of  graded 
schools  that  provision  should  be  made  for  the  accommodation  of  two  gram- 
mar schools,  one  at  Newton  Centre,  and  one  for  the  grammar  school  for  the 
[late]  ninth  and  eleventh  districts.  Your  committee,  in  view  of  the  rapidly 
increasing  population  of  the  town,  and  consequent  growing  demand  for 
school-houses,  consider  the  erection  of  one  story  school-houses  as  injudicious 
and  unprofitable.  They  therefore  recommend  the  erection  of  two  school- 
houses,  each  two  stories  high,  sufficiently  large  to  accommodate  a  grammar 
school  upon  one  floor. 

The  same  committee  immediately  afterwards  submitted  the  fol- 
lowing report : 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  article  in  the  warning  for  the 
Annual  Meeting  relative  to  High  Scliools,  beg  leave  to  report, — 

That  they  have  considered  that  subject  no  less  in  reference  to  the  educa- 
tional wants  of  the  town,  than  to  its  legal  obligations. 

By  the  5th  Sect.  23d  Chap.  Rev.  Stat.,  towns  of  4,000  inhabitants  are 
required  to  maintain  a  school  for  the  higher  English  branches  and  classic 


446  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

studies  for  a  term  of  not  less  than  ten  months  :  That  these  higher  studies  nec- 
essarily exclude  from  the  school  the  common  studies  is  not  to  be  inferred 
either  from  the  terms  of  the  law,  or  the  uniform  practice  of  towns  subject  to 
its  requirements.  But  in  these  towns,  when  divided  into  school  districts, 
with  schools  kept  for  short  terms,  the  addition  of  High  School  studies  in  any 
number  of  them  would  not  answer  the  demand  of  the  law.  And  in  many 
towns  of  large  territorial  extent,  subject  to  the  section  of  the  law  referred  to, 
the  distance  of  travel  to  any  one  point  has  long  been  deemed  an  onerous 
requirement.  Several  towns  so  situated,  including  Newton,  have  at  different 
times  petitioned  the  Legislature  to  be  released  from  the  obligation  to  main- 
tain High  School  instruction.  To  remedy  the  evils  complained  of  by  these 
towns,  the  Legislature  passed  an  act  in  1848,  permitting  towns  in  which  High 
School  instruction  is  required,  but  containing  less  than  8,000  inhabitants,  to 
establish  in  said  districts,  as  the  School  Committee  may  determine,  two  or 
more  schools  for  short  terms,  but  which,  taken  together,  shall  be  equal  to 
twelve  months.  It  is  therefore  manifestly  competent  for  the  town  to  establish 
one  school  embracing  High  School  studies  for  a  term  of  ten  months,  or  a 
larger  number  of  schools  liaving  such  studies  for  an  aggregate  period  of 
twelve  months,  and  to  embrace  within  these  schools  the  eommon  studies 
usually  assigned  to  Grammar  Schools. 

The  question  whether  more  schools  than  one  shall  be  provided  with  teachers 
competent  to  instruct  in  these  higher  studies,  properly  belongs  to  the  town;: 
the  question  of  their  location  is,  by  the  law  of  1848,  assigned  to  the  School 
Committee.  In  view  of  the  increased  expenditures  demanded  for  material 
accommodations  and  increased  instruction,  by  the  adoption  of  a  system  of 
graded  schools,  your  committee  do  not  deem  it  expedient,  at  present,  for  the 
town  to  establish  a  separate,  exclusive  High  School,  in  addition  to  the  schools 
recommended  by  your  committee.  But  in  view  of  the  ability  of  the  town, 
and  its  position,  surrounded  by  superior  facilities  for  public  school  educa- 
tion, your  committee  deem  it  no  less  promotive  of  its  material  interests  than 
of  its  highest  intellectual  and  moral  welfare,  that  its  public  schools  should 
furnish  the  means  of  full  preparation  for  a  complete  education  to  every  pupil 
within  its  limits  desirous  to  enjoy  them. 

With  these  views,  your  committee  recommend  that  the  School  Committee 
be  authorized  to  employ  one  or  more  instructors  qualified  to  instruct  in  all  the- 
studies  required  by  law  to  be  established  by  the  town. 

The  report  was  adopted,  the  appropriation  for  the  support  of 
the  schools  was  raised  to  $6,000  and  a  vote  passed  to  build  two 
new  school-houses,  at  an  expense  not  exceeding  $8,500,  for  the 
houses  and  land  for  the  same. 

The  school-houses,  thus  provided  for,  were  immediatel}'^  erected, 
one  at  Newton  Centre,  the  other  at  Newton ville.  The  committee 
determined  to  estabhsh  the  first  High  School  at  Newton  Centre, 
and  built  the  house  with  reference  to  that  end.     Mr.  John  W. 


HIGH   SCHOOL. 


GEADUATES  OF  THE  HIGH  SCHOOL. 


447 


I 


Hunt,  formerh'  teacher  at  Plymouth,  Mass.,  was  the  first  in- 
structor. 

The  arrangement  proved  to  be  a  success.  The  school  was 
opened  under  the  best  auspices,  and  carried  forward  with  enthusi- 
asm. Many  of  its  earliest  pupils  attained  a  high  rank  in  scholar- 
shix),  intelligence  and  culture.  Some  of  them  passed  to  the  Uni- 
'^ersities,  and  have  become  men  of  distincton. 

The  plan,  however,  was  only  a  stepping-stone  to  something 
better.  And  in  1859,  a  resolution  was  adopted  at  the  town  meet- 
iug,  March  7,  recommending  the  establishment  of  a  pure  High 
School,  to  be  located  at  Newtonville,  "  on  a  lot  of  land  next  to  the 
entrance  to  Mr.  Claflin's  ground  on  Walnut  Street." 

The  school  was  established,  with  much  want  of  agreement  upon 
its  expediency',  and  the  committee  of  that  day  speak  of  it  as  "  an 
'ixperiment,  which  they  will  continue  to  watch  anxiously  3^et  hope- 
full}',  leaving  the  results  to  speak  for  themselves."  It  commenced 
with  sevent3'-five  pupils,  all  of  whom  were  over  fifteen  j'ears  of 
age,  under  the  instruction  of  two  teachers.  It  at  once  engaged 
lAie  interest  and  pride  of  the  community,  and  through  its  whole 
career  has  justified  its  reputation,  as  a  school  furnished  with  all  the 
means  and  appliances  of  tlie  highest  English  and  classical  educa- 
tion recognized  in  our  common-school  system.  Within  ten  years 
the  school  building,  supposed  at  first  sufficient  to  provide  amplj- 
for  the  wants  of  the  far  future,  was  greatly  enlarged.  The  force 
of  teachers  was  doubled,  and  the  pupils  numbered  uearlj'one  hun- 
dred and  fiftj'.  The  course  of  study  was  much  amplified,  and  the 
facilities  afibrded  in  this  institution  for  a  thorough  education  were 
unexcelled  b}''  an}'  similar  school  in  the  State. 

The  number  of  pupils  who  graduated  at  the  High  School  from 
Its  foundation  till  1873,  when  Newton  became  a  city,  is  as  follows  : 


YEAK. 

BOYS. 

GIKLS. 

TOTAL. 

YEAB. 

BOYS. 

GIRLS. 

TOTAL. 

18G1 

4 

4 

1868 

2 

7 

9 

18f)2 

1 

5 

6 

1869 

4 

8 

12 

1863 

2 

1 

3 

1870 

4 

11 

15 

1804 

5 

2 

7 

1871 

4 

4 

8 

18G5 

3 

3 

6 

1872 

7 

5 

12 

1806 

9 

9 

1873 

11 

7 

18 

1867 

2 

3 

5 

448 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

GRADUATES  FROM  A  THRKE  YEARS'  COURSE. 


YBAll. 

BOYS. 

GIRLS. 

TOTAL. 

YEAR, 

BOYS. 

GIELS. 

TOTAL. 

1873 

12 

8 

20 

1876 

17 

25 

42 

1874 

11 

12 

23 

1877 

2.5 

26 

51 

1875 

21 

2G 

47 

1878 

25 

11 

36 

A  training-school  was  established  in  1872  to  fit  teachers  for  their 
work,  designed  for  those  only  who  had  graduated  from  the  High 
School,  or  had  had  an  equivalent  course  of  training  elsewhere. 
To  add  to  the  facilities  of  art  education,  a  collection  of  casts, 
models  and  flat  examples  were  procured  from  England,  and  ar- 
ranged in  the  new  art-rooms  at  the  High  School.  "  This  collection 
is  pronounced  by  the  State  Supervisor  of  Art  to  be  unsurpassed 
by  any  collection  in  the  State.  It  is  a  most  liberal  provision  for 
culture  in  a  useful  and  refining  art.  Its  value  to  the  pupils  of  the 
High  School, —  as  in  the  years  to  come  they  shall  have  been  pre- 
pared, by  long  training,  for  a  right  use  and  appreciation  of  it, — 
will  be  incalculable.  It  will  serve  not  only  to  promote  a  knowl- 
edge of  drawing  as  a  utilitarian  art,  but  will  contribute  to  that 
iBsthetic  culture,  which  is  essential  to  a  symmetrical  development. 
It  reveals  something  of  the  poetry  of  architecture,  in  its  models 
of  Greek,  Roman,  Saracenic  and  Gothic  ornamentation.  It  will 
also,  if  rightly  used,  awaken  an  interest  in  classic  art.  The  care- 
ful study  of  models  of  the  highest  types  of  the  Greek  conception 
of  the  beautiful,  as  embodied  in  works  of  art,  will  not  fail  to  cre- 
ate an  interest  in  the  subject,  and  an  appreciation  of  it.  The  use 
of  this  collection,  and  instruction  in  both  model  and  industrial 
drawing  in  all  its  branches,  is  free  to  all  citizens  of  the  town. 

"  It  may  not  be  deemed  unworthy  of  mention,  that  the  schools 
of  the  town  of  Newton  at  the  World's  Exposition  at  Vienna, 
were  represented  by  photographs  of  the  principal  school-houses,  a 
large  and  carefuU}'  prepared  chart,  showing  details  of  the  school 
S3^stem  of  Newton,  population,  appropriations  for  education,  etc., 
and  a  series  of  Newton  School  Reports ;  and  this  representation 
won  recognition  from  the  government  of  the  Exhibition,  and  the 
award  to  the  town  of  Newton  of  a  Diploma  of  Merit. 

"  The  books  of  exhibit  of  the  work  of  Newton  schools  placed  in 
the  Paris  Exposition  were  also  deposited,  at  the  request  of  the 
Paris  Educational  authorities,  in  the  Paris  Museum." 


SCHOOL-HOUSE  PROPERTY.  449 

From  the  Annual  Report  of  1873,  the  last  3'ear  of  the  town 
government,  Newton  had  seventeen  school-houses,  nine  halls,  fif- 
ty-nine school-rooms  occupied  and  thirteen  unoccupied,  three 
thousand  one  hundred  and  eight3'-four  sittings  for  pupils,  six  male 
teachers,  sixty-three  female  teachers,  five  teachers  in  special  de- 
partments, total  seventy-four.  The  school  appropriation  of  March 
3,  1873,  was  $73,000.  The  dog-tax  of  the  year,  $600,  was  also 
made  to  do  duty  as  an  addition  to  the  educational  resources  of 
the  town. 

SCHOOL-HOUSE   PROPERTY   IN   NEWTON. 

The  City  Auditor's  Report  for  1877  gives  the  following  estimate 
of  the  value  of  School-house  property  in  Newton  at  that  date : 

$60,000.00 
60,000.00 
20,700.00 
32,000.00 

7,500.00 
13,000.00 
30,000.00 
28,500.00 
32,000.00 
•  13,000.00 
16,000.00 
33,000.00 
22,500.00 
34,500.00 
25,300.00 

6,000.00 
15,000.00 

6,000.00 

$445,000.00 

29 


1. 

High  School  Buildings, 

furniture  and  land. 

2. 

Mason  School-house, 

(( 

(( 

3. 

Hyde 

(( 

<< 

(< 

4. 

Prospect 

u 

(( 

(( 

5. 

Prospect 

<( 

No.  2, 

<( 

(( 

6. 

Oak  Hill 

u 

i( 

(( 

7. 

Hamilton 

(( 

(i 

(( 

8. 

Williams 

(I 

(( 

<( 

9. 

Pierce 

(( 

(( 

i< 

10. 

Davis 

(( 

(( 

<{ 

11. 

Franklin 

(( 

(( 

« 

12. 

Claflin 

(( 

<( 

« 

13. 

Adams 

<( 

<( 

« 

14. 

Bigelow 

(( 

« 

(( 

15. 

Underwood 

u 

(C 

<( 

16. 

Lincoln 

(( 

<( 

tt 

17. 

Jackson 

(( 

(« 

it 

School  Apparati 

18, 

CHAPTER  XXXV. 

WEST     NEWTOX. NEW      MEETING-HOUSE, REV.      MR.     GILBERT. — 

REV.  MR.    DRUMMOND. REV.    GEORGE   B.    LITTLE. REV.    H.  J. 

PATRICK. SABBATH  SCHOOL. STATISTICS. BAPTIST  CHURCH, 

UNITARIAN   CHURCH. MYRTLE   BAPTIST    CHURCH. 

The  earlier  events  in  the  history  of  the  west  pai't  of  the  town 
have  been  surveyed  in  a  previous  chapter.  (See  pages  250-258.) 
Mr.  Gilbert  had  been  ordained  colleague  pastor  with  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Greenough. 

In  the  year  1831, —  the  year  of  Mr.  Greenough's  decease,  and 
not  long  after  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Gilbert, —  the  church  edifice 
was  a  second  time  remodelled,  the  galleries  being  removed,  the 
square  pews  giving  place  to  slips,  and  various  other  improvements 
being  introduced.  During  the  following  year  a  vestrj^  was  com- 
pleted in  the  basement  of  the  meeting-house,  and  six  years  after- 
wards, in  1838,  additional  alterations  and  improvements  were 
made  in  the  house  itself.  On  the  26th  of  March,  1848,  public 
worship  was  held  for  the  last  time  in  the  old  meeting-house,  and 
the  edifice  was  sold  to  the  town.  It  continued  to  be  used  as  a 
town  hall  and  school  building ;  and,  with  alterations,  enlargements 
and  improvements,  when  Newton  became  a  cit}',  it  was  trans- 
formed into  the  City  Hall. 

The  second  church  edifice  was  dedicated  March  29,  1848.  The 
cost  was  about  $13,000.  The  sermon  at  the  dedication  was  by 
Rev.  Mr.  Gilbert,  from  Acts  XXVIII:  22,  "But  we  desire  to 
hear  of  thee  what  thou  thinkest ;  for  as  concerning  this  sect,  we 
know  that  everywhere  it  is  spoken  against."  The  sermon  svas 
printed.  The  building  received  extensive  repairs  in  1870,  and  was 
re-dedicated  in  September  of  that  year,  the  dedication  sermon 
being  preached  by  the  pastor,  Rev.  H.  J.  Patrick,  from  Ezra  VII : 
27,  "Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  our  fathers,   which  hath  put 

450 


EEV.  LYMAN  GILBERT.  451 

such  a  thing  as  this  in  the  king's  heart,  to  beautify  the  house  of 
the  Lord  which  is  in  Jerusalem." 

After  the  decease  of  Mr.  Greenough,  Mr.  Gilbert  remained  sole 
pastor.  He  was  still  a  3"oung  man.  He  had  enjoyed  the  advan- 
tage of  intercourse  with  his  aged  predecessor  for  more  than  three 
years.  The  experience  of  such  a  man  must  have  been  very  valu- 
able to  him.  During  all  that  period  he  had  been  growing  into  liis 
methods,  and  by  daily  communion  he  imbibed  his  spirit.  The 
mantle  of  the  ascended  Elijah  rested  on  Elisha.  The  first 
pastor,  in  his  work  of  half  a  centurv,  had  impressed  his 
likeness  on  the  church  and  society.  The  second  was  now  to. carry 
forward  towards  perfection  that  which  had  been  so  well  begun. 
And,  by  patient  and  perservering  toil,  bj'  watching  every  oppor- 
tunit}^  of  doing  good,  and  living  for  the  highest  welfare  of  his 
people,  he  was  the  honored  instrument  of  preparing  the  field  for 
the,  not  more  efficient,  but  more  encouraging,  efforts  of  those  who 
were  to  come  after  him.  The  village  had  not  yet  started  in  that 
race  of  vigorous  improvement  which  afterwards  characterized  it. 
But  the  daj'  of  its  growth  was  at  hand,  and  the  seed,  soon  spring- 
ing up,  has  had  a  most  prosperous  growth. 

Rev.  Lyman  Gilbert  was  born  in  Brandon,  Vt.,  June  13,  1798. 
Both  his  grandfather  and  his  father  were  connected  with  the  army 
of  the  Revolution.  The  former,  Luke  Gilbert,  fills  a  soldier's 
grave  in  Ticonderoga.  The  latter,  Elam  Gilbert,  after  the  war^ 
removed  to  Marlborough,  Vt.,  and  then  to  Brandon.  In  1818, 
Ljman  Gilbert  became  a  member  of  the  church  in  Middlebury, 
Vt.,  and  was  soon  advised  to  study  with  reference  to  the  ministry. 
In  about  eighteen  months  from  the  time  he  began  the  Latin  Gram- 
mar, he  entered  Middlebur}-  College,  where  he  graduated  in  1825, 
with  the  highest  honors.  The  same  year  he  entered  the  Theologi- 
cal Seminary  at  Andover,  at  Mie  same  time  taking  upon  himself 
for  one  quarter,  the  duties  of  usher  in  Phillips  Academy.  Amono- 
his  pupils  here  were  Horatio  B.  Hackett,  Ray  Palmer  and  Jona- 
than F.  Stearns,  all  of  whom  have  ht.]  5  places  of  distinguished 
honor.  Not  long  after  the  completion  of  his  studies  in  Andover, 
he  visited  Newton,  and  was  warmh'  receivea  by  the  people  and  by 
the  aged  pastor,  Rev.  Mr.  Greenough.  Aftei  he  had  preached 
:)ne  Sabbath,  Mr.  Greenough,  perceiving  the  impressVn  his  labors 
lad  produced,  said  to  hira,  "If  you  have  made  up  youi  ?j)'nd  that 
you  will  not  settle  in  a  small  parish,  the  sooner  you  are  out  cf 


452  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

town,  the  better  it  will  be  for  us."  Mr.  Gilbert  replied  that  he  had 
"  no  such  will  about  it,  but  was  at  the  disposal  of  Providence." 

The  parish  proper  at  that  time  contained  about  forty  families, 
and  the  church,  about  fifty  members.  The  population  was  small, 
with  no  immediate  prospect  of  essential  increase.  "The  church 
edifice  was  an  old-fashioned  structure,  small,  but  lighted  with  fift}' 
windows,  no  blinds,  square  pews  and  swing  seats,  with  no  great 
waste  of  paint,  outside  or  in."  Mr.  Gilbert  received  a  unanimous 
and  earnest  call  from  the  people  to  settle  as  colleague  pastor  ;  and 
was  ordained  July  2,  1828. 

In  1831  there  was  a  season  of  special  religious  interest  in  West 
Newton,  in  connection  with  a  "  four-days'  meeting,"  and  many 
were  admitted  to  the  church. 

Mr.  Gilbert  took  a  prominent  stand  as  an  early  advocate  of  tem- 
perance, as  well  as  of  education.  He  was  a  member  of  the  School 
Committee  of  the  town,  more  than  twentj^  3'ears.  In  Januar}', 
1829,  he  delivered  an  anniversary  address  on  Temperance,  which 
was  well  received,  and  afterwards  published  by  request.  As 
ah-eady  stated,  the  Society  of  which  he  was  pastor,  in  process  of 
time  outgrew  its  old  home,  and  the  progress  of  the  village  justi- 
fied the  erection  of  a  new  church  edifice  in  1848,  in  which  Mr. 
Gilbert  continued,  for  seven  years  longer,  to  preach  to  a  loving 
and  confiding  people  ;  and,  in  return  for  their  love  and  confidence, 
he  In'ought  all  his  talents  to  promote  the  welfare  of  the  little  flock. 
It  is  said  that,  on  one  occasion,  he  made  his  earl}'  skill  in  the  use 
of  carpenter's  tools  available  for  their  edification,  b}''  presenting, 
in  connection  with  a  lecture  prepared  for  them  on  Solomon's  Tem- 
ple, a  complete  model  of  that  famous  structure,  made  with  refer- 
ence to  an  accurate  measurement  of  dimensions  and  proportions, 
the  work  of  his  own  hands. 

As  long  as  the  aged  pastor  lived,  the  two  shepherds  labored  to- 
gether and  fed  the  flock  in  blessed  concord.  Mr.  Gilbert  testifies 
that  "  his  venerable  colleague  and  himself  lived  together  in  all  har- 
mony, mutual  confidence  and  love,  to  the  end  of  their  earthly  con- 
nection." And  when  Mr.  Gilbert  came  to  be  sole  pastor,  the  love 
of  the  people  to  whom  he  had  given  himself  in  his  youth  and  to 
whom  he  had  consecrated  his  manhood,  when  he  felt  it  his  dut}'  to 
resign  his  charge,  made  it  hard  to  sever  the  tie. 

Mr.  Gilbert  received  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Divinitj^  from 
Middlebury  College,  in  1850. 


KEY.  GEORGE  B.  LITTLE.  •      453 

Mr.  Gilbert  remaiued  pastor  of  the  chui-cli  till  Januar}'-  2,  1856, 
tweuty-six  years  and  six  months.  His  long  period  of  faithful  and 
unwearied  service  was  an  efficient  means  of  building  up  the  church 
and  society. 

On  the  day  of  the  dissolution  of  Mr.  Gilbert's  pastoral  relations, 
and  by  the  same  Council,  Mr.  Joseph  Payson  Drummond  was  or- 
dained as  his  successor,  January'  2,  1856.  But  in  April,  1857, 
he  was  compelled  b}'  impaired  health  to  retire  from  active  service. 
His  formal  resignation,  having  been  held  under  consideration  sev- 
eral months,  was  accepted,  and  his  connection  with  the  Society 
was  dissolved  November  12,  1857,  having  continued  a  year  and 
ten  months.  His  life-work  was  ended,  and  the  tired  laborer  rested 
on  his  sheaves  at  noon.  He  died  at  Bristol,  Me.,  November  23, 
aged  thirtj'-three.  He  was  a  native  of  Maine,  graduated  at  Bow- 
doin  College,  1843,  and  Andover  Theological  Seminary,  1853. 

The  fourth  pastor  was  the  Rev.  George  Barker  Little,  of  Ban- 
gor, Maine,  who  was  installed  November  12,  1857;  the  installa 
tion  sermon  was  b}*  Rev.  Prof.  Phelps,  of  the  Andover  Seminary. 
But  his  health  failed,  and  in  February,  1860,  Mr.  Little  tendered 
his  resignation,  hoping  to  find  relief  and  restoration  from  a  visit  to 
Europe.  The  resignation,  being  not  accepted  by  the  church  and 
society,  was  withdrawn,  and  leave  of  absence  having  been  granted 
in  accordance  with  the  wishes  of  his  people,  Mr.  Little  sailed  for 
Europe  in  the  following  March.  His  rapid  decline,  however,  made 
his  speedy  return  necessary,  after  an  absence  of  only  two  months. 
He  tendered  his  resignation  a  second  time  June  21.  But  so  evi- 
dent was  it  that  his  life  was  rapidly  fading  away,  that  the  church 
took  no  action  concerning  it.  The  Great  Shepherd  was  about  to 
dismiss  him  from  earthly  toils,  and  to  fold  him  in  peace.  He  died 
in  Roxbury,  Mass.,  July  20,  1860,  aged  thirty-eight  years,  having 
been  pastor  here  two  years  and  eight  months.  Mr.  Little  was  dis- 
tinguished by  his  culture  and  his  pulpit  talents.  He  graduated  at 
Bowdoin  College  in  1843  and  at  the  Andover  Theological  Seminary 
in  1849,  and  was  ordained  in  Bangor,  Me.,  October  12,  1849, 
where  he  was  pastor  from  1849  to  1857,  and  then  removed  to  West 
Newton. 

The  fifth  pastor  was  Rev.  Henry  Johnson  Patrick,  of  Bedford, 
where  he  was  ordained  November  16,  1854,  and  served  as  pastor 
till  his  removal  to  "West  Newton,  whore  he  was  installed  September 
26,   1860.     The   sermon  was  by  Rev.  Prof.  Phelps,  of  Andover 


454 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


Seminary ;  charge  by  Rev.  R.  T.  Robinsou,  of  Winchester ; 
hand  of  fellowship  by  Rev.  J.  M.  Manning,  of  the  Old  South 
church,  Boston  ;  address  to  the  people  by  Rev.  J.  W.  "VYellman,  of 
the  Eliot  church,  Newton. 

In  1863  the  church  received  a  generous  bequest  from  the  estate 
of  Miss  Sarah  Baxter,  one  of  its  members,  of  five  thousand  dol- 
lars, on  condition  that  it  be  increased  to  eight  thousand, —  the 
whole  to  be  used  in  providing  a  parsonage,  for  the  use  of  the  pas- 
tor and  his  successors  forever.  The  condition  was  fulfilled,  and  a 
parsonage  erected  in  18GG,  which  was  dedicated  for  the  purposes 
of  its  erection  in  the  spring  of  18G7. 

In  1870  the  church  edifice,  as  above  stated,  was  repaired  at  an 
expense  of  upwards  of  three  thousand  dollars.  The  organ,  for- 
merly in  the  gallery,  was  I'emoved  to  a  recess  constructed  for  it  at 
the  side  of  the  pulpit,  and  a  new  pulpit  took  the  place  of  the  for- 
mer one. 

There  were  seasons  of  special  religious  interest,  as  the  Church 
Roll  indicates,  in  1781-2,  1810-11,  1817,  1826-7,  1831-2,  1851- 
2,  1856-7,  1865-8,  1871-2  and  1877. 


PASTORS. 

OKDAIN'ED 

DIED  OK 

OR  INSTALLED. 

DISMISSED. 

Rev. 

William  Greenough, 

o.  Nov.      8,  1781, 

died  Nov.  10,  1831. 

Rev. 

Lyman  Gilbert, 

o.  July      2,  1828, 

dis.   Jan.      2,  1856. 

Rev. 

Joseph  P.  Drummond, 

o.  Jan.       2,  1856, 

dis.   Nov.  12,  1857. 

Rev. 

George  B.  Little, 

i.  Nov.    12,  1857, 

died  July  20,  1860. 

Rev. 

Henry  J.  Patrick, 

i.  Sept.  2G,  ISGO. 

DEACONS. 

ELECTED. 

DECEASED. 

EESIGNED. 

Joseph  "Ward, 

Dec.  21,  1781 

Dec.  23,  1784 

Joseph  Jackson, 

Dec.  30, 1781 

Aug.    9,  1803 

Enoch  Ward, 

Jan.  18,  1789 

Oct.  13,  1789 

Joseph  Fuller, 

Mar.  18,1793 

Oct.  27,1811 

Thomas  Eustis,  jr., 

Feb.  17,  18U0 

Apr.  27, 1806 

Joseph  Adams, 

])e<^.  22, 180r> 

April,      1813 

Beniauiiu  Fuller, 

Oct.  31,  1817 

July    6,1828 

Joel  Fuller, 

Oct.   31,  1817 

Dec.  17,  1848 

Joseph  Stone, 

Jan.  17,  1845 

July    2,1852 

Samuel  Warren, 

Feb.  11,1845 

July  29,  1852 

Orin  F.  AVoodford, 

Dec.    8, 1852 

Mar.  14, 1856 

Joseph  W.  Stone, 

Jan.    5, 1853 

Spjnuel  F.  Dix, 

Nov.  12,  1856 

May  25, 1876 

Julius  L.  Clarke, 

Jan.  17, 18G8 

Lemuel  E.  Caswell, 

Jan.  17,  1868 

Jan.  18,  1871 

Joseph  B.  Whitmore, 

Feb.    3, 1871 

Harlan  P.  Barber, 

Sept.  2,  1876 

WEST  NEWTON  SABBATH  SCHOOL.  455 


CLERKS. 

"Rev.  'William  Oreenough, 
Kev.  Lyman  Gilbert, 
Henry  "L.  Whiting, 
Samuel  F.  Dix, 
Julius  L.  Clarke. 


TREASUEEES. 

Joseph  Jackson, 
Joseph  Fuller, 
Nathan  Fuller, 
Joel  Fuller, 
Samuel  Warren, 
Orin  F.  Woodford, 
Joseph  AV.  Stone, 
Samuel  F.  Dix. 


SABBATH   SCHOOL   OF   THE    SECOND   CONGREGATIONAL  CHURCH. 

The  two  persons  most  prominent  in  the  commencement  of  the 
Sabbath  School  work  in  connection  with  the  Congregational  church 
at  West  Newton  were  Joseph  Jackson  and  Joel  Fuller.  They, 
with  others,  gathered  the  first  Sabbath  School  in  West  Newton  in 
the  school-house  then  located  on  Waltham  Street,  nearly  opposite 
the  present  Davis  school-house.  The  house  itself  afterwards  became 
part  of  the  store  occupied  b}^  Mr.  John  Mead.  The  loug  benches 
of  the  old  school-house  were  well  filled.  The  school  numbered  from 
twenty  to  forty.  Mr.  Joseph  Jackson,  then  the  teacher  of  one  of 
the  public  schools,  was  the  first  Superintendent.  It  was  the  cus- 
tom for  the  school  to  meet  in  the  morning  before  public  service. 
At  the  close  of  the  session,  a  procession  was  formed,  and  two  by 
two  the  classes,  preceded  by  their  teachers,  marched  to  the  church. 

Question  books  were  not  then  in  use  ;  but  the  exercises  consisted 
in  the  recitation  of  Scripture  and  hymns.  Whole  chapters  were 
repeated,  and  the  longest  of  Watts'  hymns.  The  following  remi- 
niscences of  the  school  are  taken  from  a  historical  sermon  by  the 
Rev.  H.  J.  Patrick. 

The  school  was  at  first  held  only  in  the  summer;  and  at  the  close  of  the 
season,  before  dispersing,  there  was  a  kind  of  exhibition,  and  prizes  in  the 
form  of  books  were  awarded  to  those  who  had  recited  the  greatest  number  of 
verses.  A  Testament,  given  the  second  year,  is  kept  by  one  of  the  present 
members  of  the  church,  with  the  date  1820  upon  it.  When  Question  Books 
were  introduced,  the  first  one  xised  was  Cummings'  Questions.  In  a  few 
years  the  school  was  held  through  the  winter,  Deacon  Joel  Fuller  remarking 
in  his  characteristic  way,  as  he  l)rought  his  bundle  of  firewood, — "  tiiat  what 
was  good  for  summer  was  good  for  winter,"  proposing  henceforth  to  hold  the 
school  through  the  year.  At  this  time,  the  Sabbath  School  was  removed 
from  the  school-house  to  the  church. 

So  far  as  can  be  ascertained,  the  school  followed,  in  tiie  order  of  time,  the 
example  of  other  schools,  in  the  institution  of  a  library,  the  observance  of  the 
concert,  and  the  introduction  of  a  system  of  benevolence. 

In  October,  1838,  the  preliminary  meeting  was  held  in  the  vestry  of  the 
church  at  West  Newton,  which  resulted  in  the  formation  of  the  Newton  Sun- 
day School  Union,  an  institution  which  has  done  much  to  deepen  the  Sabbath 
School  interest  in  the  town.  Deacon  .Joel  Fuller  was  the  representative  of 
the  West  Newton  School  at  that  meeting. 


456  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

In  1854,  there  were  thirteen  classes,  thirteen  teachers,  and  ninety  scholars 
and  a  library  of  300  volumes.  In  1855,  the  first  contribution  is  reported  of 
twenty  dollars  to  the  Indians  of  Western  New  York.  In  1869,  there  were 
thirty-one  classes,  thirty-three  officers  and  teachers,  three  hundred  and  three 
scholars,  a  library  of  847  volumes ;  a  quarterly  contribution  of  $57,  and  a 
yearly  contribution  of  ^300. 

The  benevolence  of  the  school  at  West  Newton  steadily  increased.  One 
of  its  members.  Miss  Hattie  S.  Clark  [Mrs.  L.  E.  Caswell],  went  out  as 
Missionary  to  the  Indians  of  AYcstern  New  York,  exciting  an  interest  in 
that  mission,  and  prompting  many  donations  in  that  direction.  Latterly, 
more  was  done  for  the  Ereedmen,  two  teachers  having  been  supported  by 
the  congregation  and  the  school  one  year  —  Miss  Jennie  Barbour  and  Miss 
Hattie  Twoguns  —  both  in  Georgia.  Several  seasons  of  special  religious 
interest  have  been  enjoyed  in   the  school. 

Deacon  Joel  EuUer  was  the  Superintendent  for  twenty  years,  and  his  devo- 
tion to  the  school,  his  unwearied  interest,  and  his  fervent  prayers,  are  fresh 
in  the  memory  of  all  who  knew  him. 

Mr.  Samuel  A.  Danforth  was  Superintendent  for  five  years,  and  during 
his  Superintendency  there  were  more  conversions  than  at  any  other  time  dur- 
ing the  half  century.  His  successor.  Rev.  Charles  Rich,  who  was  Superin- 
tendent for  one  year,  is  remembered  as  a  man  peculiarly  adapted  to  interest 
the  young  in  his  addresses,  and  clothe  the  Bible  narratives  with  the  most 
vivid  reality. 

The  name  of  Joseph  S.  Clark,  D.  D.,  will  start  a  multitude  of  memories 
connected  with  the  corner  of  the  vestry,  where  for  years  he  had  a  Bible  Class 
of  middle-aged  men.     His  counsel  and  wisdom  were  invaluable. 

An  opposite  corner  of  the  vestry  brings  to  mind  a  devoted  teacher,  Miss 
Hannah  S.  Richmond,  who  for  many  years  kept  a  large  class  of  young  ladies 
bound  to  her  by  her  personal  interest  in  their  welfare,  and  with  few  excep- 
tions led  them  to  Christ. 

The  remembrance  of  the  little  voices  which  came  from  the  small  vestry  in 
their  infant  songs,  calls  back  to  us  the  form  of  another  teacher,  Miss  Sarah 
M.  Pearson. 

In  the  fiftieth  year,  another  teacher,  Mr.  Charles  Stone,  long  connected 
with  the  school,  and  ever  faithful,  was  called  to  his  heavenly  reward.  His 
name  suggests  the  memory  of  two  sisters,  who  were  once  found  in  their 
places  in  the  Sabbath  School,  remembered  for  their  faithfulness,  all  children 
of  the  senior  Deacon  Joseph  Stone. 

FIRST    BAPTIST   CHURCH,  WEST   NEYTTON. 

A  preliminary  meeting  of  several  members  of  Baptist  churches 
residing  in  Newtonville  and  vicinity  was  held  in  Tremont  Hall, 
Newtonville,  October  23,  1853,  for  the  purpose  of  consulting  in 
regard  to  the  formation  of  a  fom'th  Baptist  church  within  the  limits 
of  the  town  of  Newton,  and  the  first  church  of  any  denomina- 
tion in  Newtonville.     Rev.  Joseph  M.  Graves  was  chairman. 


BAPTIST  CHURCH,  WEST  NEWTON.  457 

Another  meeting  was  held  December  12,  1853,  when  the  follow- 
ing action  was  adopted  unanimously : 

Whereas  the  undersigned  are  members  in  good  standing  in  Baptist 
churches,  and  with  other  friends  have  sustained  public  worship  in  this  place 
since  the  first  of  February,  and  whereas  we  believe  that  a  regularly  organ- 
ized church  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  is  demanded  and  would  be  sustained  in 
this  village,  and  having  obtained  letters  of  dismission  and  recommendation 
for  this  purpose,  we  do  now  resolve  ourselves  into  a  church  to  be  known  as 
the  First  Baptist  church  in  Newtonville, —  relying  upon  the  grace  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  build  us  up  in  our  most  holy  fiiith. 

To  this  action  the  following  names  were  signed,  and  these  per- 
sons were  the  constituent  members  of  the  church  : 


Isaac  S.  French, 
David  C.  Sanger, 
Daniel  Sanger, 
William  Walker, 
Mrs.  Anna  Winch, 
Lucinda  B.  French, 
Mrs.  Sarah  Doggctt, 
Miss  Caroline  E.  Burdett, 


Sarah  J.  Sanger, 
Charlotte  Sanger, 
Susan  Walker, 
Miss  Susan  V.  Winch, 
Mrs.  Emeline  Webb, 
Miss  Eliza  Field, 
Mrs.  Lucinda  F.  Abbott, 
Mrs.  Lucy  Packer. 


Articles  of  Faith  and  Covenant  similar  to  those  of  all  regular 
Baptist  churches  were  adopted. 

David  C.  Sanger  was  chosen  Clerk,  and  Isaac  S.  French,  Dea- 
con and  Treasurer.  January  28,  1851,  Rev.  B.  A.  Edwards  was 
elected  Pastor. 

The  public  recognition  of  the  church  by  appropriate  exercises 
took  place  in  Tremont  Hall,  Newtonville,  April  20. 

A  church  edifice  of  brick  was  commenced  near  the  Depot,  but 
befoi-e  it  was  completed,  the  contributions  being  insufficient  to 
meet  the  expense  incurred,  the  building  was  sold,  and  afterwards 
finished  by  the  first  Methodist  Society  in  Newtonville.  Rev.  Mr. 
Edwards  resigned  the  pastorate  August  1,  1856.  Rev.  Mr. 
Graves,  who  had  been  with  the  church  at  the  beginning,  returned, 
and  labored  till  failure  of  health  foi'ced  him  to  resign. 

After  a  temporary  suspension  of  public  services,  a  meeting  of 
the  members  was  held  June  5,  1866,  at  which  the  following  vote 
was  passed : 

Voted,  that  we  hereafter  hold  our  meetings  at  West  Newton,  and  that  we- 
adopt  the  name  of  the  First  Baptist  church  of  West  Newton. 


458  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

A  new  spirit  of  enterprise  was  infused  into  the  meetings,  in 
this  new  location.  Meetings  were  held  in  "  Village  Hall,"  till  the 
meeting-house  was  erected  at  Lincoln  Park,  and  dedicated  in 
August,  1871. 

PASTORS. 

B.  A.  Edwards,  Jan.  28,  1851.  U.  S.  James,  D.  D.,  May  5,  1869. 

R.  H.  Bowles,  Nov.  13,  1866.  William  Lisle,  Nov.  14,  1870. 

T.  B.  Holland,  June  1,  1875. 

DEACONS. 

Isaac  S.  Prench,  Timothy  Estes,  L.  E.  Leland, 

D.  C.  Sanger,  N.  C.  Pike. 

FIRST    UNITARIAN    SOCIETY,    WEST    NEWTON. 

The  first  meetings  for  public  worship  held  by  the  members  of 
the  Unitarian  denomination  in  Newton  took  place  in  the  summer 
of  1844.  The  services  were  held  in  the  hall  of  the  hotel,  West 
Newton.  In  August,  however,  thej'  were  discontinued,  but  re\ived 
again  in  the  year  1847. 

The  first  minister  engaged  for  an)^  length  of  time  was  Rev. 
Arthur  Buckminster  Fuller,  who  was  in  service  three  months  in 
1847-8.  He  graduated  at  Harvard  Universit}'  in  1843,  and  was 
killed  in  the  war,  1862.  In  the  autumn  of  1848,  Rev.  WiUiam 
Orne  White,  of  Salem,  accepted  an  invitation  to  preach  one  year, 
and  was  ordained  November  22,  1848.  A  church  was  organized, 
and  the  first  communion  service  was  held  January  7,  1849.  After 
a  pastorate  of  about  two  years,  Mr.  White  resigned  his  charge, 
and  became  pastor  of  the  Unitarian  church  in  Keene,  N.  H., 
where  he  was  pastor  twenty-eight  j^ears.  The  church  organ- 
ized during  Mr.  White's  pastorate  adopted  in  substance  the  cove- 
nant used  originally  by  the  First  church  in  Boston.  At  that  time 
the  Normal  School  was  located  at  West  Newton,  in  charge  of  Rev. 
Cyrus  Pierce.  Mr.  William  Parker,  the  energetic  Superintendent 
of  the  Boston  and  Worcester  Railroad,  was  the  life  and  soul  of  the 
movement  to  establish  the  society.  Hon.  Horace  Mann  was  a  gen- 
erous supporter  of  the  parish,  and  a  faithful  attendant  on  its  worship, 
in  the  periods  of  respite  from  his  Congressional  duties.  A  few  hear- 
ers came  from  other  villages  in  Newton.  Mr.  White  was  an  ardent 
promoter  of  every  plan  that  promised  to  advance  the  social,  intellect- 
ual or  religious  improvement  of  the  village.     During  his  ministry 


PIKST    UNITARIAN    CHURCH,    WEST    NEWTON. 


MYETLE  BAPTIST  CHUECH.  459 

a  Geological  Club  was  formed,  which  studied  a  text-book,  and  met 
from  house  to  house.  The  West  Newtou  Athenaeum  or  Librar}- 
was  founded  about  the  same  time.  Its  meetings  were  held  weekh*, 
and  the  time  was  spent  in  informal  talks,  reviews  of  books,  and 
occasional  lectures  on  important  topics. 

In  May,  1851,  Rev.  W.  D.  Knapp  became  pastor,  remaining 
till  1853.  The  next  year,  Rev.  Charles  Edward  Hodges  was 
engaged  to  preach  on  Sabbath  afternoons,  preaching  in  the  fore- 
noons in  Watertown.  This  arrangement  continued  only  one  year. 
Mr.  Hodges  graduated  at  Harvard  University  in  1847,  and  died 
1870.  After  this  for  two  j'cars,  the  pulpit  was  supphed  by  Rev. 
Washington  Gilbert,  who  graduated  at  Williams  College  in  1826, 
and  died  1874.  He  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Joseph  Henry  Allen, 
also  for  two  years,  tfntil  1860  the  Society  held  their  services  in 
Village  Hall.  But  the  time  of  greater  strength  having  come,  it 
was  voted  to  build  a  meeting-house,  which  was  done  in  1860,  and 
the  edifice  was  dedicated  November  14,  1860.  Prayer  of  dedica- 
tion by  Rev.  E.  J.  Young,  of  Newton. 

The  first  pastor  after  the  completion  of  the  meeting-house  was 
Rev.  WiUiam  Henry  Savary,  a  graduate  of  Yale  College,  who 
remained  three  years.  October  16, 1864,  Rev.  John  C.  Zachos  was 
ordained,  who  resigned  in  1866,  and  was  followed  by  Rev.  Francis 
Tiffany,  the  present  pastor. 

The  meeting-house,  built  in  1860,  was  enlarged  in  1867,  so  as 
to  contain  eight}'  pews.  It  was  again  enlarged  by  the  addition  of 
a  commodious  parlor  and  tower  in  1879-80. 

MYRTLE   BAPTIST   CHURCH,    WEST   NEWTON. 

The  Myrtle  Baptist  church  (colored)  was  organized  in  September, 
1874,  with  twenty  members,  of  whom  the  following,  constituent 
members,  were  dismissed  from  the  First  Baptist  church  in  West 
Newton : 


Thomas  Johnson, 
Martha  Johnson, 
Lyman  Hicks, 
Elizabeth  Hicks, 


Sarah  Simms, 
Henrietta  Rose, 
Jane  Brewer, 
Henry  Jones. 


Meetings  had  been  held  eight  months  previously  in  the  house  of 
Mr.  Thomas  Johnson. 


460  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Rev.  Edmund  Kelley,  formerly  of  New  Bedford,  was  elected 
pastor  for  one  year,  and  a  chapel  was  built,  and  dedicated  in  June, 
1875. 

Deacons,  Thomas  Johnson,  Samuel  Scott. 

After  the  resignation  of  Mr.  Kelley,  the  pulpit  was  suppUed 
mainly  by  students  of  the  Newton  Theological  Institution,  under 
whose  labors  the  church  was  prospered.  In  1877,  seventeen  were 
admitted  to  the  church  by  baptism.  Characterized  by  vigor  and 
enthusiasm,  the  church,  though  small,  fills  an  important  sphere,  and 
does  its  part  well  as  a  valuable  helper  in  the  cause  of  morality 
and  religion. 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

NEWTON       UPPER        FALLS. FACTORIES. COTTON        MACHINERY. 

"religious   SOCIETY." UNIVERSALIST   SOCIETY. SECOND  BAP- 
TIST   CHURCH. —  METHODIST    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH. ST.    MARY'S 

(catholic)    CHUKCH. NEWTON    LOWER    FALLS. —  ST.      MARY's 

(episcopal)    church. METHODIST   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH. 

In  chapter  XXII,  pages  259-272,  we  have  surveyed  the  earlier 
history  of  Newton  Upper  and  Lower  Falls.  The  narrative  is  here 
resumed. 

NEWTON   UPPER   FALLS. 

The  first  dwelling-house  in  the  lower  village  of  the  Upper  Falls 
was  built  about  the  year  1800,  to  accommodate  the  workmen  at  the 
iron  works,  then  just  established.  It  is  still  standing  (1880). 
The  owners  of  this  property,  before  it  was  incorporated,  were 
Rufus  Ellis,  David  Elhs,  Jonathan  Chapman,  Jonathan  Mason, 
Benjamin  Guild,  George  Tieknor  and  William  P.  Mason,  all  of 
Boston.  The  building  of  a  cotton  factory  on  the  Needham  side  of 
the  river  was  commenced  in  1813.  A  portion  of  the  timber  used  in 
the  construction  was  purchased  in  Boston  at  auction, —  this  timber 
having  been  taken  as  a  prize  at  sea,  during  the  war  of  1812,  and 
carried  into  Boston  for  sale.  One  of  these  timbers,  forming  the 
east  sill  of  the  factory- ,  is  still  in  A'cry  good  preservation,  although 
two  buildings  have  been  burned  over  it. 

The  "Newton Factories"  were  incorporated  June  14, 1823.  At 
this  time  the  business  was  the  rolling  and  slitting  of  bar-iron,  and 
the  manufacture  of  cut-nails  and  cotton  cloth.  Rufus  Ellis  was 
the  Treasurer. 

It  appears  by  deeds  that  Jonathan  Bixb}^  was  the  owner  of  the 
lands  surrounding  the  mill  privilege,  as  the  last  deed  of  his  con- 
veyed a  piece  of  land  with  a  saw-mill  thereon,  near  the  nail  fac- 
tory. 

4G1 


4G2  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

The  cotton  factory  was  burned  May  8,  1850. 

In  1853,  the  building  used  for  half  a  century  for  a  nail  factory 
was  altered  into  a  paper-mill.  This  business  is  still  carried  on  itt 
a  new  building,  erected  on  the  site  of  the  old  one,  which  was 
pulled  down. 

A  few  years  after  the  Newton  Factories  became  a  corporation, 
— or  about  1829, —  a  hotel  was  built  and  owned  by  Rufus  Ellis, 
which  he  afterwards  convej'ed  to  the  Newton  Factories.  This  was 
kept  as  a  hotel  twenty  years.  It  afterwards  became  a  boarding- 
house,  and  finally  a  private  residence. 

In  1846  the  Newton  Factories  tendered  a  resignation  of  their 
charter,  and  the  property  passed  into  the  possession  of  David 
Ellis,  Esq. 

Rufus  ElUs  was  born  at  West  Dedham,  March  13,  1777,  and 
died  in  Newton,  July  2,  1859,  aged  eighty-two. 

David  Ellis  was  born  at  West  Dedham,  June  21,  1765,  and  died 
in  Newton,  November  24,  1846,  aged  eighty-one. 

The  Worcester  Turnpike,  now  called  Boylston  Street,  passes 
through  the  southern  and  eastern  part  of  Newton  in  a  straight  line, 
extending  from  the  border  line  at  Brookline  to  the  Charles  River 
at  Newton  Upper  Falls.  This  turnpike  road  was  chartered  March 
7,  1806.  The  petitioners  for  the  charter  were  Aaron  Davis, 
Luther  Richardson,  Samuel  Wells,  Charles  Davis  and  William  H. 
Sumner,  all  of  Boston.'  The  first  meeting  of  the  corporators  was- 
held  October  30,  1806,  at  Concert  Hall,  in  Boston,  east  corner  of 
Court  and  Hanover  Streets.  The  stock  consisted  of  six  hundred 
shares  of  the  par  value  of  $250  each, —  a  small  amount  of  money 
to  build  forty  miles  of  road. 

The  road  was  constructed  through  Newton  in  1808.  Of  the  six 
hundred  shares,  only  sixteen  were  subscribed  for  by  residents  of 
Newton.  The  road  paid  but  few  dividends,  never  six  per  cent., 
and  finally  the  whole  capital  invested  was  totallj'  lost  to  the  stock- 
holders. In  1833  the  proprietors  succeeded  in  giving  away  that 
part  of  the  road  which  passed  thi'ough  Newton, — •  the  county  com- 
missioners laying  it  out  as  a  public  highway.  In  1841,  the  pro- 
prietors tendered  to  the  Legislature  a  resignation  of  their  charter, 
which  was  accepted,  and  this  was  the  conclusion  of  the  unfortunate 
enterprise. 

Otis  Pettee,  Esq.,  furnishes  the  following  account  of  the  manu- 
facture of  machinery  for  the  supply  of  cotton  factories  at  Newton 


BUILDING  COTTON  MACHINERY.  463 

Upper  Falls.  This  branch  of  business  has  made  the  village  very 
widely  known,  as  an  influential  factor  in  the  enterprise  of  this  con- 
tinent. 

About  the  year  1825,  Mr.  Itharaer  Whiting,  a  native  of  Dover,  Mass.,  left 
his  home  to  seek  his  fortunes  in  the  gold  and  silver  mines  of  Mexico.  After 
leading  a  miner's  life  for  ten  \'ears  or  more,  he  engaged  in  pioneer  work  for 
introducing  the  manufacture  of  cotton  in  that  country.  At  the  end  of  about 
a  year's  effort,  he  succeeded  in  making  arrangements  with  Messrs.  Barron, 
Forbes  &  Co., — merchants  in  the  city  of  Tepic,  near  the  western  coast  of  the 
Republic, —  to  embark  in  the  enterprise. 

In  the  spring  of  1837,  they  sent  Mr.  Whiting  home  to  New  England  to  procure 
the  necessary  machinery  and  fixtures  for  a  cotton  factory  of  suflScient  capac- 
ity to  produce  about  seven  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  sheetings  per  day. 
After  thoroughly  canvassing  the  country,  Mr.  AVhiting  finally  gave  the  order 
to  the'*late  Mr.  Otis  Pettee,  sen.,  cotton-machine  builder  in  tliis  village.  The 
contract  simply  called  for  machinery  to  produce  seven  hundred  and  fifty 
yards  of  coarse  sheetings  per  day,  —  including  all  the  necessary  fixtures  for 
the  buildings,  etc.,  water  wheel  and  mill  work,  doors,  window  frames  and 
sasheS:  glass,  etc.,  and  all  small  tools  necessary  to  operate  and  repair  the 
machinery. 

Workmen  skilled  in  the  art  of  setting  up  the  machinery  and  of  operating 
the  same  were  sent  out  to  the  factory  for  a  term  of  three  years  or  more,  as- 
educators  to  the  Mexicans  who  were  to  be  employed  in  the  work. 

The  machinery  was  completed  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year  (1837),  and 
well  boxed  and  shipped  from  Boston  direct  to  Port  San  Bias,  in  a  brig  pur- 
chased by  Mr.  Whiting  to  be  used  by  the  mill-owners  as  a  coaster,  to  gather 
up  cotton  from  the  neighboring  ports,  and  as  far  south  as  Peru. 

About  five  years  later,  this  company  built  another  factory,  for  the  manu- 
facture of  warps  to  be  sold  in  the  country  towns  for  the  hand-weavers  among 
the  formers,  etc. 

The  success  of  this  enterprise  is  indicated  in  an  extract  from  a 
letter  written  by  Mr.  Whiting  in  Februarj-,  1848. 

"  So  far,  we  have  done  very  well  with  our  foctory;  but  I  am  afraid  our 
harvest  is  nearly  over.     The  state  of  the  country  is  such  at  this  time  as  to 

induce  the  belief  that  no  business  will  prosper  in  it  much  longer The 

last  two  years  have  been  the  best  we  have  ever  had, —  not  because  our 
manufactured  articles  have  sold  better,  for  the  pi'ice  has  fallen, —  but  because 
we  have  got  our  cotton  on  better  terms,  as  well  as  of  better  quality 

"In  184:0  we  made  §113, 419.82,  and  in. 1847,  $180,331.17;  and  since  we 
commenced,  we  have  cleared  $873,017.12;  and  this  has  nearly  all  been  made 
by  the  first  machinery.  We  did  wrong  in  getting  out  the  mules.  We  should 
have  gotten  the  same  kind  of  machinery  as  the  first,  with  more  looms,  and 
then  we  should  have  made  much  more  money." 


464  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

After  the  harvest  this  company  was  reaping  became  known  to  other  capi- 
talists in  the  republic,  they  at  once  became  interested,  and  built  other  mills 
in  different  localities,  and  very  naturally  ordered  their  machinery  from 
Newton. 

Among  the  first  to  follow,  was  a  German  gentleman,  Mr.  Stahlknecht, 
from  Durango,  who  commenced  operations  in  1840.  He  afterwards  built 
another  factory  in  Tunal.  The  last  time  I  eaw  him  in  New  England,  he  said 
he  had  given  up  the  cotton  manufacturing  business,  as  he  was  quite  too  near 
the  Texan  frontier,  and  goods  were  run  over  into  their  country,  and  he  could 
get  only  eighteen  cents  per  yard  for  his  cloth ;  and  it  cost  him  thirteen  cents 
to  manufacture  it ;  and  five  cents  profit  on  a  yard  did  not  pay. 

A  company  was  organized  as  the  "  Guadalajara  Spinning  and  Weaving 
Company,"  in  1840,  and  sent  their  agent,  Mr.  John  M.  B.  Neubing  Boschetti, 
for  machinery  for  their  factory  located  in  Guadalajara.  In  addition  to  their 
cotton  manufactory,  they  built  a  paper-mill,  and  took  out  the  machinery  for 
that  also. 

Cotton  manufactories  were  established  in  several  other  places,  with  very 
satisfactory  results,  at  Coliraa,  Santiago,  Cura9oa,  Mazatlan  and  elsewhere, 
all  of  which  ordered  their  machinery  from  Newton. 

Under  the  charge  of  Otis  Pettee,  Esq.,  the  business  begun  by 
that  ingenious  mechanic,  his  father,  has  been  carried  forward  with 
energy  and  success,  furnishing  bread  for  many  families,  and  bring- 
ing fame  to  Newton  by  the  machinery  it  supphes  to  numerous 
manufactories. 

UPPER   FALLS    RELIGIOUS    SOCIETY. 

The  first  religious  Society  in  Newton  Upper  Falls,  though  no 
church  of  an}'  denomination  existed  in  connection  with  the  first 
church  edifice,  was,  substantially.  Unitarian.  The  land  on  which 
the  first  meeting-house  was  erected  was  given  for  that  purpose 
by  the  Elliot  Manufacturing  Compan3^  The  building  contained 
forty-eight  pews,  and  the  cost  was  about  $3,300.  Of  this 
amount,  the  Elliot  Manufacturing  Companj'  paid  three-fifths,  and 
Rufus  Ellis,  Esq.,  two-fifths.  The  meeting-house  was  commenced 
in  the  autumn  of  1827,  and  finished  and  dedicated  February  27, 
1828.  The  sermon  on  the  occasion  was  by  the  Rev.  William 
Ritchie,  of  Needham,  from  II.  Thess.  Ill:  1,  "Finally,  brethren, 
pra}^  for  us,  that  the  word  of  the  Lord  may  have  free  course  and 
be  glorified,  even  as  it  is  with  you." 

The  Society  was  incorporated  by  the  Massachusetts  Legislature, 
under  the  name  of  the  "  Upper  Falls  Religious  Society."  The 
petition,  asking  for  that  Act  of  Incorporation,  was  signed  by  the 
following : 


UNIVERSALIST   SOCIETY. 


465 


Newell  Ellis, 
Otis  Pettee, 
M.  P.  Sturtevant, 
David  Bushee, 
J.  Sherman, 
Moses  Craft, 
Elisha  Wiswall, 
Matthias  Collins, 
Joseph  Barney, 
Walter  McFarland, 


Caleb  Haskell, 
Whipple  Freeman, 
Elijah  Story, 
Joseph  Davenport, 
Benjamin  Davenport,  jr., 
Orrin  Calbin, 
Frederick  Cabot, 
Rufus  Ellis, 

and  others. 


The  pulpit  was  supplied  about  five  years,  mainly  by  preachers  of 
the  Uuitarian  persuasion, —  b}'  the  Rev.  Daniel  Kimball,  of  Need- 
ham,  Eev.  Mr.  Walcott,  of  Nantucket,  Rev.  George  Whitney,  of 
Quincy,  Rev.  William  Farmer,  of  Cambridge,  Rev.  Andrew  Bige- 
low,  etc.  In  1832,  the  church  building  was  sold  to  the  late 
Marshall  S.  Rice,  Esq.,  to  be  used  as  a  Methodist  church,  and 
this  first  religious  society  became  extinct. 

Mr.  Pettee  writes, — 

I  have  gathered  the  following  list  of  names  of  members  of  the  Unitarian 
church  choir  in  our  village  from  1828  to  1832. 


George  Morse,  Leader, 
Artemas  Newell,  Bass  Viol, 
Jesse  Winslow,  Clarionet, 
Samuel  Mcintosh,     do., 
Alfred  Bridges,  Bugle, 
Amos  Morse, 
Oliver  Plimpton, 
Samuel  Cheney, 
William  E.  Clarke, 


Charles  Pettee, 
Kingsley  Allen, 
George  Winsor, 
Miss  Eliza  Bartlett, 

"     Silence  Clark, 

"     Nancy  Ellis, 

"     Eliza  Clapp, 

"     Charlotte  Plimpton. 


A  Mr.  Bartlett,  from  Boston,  taught  a  singing-school  in  the  old  tavern  in 
the  fall  and  winter  of  1827-8,  and  sung  in  the  choir  at  the  dedication  of  the 
meeting-house  in  February,  1828.  Jotham  Colburn  taught  a  music-school 
in  the  old  tavern  house  several  winters  prior  to  1832,  and  occasionally  played 
on  an  instrument  in  the  church. 


UNIVERSALIST   SOCIETY. 

A  Society  of  the  Universalist  denomination  was  organized  for 
religious  worship  at  Newton  Upper  Falls,  in  September,  1841.  A 
meeting-house  was  erected  on  High  Street,  at  a  cost  of  about 
thirteen  hundred  dollars,  and  dedicated  in  May,  1842.  The  twenty- 
two  original  proprietors  were  as  follows  : 

30  .  . 


466  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


Pliny  Bosworth, 
Joshua  Gardner, 
"William  Cargill, 
George  W.  Keyes, 
Samuel  P.  Skinner, 
Henry  Billings, 
Beriah  Billings, 
Stephen  Putnam, 
Eichard  Boynton, 
John  Kingsbury, 
Martin  Hunting, 


Horace  Whitney,- 
Lewis  H.  Partridge, 
Thomas  Nealy, 
William  Lyon, 
Ebenezer  Kingsbury, 
James  Barney, 
Jason  Brayman, 
William  H.  Nichols, 
William  Fairfield, 
Lyndall  Grover, 
Harding  Partridge. 


The  first  and  only  pastor  was  the  Rev.  Samuel  P.  Skinner,  who 
was  settled  after  the  dedication  of  the  church  edifice,  and  con- 
tinued in  office  till  October,  1845.  The  pulpit  was  then  supplied 
by  A.  S.  Dudley,  a  dentist  bj'  profession,  till  July,  1847  ;  and  then 
by  William  F.  Teulon,  from  the  British  dominions,  who  was  also 
a  practising  physician,  and  after  a  few  months  left  the  pulpit  and 
devoted  himself  exclusively  to  the  medical  profession.  The 
Society,  after  an  existence  of  only  six  or  seven  years,  was  dis- 
solved, and  their  church  edifice  became  a  useful  structure  for  vil- 
lage uses,  taking  the  name  of  Elliot  Hall.  In  1879  the  building 
was  sold  to  Mr.  John  Howe,  and  converted  into  a  private 
residence. 

SECOND   BAPTIST   CHURCH. 

The  Baptist  church  at  Newton  Upper  Falls  received  the  title 
of  the  Second  Baptist  church.  The  mother-church  at  Newton 
Centre,  like  a  "  fruitful  vine,  whose  branches  run  over  the  wall," 
sent  forth  this,  its  first  colony,  stronger  and  more  prosperous  at  its 
beginning  than  afterwards.  It  is  said  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Grafton, 
the  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  church,  hesitated  as  to  the  wisdom 
of  the  movement.  He  dreaded  lest  the  original  church  might  be 
left  too  feeble  in  pecuniar}^  ability  to  sustain  the  ordinances  of 
religion.  To  those  who  acted  as  leaders  in  the  project,  he 
remarked,  "  When  bees  swarm,  the^^  always  leave  in  the  hive  honey 
enough  for  the  old  ones.  If  you  swarm,  brethren,  I  hope  3'ou 
will  leave  honey  enough  in  the  old  hive." 

They  proceeded,  however,  with  great  deliberation.  The  meet- 
ing-house was  erected  and  preaching  was  maintained  in  it  nearl}^ 
two  years  before  the  church  was  organized, — apparently,  a  period 
sufficiently  protracted  to  decide  the  twofold  question,  whether  the 


SECOND  BAI'TIST  CHURCH. 


4g: 


original  church,  situated  two  miles  away,  could  support  its  owu 
religious  ordinances,  after  the  transference  of  these  members  to 
form  a  new  body,  and  w^hether  the  new  church  had  in  it  strength 
enough  to  stand  on  an  independent  foundation.  The  circum- 
stances of  the  village  were,  at  that  period,  verj'  different  from 
what  they  came  to  be  afterwards.  The  population  was  then  chiefly 
American,  and  the  people  prized  the  ordinances  of  Protestant 
worship.  At  a  later  date,  the  native  was  displaced  by  a  foreign 
element,  of  other  tastes  and  different  religious  associations. 
Many  of  the  earlier  members  died,  and  the  infant  church,  which 
began  in  strength,  waxed  feeble,  as  if  by  premature  decay. 

In  1832,  eleven  persons,  mostty  members  of  the  First  Baptist 
church,  associated  together  and  built  a  new  meeting-house  at  the 
Upper  Falls.  The  property  was  divided  into  twenty  shares. 
Jonathan  Bixby  owned  seven  shares  ;  Jesse  "Winslow,  Isaac  Kej'es 
and* John  Nicholson  owned  two  shares  each,  and  Lauren  Kings- 
bury, Asa  F.  Smith,  Ira  M.  Bullen,  Samuel  Scott,  John  Bullough, 
jr.,  Martin  P.  Sturtevant  and  Thomas  Nicholson,  one  each.  The 
meeting-house  was  dedicated  March  27,  1833. 

The  church  was  organized  February  8,  1835.  The  following 
are  the  names  of  the  orisiinal  members  : 


Jonathan  Bixby, 
Isaac  Keyes, 
Lauren  Kingsbury, 
Asa  F.  Smith, 
Sylvester  Smith, 
Lucius  Smith, 
James  Taylor, 
David  Scott, 
Thomas  Nicholson, 
Samuel  Floyd, 
Samuel  Scott, 
Charles  Scott. 
Ira  M.  Baptams, 
Amariah  BuUens, 
Francis  T.  Keyes, 
William  Bullough, 
Samuel  Nicholson, 
Lydia  Bixby, 
Eunice  Bixby, 


Eliza  H.  Bixby, 

Sarah  S.  Kingsbury, 
Catherine  Hyde, 
Matilda  Libby, 
Betsey  S.  Smith, 
Clarissa  Smith, 
Hannah  Scott, 
Kosanna  Woodward, 
Sally  Nickerson, 
Belinda  Smith, 
Susan  Willis, 
Sylvia  Jones, 
Lucy  Taylor, 
Levina  R.  Bullens, 
Mary  S.  Cheney, 
Abigail  Clieney, 
Nancy  L.  Gardner, 
Abia  Keyes, 
Chloe  Ray, 


Angelina  Bixby, 
Martha  F.  Newhall, 
Elizabeth  E.  Keyes, 
Louisa  Peak, 
Sarah  Richards, 
Abigail  B.  Clapp, 
Cleora  F.  Smith, 
Hannah  Fisk, 
Olivia  Fisk, 
Sally  Kingsbury, 
Eliza  Kingsbury, 
Hannah  Bond, 
Charlotte  H.  Smith, 
Sarah  Priest, 
Martha  H.  Taylor, 
Susanna  Nickerson, 
Mary  Ann  Keyes. 


The  whole  number  was  fifty-five, —  all  dismissed  from  the  First 
Baptist  church  for  the  purpose  of  uniting  in  this  new  organization. 


468  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

At  the  service  of  the  public  recognition,  Rev.  James  D.  Knowles, 
then  Professor  in  the  Newton  Theological  Institution,  preached  the 
sermon.  Rev.  Mr.  Grafton  gave  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  and 
addressed  the  church  on  their  new  relations.  Isaac  Keyes  and 
Lauren  Kingsbury  were  appointed  deacons. 

The  following  sketch,  written  under  the  dictation  of  a  daughter 
of  Mr.  Bixby,  herself  an  original  member  of  the  church,  and  an 
eye-witness  of  aU  the  proceedings  which  eventuated  in  its  estab- 
lishment, will  here  be  of  interest. 

The  Second  Baptist  church  in  Newton  grew  out  of  the  special  religious 
interest  that  pervaded  the  village  at  the  Upper  Falls,  during  the  years  1830-1. 
Deacon  E.  F.  Woodward  and  Mr.  Asa  Cook,  members  of  the  First  Con- 
gregational church,  commenced  holding  union  prayer-meetings  in  private 
houses  on  Saturday  evenings.  During  the  autumn  of  1830,  meetings  for 
preaching  were  held  in  the  school-house,  and  supplied  alternately  by  Congre- 
gational and  Baptist  ministers.  One  Sabbath  morning,  when  the  peopl,p  had 
come  together  to  hear  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bates,  colleague  pastor  with  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Homer,  the  person  who,  as  committee-man  of  the  district,  had  charge  of 
the  school-house,  refused  to  give  up  the  key  of  the  house,  affirming  that  he  did 
not  deem  it  his  duty  to  open  the  building  on  the  Sabbath  for  religious  services. 
Under  these  circumstances,  Mr.  D.  L,  Brayton,  a  member  of  the  Theological 
Institution,  afterwards  missionary  to  Burmah,  being  present,  in  order  to 
meet  the  exigency  immediately  applied  to  Mr.  Jonathan  Bixby,  who  at  once 
opened  his  doors  to  the  people.  The  incident  naturally  awakened  an  interest 
in  the  village,  and  the  more,  inasmuch  as  Mr.  Bixby  was  just  recovering 
from  a  rheumatic  fever,  and  unable  to  leave  his  room ;  so  that  the  privilege 
of  enjoying  the  services  of  weekly  religious  worship  was  brought,  without 
his  seeking  it,  to  his  bedside.  For  months  afterwards,  Mr.  Bixby's  house 
was  a  house  of  worship  for  both  religious  societies  on  the  Sabbath  evenings. 

In  the  spring  of  1831,  Mr.  Bixby  fitted  up  a  room  in  an  adjoining  build- 
ing, which  had  been  occupied  as  a  store,  fur  a  place  of  religious  worship,  and 
the  room  was  used  for  this  purpose  till  ampler  conveniences  were  provided. 
In  the  summer  and  fall  of  1831,  members  of  the  Congregational  Society 
built  a  vestry,  and  during  the  following  year,  the  Baptists  erected  their 
chapel,  which  was  dedicated  in  March,  1833.  Before  they  erected  their 
chapel,  the  Baptist  members  attempted,  but  without  success,  to  purchase  the 
church  building  of  the  "Upper  Falls  Religious  Society,"  which  the  majority 
of  the  church-going  people  of  the  village  did  not  find  to  be,  to  them,  a  con- 
genial religious  home.  There  were,  in  the  village,  a  considerable  number  of 
members  of  the  First  Baptist  church  at  Newton  Centre,  whose  convenience 
would  be  greatly  promoted  by  having  religious  services  of  tiieir  own  denomi- 
nation, in  the  village  where  they  resided.  For  this  purpose,  they  erected 
their  chapel,  and  commenced  their  public  services  on  the  Sabbath.  They 
did  not,  at  the  outset,  contemplate  a  separate  organization ;  they  attended 
worship  on  the  communion  Sabbaths  at  Newton  Centre,  with  the  church  of 


REV.  ORIGEN  CRANE.  469 

which  they  were  members,  and  delayed  the  organization  of  a  Second  Baptist 
church  till  nearly  two  years  after  the  dedication  of  the  chapel. 

The  persons  most  active  in  the  erection  of  the  chapel  were,  besides  Mr. 
Jonathan  Bixby,  Isaac  Ke3'es,  Lauren  Kingsbury,  Asa  F.  Smith,  Samuel 
Scott,  Ira  Bullons,  Martin  Sturtevant  and  Jesse  Winslow.  Mr.  Bixby  fur- 
nished one-third  of  the  means  requisite  for  building  the  chapel.  In  the  fall 
of  1835,  the  chapel  was  enlarged  and  improved. 

From  the  commencement  of  the  religious  interest,  which  resulted  in  the 
establishment  of  this  church,  the  students  of  the  Newton  Theological  Institu- 
tion rendered  valuable  aid  in  the  prayer-meetings.  And  when  the  chapel 
had  been  erected,  they  principally  supplied  the  pulpit,  till  the  settlement  of 
the  first  pastor.  Messrs.  Jennings  (1834),  Carpenter  (1833),  Sheldon 
(1835),  Burlingame  (1836)  and  others  rendered  much  and  useful  servicein 
the  pulpit.  Mr.  "Webb  (1834),  afterwards  missionary  to  Burmah,  conducted 
a  week-evening  Bible-class,  commenced  in  the  fall  of  1831.  He  was  fol- 
lowed, in  the  same  service,  by  Messrs.  Osgood  (1834)  and  J.  W.  Sargent 
(1834).  Messrs.  Lawrence  (1831),  Crocker  (1834),  afterwards  missionary 
to  West  Africa,  Hutchinson  (1834),  Brayton  and  Stearns,  D.  W.Phillips 
(1840),  Davis  (1837)  and  others  contributed  much  to  the  interest  of  the 
social  religious  meetings.  At  an  earlier  day,  Messrs.  Aldrich  (1829)  and 
Wade  (1829)  were  active  in  the  special  season  of  religious  awakening  in 
1827-8.  And,  after  the  church  had  settled  a  pastor,  the  students  rendered 
considerable  aid  in  the  Sabbath  School  and  the  meetings  for  prayer.  The 
church  was  led  by  successive  pastors,  who  lacked  neither  prudence  nor 
ability,  and  was  strengthened  and  encouraged,  in  seasons  of  destitution,  by 
the  gifts  and  influence  of  many  ministers,  who,  for  longer  or  shorter  periods, 
supplied  the  pulpit.  The  names  of  many  devoted  and  useful  Christians  stand 
in  the  catalogue  of  the  church.  Spiritual  refreshings  have  been  experienced 
frota  time  to  time,  most  gratifying  and  cheering  to  the  friends  of  religion 
and  virtue.  And  in  the  end  it  will  undoubtedly  appear,  that,  notwithstand- 
ing decline  and  weakness,  following  a  propitious  beginning,  the  pious  ser- 
vice of  this  church  has  been  an  important  factor  in  the  great  problem  which 
is  being  wrought  out  by  the  gospel,  for  human  welfare. 

The  pulpit  was  supplied  with  preaching  from  the  Newton  Theo- 
logical Institution,  until  September  14,  1836,  when  Mr.  Origen 
Crane  was  ordained  the  first  pastor. 

Rev.  Origen  Crane  was  born  in  Mansfield,  Conn.,  Jul}-  25, 
1804.  He  was  first  a  pupil,  and  then  a  teacher,  in  the  district 
schools  of  his  native  town  ;  he  became  hopefully  pious  at  the  age 
of  fourteen,  and,  after  he  was  twenty  j^ears  of  age,  decided  to 
devote  himself  to  the  work  of  the  niinistrj-.  He  then  spent  five 
years  in  preparatorj'  study,  the  last  three  in  the  regular  classes  of 
the  Newton  Theological  Institution,  where  he  graduated  in  1836. 
He  remained  a  faithful,  loving  and  laborious  pastor  at  Newton 


470  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Upper  Falls  nearly  three  j'ears.  lu  the  autuinu  of  1839,  he 
reuioved  to  Weston,  and  was  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  in  that 
town  upwards  of  twelve  j^ears.  His  influence  was  savory  and  far- 
reaching,  and  was  felt  very  widel}',  beyond  the  limits  of  his  own 
parish.  His  last  residence  was  in  New  England  Village,  Mass. 
His  death,  at  the  age  of  sixty-five,  was  occasioned  by  an  accident, 
which  took  place  April  20,  1869.  He  was  buried  in  his  native 
town.  The  following  inscription  on  his  tombstone  is  a  truthful 
description  of  his  character : 

He  was  a 

«  Faithful  Minister  of  the  Gospel, 

A  devoted  and  successful  Pastor, 

A  warm-hearted  and  sympathizing  Friend, 

Kind  and  affectionate 

In  all  the  domestic  and  social  relations  of  life. 

The  number  admitted  to  the  church  during  the  ministry  of  Mr. 
Crane  was  seventj'-nine. 

The  second  pastor,  Rev.  Charles  W.  Dennison,  was  ordained  at 
Oswego,  N.  Y.,  January  19,  1836  ;  installed  pastor  at  Newton 
Upper  Falls,  March,  1842,  and  resigned  his  office  in  February, 
1843.  Admitted  to  the  church  during  Mr.  Dennison's  ministrj^, 
thirty -two. 

The  third  pastor  was  Rev.  Samuel  Stillman  Leighton,  who  was 
ordained  at  Andover,  Mass.,  August  25,  1841.  He  became  pastor 
February  8,  1846,  and  resigned  July  1,  1847. 

Mr.  Leighton  was  born  in  Westford,  Mass.,  October  18,  1809. 
At  the  age  of  twelve  years,  he  became  a  member  of  the  Baptist 
church  in  Chelmsford.  He  graduated  at  Union  College,  Schenec- 
tady in  1838,  and  studied  theology  partly  at  Andover  and  parti}"- 
at  Newton  Theological  Institution,  graduating  at  the  former  in 
1841.  He  was  pastor  at  West  Bridgewater,  Mass.,  and  Leeds, 
Me.,  and  came  from  the  latter  place  to  Newton  Upper  Falls. 
After  leaving  Newton,  he  was  pastor  at  Sanborntou  and  Bow,  N. 
H.,  and  Georgetown  and  Orleans,  Mass.  He  died  in  West  Town- 
send,  Mass.,  July  4,  1860,  aged  fifty-one.  He  was  an  earnest 
laborer  and  an  excellent  preacher.  He  was  buried  in  his  native 
town,  and,  by  his  own  request,  this  Scripture  was  inscribed  on  his 
tombstone : 

"  By  grace  ye  are  saved,  through  faith, 
"  And  that  not  of  yourselves, 
"It  is  the  gift  of  God." 


SECOND  BAPTIST  CHURCH.  471 

Five  were  admitted  to  the  church  during  Mr.  Leighton's  pas- 
torate. 

The  next  pastor,  Rev.  Amos  Webster,  was  ordained  at  Newton 
Upper  Falls,  November  15,  1848,  and  resigned  June  25,  1854. 
He  afterwards  preached  at  Needbam  and  Hyde  Park,  and  subse- 
quently was  publisher  of  the  Christian  Era,  Boston.  During  his 
ministiy,  twenty-three  were  admitted  to  the  church. 

The  church  had  already  declined  greatly  in  numbers  and  effi- 
ciency. Some  had  removed  from  the  town,  others  had  died.  The 
Society  became  feeble,  and  the  members  no  longer  able  to  sup- 
port a  regular  pastor.  In  the  changes  which  occur  in  our  Ameri- 
can society,  such  events  often  take  place.  Centres  of  business 
are  migi'atorj',  and,  often,  arbitrary.  People  of  one  nationality 
displace  people  of  another  nationality,  and  transform  the  social 
and  religious  aspect  of  a  community.  So  it  has  been  in  Newton 
Upper  Falls.  Rev.  S.  F.  Smith  preached  to  the  church  as  a 
stated  supply  from  May  25,  185G,  till  June  12,  1864.  During  this 
period,  thirteen  were  added  to  the  church  b}^  baptism. 

In  the  month  of  April,  18G5,  the  Rev.  William  C.  Richards 
became  pastor  of  the  church.  Through  his  efiicient  labors,  the 
church  edifice  was  repaired  and  improved ;  the  basement  vestry 
was  made  more  comfortable  and  tasteful,  b}^  dropping  the  floor  and 
thus  increasing  the  altitude  ;  and  a  fine-toned  bell  was  procured  b}'' 
general  subscription,  at  an  expense  of  about  five  hundred  dollars. 
The  bell  was  formerly  the  property  of  the  Newton  and  Watertown 
Universalist  Society,  whose  place  of  worship  was  on  the  east  side 
of  Centre  Street,  a  short  distance  north  of  the  town  line,  and  in 
Watertown.  The  latter  Society  was  dissolved  about  1866,  and 
their  church  edifice  transformed  into  a  school-house.  Mr.  Rich- 
ards resigned  March  26,  1871,  and  the  church  again  became 
dependent  upon  casual  supplies.  During  Mr.  Richards'  pastor- 
ship, thirty-two  were  admitted  to  the  church.  Such  names  as 
those  of  the  late  Thomas  J  efferson  Richardson  and  Eliza  Jameson, 
once  recorded  in  the  catalogue,  as  well  as  others,  "full  of  good 
works  and  alms-deeds  which  they  did,"  are  fragrant  names.  A 
body  which  enshrines  such  names  and  the  deeds  the}'  recall,  even 
though  it  vanish  away,  has  not  existed  in  vain. 

The  whole  number  who  have  been  members  of  this  church  from 
the  beginning  till  March,  1878,  is  three  hundred  and  fifty-seven. 
Five  of  the  members  of  this  Society  were  soldiers  in  the  civil  war. 


472 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


PASTORS    OF    THE    SECOND   BAPTIST    CHDRCH,    NEWTON    UPPER    FALLS. 


NAMES. 

ORDAINED  OR 
INSTALLED. 

RESIGNED. 

Origen  Crane, 
Charles  W.  Dennison, 
Samuel  Stillman  Leighton, 
Amos  Webster, 
William  C.  Richards, 

Sept.   14,  1836, 
March,      1842, 
Feb.      8,  1846, 
Nov.    15,  1848, 
April  16,  1865, 

Julv,       1840. 
Feb.,      1843. 
July,      1847. 
June,     1854. 
March,  1871. 

NAMES. 

APPOINTED. 

RETIRED. 

Isaac  Keyes, 

Lauren  Kingsbury  (of  Needham), 

Charles  Scott, 

William  H.  Bancroft, 

Enoch  J.  Pope  (of  Needham), 

Feb.       8,  1835, 
Feb.       8,  1835, 
April    30,  1868, 
Feb.,          1877. 
Feb.,          1877. 

May,  1858. 
1868. 
1877. 

METHODIST   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH,  NEWTON   UPPER   FALLS. 

Many  of  the  members  of  the  "Upper  Falls  Religious  Society," 
the  first  religious  society  which  held  worship  in  that  village,  main- 
tained a  liberal  faith  ;  but  previous  to  the  erection  of  their  place  of 
worship,  attended  divine  service  with  the  churches  of  Rev.  Messrs. 
Grafton  and  Homer,  of  Newton  Centre,  and  Rev,  Mr.  Ritchie,  of 
Needham.  No  church  organization  existed  in  connection  with 
this  society.  There  was  a  Lower  House,  but  never  an  Upper 
House. 

A  Methodist  preacher,  the  Rev.  Joel  Steele,  formed  a  Metho- 
dist class  at  Newton  Upper  Falls  in  1826  ;  but  in  consequence  of 
removals,  it  was  soon  dissolved.  Two  years  later,  another  class 
was  formed,  consisting  of  these  seventeen  persons  : 


Marshall  S.  Rice, 
Jeremiah  Trull, 
Nathan  Rice, 
Gardner  Rice, 
Mary  Rice, 
Sarah  Livermore, 
Eliza  Eager, 
Dorcas  Smith, 
Mary  A.  Morse, 


Mary  Childs, 
Ann  Winslow, 
:Mary  Fogg, 
Mary  Boynton, 
Sarah  Willis, 
Rebecca  Garfield, 
Susan  Tavener, 
Sarah  Brackett. 


METUODIST  CHURCH,  UPPER  FALLS.  473 

The  church  was  organized  November  11,  1832,  and  consisted  of 
fiftj-'three  members.  The  following  preachers  have  been  stationed 
here  as  pastors  : 


♦Charles  K.  True, 
John  Parker, 
Nathan  B.  Spaulding. 
*Charles  S.  Macreading, 
D.  K.  Bannister, 
Joseph  Denuison, 
*Jacob  Sanborn, 
M.  P.  Webster, 
*Chester  Field, 
Mr.  Putnam, 
Z.  A.  Mudge, 
John  Paulson, 


Newell  S.  Spaulding, 
*Jame3  Mudge, 
♦Joseph  A.  Merrill, 
Joseph  W.  Lewis, 
William  Pentecost, 
Augustus  F.  Bailey, 
James  W.  Morey, 
Jonas  Bailey, 
Ralph  W.  Allen, 
William  B.  Toulmin, 
William  J.  Pomfret, 
Franklin  Furber, 


Edward  Otheman,  1  Charles  T.  Johnson. 

In  all,  twenty-six.  Three  of  these  preachers  served  a  second 
term  in  the  pastorate,  viz.,  Charles  S.  Macreading,  Charles  K.  True 
and  Z.  A.  Mudge.  In  1879  the}'  were  all  living  except  six,  whose 
names  are  starred. 

The  meeting-house  erected  previous  to  the  formation  of  the 
Methodist  church,  for  the  use  of  the  "  Upper  Falls  Religious  Soci- 
ety," was  used  by  that  Society  about  one-half  the  Sabbaths,  the 
preachers  being  of  the  Unitarian  denomination.  The  late 
Marshall  S.  Rice,  Esq.,  of  Newton  Centre,  offered  to  supply 
the  pulpit,  without  expense  to  the  Society,  with  the  services  of  a 
Methodist  preacher  the  other  half  of  the  time,  or  whenever  it  was 
not  otherwise  used.  The  "  Religious  Societ}' "  accepted  the  pro- 
posal of  Mr.  Rice,  with  but  one  dissentient  vote.  The  late  Rev. 
Charles  K.  True,  of  Boston  (H.  C.  1832),  commenced  preaching 
in  the  church  on  the  alternate  Sabbaths,  and  his  labors  were  appre- 
ciated and  crowned  with  success. 

When  the  engagement  had  expired  with  the  clergyman  who  was 
employed  to  preach  for  the  "  Religious  Society  "  one-half  the  time, 
Mr.  Rice  was  informed  that  he  and  his  friends  would  be  permitted 
to  fill  the  pulpit  every  Sabbath ;  and  Mr.  True  removed  to  the  vil- 
lage, taking  the  responsible  position  of  first  pastor  of  the  Metho- 
dist church  of  Newton  Upper  Falls. 

The  Sabbath  School  was  commenced  in  connection  with  the 
Methodist  church  in  July,  1832.  A  Sabbath  School  had  previously 
existed  in   connection   with  the   "Religious    Society,"  under  the 


474  HISTORY   OF  NEWTON. 

superintendence  of  Dr.  Alfred  Hosmer.  But  the  school  was  sub- 
sequently disbanded,  and  man}^  of  the  members  of  it  joined  the 
Methodist  school.  Dr.  Hosmer,  in  behalf  of  the  old  organization, 
presented  their  valuable  library  to  the  new  school. 

Mr.  Rice,  the  most  liberal  benefactor  of  the  church,  says, — 

Before  the  year  1832  was  enderl,  after  we  were  permitted  to  occupy  the 
house  every  Sabbath,  and  saw  it  well  filled,  the  question  arose  about  owning 
it.  I  had  partly  paid  for  my  home  only ;  but  I  concluded  to  purchase  it  for 
the  Society,  if  ray  wife  would  give  her  consent.  The  Elliot  Manufacturing 
Company  owned  the  land  arid  61-100  of  the  house,  and  Mr.  liufus  Ellis 
owned  39-100  of  the  house.  I  explained  it  to  my  wife,  and  asked  her  what 
she  would  do  with  our  three  little  ones,  if  I  should  give  my  obligations  for 
the  house,  and  should  then  die?  She  answered,  "  Buy  the  house!  I  don't 
believe  you  will  soon  be  called  to  die,  if  you  do;  and  should  it  be  so,  I  will 
support  our  children  by  going  into  the  factory  to  work,  if  necessary. "  The 
answer  settled  the  question.  I  first  purchased  the  G 1-100  of  the  Elliot  Manu- 
facturing Company,  and  soon  afterwards  the  39-100  of  Mr.  Ellis  ;  the  amount 
paid  for  the  whole  was  $2,660. 

After  the  house  had  been  enlarged  and  otherwise  improved,  the  property 
was  conveyed  to  the  Trustees  of  the  First  Methodist  Episcopal  Society  of 
Newton,  in  the  year  1836. 

In  1833  a  bell  was  first  placed  in  the  tower.  After  being  in  use 
twentj' -eight  years,  the  bell  was  cracked,  but  replaced,  in  18G1,  by 
a  much  finer  one.  On  the  new  bell  is  engraved  the  text. —  "  O 
come,  let  us  worship  and  bow  down,  let  us  kneel  before  the  Lord 
our  Maker."— Psalm  XCV :  G. 

The  church  building  was  enlarged  in  1836  ;  the  walls  were  sawed 
in  two,  the  rear  end  moved  back,  and  twenty  pews  inserted  in  the 
centre.  The  interior  of  the  church  was  also  much  improved.  The 
large  clock  in  the  church  was  given  by  Mr.  Joseph  C.  Everett,  in 
1847.  The  vestry  was  added  to  the  chiu'ch  in  1855,  and  in  18G0 
the  internal  arrangements  of  the  church  were  wholly  renovated. 
In  18G3  the  organ  was  introduced,  in  place  of  the  orchestral 
accompaniment  which  had  aided  the  singing  ever  since  the  erec- 
tion of  the  church.  The  parsonage  was  purchased  in  1865.  The 
two  rock-maple  trees  which  have  long  stood  in  front  of  the  chm'ch 
edifice,  in  the  year  1835,  or  not  far  from  that  date,  were  pulled  up 
out  of  the  grass  under  a  large  maple  in  New  Ipswich,  N.  H.,  being 
then  about  six  inches  high,  and  brought  to  Newton  by  Mr.  Rice  in 
his  chaise-box.  Three  similar  trees,  in  front  of  Mr.  Rice's  dwell- 
ing-house at  Newton  Centre,  have  the  same  histor}'. 


KOMAN  CATHOLIC  CHURCH.  475 

ST.  Mary's  church  (roman  catholic)  . 

In  the  absence  of  any  early  and  authentic  records,  we  are 
indebted  to  the  Rev.  Michael  Dolan,  in  charge  of  St.  Mary's 
<jhui-ch,  Newton  Upper  Falls,  for  the  following  records  of  its 
historj' : 

Kev.  Father  Strain,  of  Waltham,  was,  so  fai*  as  I  can  learn,  the  first  priest 
to  celebrate  mass  at  Newton  Upper  Falls.  It  was  about  the  year  1843  or 
1844.  Others  had  come  before  hiin,  to  attend  to  the  sick;  but  he  seems  to 
have  been  the  first  to  hold  religious  service  here  on  Sunday.  His  chapel 
was  a  room  in  the  house  of  Mr.  James  Cphill,  residing  still  (1878)  at  the 
Upper  Falls.     Father  Strain  is  no  longer  among  the  living. 

He  was  succeeded  in  this  parish  hy  Father  Patrick  Flood,  who  also  held 
his  services  in  the  same  room  as  his  predecessor.  His  first  visit  was  made 
about  the  year  1850,  and  the  last  about  two  years  afterwards.  During  his 
administration,  tlic  Catholics  of  the  place  began  to  collect  funds  for  the  erec- 
tion of  a  church.  They  had  not  made  much  progress  in  this  direction  before 
the  inauguration  of  Father  Bernard  Flood,  as  missionary  of  the  Upper  Falls. 
Tliis  was  about  the  year  1852,  as  Father  Bernard  was  ordained  October  19th 
of  that  year.  It  does  not  seem  that  he  came  very  often,  or  held  religious  ser- 
vice very  frequently  on  Sundays,  before  18G0.  About  that  time,  his  congre- 
gation began  to  assemble  on  Sundays  in  Elliot  Hall.  They  numbered  about 
three  hundred,  and  were  generally  zealous  and  generous.  The  most  con- 
spicuous among  tlicm  and  the  most  efiicient  workers  were  Timothy  Flanna- 
gan,  Patrick  Hurley,  Michael  Begley,  James  Cohill  and  Michael  Daley. 

Father  Bernard  relinquished  this  mission  about  the  year  1863  or' 1864, 
organized  the  mission  of  Concord,  built  the  Catholic  church  of  West  Newton, 
and  enlai'ged  and  decorated  the  church  in  Waltham.  Just  as  the  frescoing 
of  the  last  was  being  finished,  he  stood  in  the  gallery  and  gave  some  last 
directions  to  the  architect,  took  a  last,  loving  look  at  the  house  which  he  had 
prepared  for  his  Creator,  and,  as  if  his  Avork  was  finished,  bent  down,  and 
never  rose  again.     His  death  occurred  December  20,  1S7G. 

Father  John  McCarthy  was  his  successor.  In  1867  the  church  fund 
amounted  to  about  seven  thousand  dollars.  With  this  sum  and  three  thou- 
sand dollars  raised  on  mortgage,  on  an  acre  of  land  bought  during  the  pas- 
torale of  Father  Bernard  Flood,  a  church  was  built  of  wood,  forty  by  seven- 
ty-six feet.  It  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Williams,  November  17,  1867.  The 
supervision  of  this  church  was  the  last  work  of  Father  McCarthy  in  this  par- 
ish, which  he  resigned  about  the  close  of  1870. 

Father  Michael  Dolan  was  appointed  to  the  parish  December  4,  1871.  He 
celebrated  his  first  mass  at  the  Upper  Falls  December  6.  He  also  took 
charge  of  a  congregation  of  about  two  hundred  persons,  holding  service  at 
the  Lower  Falls,  in  Boyden  Hall.  In  1874  and  1875,  through  their  united 
liberality  he  ))uilt  the  cliurch  which  stands  on  Washington  Street,  Lower 
Falls,  near  the  Railroad  Station.  The  cost  was  about  fifteen  thousand 
dollars. 


476  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

In  1875,  the  church  at  Newton  Upper  Falls  being  too  small  for  the  grow- 
ing wants  of  the  congregation,  it  was  enlarged  by  building  a  transept  forty 
by  eighty  feet,  having  a  gallery  on  each  end.  This  addition  secured  a  seat- 
ing capacity  of  one  thousand  persons,  besides  the  accommodations  in  the 
organ  loft.  A  basement  was  constructed  under  tlie  whole  church,  which  was 
handsomely  frescoed  and  furnislied,  and  the  roof  slated.  On  the  30th  of 
April,  187G,  the  church  was  dedicated  by  Archbishop  Williams.  Right  Rev. 
James  A.  Healy,  bishop  of  Portland,  Me.,  preached  on  the  occasion  on  "the 
sacrifice  of  the  mass."  Rev.  Bernard  Flood  was  celebrant  of  the  mass,  Rev. 
William  Byrne,  of  Charlestown,  deacon,  Rev.  L.  J.  Morris,  of  Brookline,  sub- 
deacon,  and  Mr.  Hugh  Mulligan,  of  St.  Mary's  Seminary,  Baltimore,  Md., 
master  of  ceremonies.  The  organ  in  tlie  churcli  was  built  by  Hook,  Hast- 
ings &  Co.,  Boston,  April,  1873.  Cost,  !$l,o50.  The  last  improvements  on 
the  church  building  cost  about  $15,000.  The  average  attendance  is  about 
750.  The  parish  includes  about  1,000  or  1,200  Catholics,  aud  embraces  Need- 
bam,  Upper  and  Lower  Falls,  and  Newton  Centre,  as  far  as  Beacon  Street. 

NEWTON   LOWER   FALLS. 

The  paper  manufacturers  of  the  Lower  Falls  and  theii"  descend- 
ants have '  held  distinguished  national,  state,  town  and  city  posi- 
tions. Allen  C.  Curtis  and  Lemuel  Crehore  represented  Newton 
in  the  Massachusetts  Legislature.  Alexander  H.  Rice  was  Presi- 
dent of  the  Common  Coiuicil  of  the  city  of  Boston,  Mayor  of  the 
cit}',  and  for  a  number  of  3'cars  represented  Boston  in  the  Con- 
gress of  the  United  States,  where  during  the  war  of  the  Rebellion 
he  was  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Naval  Affairs.  Finally', 
for  three  successive  years  he  was  elected  Governor  of  Massa- 
chusetts. 

His  brother,  Hon.  Thomas  Rice,  jr.,  was  for  many  years  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Board  of  Selectmen,  aud  its  Chaii'man  during  the  period 
when  Newton  was  called  upon  to  furnish  its  quota  for  the  armies 
of  the  Union,  engaged  in  putting  down  the  rebellion.  He  was  also 
a  representative  in  the  Legislature  and  a  member  of  the  Govern- 
or's Council. 

A  thu'd  brother,  J.  Willard  Rice,  was  for  several  3'cars  a  Select- 
man of  the  town,  and,  upon  the  establishment  of  the  City  Gov- 
ernment, was  elected  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Aldermen. 

Mr.  Isaac  Hagar,  also  of  the  Lower  Falls,  represented  the 
town  in  the  Legislature  at  two  different  times.  He  also  served 
on  the  Board  of  Selectmen,  was  for  about  thirty  ^ears  a  member 
of  the  School  Committee,  and  for  a  ver^'  long  period  chairman 
of  the  Board  of  Assessors,  and  was  also  for  many  3^ears  Auditor 
of  Newton  Savings'  Institution. 


ST.  MARY'S  (EPISCOPAL)  CHURCH.  477 

ST.  mart's  (episcopal)  church. 

For  more  than  a  century  after  business  began  to  be  developed 
tit  this  village,  tbe  people  continued  to  be  connected,  ecclesiasti- 
cally, with  the  First  Parish  church.  No  motion  was  made  for  a 
separate  church  organization.  And  afterwards,  when  the  popula- 
tion had  increased  to  such  an  extent  as  to  seem  to  warrant  an  effort 
to  sustain  religious  worship  regularly  in  the  village,  sucli  were  the 
circumstances  of  the  place  that  for  many  years  the  only  churcli  in 
the  village  was  the  Episcopal  faith  and  form,  and  the  citizens,  as 
a  general  thing,  united  in  this  mode  of  worship. 

The  Episcopal  form  of  service  was  first  used  in  the  autumn  of 
1811,  in  the  District  school-house  at  Newton  Lower  Falls,  citizens 
from  Newton,  Needham  and  Weston,  uniting  in  its  support,  and 
for  more  than  fifty  years  St.  Mary's  was  the  only  church  edifice  in 
the  village.  Mr.  John  R.  Cotting,  a  la3--reader,  ofEciated  occa- 
sionally during  the  winter  following,  coming  from  his  residence  in 
Dedham  for  that  purpose.  April  7,  1812,  a  number  of  the  in- 
habitants of  that  part  of  Newton  and  the  adjacent  towns  met  in 
the  school-house  at  the  Lower  Falls,  and  organized  themselves 
into  a  parish.  Solomon  Curtis  and  Thomas  Durant  were  elected 
Wardens.  Benevolent  Episcopalians  in  Boston,  having  learned 
that  the  new  parish  was  organized,  gave  much  valuable  aid,  both 
in  means,  sympath}'  and  ministerial  services.  The  school-house 
ha,ving  become  too  small  for  the  congregation,  a  convenient  hall 
was  secured  for  worship  in  a  building  at  the  west  corner  of  Main 
and  Church  Streets,  where  the  services  were  conducted  b}'  several 
candidates  for  Holy  Orders,  and  the  sacraments  were  administered 
successively  b}^  the  Rev.  Asa  Eaton,  of  Christ  Church,  and  Rev. 
J.  S.  J.  Gardiner,  of  Trinit}^  Church,  Boston,  and  Bishop  A.  V. 
Griswold.  Rev.  Asa  Eaton  was  invited,  in  April,  1813,  to  the 
rectorship  of  the  church,  but  declined  the  call.  An  Act  of  Incor- 
poration was  granted  b}'  the  General  Court  in  1813,  and  signed 
b}'  the  Governor  June  16. 

Two  acres  of  land,  for  a  church  and  cemetery,  were  presented 
to  the  Society  by  Samuel  Brown,  Esq..  a  merchant  of  Boston. 
Solomon  Cmtis,  Thomas  Durant,  Isaac  Hagar  and  Nathaniel 
Wales  were  appointed  a  Building  Committee.  The  corner-stone 
of  the  church  edifice  was  laid  September  29,  1813,  by  "the 
Ancient  and  Honorable  Society  of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons ;" 


478  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

and  seven  months  later,  April  29,  1814,  the  house  was  consecrated 
to  the  worship  of  God.  Bishop  Griswold  preached  on  the  occa- 
sion, and  ten  persons  received  the  rite  of  confirmation.  At  this 
service  the  holy  communion  was  administered,  it  is  believed,  for 
the  first  time  in  the  village. 

For  ten  years  the  Society  was  too  feeble  to  sustain  a  pastor.  In 
the  mean  time  Divine  services  were  performed  chiefly  by  resident- 
graduates  of  Harvard  University,  who  were  candidates  for  Orders. 
Among  them  were  Walter  Cranston,  afterwards  Rector  of  Christ 
church,  Savannah,  Ga.  ;  Rev.  Jonathan  Wainwright,  D.  D., 
Assistant  Minister  of  Trinity  church.  New  York ;  Rev.  Isaac 
Boyle,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  church,  Dedham ;  James  B. 
Howe,  Claremont,  N.  H. ;  AUston  Gibbes,  Assistant  Minister  of 
St.  Philip's  church,  Charleston,  S.  C.  ;  George  Otis,  Rector  of 
Christ  church,  Cambridge,  and  for  several  years  Tutor  in  Harvard 
College  ;  Philander  Chase,  afterwards  bishop  of  Ohio  ;  Benjamin 
C.  C.  Parker,  of  the  Floating  Chapel  for  seamen,  New  York ; 
Addison  Searle,  chaplain  in  the  U.  S.  Nav}" ;  George  S.  White, 
home  missionary  at  Newton,  Bi'idge water  and  other  places,  and 
Cheever  Felch,  U.  S.  Navj',  the  latter  of  whom  supplied  the  pulpit 
maiulv  from  1817  to  1820.  From  the  spring  of  1821,  the  Rev. 
Samuel  B.  Shaw,  of  Lanesboro',  officiated  several  months,  after 
which  the  church  was  closed  and  the  services  suspended  for  five 
months.  The  Rev.  Alfred  L.  Baury,  the  first  rector,  was  elected 
July  8,  1822,  and  ordained  priest  November  28.  Bishop  Gris- 
wold preached  from  Heb.  V :  4  — "  No  man  taketh  this  honor  to. 
himself,  but  he  that  is  called  of  God."  Rev.  Dr.  Jarvis,  of  Bos- 
ton, presented  the  candidate,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Boyle,  of  Dedham, 
and  Rev.  George  Otis,  of  Cambridge,  united  with  the  bishop  in  the 
imposition  of  hands.  October  8,  1823,  the  office  of  induction, 
was  performed.  Rev.  Dr.  Gardiner  preached  ;  Rev.  Dr.  Jarvis, 
Rev.  Mr.  Boyle,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Cutler,  of  Quincy,  assisted. 
"  During  the  first  ten  j'ears,  there  were  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
nine  baptisms,  twent3'-three  persons  were  confirmed,  and  there 
were  six  marriages  and  twelve  funerals." 

At  the  close  of  twenty -five  3-ears  from  his  first  officiating  at  St. 
Mary's,  Mr.  Baury  preached  a  historical  discourse,  which  was 
printed,  giving  an  account  of  the  chm'ch  from  the  beginning.  The 
number  of  communicants  connected  with  the  church  in  1822  was 
twelve  ;  in  May,  1847,  one  hundi'ed  and  thirty-two  ;  in  1871,  oue 


REV.  ALFRED  L.  BAURl'.  479 

hundred  and  fifty-one.  The  meeting-house  was  enlarged  in  the 
year  1838-9,  making  it  seventj'  by  forty-five  feet,  exclusive  of  the 
tower. 

In  1847,  Mr.  Baurj^  reported,  in  his  historical  sermon,  that  dur- 
ing the  twenty-five  3'ears  of  his  ministry  there  had  been,  baptisms, 
three  hundred  and  sixty-two ;  confirmations,  one  hundred  and 
eighty-eight ;  admitted  to  the  communion,  two  hundred  and  thirty- 
three  ;  married,  eight3^-two  couples  ;  funerals,  fifty.  The  number 
of  families  belonging  to  the  parish  in  1847  exceeded  one  hundred. 

Rev.  Alfred  Louis  Baury  was  the  fourth  son  of  Louis  Baury 
de  Bellerive,  an  officer  of  the  Revolutionary  army,  and  Mary, 
daughter  of  Elisha  Clark,  of  Middletown,  Conn.  He  was  born  in 
Middletown,  September  11,  1794,  and  received  his  early  educa- 
tion at  Bacon  Academj',  Colchester,  Conn.  In  1809  he  removed 
to  Middletown,  where  he  remained  till  1816,  when  he  established 
himself  for  a  season  in  Tarboro'  N.  C,  where  he  remained  three  win- 
ters. Here  he  was  often  called  upon  to  address  audiences  at  funer- 
als, and,  in  the  absence  of  a  clergjTuan,  to  read  the  burial  service. 
In  1818  he  retui-ned  to  New  England,  and  commenced  to  studv  for 
the  ministry  with  Dr.  Titus  Strong,  in  Greenfield,  Mass.  He 
afterwards  removed  to  Guilford,  Vt.,  where  he  ofilciated  as  a  laj- 
reader,  and  where,  through  his  instrumentaUt}^  a  church  was 
established.  He  supplied  this  church  till  May,  1822.  He 
resigned  his  ofiice  at  Newton  Lower  Falls,  after  a  ministry  of 
nearly  thirty  years,  April  21,  1851.  He  officiated  as  rector  of  St. 
Mark's  church  in  Boston  from  18.35  to  1858,  dividing  his  labors 
between  this  church  and  St.  Paul's,  Hopkinton.  From  1833  to 
1843,  he  was  Secretarj^^  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Convention  of 
Massachusetts.  He  received  the  degree  of  A.  M.  from  Norwich 
University  in  1848,  and  D.  D.  from  Yale  College.  He  was  elected 
Vice-President  of  the  Massachusetts  Cincinnati,  July  4,  1853,  and 
President  of  the  same,  July  4,  1865.  He  died  in  Boston,  Decern 
ber  26,  1865,  and  was  buried  among  his  parishioners  at  the  Lower 
Falls. 

He  published  in  1841  a  sermon  on  the  occasion  of  the  funeral 
of  Zibeon  Hooker,  an  oflicer  of  the  Revolution,  and  the  Histori- 
cal Sermon  before  alluded  to.  A  judicious  critic  writes  of  him  as 
follows : 

Ab  a  preacher,  he  was  clear  and  impressive,  modelling  his  style  upon  that 
of  the  old  English  divines.     In  his  personal  appearance,  he  was  tall,  erect 


480 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


in  figure  and  movement,  graceful  and  dignified.  His  fine  classical  features, 
his  silvered  hair,  his  urbane,  courteous,  yet  cordial  manners  rendered  him  an 
agreeable  companion,  and  he  will  long  be  remembered  in  Boston  as  one  of 
the  best  specimens  of  a  gentleman  of  the  old  school. 

Dr.  Baury  married,  July  1,  1829,  Catharine  Henshaw,  of  Mid- 
dlebury,  Vt.,  and  had  six  children.  The  3'Oungest,  Frederick  F. 
Baury,  his  only  son,  born  February  20,  1843,  distinguished  himself 
in  the  U.  S.  Navy,  in  the  war  of  the  Rebellion ;  he  was  acting 
master's  mate,  August  14,  1861 ;  acting  master,  April,  1862  ;  pres- 
ent in  the  various  attacks  on  Charleston,  in  1862-1864,  and  at 
both  attacks  on  Fort  Fisher,  Wilmington.  In  the  last,  leading 
his  company  of  sailors  to  the  assault,  he  was  shot  through  the 
body,  but  recovered.     He  was  honorably  discharged  Feb.  8,  1869. 

The  following  ministers  have  been  Rectors  of  St.  Mary's  church : 


BECTOES. 

ACCEDED. 

KESIGNED. 

Alfred  L.  Baury, 

July        8,  1822, 

April  21,  1851. 

Henry  W.  Woods, 

1851, 

1853. 

Andrew  Crosswell, 

April,           1853, 

April,        1856. 

Henry  Burroughs, 

Nov.        2,  1856, 

Nov.    7,  1858. 

Benjamin  F.  DeCosta, 

Jan.       31,  1859, 

Winslow  W.  Sever, 

Sept.       1,  1860, 

Jan.    29,  1865. 

Joseph  Kidder, 

March  19,  1865, 

Feb.    16,  1868. 

Richard  F.  Putnam, 

Jan.       18,  1868, 

Nov.  30,  1875. 

Henry  Mackay, 

March     1,  1876. 

Besides  other  donations  which  have  been  given  in  aid  of  the 
church,  His  Excellency  Governor  Winthrop,  of  this  Common- 
wealth, presented  to  the  parish  a  silver  flagon  for  the  Communion 
Table,  and  Mrs.  Hannah  Smith,  of  Boston,  gave  a  large  oval 
bason  for  the  same  use.  Two  silver  cups  and  paten  were  pre- 
sented by  Shubael  Bell,  Esq.,  of  Boston,  formerly  Sheriff  of  Suf- 
folk County,  and  a  member  of  Christ  Church,  Boston.  AU  these 
articles  have  continued  in  use  until  the  present  time. 

A  Sabbath  School  was  organized  in  connection  with  St.  Mar3^'s 
church  in  the  spring  of  1818.  Mr.  William  Mills  was  Superintend- 
ent of  this  school  fortj'  years.  According  to  the  custom  of  that 
period,  the  aim  of  the  pupils  was  to  excel  in  committing  to  mem- 
ory verses  from  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  and  choice  hymns. 
In  1818,  from  Ma}'  to  August,  6,414  verses  and  898  hymns  were 
learned.  A  bo}^  who  worked  at  a  trade  committed  430  verses  in 
one  week,  and  in  two  months  1,122  verses  and  39  hymns.     In 


METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH.  481 

1819,  in  the  same  school,  a  bo}'  is  reported  as  repeating  3,010  ver- 
ses, and  in  the  whole  school  13,200  verses  and  354  hj'mus  were 
committed  to  memory.  In  1820, 17,7G3  verses  were  recited, — 
1,188  by  a  little  girl. 

The  church  edifice  has  been  twice  enlarged,  and  furnishes  accom- 
modations at  the  present  time  for  about  five  hundred  worshippers. 
There  is  a  neat  chapel  in  connection  with  the  church. 

METHODIST     EPISCOPAL     CHURCH. 

There  had  been  preaching  in  the  interest  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  church  in  the  old  Methodist  Episcopal  church  building, 
in  the  northwest  part  of  Needhara  for  many  j^ears,  in  connection 
with  "the  old  Needham  Circuit."  Mr.  Noah  Perrin,  of  Grant- 
ville,  in  18G1  hired  Waban  Hall,  Wellesley,  for  one  year,  and 
sought  to  revive  the  interests  of  the  denomination.  The  first  ser- 
mon was  preached  by  Rev.  George  Frost,  of  Waltham,  April  21, 
1861,  and  a  Sabbath  School  commenced  with  thirty  members.  At 
the  commencement  of  the  war,  several  of  the  little  band  went  to 
the  field,  to  return  no  more.  The  first  soldier  who  enlisted  from 
Needhara  was  Mr.  CD.  Smith,  by  whose  suggestion  it  was  that 
this  Methodist  enterprise  was  undertaken. 

The  old  Board  of  Trustees  of  Needham  Circuit  met  in  1866, 
and  voted  twelve  dollars  to  aid  in  paying  the  expenses  of  worship. 
Preaching  was  continued,  till  this  date,  in  Needham,  mainly  by  the 
ministers  in  charge  of  the  church  at  Newton  Upper  Falls.  On 
the  18th  of  November,  1866,  a  meeting  was  called,  of  the  old 
Needhara  Board  of  Trustees.  Rev.  T.  Harrington,  of  Weston, 
Aaron  Fiske  and  John  Mansfield,  of  Natick,  were  present, —  the 
only  remaining  living  member  of  the  Board,  Joel  Pierce,  being 
absent.  The  Board  was  filled  up  to  nine,  by  the  election  of  Noah 
Pei-rin,  C.  H.  Dewing,  C.  II.  Flagg,  Mark  Lee  and  Lewis  N. 
Sumner. 

During  the  eai'ly  part  of  1867,  the  preaching  was  supplied 
mainly  by  Rev.  J.  M.  Bayley,  of  the  Methodist  church  of  New- 
ton Upper  Falls,  to  which  most  of  the  members  still  belonged, 
meetings  being  held  in  Nehoiden  Hall,  at  the  centre  of  Needham. 

At  a  meeting  at  the  house  of  Noah  Perrin,  March  13,  1867,  it 

was  voted  to  request  the   Conference   to   send  the   brethren   a 

preacher,  thus  making  them  a  separate  charge,  to  be  known  as  the 

Methodist  Episcopal   church   of    Needham   and   Newton   Lower 

31 


482  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Falls.  The  members  present  at  this  meeting  were  Messrs.  J.  M. 
Bayley,  J.  Mansfield,  N.  Perrin,  M.  Lee  and  L.  N.  Sumner.  The 
first  Conference  minister,  sent  in  compliance  with  this  request, 
was  Rev.  John  Weslej''  Coolidge. 

April  16,  1867,  Wales'  Hall,  at  Newton  Lower  Falls,  was  hired, 
and  the  first  Methodist  sermon  was  preached  by  Mr.  Coolidge, 
April  21,  1867,  to  an  audience  of  about  thirty  persons.  A  Sab- 
bath School  was  formed  April  28,  of  fifteen  members,  and  a  Bible 
class  of  twenty-seven  soon  afterwards.  The  first  Stewards  of 
Newton  Lower  Falls  Society  were  appointed  September  8,  1867, 
Messrs.  H.  A.  Hunter,  John  Crossland  and  N.  Pen-in.  The 
meetings  were  held  in  Boy  den  Hall  from  July  7,  1867,  to  January 
18,  1868.  Then  Village  Hall  was  hired,  and  afterwards  purchased, 
and  is  still  owned  and  occupied  as  the  Society's  place  of  worship. 

April  29,  1869,  the  following  were  elected  the  first  Board  of 
Trustees,  viz.,  Messrs.  Willard  Hurd,  Leonard  Hurd,  George  T. 
Denton,  James  Brierly,  Charles  Ford,  Isaac  Farwell,  jr.,  and 
Noah  Perrin,  and  arrangements  were  immediately  made  to  pur- 
chase the  Village  Hall. 

In  the  spring  of  1869,  the  charge  became  completely  separated 
from  the  Highlandville  charge  (Needham  Circuit) . 

PASTORS. 

Rev.  J.  Wesley  Coolidge,  ....  1867-69 

Rev.  E.  A.  Howard,  .....  1869-70 

Rev.  A.  Caldwell, 1870-72 

Rev.  W.  Pentecost,  .....  1872-73 

Rev.  A.  Baylies,  .....  1873-7G 

Rev.  W.  A.  Nottage,        .....  1876-77 

Rev.  Andrew  McKeown,  D.  D.,         ...  1877-80 

Church  members,  thirty-six ;  members  of  the  Sabbath  School, 
ninety- three. 

Board  of  Trustees  (1878). —  Messrs.  Noah  Perrin,  Charles 
Ford,  George  Denton,  Leonard  Hmxl,  Charles  Richardson,  Mar- 
shall Perrin. 

Stewards  (1878). —  Noah  Perrin,  Charles  Ford,  George  T. 
Denton,  Leonard  Hurd,  Charles  Richardson,  Marshall  Perrin, 
Peter  Baker. 

Class  Leaders  (1878). —  George  T.  Denton,  Charles  Rich- 
ardson. 


CHAPTER  XXXVII. 

DIVISION   OF   THE   TOWN. THE   FIVE  WARDS. PROPOSALS   TO  FORM 

TWO    TOWNS. TERRITORY    SET    OFF    TO    WALTHAM    AND    ROX- 

BURY. —  PETITIONS  TO  THE  LEGISLATURE. HARMONY  RESTORED. 

In  a  town  of  so  large  geogi-aphical  extent, — with  its  villages  so 
remote  from  one  another,  and  with  long  spaces,  sparsely  settled, 
intervening, —  the  citizens  must  have  felt  for  a  long  period  the 
difficult}^  of  efflcicntly  managing  and  caring  for  the  interests  of 
everj'  part.  It  was  natural  that  jealousies  should  spring  up  among 
them,  hard  to  be  quelled  ;  and  the  only  feasible  means  of  securing 
proper  superintendence  over  and  care  for  every  part  seemed  to 
be  to  distribute  the  broad  territory  into  smaller  portions  and  to 
appoint  over  each  the  requisite  supervisors.  The  citizens  of 
Newton  were  sensible  of  the  difficulty,  and  appointed  a  committee 
to  divide  the  town  into  wards,  who,  at  a  town  meeting  held  May 
11,  1807,  reported  the  following: 

SouTU  Ward. — That  the  town  be  divided  into  five  wards,  for  the  more 
convenient  conducting  of  the  town  business  in  future, — And  that  all  the 
inhabitants  of  the  town  south  of  Benjamin  Richardson,  and  including  said 
Richardson's  house,  thence  extending  southwest  to  the  line  between  Newton 
and  Needham,  so  as  to  include  the  house  of  Joseph  Parker,  and  from  the 
house  of  said  Richardson  northeast  to  Brookline  line,  so  as  to  include  the 
house  of  Jeremiah  Richardson,  Thaddeus  Hyde  and  Elisha  Hyde,  shall  con- 
stitute one  ward,  to  be  called  South  Ward. 

Southwest  Ward. —  That  the  inhabitants  south  of  the  First  Precinct 
Meeting  [house]  by  a  line  drawn  from  the  town  of  Brookline,  and  running 
westerly  so  as  to  include  the  house  of  David  Bartlctt,  Joseph  White,  Ebene- 
zer  King  and  Phineas  Blanden,  thence  northwest  so  as  to  include  the  house 
of  Lemuel  Pierce,  Samuel  Murdock,  and  thence  including  the  house  of 
Joseph  Craft  and  Matthias  Collins  to  Charles  River,  shall  form  the  South- 
west Ward. 

West  Ward. —  And  that  all  the  inhabitants  westerly  of  a  line  drawn  from 
Charles   River   at  Waltham  Bridge,  so   called,   and   running   southwardly, 

483 


484  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

including  the  house  of  Araasa  Park,  and  the  house  now  occupied  by  Mrs. 
Pigeon  and  Joseph  Bullough,  thence  southwest  to  Charles  River,  shall  form 
the  West  Ward. 

North  Ward. —  And  that  all  the  inhabitants  northerly  of  a  line  drawn 
from  the  town  of  Brighton,  near  the  house  of  Jonathan  Hunnewell,  thence 
southwest,  so  as  to  include  the  house  now  occupied  by  Jonathan  Murdock, 
and  the  house  of  Edmund  Trowbridge,  Jonathan  Cook  and  Phineas  Jennison, 
and  northerly  to  Waltham  Bridge,  shall  constitute  the  North  Ward. 

East  Ward. —  And  that  all  the  residue  of  the  inhabitants  in  the  easterly 
part  of  the  town,  from  said  Brighton  line  near  said  Hunnewell  house,  thence 
southerly,  including  the  house  of  Reuben  Moore,  the  house  of  the  late 
Robert  Prentice  to  the  house  of  Henry  King,  including  said  King's  house, 
thence  turning  and  running  easterly  by  the  First  Precinct  Meeting-house  to 
the  line  between  Newton  and  Brookline,  shall  constitute  the  East  Ward. 

And  that  in  future  the  town  choose  one  Selectman  and  two  Surveyors  in 
each  of  said  wards.  It  is  not,  however,  understood  that  any  apportionment 
of  roads  and  lands  are  to  be  confined  to  the  above  lines,  but  may  be  varied 
from  time  to  time,  as  occasion  may  require. 

Timothy  Jackson,         "j 

Samuel  Murdock,  >  Committee. 

Edmund  Trowbridge,  J 

In  town  meeting  May  11,  1807,  voted  to  accept  of  the  above  Report. 

But  a  more  radical  movement  was  proposed  at  a  later  period. 

The  peculiar  features  of  the  town  already  referred  to,  taken  in 
connection  with  other  circumstances,  from  a  period  soon  after  the 
j^ear  1830,  suggested  to  man^^  of  the  citizens  the  question  of  the 
feasibility  and  advantages  of  a  division  of  the  town  into  two  incor- 
porated organizations.  This  question  was  discussed  in  private, 
and  in  town  meetings.  Petitions  and  counter-petitions  were  circu- 
lated, signed,  debated,  accepted,  rejected.  Different  lines  of  divi- 
sion were  proposed,  advocated,  modified,  resisted.  Pamphlets 
were  printed,  maps  drawn  and  engraved,  committees  appointed, 
reports  written,  amended,  adopted,  and  reconsidered.  For  six- 
teen or  seventeen  years,  the  smoke  of  the  battle  enveloped  every 
part  of  the  town.  So  liot  was  the  controversj^  that  men,  once 
friends,  treated  one  another  as  personal  enemies.  Some  opposed 
the  division  absolutely.  Others  favored  it,  provided  that  the  line 
of  division  should  be  drawn  in  harmony  with  their  own  judgment 
and  interest.  Some  would  connect  Newton  Corner  with  the  east- 
ern section.  Others,  drawing  a  different  line,  favored  a  division 
which  should  embrace  the  whole  line  of  \illages  in  the  town  which 
lay  along  the  Boston  and  Albany  railroad  in  one  town,  and  the 


DIVISION  OF  THE  TOWN.  485 

residue  of  the  territory  iii  the  otlier.  The  eastern  section,  under 
this  arrangement,  in  case  it  should  be  carried  into  effect,  claimed 
for  itself  the  ancient  and  venerable  name  of  Newton.  Why  should 
it  not?  For  it  included  the  old  First  Parish  church  and  the  old 
burial  ground,  the  ashes  of  the  first  three  pastors,  and  of  all  the  earl}' 
settlers  and  their  descendants,  for  five  or  six  generations,  and 
here  the  voters  had  assembled  at  their  town  meetings  for  a  hun- 
dred and  fort}'^  j'ears  ;  and  here  too  had  occurred  the  thrilling  de- 
bates and  the  brave  resolves  of  the  fathers,  in  the  grand  period  of 
the  revolutionary  history.  They  belonged,  of  right,  to  the  name  of 
Newton.  But  would  the  other  section  relinquish  the  name,  and, 
with  the  name,  its  share  in  so  honorable  a  histor}-?  From  1664 
to  1780,  the  East  Parish  church  was  the  most  central  point,  as  the 
population  then  existed ;  and  it  continued  to  be  the  legal  place 
for  the  convocation  of  the  people  in  their  town  meetings.  Deem- 
ing, as  rural  populations  are  apt  to  do,  that  some  advantage  might 
accrue  to  a  given  localit}'  from  its  being  the  seat  of  these  assemblies 
of  the  people,  the  citizens  of  the  eastern,  central  and  southern 
parts  of  the  town,  with  some  others,  jealously  claimed  to  retain 
a  distinction  which  they  had  enjo3^ed  so  long,  and  opposed  any  al- 
teration which  would  deprive  them  of  it. 

In  1830,  some  time  after  the  separation  of  the  ecclesiastical 
from  the  civil  state  in  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  "*  the 
proprietors  of  the  First  Parish  meeting-house  objected  to  having 
the  town  meetings  holden  there," —  so  writes  Mr.  Davis.  The 
church  belonged,  it  is  true,  to  private  proprietors  ;  but  it  had  been 
used,  by  common  consent  and  without  objection,  for  twenty-five 
years,  both  as  a  parish  church  and  a  town-hall.  And  the  proprie- 
tors deemed  that  the  time  had  come  wiieu  the  town  ought  to  have 
a  place  for  holding  its  meetings,  which  should  be  provided  at  the 
town's  expense,  and  be  under  the  town's  control. 

But  if  a  town-hall  were  built,  where  should  it  be  located  ?  The 
centre  of  population  had  changed,  and  moved  westward.  The 
geographical  centre  of  the  town  was  in  the  midst  of  a  forest,  with 
scarcely  a  dwelling-house  near  it ;  and.  a  buildhig  erected  there 
would  be  only  equally  inconvenient  to  all  the  citizens.  If  the 
town-house  were  built  at  West  Newton,  it  would  be  four  or  five 
miles  distant,  if  not  more,  from  the  remote  southern  and  eastern 
portions  of  the  town.  If  it  were  built  near  the  First  Parish  church, 
the  people  of  the  growing  village  of  West  Newton  would  be  under 


486  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

the  necessity  of  travelling  three  miles  or  more  to  reach  it.  If  it 
were  at  Angler's  Corner  (Newton) ,  that  was  nearly  at  the  north- 
eastern corner  of  the  town,  and  remote  from  every  village,  except 
its  own,  in  the  entire  territory.  The  whole  subject  was  involved 
in  difficulties  not  easy  of  solution.  And  what  a  controversy 
arose  out  of  the  attempt  to  solve  the  question  in  a  satisfactor}- 
manner !  Only  two  solutions  seemed  possible ;  the  proposal  to 
divide  the  town  into  two  independent  organizations  having  failed, 
and  the  erection  of  one  or  more  town-halls  being  the  only  alter- 
native, this  became  for  several  xeavs  the  great  issue.  In  Novem- 
ber, 1832,  it  was  voted  by  the  citizens  that  an  article  be  inserted 
in  the  next  warrant  "  to  see  if  the  town  will  take  an}'  measures  to 
procure  a  place  for  holding  town  meetings  ;"  and  March  7,  1833, 
the  article  was  acted  upon,  and  a  committee  chosen.*  This  com- 
mittee reported  at  an  adjourned  meeting,  held  the  first  Monday  in 
April,  recommending  the  erection  of  a  town-house  near  the  Centre 
school-house,  about  thirty-five  rods  west  of  the  First  Parish  meet- 
ing-house. An  amendment  was  offered,  recommending  "  to  have 
the  same  located  on  the  plain,  forty  or  fifty  rods  south  of  the  meet- 
ing-house." This  amendment  was  rejected.  Another  motion  was 
made,  to  fix  the  location  in  the  West  Parish,  and  also  rejected. 
It  was  at  length  manifest  that  no  place  could  be  selected  which 
would  be  satisfactory  to  all  parties,  and,  the  report  not  being 
accepted,  the  meeting  adjourned. 

Three  weeks  later,  April  22,  1833,  another  meeting  was  held, 
at  which,  after  much  discussion,  a  vote  was  proposed  to  build  the 
town-house  "  at  the  east  end  of  the  vestry. "f  Afterwards  it  was 
voted  to  postpone  indefinitely  the  subject  of  building  a  town-house, 
and  agreed  "  to  hold  town  meetings  alternately  in  the  meeting- 
houses in  the  several  villages. "J  Some  parts  of  the  town  being 
dissatisfied,  another  meeting  on  the  subject  was  called,  to  be  held 


*Thetown  meetings  iu  March,  April  and  May,  1833,  were  lield  in  the  Baptist  meet- 
ing-house at  Newton  Centre. 

t  The  vestry  referred  to  was  a  long,  low,  narrow  building,  one-story  iu  height,  des- 
titute of  architectural  pretensions,  erected  on  the  southerly  line  of  the  meeting- 
house laud,  and  directly  opposite  the  south  side  of  the  church  edifice.  It  was  fin- 
ished in  the  plainest  possible  manner,  and  used  for  the  week-day  meetings  of  the 
church,  until  the  vestry  on  the  northwest  corner  of  the  church  of  1847  and  connected 
with  it,  made  its  existence  no  longer  a  necessity. 

t  At  this  meeting  a  committee  was  chosen  to  ascertain  whether  the  town  has  a  right 
to  the  use  of  Dr.  Homer's  Meeting-house,  and  application  was  made  to  Hon.  Samuel 
Hoar,  for  his  legal  opinion  ou  the  question. 


DIVISIOX  OF  THE  TOWN".  487 

Juno  10 ;  when  the  question  of  builduig  a  town-house  was  again 
proposed,  and  again  indefinitely  postponed.  Again,  at  the 
November  meeting  the  citizens  voted  to  defer  the  matter  till  the 
next  meeting.  On  the  16th  of  December  a  special  meeting  was 
called,  at  which  it  was  proposed  to  build  a  town-house  "  near  the 
East  Parish  meeting-house,"  and  the  proposal  negatived.  Then  it 
was  voted  "to  locate  the  town-house  near  the  vestrj'," — which 
was  also  reconsidered,  and  a  vote  passed  to  locate  it  "  near  the 
Centre  school-house."  A  committee  was  chosen  "  to  procure  laud 
and  build  the  house."  But  this  was  not  the  end.  Eleven  da5-s 
afterwards,  December  27,  /mother  meeting  was  called, —  to  be 
held,  as  the  Selectmen  had  provided  no  place  for  the.  meeting, — ■ 
'"  at  the  horse-sheds."  The  vote  passed  at  the  former  meeting  was 
reconsidered,  and  the  Selectmen  were  directed  to  "procure  a  house 
for  future  meetings  upon  the  best  terms  they  can." 

Meetings  had  been  held  several  times  in  the  old  Baptist  meet- 
ing-house, on  the  easterly  side  of  Wiswall's  Pond,  and  at  the  West 
Parish  meeting-house,  alternately,  and  to  many  this  arrangement 
proved  satisfactory.  But  only  one  month  after  the  last  meeting, 
another  meeting  was  summoned,  at  which  a  vote  was  passed  by 
those  present  to  build  a  town-house  within  fifty  rods  of  the  pow- 
der-house, which  stood  on  a  lot  now  forming  the  western  terminus 
of  Lyman  Street.  The  necessary  committees  were  chosen,  and 
within  twent^'-four  hours  most  of  the  timber  necessary  for  the 
building  was  on  the  spot,  and  an  effort  made  to  hasten  the  work. 
But  the  weather  was  unfavorable  ;  and  before  the  project  was 
accomplished,  another  meeting  was  called,  to  be  held  February  8, 
1834.  At  this  meeting,  it  was  voted  to  build  a  town-house*  at 
Newton  Centre,  uearl}'  opposite  the  old  Baptist  meeting-house, 
and,  also,  to  pay  the  corporation  of  Fuller  Academy  seven  hun- 
di'ed  dollars,  towards  building  a  suitable  hall,  and  that  the  town 


♦After these  controversies  were  ended,  and  all  the  town  meetings  came  to  be  held 
l)y  common  consent  in  West  Newton,  this  building  was  removed  to  the  corner  of  Sta- 
tion Street  and  the  Common  at  Newton  Centre, t  and  became  the  Village  Hall.  For 
several  years  it  was  used  for  Lycevim  lectures  and  other  secular  gatherings,  and  bore 
the  name  Lyceum  Hall.  It  was  in  this  Hall,  in  1862,  that  Charles  AVard  made  that 
thrilling  speech,  in  which  ho  consecrated  his  young  life  on  the  altar  of  his  country, 
and  consummated  the  sacrifice  the  following  summer  on  the  battle-field  at  Gettys- 
burg. The  Hall  was  finally  sold  lor  private  uses,  removed  to  the  vicinity  of  the  Uail- 
road  station  on  Station  Street,  became  a  stable,  and  after  a  few  mouths  was  con- 
«umeit  by  fire. 


t  The  Methodist  meeting-house,  Newton  Centre,  now  occupies  the  same  lot. 


488  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

meetings  be  held  alternately  in  those  two  places.     This  produced 
general  satisfaction. 

The  following  summer,  the  corporation  of  Fuller  Academy 
erected  a  hall,  fitted  for  the  uses  of  town  meetings,  expecting  the 
town  to  aid  them  in  meeting  the  expense.  During  the  years 
1835-7,  the  town  meetings  were  held  at  the  town-house  near  New- 
ton Centre, —  the  exciting  questions  of  the  last  few  years  being, 
rather  smothered  than  settled.  But  movements  in  certain  direc- 
tions, indicated  that  if  there  could  not  be  a  harmonious  division  of 
the  town,  there  were  citizens  who  favored  a  secessioji.  March  G,' 
1837,  the  question  was  proposed  in  town  meeting,  whether  the 
town  will  consent  to  have  the  Lower  Falls  district  set  off  to  Need- 
ham  or  Weston  ;  but  the  question  was  at  once  dismissed.  In  1838 
a  considerable  section  of  land  at  the  southeast  part  of  the  town 
was  set  off  to  Roxburv.  This  diminished  the  extent  of  the  town 
in  that  direction,  and  relieved  the  difficult}'  felt  by  the  families  liv- 
ing at  the  point  most  remote. 

The  citizens,  however,  were  still  restless.  Like  their  fathers  in 
the  early  history  of  the  town,  neither  the  one  party  nor  the  other 
was  willing  to  yield,  and  at  length  the  question  of  a  division  of  the 
town  was  again  mooted,  as  the  only  method  of  restoring  harmon}-. 
On  the  19th  of  April,  1841, —  the  anniversary  of  that  memorable 
day  in  revolutionary  history, —  a  committee  was  appointed  to  take 
into  consideration  the  subject  of  a  division  of  the  town,  and  to 
report  at  a  subsequent  meeting.  The  following  November  the  com- 
mittee reported  the  line  previously  prayed  for,  and  the  vote  to 
divide  the  town  was  passed.  But  on  the  22d  of  December, — 
the  anniversary  of  another  historical  day, —  this  vote  was  recon- 
sidered. Afterwards  the  whole  subject  was  referred  to  the  Legis- 
lature. The  committee  of  the  Legislature  favored  the  division, 
and  reported  a  bill  to  that  effect. 

A  writer  of  reminiscences  of  that  difficult  period  in  the  history 
of  the  town  says, — 

The  Rev.  Samuel  P.  Skinner,  a  Universalist  minister,  residing  at  Oak  Hill, 
very  near  the  southern  limit  of  the  town,  took  a  notable  part  in  opposing, 
with  great  ability,  the  proposed  division.  Mr.  Edmands,  the  father  of  the 
late  Hon.  J.  Wiley  Edmands,  also  joined  Mr.  Skinner  in  opposing  division. 
Their  sturdiest  opponent  was  what  was  the  sprightly,  and  now,if  not  then, 
is  the  venerable,  as  well  as  sprightly,  Seth  Davis.  None  who  were  present 
can  ever  forget  the  excited  debates  on  the  town  division  question  that  oc- 
curred in  town  meetings  and  before  committees  of  the  Legislature,  in  which 
many  took  part. 


DIVISION  OF  THE  TOWN.  489 

The  petition  presented  on  this  occasion  to  the  Legislature  of 
Massachusetts  was  as  follows  : 

The  subscribers,  citizens  and  legal  voters  of  the  town  of  Newton,  would 
humbly  represent  that,  owing  to  the  very  peculiar  physical  features,  and 
great  extent  of  said  town,  that  constant  and  increasing  difficulties  exist  that 
never  can  be  obviated,  excepting  by  a  division  of  said  town.  We  therefore 
pray,  in  order  to  promote  the  peace,  interest  and  great  convenience  of  its 
citizens,  that  the  same  may  bo  divided,  cither  by  a  line,  as  first  recommended 
by  a  committee  chosen  by  the  town,  and  subsequently  by  several  consecutive 
committees  of  former  Legislatures,  and  lastly,  by  a  special  committee,  ap- 
pointed for  that  special  purpose, —  said  line  commencing  at  the  monument 
between  the  town  of  Newton  and  the  town  of  Brighton,  near  the  house  of 
Thomas  Smallwood,  and  running  southwesterly  in  a  straight  line  to  Charles 
River,  passing  between  the  house  lately  owned  by  Thomas  McXoah,  and  that 
of  William  Wiswall  the  2d, —  or,  beginning  near  or  at  Brighton  line,  where 
Indian  Lane  (so  called)  [Sargent  Street]  intersects  the  same,  and  running 
to  the  same  point  in  Charles  River,  as  before  mentioned,  and  that  all  that 
portion  of  said  town,  lying  northerly  of  the  line  that  may  be  adopted,  may 
form  a  new  town,  by  the  name  of  West  Newton.  We  furthermore  pray, 
that  all  the  documents,  heretofore  presented  by  the  citizens  of  said  town, 
for  the  division  of  the  same,  and  all  papers  relating  thereto,  may  be  taken 
from  the  files  and  duly  considered  and  acted  upon  in  conformity  with  the 
prayer  of  your  petitioners. 

George  Daniels, 
Nathan  Craft,  and  others. 

In  1844  the  people  of  the  Chemical  Works  (the  northwest  part 
of  the  town)  petitioned  to  be  set  off  to  Waltham.  Another  peti- 
tion was  presented  bj'  citizens  who  asked  to  be  set  off  to  Rox- 
bury, — the  line  they  desh'ed,  extending  from  the  southwest  corner 
of  Brookline  to  Keurick's  Bridge.  But  many  of  the  citizens 
opposed  any  division  whatever,  believing  that  a  compromise  mio-ht 
be  had  which  would  obviate  all  difficulties.  After  the  bill  for  the 
division  of  the  town  was  defeated,  the  inhabitants  of  that  section 
known  as  "  the  Chemical  Works,"  just  referred  to,  were  set  off,  in 
accordance  with  their  petition,  to  Waltham,  in  April,  1849.  This 
cut  off  from  the  town  of  Newton  a  territory  of  about  six  hundred 
acres,  upon  which  have  since  been  located  the  extensive  works 
of  the  Waltham  Watch  Company,  with  a  valuation  of  a  million 
or  two  of  dollars,  and  other  valuable  property. 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  a  petition  for  the  division  of  the  town, 
which  was  circulated  among  the  voters  in  January  and  February, 
1844,  in  anticipation  of  the  March  meeting : 


490  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Petition  and  Memorial  of  sundry  Inhabitants  of  the  Easterly  or  First  Parish  of 
the  Town  of  Newton, 

To  the   Honorable  Senate   and   House  of  Representatives  of  the  Common- 
wealth of  Massachusetts  : 

We,  the  Inhabitants  of  Newton,  residents  and  leg^I  voters  of  the  East  or 
First  Parish,  respectfully  represent : — That  the  town  of  Newton  is,  from  its 
extraordinary  size,  and  interior  structure,  and  form,  capable  of  being  divided 
into  two  well-apportioned  and  well-balanced  towns,  .as  the  line  which  divides 
the  two  great  Parishes  now  runs. 

The  town  of  Newton  contains  a  very  unusual  amount  of  territory;  it  is  en- 
compassed on  the  north,  on  all  the  west,  and  the  south,  for  nearly  fifteen 
miles,  by  the  river  Charles.  Newton  is  divided  into  two  great  Parishes,  by 
distinct  communities,  of  East  and  of  West,  by  a  right  line,  proceeding  from 
the  south  and  througii  the  centre,  thence  following  in  its  northerly  part  a  lit- 
tle to  the  west  of  the  coTirseof  the  Cold  Stream  Brook,  and  on  the  western  bor- 
ders of  the  long  extended  and  lonely  valley  of  the  centre,  to  the  southwest 
projecting  corner  of  Watertown  on  the  north.  This  central  and  dividing 
range,  being  throughout  and  almost  entire,  from  the  southern  boundary  and 
River,  to  the  north,  a  wide  expanse  of  territory,  on  all  sides  hilly,  or  woody, 
or  rocky,  or  broken,  or  low,  [is]  in  most  parts  uncultivated  or  unreclaimed, 
—  an  extensive  solitude. 

In  the  East  or  First  Parish,  are  two  very  considerable  and  flourishing  vil- 
lages, namely,  the  village  of  the  Upper  Falls,  at  the  extreme  south,  and  also 
the  flourishing  village  of  Attgier's  Corner,  on  the  extreme  north.  The  Parish 
of  West  Newton,  which  is  encompassed  on  three  sides  by  a  noble  river,  con- 
tains also  two  very  flourishing  villages,  one  the  fine  and  thriving  village  of 
Loiz'er  Falls,  in  the  extreme  southwest ;  the  other  the  large  and  flourishing  village 
of  West  Nezvton,  in  tlie  more  northerly  and  central  part  on  that  side ;  and 
another  fine  village  still  arising,  at  the  great  Chemical  Works,  near  to  and 
contiguous  to  the  river  and  new  Fitchburg  railroad,  in  the  extreme  south- 
west, with  water  power  abundant,  and,  on  either  side,  with  territory  and 
population  ample  for  a  well  organized  town. 

The  Worcester  railroad,  running  in  the  direction  of  east  and  west,  passes 
through  the  village  of  Angler's  Corner,  within  the  limits  of  the  East  Parish ; 
thence  crossing,  it  passes  tlirough  the  village  of  West  Newton  and  the  Parish 
of  the  West.  In  each  of  those  Parishes,  and  in  each  of  those  two  last-named 
villages,  a  Railroad  Depot  and  Post-office  is  established,  where  their  mails 
are  brought  from  the  city. 

Between  these  two  communities,  thus  separated  and  disconnected,  there  is 
little  or  no  interchange,  and  apparently  but  very  little  or  no  common  bond 
of  union,  or  consanguinity  of  interest  in  any  way.  None  there  are,  to  our 
knowledge,  on  this  side  of  this  dividing  line,  who  travel  westward  or  over 
their  roads,  or  but  rarely,  or  thitherwards  attend  their  churches  ;  all  on  this 
side,  on  the  contrary,  go  down  to  the  city  by  routes  hitherwards,  and  here 
only  they  attend  the  churches  of  our  own ;  where  only,  and  on  this  side, 
their  £athers  sleep. 


DIVISION  OF  THE  TOWN.  491 

Nor  are  they,  the  people  of  the  west  part,  very  much  interested  in  any  of 
our  roads.  Their  transit  to  and  from  the  city  being  generally  by  the  Wor- 
cester railroad — o"r,  if  they  choose,  the  people  of  the  northwest,  or  side 
bounding  on  Waltham,  may  now  go  down  by  another  route,  or  by  the  Fitch- 
burg  Railroad,  which  here,  by  a  most  fortuitous  circumstance  approaches  very 
nigh,  and  from  that  depot,  which  lies  immediately  contiguous  on  the  opposite 
shore; —  or,  their  heavy-loaded  teams,  returning  from  the  city,  go  not  through 
the  East  Parish  ;  the  Bowen  Hill,  over  which  the  great  road  passes,  to  the 
eastward  of  Angler's  Corner,  presents  an  obstruction  to  their  upward  progress 
on  this  side ;  they  return  by  a  new  road,  wide,  and  nearly  level,  which  leads 
from  the  West  Newton  Centre  direct  to  Watertown  Bridge ;  and  from  thence, 
branching  eastward,  two  splendid  roads  cross  the  river  through  North  Brigh- 
ton to  the  city  direct;  and  by  this  their  heavily-laden  teams,  returning  to 
West  Newton,  pass  up  almost  invariably,  and  by  a  route  beyond  the  bounds 
of  this,  the  First  Parish,  and  so  to  the  north  and  westward  of  every  oppos- 
ing hill. 

Now,  therefore,  and  as  the  only  visible  means  of  securing  permanently  the 
blessings  of  peace  to  all  the  parties  concerned,  we,  your  petitioners,  respect- 
fully request  that  the  town  of  Newton  be  divided,  as  the  well-defined  parish 
line  now  runs,  and  by  a  line  beginning  at  the  southwest  projecting  corner  of 
the  town  of  Watertown,  a  little  to  the  west  of  the  intersection  of  Cold  Stream 
Brook,  thence,  proceeding  in  a  right  line,  southerly,  one  hundred  yards  to  the 
west  of  the  house  of  Thomas  McNoah,  to  Charles  River. 

That  this,  the  First,  and  East,  and  most  ancient  Parish,  be  incorjjorated 
anew,  by  a  special  act  of  the  Legislature,  by  the  name  of  Newton,  and  by 
the  original  name  which  alone  belongs  to  us  of  right ;  and  that  the  Second, 
or  West  Parish,  be  incorporated,  also,  by  another  act,  by  the  name  of  West 
Newtox,  which  name  they  have  chosen ;  or  by  any  other  name,  which,  here- 
after, they  may  choose. 

That  the  property  now  held  by  the  town  in  common,  in  the  town  or  town- 
houses,  and  poor  house  and  farm,  or  in  funds,  or  in  dues  to  the  town,  also 
all  debts  due  from  the  town,  be  divided  in  proportion  to  the  rates  or  taxes 
which  were  assessed  in  1843,  and  in  a  manner  hereafter  to  be  prescribed;  and 
to  this  effect  your  petitioners  pray  that  they  may  have  leave  to  bring  in  a  bill 
or  bills. 

Newton,  January,  1844. 

At  a  town  meeting  held  March  25,  1844,  majority  and  minority 
reports  were  presented  to  the  town  by  a  committee  previously 
chosen.  The  majority  report  recommended  the  erection  of  a 
town-house  at  West  Newton  for  the  whole  town,  "  as  likely  to 
secure  the  greatest  good  to  the  greatest  number."  The  minorit}' 
report  recommended  the  erection  of  a  town-house  in  the  geograph- 
ical centre  of  the.town,  near  the  junction  of  the  present  Valentine 
road,  so  called,  with  Homer  Street. 


492  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

About  this  time,  the  proprietors  of  the  First  Parish  meeting- 
house proposed  to  alter  the  interior  of  that  structure  (the  church 
dedicated  in  1805),  and  to  malie  a  hall  suitable  to  accommodate 
the  town  meetings,  below,  and  an  audience-room  for  Divine  wor- 
ship, above.  But  when  action  looking  towards  the  execution  of 
this  plan  was  proposed  to  the  town,  it  was  at  once  negatived  by 
the  citizens. 

In  1845,  another  petition  was  presented  for  a  division,  which  was 
thrown  out  because  of  the  lateness  of  its  presentation.  In  1846, 
still  another  petition  was  presented  for  a  division  of  the  town  b}' 
the  line  of  Cold  Stream  Brook  ;  but  this  line  found  less  favor  than 
the  other,  and  a  renewed  petition  was  presented  for  a  division  by 
the  old  line.  This  year  the  citizens  of  the  Lower  Falls  unanimously 
objected  to  any  division  at  all,  although  in  1843  they  had  favored 
it.  Besides  the  above,  another  of  the  lines  of  division  proposed 
was  "  a  line  commencing  near  Thomas  Smallwood's,  and  running 
to  the  south  side  of  the  road  in  front  of  the  house  of  William  "\Yis- 
wall,  then  continuing  to  Charles  River."  "  The  old  line,"  so  called, 
the  petition  for  which  was  renewed  in  1846,  was  one  "beginning 
at  or  near  Indian  Lane"  (Sargent  Street). 

The  contest  was  continued  till  1848-9,  when  it  was  voted  by  the 
town  to  hold  the  town  meetings  at  West  Newton.  The  old  Second 
Congregational  meeting-house  was  purchased  by  the  town  for  $1,800, 
and  fitted  up  for  a  town-hall.  The  building  was  at  a  later  period 
enlarged  to  meet  the  necessities  of  the  growing  population  ;  and, 
when  Newton  became  a  city  in  1873,  it  became,  with  improve- 
ments, the  City  Hall.  When  one  of  the  Normal  Schools  of  Mas- 
sachusetts was  kept  in  the  building  once  the  Fuller  Academj-,  at 
West  Newton,  a  Model  School  (primary  and  intermediate)  was 
taught  in  the  basement  of  the  town-hall.  A  certain  number  of  the 
pupils  (female)  of  the  Normal  School  were  deputed  in  turn,  for 
the  period  of  a  week  each,  to  instruct  the  little  ones  in  the  Model 
School,  under  the  e^'e  of  the  Principal,  as  a  practical  experiment 
in  preparation  for  their  future  employment. 

Thus  this  long  controversy  came  to  an  end.  Still,  as  the  thunder 
continues  to  rumble  after  a  summer  shower,  occasional  petitions 
were  presented  from  citizens  wishing  to  be  set  off  to  other  towns, 
for  example,  to  Waltham  ;  but  the  main  controversy*  was  no  more 
revived.  On  the  12th  of  March,  1855,  the  late  Hon.  David  H. 
Mason  moved  "  that  the  inhabitants  of  Newton  will  oppose  anj* 
and  all  measures  for  the  division  of  the  town  ;  and  that  they  will 


UNION  AND  PEACE.  493 

regard  with  disfavor  the  disturbance  of  their  peace  and  harmon}- 
by  the  further  agitation  of  tlio  subject." 

"  The  motion  was  carried  b^' a  very  large  vote,  probably  five- 
sixths  of  the  whole  voting."  Man}'  of  those  who  took  part  in  it, 
in  its  earlier  stages,  belonged  to  a  former  generation,  and  long 
since  passed  awaj-.  The  majority  by  whose  vote  the  question 
was  finally  settled  in  1848-9,  doubtless  acted  conscientioush-  and 
wisely.  The  minority, —  conscientiously  a  minority, — yielded,  and 
their  course  has  met  the  approval  of  their  successors.  The  terri- 
torial extent  of  the  town  is  no  longer  urged  as  an  infelicity.  The 
neighboring  city  of  Boston,  by  annexing  the  towns  adjacent  to  it, 
lias  expanded  itself  into  even  greater  dimensions  than  those  of 
Newton.  Every  part  of  the  town  claims  the  right  of  ownership 
in  its  honorable  history,  and  clings  with  patriotic  and  filial  pride 
to  all  the  reminiscences  of  a  corporate  life  of  nearly  two  centuries. 
During  the  progress  of  the  controversy,  how  often  the  broad  acres 
of  the  town  were  travelled  over,  examined,  counted,  measured, 
surveyed  and  resurveyed  !  How  ever}'  hill,  and  vale,  and  brook, 
and  forest,  and  road  was  drawn  and  mapped !  With  what  care 
every  dwelling  was  noted  and  numbered,  and  the  influence  of 
every  voter  questioned,  and  weighed,  and  estimated !  How  the 
citizens  in  private  intercourse  and  in  their  town  meetings  learned 
to  debate,  to  approve,  to  dissent',  to  scrutinize  arguments  and 
testimony',  to  sustain  an  advocate  of  theu'  cause,  and  to  watch 
and  parry  an  opponent !  Verily,  those  dajs  were  valuable  helps 
to  the  education  of  the  citizens.  And  if  no  other  good  came  out 
of  the  tumult  and  strife,  there  was  profit  in  the  intellectual  develop- 
ment communicated  to  the  people.  They  were  prepared  b}'  the 
trials  of  those  days  for  the  marvellous  later  growth  of  the  town, 
for  the  scenes  that  came  with  the  war,  and  which  cemented  in 
union  all  hearts,  that  were  made  one  by  the  unity  of  one  great 
conflict  and  one  sorrow,  resulting  in  one  united  and  overwhelming 
joy.  The  new  population  of  recent  times  cares  nothing  for  the 
issues  which  seemed  so  important  to  a  former  generation,  and 
which  parted  very  friends.  And  now,  as  one  great  and  populous 
city,  one  wide,  wealthy  and  prosperous  organization,  with  its 
churches,  its  schools,  its  libraries,  its  fire  department,  its  gas 
works,  its  water  works,  and  all  its  common  interests,  perhaps  not 
a  citizen  walks  in  the  streets  of  Newton,  through  its  whole  extent, 
or  breathes  its  atmosphere,  who  is  not  glad  that  the  whole  is  bound 
together  in  one  peaceful  union. 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 

FIEST     BAPTIST     CHURCH. COLLEAGUE     PASTOR. DEATH     OF     MR, 

GRAFTON. —  REV.    F.    A.    WILLARD. LATER   PASTORS. STATIS- 
TICS.    SABBATH     SCHOOL. BEQUESTS. THE     CHOIR. THE- 

CLOCK. THOMPSONVILLE. —  METHODIST    EPISCOPAL   CHURCH. 

UNITARIAN    CHURCH. 

Recurring  to  the  history  of  the  First  Baptist  church  (pages 
287-308) ,  we  recall  the  statement  that  the  second  pastor,  the  Rev. 
Joseph  Grafton,  conscious  of  the  infirmities  of  age,  in  1835  asked 
to  be  released  from  the  responsibilities  of  his  office,  generousl}' 
proposing  to  relinquish  the  salar}-,  and  advising  the  settlement  of 
a  young  and  vigorous  minister,  who  could  more  effectually  watch 
over  the  interests  of  the  church,  in  his  stead.  The  church  made 
pro'vision  to  render  the  remaining  days  of  their  aged  minister  com- 
fortable and  happy,  and  elected  a  colleague,  the  Rev.  Frederick 
Augustus  Willard,  who  was  recognized  as  the  junior  pastor,  No- 
vember 25,  1835,  and  Mr.  Grafton  was  thenceforth  released  from 
service.  During  the  winter  of  1835-6,  he  was  confined  to  his 
chamber  by  sickness ;  but  with  the  opening  summer  he  was 
restored  again,  and  spent  a  considerable  time  in  visiting  his  rela- 
tives, and  his  spiritual  children  in  the  town  and  vicinity; — a  fit- 
ting and  beautiful  emplo3^ment  for  an  aged  minister,  who,  having 
spent  his  days  in  the  service  of  the  gospel,  was  even  now  dipping 
his  feet  in  the  brim  of  Jordan,  through  which  he  was  about  to  pass 
over  into  the  celestial  city. 

During  the  year  1836,  the  Society  had  been  engaged  in  erecting 
a  new  house  of  worship  in  the  present  location,  some  distance 
north  of  the  site  of  the  ancient  sanctuary.  At  the  beginning  of 
the  winter,  the  new  building  being  nearly  ready  for  occupancy,  it 
was  arranged  that  on  the  third  Sabbath  in  December  the  closing 

494 


DEATH  OF  MR.  GRAFTON.  495 

service  should  be  held  in  the  house  where  their  fathers  had  wor- 
shipped, and  where  the  presence  of  God  had  been  so  often  and  so 
richly  enjoyed.  The  aged  pastor,  most  appropriately,  was  to  have 
preached  on  the  occasion.  What  a  scene  of  touching  interest  and 
beaut}'  might  have  been  anticipated,  when  the  reverend  servant  of 
God,  full  of  da^'s  and  of  honors,  should  stand  up  and  speak  for 
the  last  time  within  those  consecrated  walls,  which  had  so  long 
echoed  with  the  sound  of  the  gospel  from  his  lips  ;  which  had  been 
thronged,  year  after  year,  by  interested  congregations,  which  had 
witnessed  the  vows  of  multitudes  of  converts,  and  where  so  man}' 
had  been  ripened  for  heaven !  How  many  affecting  memories  of 
the  past  would  crowd  upon  the  thoughts  of  the  auditors !  How 
many  tears  would  bedew  the  sacred  threshold,  as  the  aged  pil- 
grims, who  had  "  seen  the  glory  of  the  former  house,"  should 
cross  it  for  the  last  time,  and  go  out  fi'om  the  hallowed  temple 
no  more  to  return  ! 

But  a  scene  of  more  touching  interest  was  prepared.  The  last 
public  service  in  the  house  was  the  funeral  ceremonies  of  the  aged 
pastor  himself.  He  preached  for  the  last  time  on  Sabbath  evening, 
December  11th,  in  the  Dudley  Street  Baptist  church,  Roxbury, 
from  Heb.  II:  3,  "How  shall  we  escape,  if  we  neglect  so  great 
salvation  ?  "  His  last  sermon  to  his  own  people  was  from  John 
XIV:  23,  "Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  him,  If  a  man  love 
me,  he  wiU  keep  my  words  ;  and  my  Father  wiU  love  him,  and  we 
wiU  come  unto  him  and  make  our  abode  with  him."  It  was  most 
appropriate  that  he  should  discourse  upon  such  words,  who  was 
about  to  go  himself  and  make  his  abode  with  the  Father.  Some 
of  his  latest  sermons  were  strikingly  impressive  and  interesting. 
In  his  last  sermon  he  particularly  addressed  the  young,  producing 
impressions  which  will  never  be  forgotten.  He  died  on  the  follow- 
ing Friday,  and  on  the  next  Tuesday  the  funeral  services  were 
attended  in  the  meeting-house  where  he  had  ministered  for  nearly 
half  a  century.  Rev.  Dr.  Sharp,  of  Boston,  preached  on  the 
occasion  of  the  funeral,  from  Rom.  VIII :  18,  "  The  glory  which 
shall  be  revealed."     The  sermon  was  afterwards  printed. 

The  publications  of  Mr.  Grafton,  so  far  as  known,  are  the  fol- 
lowing : 

1.  A  Sermon  occasioned  by  the  death  of  Samuel  Bixby,  who  died  Sept. 
25,  aet.  17;  Jonathan  Shepard,  jr.,  who  died  Sept.  28,  aet.  29;  James  Ward, 
who  died  Sept.  29,  aet.  25;  and  Michael  Bright,  jr.,  who  died  Oct.  10,  aet. 
20.     (All  of  the  small-pox.)     Preached  Oct.  21.  1792. 


496  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON.      : 

2.  A  Sermon  delivered  at  Newton  on  the  third  Lord's  day  in  October, 
1802,  occasioned  by  the  death  of  Miss  Sally  Grafton,  at.  12.  By  her  Father. 
Published  by  request.     "With  a  Preface  by  Dr.  Jonathan  Homer. 

3.  The  Godly  and  Faithful  Man  delineated.  A  Sermon  delivered  at  New- 
ton on  the  first  Lord's  day  in  January,  1804.  Occasioned  by  the  death  of 
Mr.  Samuel  Richardson,  a3t.  70.     Published  by  request. 

4.  A  Sermon  exhibiting  the  Origin,  Progress  and  Present  State  of  the 
Baptist  Church  and  Society  in  Newton,  Mass.  Preached  before  them  on  the 
first  Lord's  day  in  January,  1830,  by  the  Pastor. 

Besides  the  above,  Mr.  Grafton  printed  a  few  shorter  pieces,  as 
letters,  brief  addresses,  etc.  They  appeared  in  connection  with 
the  sermons,  etc.,  of  others,  or  in  the  Baptist  Ifagazine. 

Mr.  Grafton's  home  was  the  triangle  of  land,  bounded  by  Cen- 
tre, Grafton  and  Homer  Streets.  Several  years  after  his  death, 
the  house  was  removed  to  a  location  half  a  mile  northerly,  near 
Mill  Street,  and  finall}-,  two  or  three  j'ears  after  its  removal,  it  fell 
a  victim  to  the  flames. 

The  First  Baptist  church  in  Newton  was  organized  when 
churches  of  that  faith  in  Massachusetts  were  few  in  nimiber. 
But,  like  a  fruitful  vine,  its  branches  have  grown  thriftily,  and 
reached  abroad  very  widely'.  Mr.  Grafton  used  to  say,  in  his 
latter  days,  that  "taking  his  own  church  as  the  centre  of  a 
circle,  the  radius  of  which  should  be  forty  miles,  there  could  not 
be  found  in  that  circle,  when  he  became  the  pastor  of  the  church 
m  Newton,  but  eight  Baptist  churches  ;"  at  his  death,  there  were 
more  than  sixt}'.  Several  of  these  churches  were,  directly  or  indi- 
rectly, offshoots  from  that.  The  greater  part  of  these  churches 
became  flourishing  bodies,  sustaining  their  own  pastors,  and  enjoy- 
ing their  religious  institutions  and  privileges,  and  most  of  them 
contributing  largely  in  aid  of  the  benevolent  enterprises  by  which 
the  present  age  is  distinguished. 

The  last  sermon  preached  in  the  old  meeting-house  was  by  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Willard,  from  the  text.  Exodus  XXXIII:  15,  "If  thy 
presence  go  not  with  me,  carry  us  not  up  hence." 

The  meeting-house  was  built  in  1835-6.  The  land  on  which  it 
was  placed  was  given  for  the  purpose  by  a  member  of  the  church, 
Mrs.  Anna  White,  widow  of  Ebenezer  King.  It  had  seventy-six 
pews  on  the  lower  floor,  of  which  six,  in  the  northwest  corner  of 
the  house,  were  appropriated  to  the  use  of  the  students  of  the  The- 
ological Institution.  The  clock  was  transferred  from  the  old 
meeting-house.     The  first  organ,  constructed  by  Mr.  Bilson,   a 


EEV.  MR.  WILLARD.  497 

3'ouug  artisan  of  Newton,  "was  placed  in  the  bouse  in  the  begin- 
ning of  the  3'ear  1840.  This  meeting-house  was  re-modelled  in 
1855-6,  and  re-opened  for  public  worship,  Januaiy  31, 1856.  The 
interior  was  again  changed  in  1869,  and  a  new  organ  was  put  in. 
Another  improvement  was  made  in  1874,  increasing  the  number 
of  pews. 

The  chapel,  attached  to  the  meeting-house,  was  built  in  1860, 
at  an  expense  of  about  $2,600.  On  Lord's  da}-,  December  2, 
1860,  it  was  opened  for  its  destined  service  by  appropriate  exer- 
cises. 

After  the  decease  of  Mr.  Grafton,  his  colleague,  Mr.  Willard, 
remained  sole  pastor,  and  continued  in  office  till  Jul}'  10,  1838, 
when  he  resigned  his  charge.  Thus  Mr.  Willard  was  connected 
with  the  church  and  society,  as  colleague  and  afterwards  as  sole 
pastor,  two  years  and  seven  months.  The  number  of  persons 
admitted  to  the  church  during  his  ministry  was  seventeen. 

Rev.  Frederick  Augustus  Willard  was  born  March  4,  1807, 
in  Lancaster,  Mass.,  where  his  father  was  a  Baptist  minister.  He 
graduated  at  Amherst  College  in  1826,  and  at  the  Newton  Theo- 
logical Institution  in  1830.  He  was  Lecturer  on  Chemistiy  in  the 
Vermont  Medical  School  at  Castleton,  and  in  Waterville  College,  in 
1830-1,  and  ordained  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  church  in  Wor- 
cester, Mass.,  in  1832,  whence  he  removed  to  Newton.  Having 
left  Newton,  he  resided  in  Louisville,  Ky.,  as  teacher  in  a  Young- 
Ladies'  Institute,  from  1839  to  1843.  He  was  afterwards  pastor 
successively  in  South  Danvers,  South  Abington  and  Needham, 
Mass.,  and  died  in  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  March  17,  1866,  and  was 
bm'ied  there,  in  Woodland  cemetery.  He  was  twice  married,  and 
had  two  children,  neither  of  whom  survived  him.  The  text  of  his 
last  sermon  was,  "  Come  unto  me,  all  3'e  that  labor  and  are  heavj' 
laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest,"  and  these  words  are  inscribed  on 
his  tombstone. 

After  the  dismission  of  Mr.  AVillard,  the  resources  of  the 
church,  weakened  by  the  dismission  of  members,  and  affected  b}' 
the  financial  troubles  of  1837,  was  inadequate  to  the  entire  support 
of  a  pastor.  Professor  Riplej'  consented  to  become  acting  pastor, 
so  far  as  his  duties  in  the  Theological  Institution  would  permit. 
This  arrangement  extended  from  November  30,  1838,  till  Septem- 
ber 4,  1840,  when  hope  revived,  and  efforts  were  renewed  for  the 
permanent  occupancy  of  the  pulpit  b}'  a  regular  pastor. 
32 


498  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Meanwhile,  all  the  ordinary  services  were  maintained  ;  and,  dar- 
ing this  interval  of  three  and  a  half  3'ears,  thirty-nine  were  admit- 
ted to  the  church.  The  church  had  then  reached  the  period  of  its 
greatest  weakness  and  discouragement.  Other  villages  in  the 
town,  stimulated  bj^  railroad  facilities,  had  grown  in  vigor  and  pop- 
ulation ;  but  there  were  no  indications  of  growth  in  the  business  or 
population  of  the  centre  of  Newton.  There  were  no  railroad 
advantages,  and  no  profitable  industry  tended  to' plant  itself  here. 
But  some  of  "  the  ancient  men  before  the  house  "  were  steadfast  in 
principle  and  in  faith.  They  believed  that  the  tide  would  return. 
They  were  confidenb  that  the  sacrifices  of  the  fathers  would  be 
like  seed,  bringing,  after  this  night  of  weeping,  a  harvest  of  joy. 

During  the  first  sixty-two  years  of  its  history',  the  church  num- 
bered seven  hundred  and  six  members,  and  had  three  pastors. 
Persons  of  all  ages  and  in  various  circumstances,  belonging  not 
only  in  Newton,  but  also  in  other  towns,  are  recorded  in  its  cata- 
logue. Occasional  note  was  made  of  the  ages  of  new  members 
when  the}'  came  into  the  church.  This  is  only  when  the  person 
was  distinguished  by  j-outh,  or  b}^  extreme  age.  Among  the  num- 
ber so  designated,  one  is  marked  as  eight  years  of  age  at  the 
time  of  baptism,  two  aged  ten,  three  aged  eleven,  seven  aged 
twelve,  two  aged  thirteen,  etc. ;  and,  at  the  other  extreme  of  life, 
one  aged  seventy-one  ;  one,  seventy-three  ;  one,  sevent3^-five  ;  one, 
eighty,  and  one,  ninetj'.     One  was  deaf  and  dumb,  and  one  blind. 

Other  churches  orio-lnated  raainl}*  from  the  First  Baptist  church 
in  Newton,  or  were  largely  indebted  to  it  for  their  original  mem- 
bers. The  following  may  be  named  :  Weston,  Framingham,  Cam- 
bridgeport  (first).  West  Cambridge  (Arlington),  Roxburv  (Dud- 
ley Street),  First  Lowell,  Brookline,  Watertown,  Newton  Upper 
Falls,  and  West  Newton.  The  Baptist  church  in  Framingham 
was,  for  a  season,  a  branch  of  this  ;  for  in  the  Records,  under  date 
of  August  25,  1787,  we  find  these  items:  "Attended  to  the 
request  of  our  brethren  from  Framingham,  to  have  the  ordinance 
of  the  Lord's  Supper  administered  to  them  in  their  own  town,  as 
a  branch  of  this  church."  "  Voted,  that  this  church  grant  them 
their  request,  and  give  them  their  hearty  fellowship  therein." 

In  January,  1842,  the  Rev.  S.  F.  Smith,  formerly  pastor  in 
Waterville,  Me.,  became  pastor  of  the  church,  and  continued  in 
service  till  June  30,  1854, —  holding,  at  the  same  time,  the 
office  of  editor  of  the  Christian  Review. 


FIRST  BAPTIST  CHURCH.  490 

The  Rev.  Oakmaa  S.  Stearns,  formerly  pastor  at  Newark,  N, 
J.,  became  pastor  September  23,  1855,  and  remained  until  May 
31,  186S,  when  lie  resigned,  and  became  a  professor  in  the  New- 
ton Theological  Institution. 

These  two  pastors  held  ojffice  about  twelve  and  a  half  years 
each,  and  before  the  close  of  this  quarter  of  a  centmy,  the  period 
of  weakness  had  happil_y  passed  away. 

Rev.  W.  N.  Clarke,  formerly  of  Keene,  N.  H.,  commenced  his 
pastoral  labors  May  IG,  1869,  and  closed  them  May  1,  1880.  The 
number  of  additions  to  the  church  during  that  period  was  twa 
hundred  and  fiftj^-eight. 

Mr.  Clarke  writes,  concerning  the  period  of  his  pastorate,  as 
follows : 

The  largest  number  admitted  to  the  church  in  any  one  year  was  in  1873, 
when  sixty-three  persons  were  added  to  the  church.  In  1877  the  number  was 
fifty-three.  The  former  of  these  revivals  was  one  of  the  most  delightful 
that  the  church  ever  experienced,  as  it  brought  into  our  fellowship  a  large 
circle  of  young  persons  belonging  to  our  own  families.  The  same  was  true 
of  the  latter  also ;  but  many  circumstances  conspired  to  add  a  special  charm 
to  our  remembrances  of  the  revival  of  1873.  The  instantaneous  death  of 
Dr.  Lincoln's  son  was  the  immediate  occasion  of  its  beginning,  and  its  ending 
was  only  the  passing  over  of  special  revival  interest  into  a  strong,  steady  and 
happy  Christian  life  in  the  whole  church. 

The  house  of  worship  was  freshly  repaired  in  May,  1879.  After  it  had  been 
used  six  weeks,  the  gale  of  July  16th  partly  wrenched  the  spire  off  from  the 
house,  and  made  it  necessary  to  repeat  much  of  the  work  that  had  just  been 
done. 

In  1865,  when  a  committee  was  preparing  a  "Manual,"  the  church  voted  to 
authorize  the  committee  to  use,  as  the  name  of  the  church,  "The  Baptist 
Church,  at  Newton  Centre;  "  whereupon  they  proceeded  to  use,  instead, 
"The  Newton  Centre  Baptist  Church." 

The  number  of  original  members,  thirt^'-nine,  was  increased  to 
ninetj'-two  at  the  close  of  Mr.  Blood's  service.  The  number 
added  during  Mr.  Grafton's  ministrj',  to  the  time  of  the  settle- 
ment of  his  colleague,  was  five  hundred  and  sixty-one ;  and  dur- 
ing Mr.  AVillard's  pastoral  connection,  seventeen.  The  number 
added  from  July  29,  1838,  to  the  close  of  1841,  iucludiug  the 
period  of  Professor  Riplej^'s  service,  was  thirty-nine.  During 
the  ministry  of  Dr.  Smith,  one  hundred  and  six  were  admit- 
ted ;  and  during  the  interval  between  its  close  and  the  supplying  of 
the  vacancy,  in  September,  1855,  fifteen.  During  the  ministry  of 
Dr.  Stearns,  two  hundred  and  two  were  admitted,  and  five  during 


500 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


the  interval  whicli  followed  ;  and  while  Dr.  Clarke  was  pastor,  two 
hundred  and  fifty-eight.  The  entire  number  of  members,  from 
the  beginning  of  the  history  to  May,  1880,  is  1,216. 


PASTORS. 

♦Caleb  Blood,        .... 

*Joseph  Grafton,         .  .  - 

*F.  Augustus  Willard,      ... 

*Prof.  Henry  .Jones  Eipley,  Acting  Pastor, 

S.  F.  Smith, 

Oakman  Sprague  Stearns, 

William  Newton  Clarke, 


Aug.  —,1780— Nov.  7,1787 
June  18,  1788— Dec.  16,  1836 
Nov.  25,  1835— July  29,  1838 
Nov.  80,  1838— Sept.  4,  1840 
Jan.  1,  1842— June  30,  1854 
Sept.  23,  1855— May  31,  1868 
May  16,  1869— May    1,  1880 


•  Deceased . 


DEACONS. 


*  John  Shepard, 

*  Jeremiah  Richardson, 

*  Samuel  Holt, 

*  Noah  lung, 

t  Elijah  Corey,     - 

*  Thomas  Hovey,     - 

*  Josiah  Bacon, 

*  Reuben  Stone, 
t  Perez  Lothrop, 
t  Isaac  Keyes, 
*Eben  Stone,     • 
tE.  Davis  White, 

Z.  Erastus  Coffin, 
David  N.  B.  Coffin, 
fAsa  R.  Trowbridge, 
James  S.  Newell, 
Gustavus  Forbes, 


♦  Deceased  while  in  office, 
t  Dismissed  to  other  churches. 


Thomas  Hastings, 
Samuel  Sampson, 
Caleb  Blood, 
Nathan  Dana, 
Joseph  Grafton, 
F.  Augustus  Willard, 
Henry  J.  Ripley,    - 
S.  F.  Smith, 


CLERKS. 


Dec.  27, 
Sept.  18, 
Aug.  24, 
April  2, 
April  2, 
July  — , 
April  3, 
AprU  3, 
April  3, 
Nov.  4, 
Nov.  4, 
March  5, 
Jan.  3, 
March  6, 
April  6, 
March  3, 
March  3, 


1780 
1788 
1797 
1812 
1812 
1818 
1828 
1828 
1828 
1832 
1832 
1837 
1858 
1859 
1862 
1867 
1867 


July 

5, 

1780 

Dec. 

27, 

1780 

June 

12, 

1781 

Dec. 

) 

1787 

June 

i, 

1789 

Dec. 

31, 

1835 

Aug. 

30, 

1838 

June 

2, 

1842 

FIRST  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 


501 


Henry  J.  Ripley,  - 
George  O.  Sanborn, 
Henry  J.  Ripley,  - 
i^zra  Palmer  Gould, 


TREASURERS. 


Aug. 

3, 

1854 

Nov. 

3, 

1865 

Jan. 

3, 

1867 

Dec. 

31, 

1869 

April 

20, 

1781 

June 

12, 

1781 

June 

9, 

1782 

Feb. 

3, 

1814 

July 

— , 

1818 

June 

2, 

1842 

Dec. 

30, 

1847 

Feb. 

2, 

1854 

Jan. 

4, 

1855 

July 

31, 

1856 

Jan. 

9, 

1866 

Jan. 

2, 

1874 

John  Shepard,     -  -  -  -  - 

David  Bartlett,  -  .  -  - 

Jeremiah  Richardson,  -  -  -  . 

Eljiah  Corey,  .  .  -  . 

Seth  Davis,         _  -  -  -  - 

John  BuUough,        .  -  .  _ 

E.  Davis  White,  ...  - 

Eben  Stone,  .  .  _  .  , 

E.  Davis  White,  .... 
Henry  J.  Ripley,      -  -  -  _  . 

George  O.  Sanborn,  _  -  .  . 

Dwight  Chester,       -  .  -  . 

MINISTERS    RECEIVING   LICENSE   TO   PREACH   OR   ORDAINED 
BY   THIS    CHURCH. 

Nathan  Dana,  licensed,  Jan.  3,  1789 ;  ordained,  Nov.  30,  1793. 

Charles  Train,  licensed.  May  8,  1806. 

Hadley  Proctor,  licensed    (probably  April),  1817. 

Francis  G.  Macomber,  licensed,  Nov.,  1820. 

Prof.  Horatio  B.  Hackett,  ordained,  Dec.  8,  1839. 

Daniel  A.  W.  Smith,  licensed,  Feb.  19,  18G2;  ordained,  July  26,  1863. 

Edward  O.  Stevens,  licensed,  Feb.  26,  1863;  ordained,  Oct.  23,  1864. 

Henry  F.  Colby,  licensed,  May  3,  18G6. 

Isaac  S.  Hamblen,  ordained.  May  3,  1866. 

Josiah  R.  Goddard,  oi'dained,  Sept.  15,  1867. 

Sylvester  B.  Partridge,  ordained,  Sept.  20,  1868. 

Samuel  B.  Morse,  ordained,  Aug.  3,  1869. 

George  A.  Wilkins,  licensed,  July  5,  1873. 

Knut  Arwid  Ostergren,  ordained,  June  20,  1875. 

George  D.  Brewerton,  licensed,  June  11,  1876. 

THE    SABBATH    SCHOOL. 

The  Sabbath  School,  one  of  the  eariiest  in  Massachusetts,  was 
commenced  in  June,  1818,  by  Mrs.  Clarice  Hyde,  mother  of 
Ex-Ma3-or  Ilj'de,  with  fifteen  scholars.  She  had  two  associates  in 
the  work,  INIiss  Luciuda  Brackett  and  Miss  Eliza  Miller.  The 
sessions  were  held  at  first  in  a  small  building  near  the  corner  of 
Clark  and  Centre  Streets,  and  was  afterwards  removed  to  the  gal- 
lery of  the  old  Baptist  church.  For  several  j^ears  it  was  continued 
only  during  the  summer  months,  and  was  conducted  wholly  by 


502 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


female  teachers,  until  the  establishment  of  the  Theological  Institu- 
tion in  1825.  From  that  date,  for  several  years,  the  school  found 
teachers  and  superintendents  among  the  students.  The  first  male 
teacher  in  the  school  was  Mr.  Henr}'  Durell.  The  infant  depart- 
ment was  first  organized  by  the  wife  of  Professor  Chase,  the  first 
professor  in  the  Theological  Institution.  The  following,  as  nearly 
as  can  be  ascertained,  have  been  the  superintendents  : 


Prof.  Irali  Chase, 

Prof  Henry  J.  Ripley, 

Edward  A.  Stevens, 

George  W.  Samson, 

Sanford  Leach, 

J.  S.  Eaton, 

*E.  Davis  White, 


Albert  Baldwin, 
Joseph  H.  Warder, 
J.  G.  Gunderson, 
Prof.  Alvah  Hovey, 
Thomas  Nickerson, 
H.  Lincoln  Chase, 
George  S.  Dexter, 


James  S.  Newell, 
Gustavus  Forbes, 
Thomas  L.  Rogers, 
Dwight  Chester, 
S.  M.  Tourtellot. 


*  lu  office  fourteen  years. 


BEQUESTS. 

1.  Colonel  Stephen  Dana,  of  Brighton,  deceased  about  1820, 
a  member  of  the  Baptist  Society  in  Newton,  husband  of  Mrs. 
Eleanor  Dana,  who  became  a  member  of  this  church  August  25, 
1780,  left  "  to  the  Ba^5tist  cliurch  and  society  in  Newton  the  sum 
of  four  hundred  dollars,  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  in  the  support 
of  a  public  Teacher  of  piet}-,  religion  and  morality,  of  the  Bap- 
tist persuasion,  to  be  laid  out  at  the  discretion  of  a  committee, 
chosen  b}'  said  church  and  society  for  that  purpose."  This  sum 
was  graduall}^  disposed  of  in  making  up  deficiencies  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  Pastor. 

2.  Mrs.  Nancy  Foster,  a  member  of  this  church,  deceased 
about  1S25,  left  to  the  church  a  legacy  which  proved  of  inestimable 
importance  in  reUeving  the  Societ}^  of  debt,  at  a  critical  period, 
and  a  portion  of  which,  five  hundred  dollars,  is  still  held  as  a  fund 
for  the  benefit  of  indigent  members. 

3.  Mrs.  Esther  McNoah,  another  member,  who  deceased 
December  27,  1849,  left  a  legacy  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars 
for  the  benefit  of  indigent  members.  This  sum  has,  several  years 
since,  been  expended. 

4.  Mr.  Henry  Smith,  of  West  Newton,  a  member  who  died  in 
1871,  left  seven  hundred  and  fiftj^  dollars,  to  be  invested  under  the 
direction  of  the  deacons,  and  "  the  interest  to  be  wholly  expended 
for  the  support  of  the  gospel  ministry  "  in  this  church. 


CHOIR  OF  THE  FIRST  BAPTIST  CHURCH.  503 

CHOIR    OF   THE    FIRST    BAPTIST    CHURCH. 

In  1817  the  choir  of  the  Fu'st  Baptist  church  was  composed  of 
singers  from  various  parts  of  Newton  and  vicinity,  Brookline, 
Brighton,  Watertown  and  ^yaltham.  The  leader  at  that  time  was 
Mr.  Thomas  Richardson,  of  Oak  Hill,  who  always  sang  soprano. 
When  no  instrument  was  present  to  give  the  ke3''-note  of  the  tune 
to  be  sung,  the  leader,  taking  his  wooden  pitcli-pipe,  drew  out  the 
little  pipe  within,  on  which  were  printed  tlie  first  seven  letters  of 
the  alphabet,  and  setting  it  to  the  letter  with  which  the  tune  com- 
menced, he  sounded  tlie  tone  ;  upon  whicli  the  whole  choir,  repeat- 
ing the  sound  with  the  syllable  belonging  to  it,  rose  and  sang  the 
hymn  or  psalm.  There  was  generally  a  bass  viol,  as  an  accom- 
paniment, sometimes,  two, — played  b}'  Messi's.  Charles  and  Walter 
Eichards.  Two  brothers  Oliver  often  came  from  Waltham,  one 
of  them  an  excellent  bass  singer,  the  other  a  skilful  pla3^er  on  the 
bassoon,  which  the  choir  regarded  as  a  valuable  addition. 

Among  the  singers  were  Mrs.  Nancy  Richards,  Charles  and 
Enoch  Richards,  James  Norcross,  Walter  Richards,  Charles  Pet- 
tee,  Samuel  Trowbridge,  and  the  two  brothers  Oliver,  from  Wal- 
tham. The  singing-books  in  use  were,  first,  the  Billings  and 
Holden  Collection  ;  afterwards,  the  Bridgewater  Collection. 

About  182G  Mr.  (afterwards  Rev.)  Jonathan  Aldrich,  then  a 
student  in  the  Theological  Institution,  became  leader  of  the  choir, 
and  many  new  members  were  added  to  it,  viz.,  two  sisters 
Oiene}-.  Louisa  and  Dorothy  Richards,  Evelina  Trowbridge  (after- 
wards Mrs.  R.  Bacon),  Lucinda  Brackett,  Eunice  Bixby,  Mrs. 
Wilhs,  Mary  Davis  (afterwards  Mrs.  Rev.  F.  A.  Willard) ,  Re- 
becca and  Abigail  Cunningham,  Nancy  Ellis,  Asa  F.  Smith, 
Samuel  Scott,  Oliver  Pl^'mpton,  George  Richards,  N.  Richards 
Harbach,  Enoch  Perkins,  Antipas  Jackson,  Isaac  Keyes,  Amos 
Hj'de,  Alplieus  Trowbridge.  The  instruments  used  in  the  choir  at 
that  time  were  two  clarionets,  played  by  Messrs.  Cheney  and  Wil- 
liam Hall,  and  a  trombone,  pla^'cd  by  Mr.  Frank  Hyde.  In  1827, 
Mr.  Asa  R.  Trowbridge  brought  into  the  choir  a  double  bass 
viol,  the  first  instrument  of  the  kind  used  in  Newton.  In  later 
j'ears,  he  played,  in  the  church  music,  successively,  the  double 
bass  viol,  small  bass  viol,  violin,  bassoon,  trombone  and  octave 
flute.  In  1831  he  was  chosen  leader  of  the  choir,  and  served  in 
that  office  seven  j'cars.  The  singing-book  iised,  the  latter  part  of 
the  time,  was  the  Boston  Handel  and  Haydn  Society's  Collection. 


504  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

After  Mr.  Aldrich  resigned  the  charge  of  the  choir  (1827),  Mr. 
(afterwards  Rev.)  Benjamin  C.  Wade,  of  the  same  class  in  tlie 
Institution  (1829),  was  elected  to  fill  the  place.  He  reorganized 
the  choir,  bringing  in  some  additions  to  it,  and  selecting  leaders 
of  each  part.  Of  these.  Miss  Nancy  Richards  was  leader  of  the 
alto,  and  Miss  Evelina  Trowbridge,  of  the  soprano.  Under  the 
management  of  Mr.  Wade,  the  singing  of  this  choir  took  a  high 
rank  in  the  town.  At  this  period,  frequent  meetings  were  held  at 
the  Spring  Hotel,  Watertown ;  the  Ellis  Hotel,  Newton  Upper 
Falls  ;  Mancy  Thornton's  Hotel,  near  Newton  Centre,  and  at  the 
Theological  Institution,  for  the  practice  of  choruses  and  anthems 
from  the  Handel  and  Haydn  Society's  Collection,  under  direction 
of  Mr.  Wade.  These  festivals  brought  together  the  singers  of 
Newton  and  vicinit}^  and  furnished  a  pastime  at  the  same  time 
fascinating  and  improving. 

The  following  paper  read  December  19,  1877,  by  the  pastor, 
Rev.  Dr.  W.  N.  Clarke,  on  the  fiftieth  annive'rsar3^  of  the 
raising  of  the  church  clock  to  its  place  in  the  meeting-house  by 
Deacon  Reuben  Stone,  contains  man^'  shreds  of  histor}': 

On  its  face  is  the  inscription:  "Presented  by  Reuben  Stone,  1827."  It 
had  its  origin  in  Boston,  near  the  old  Roxbury  line.  A  little  above  North- 
ampton Street,  there  were  three  Willards,  who  made  clocks  and  repaired 
them, —  first,  together,  and  afterwards,  in  separate  establishments.  One  of 
them  was  Aaron  Willard,  jr.,  and  in  his  shop  this  clock  was  made.  At  what 
date  in  1827,  Reuben  Stone  made  its  acquaintance,  I  cannot  say.  I  have- 
been  told  that  when  father  Grafton  fairly  found  his  freedom,  he  had  a  way 
of  preaching  long  sermons.  But  I  can  hardly  think  the  clock  was  set  up  as- 
a  warning  to  the  minister.  But  Reuben  Stone  thought  a  clock  would  be  use- 
ful to  the  church,  and  by  such  a  bargain  as  he  was  able  to  make  with  Aaron 
Willard,  jr.,  he  provided  one. 

Reuben  Stone  was  a  man  of  substance.  He  lived  where  Samuel  Stone 
lives  now,  on  Dedham  Street,  near  the  end  of  Parker  Street;  but  there  was 
no  Parker  Street  then.  He  had  not  long  been  a  member  of  the  church.  He 
was  baptized  in  1823,  when  he  was  forty-three  years  old.  On  the  3d  of 
April,  1828,  he  was  chosen  deacon;  his  service,  however,  was  but  short,  for 
he  died  on  the  3d  of  August, — just  four  months  after  his  induction  to  the 
deacon's  office.  The  clock  was  not  his  only  contribution  to  the  clmrch.  He 
had  two  children,  and  only  two.  His  daughter,  Martha  by  name,  was  bap- 
tized June  3d,  of  that  same  year,  1827.  She  changed  her  state  without 
changing  her  name  and,  as  the  wife  of  David  Stone,  and  now  the  mother  of 
Reuben  Stone,  sho  is  still  a  member  of  this  church,  though  fifty  years  have 
passed;  and  her  son,  Deacon  Eben  Stone,  was  a  member  of  the  church  fiv© 
years  before  his  father,  having  been  converted  in  childhood,  and  on  a  sick 


EEMINISCENCES.  505 

bed.  The  7th  of  next  June  will  be  the  sixtietli  anniversary  of  his  baptism, 
and  the  4th  of  last  November  was  the  forty-fifth  anniversary  of  his  choice  to 
the  deacon's  office.  This  church  has  seen  the  times  "when  days  were  dark 
and  friends  were  few;"  but  Deacon  Stone  has  been  always  faithful. 

In  the  old  church  there  was  a  gallery  around  three  sides  of  the  house,  on 
the  front  of  which,  facing  the  pulpit,  the  clock  found  its  place,  fifty  years 
ago.     The  house  was  then  some  forty-five  years  old. 

Mr.  Grafton,  who  first  saw  this  silent  but  expressive  face  before  him  in 
1827,  was  then  entering  upon  the  fortieth  year  of  his  first  and  only  pastorate. 
He  was  then  fully  seventy  years  old;  a  short  man,  with  a  brown  wig,  and 
with  wonderfully  keen  black  eyes  ;  he  wore  short  breeches  and  knee-buckles 
to  the  end  of  his  days.  He  was  a  sound  and  fervent  preacher,  and  he  brought 
forth  fruit  in  old  age.  In  this  year  1827,  In  which  the  clock  came  in,  ninety- 
seven  persons  were  added  to  the  church,  almost  all  of  them  on  profession  of 
faith;  and  in  1832,  when  father  Grafton  was  seventy-five  years  old,  the 
number  was  a  hundred. 

For  nine  years  the  clock  remained  where  it  was  first  placed.  The  pastor's 
voice  grew  feebler,  and  other  voices  were  often  heard  in  its  stead.  A  helper 
in  the  pastorate  came,  by  and  by, —  Mr.  Willard, —  a  tall,  thin  man,  a  fluent 
man,  a  man  of  many  words  because  words  came  easily.  The  Theological 
Institution  had  become  an  important  element  in  Newton,  and  the  church 
removed  its  place  of  worship  to  the  present  lot,  in  order  to  give  better 
accommodation  to  professors  and  students,  and  to  make  better  provision 
for  the  anniversaries  of  the  Seminary.  But  for  this  friendly  desire,  wo 
should  very  likely  be  worshipping  up  by  the  pond  until  this  day.  And  so 
the  clock  was  to  be  taken  down.  But  a  surprise  was  first  to  come.  Father 
Grafton  was  expected  to  preacli  a  parting  sermon  in  the  old  place,  on  the  18th 
of  December,  183G.  But  on  AVediiesday  the  14th,  he  fell  sick,  and  on  the 
IGth,  Friday,  his  long  life  was  ended,  in  the  peace  of  God.  Instead  of  his 
parting  sermon,  his  funeral  was  held  in  the  old  house  on  the  20th;  and  never 
again  were  public  services  held  within  its  walls.  Pastor  and  house  ended 
their  service  together.  It  must  have  been  on  the  21st  of  December,  forty- 
one  years  ago, —  the  day  of  all  the  year  when  clocks  do  most  of  their  work 
in  the  dark,  that  this  clock  was  fastened  to  the  front  of  the  gallery  in  the  new 
meeting-house.  It  was  probably  in  the  old  place  on  the  20th,  the  day  of  tlie 
funeral,  and  it  was  probably  in  the  new  place  on  the  22 1,  when  the  services 
of  dedication  were  held. 

The  new  house  was  on  the  present  site,  but  it  was  not  the  house  that  we 
know.  It  was  smaller.  Instead  of  a  tower  at  the  corner,  it  had  a  square 
box  of  a  steeple,  over  the  ridgepole.  It  was  painted  white.  Within,  there 
was  a  broad  aisle  in  the  midst,  and  there  were  two  side-aisles :  but  tliese  were 
not  next  to  the  wall  as  now.  Outside  of  them,  there  ran  along  each  wall  a 
row  of  pews  facing  towards  the  centre  of  the  house.  There  was  a  galler}'- 
across  the  front  end  for  the  singers.  The  whole  was  extremely  plain,  for  the 
house  was  built  in  poverty,  and  the  sin  of  worldly  display  was  kept  in  check 
by  circumstances  wliich  the  church  could  not  control.  Mr.  Willard  little 
thought  that  some  in  a  later  generation  would  be  tempted  to  smile  at  his  way 


506  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

of  putting  things  in  his  next  letter  to  the  Association.  "  In  the  erection  of 
this  house,"  he  says,  "  dependent  as  we  were,  after  our  own  most  strenuous 
exertions,  upon  the  assistance  of  our  friends  in  other  places,  we  felt  bound 
to  study  that  plainness  in  the  finish  which  is  alike  demanded  by  Christian 
frugality  and  good  taste." 

The  clock  was  put  upon  the  front  of  the  gallery,  and  there  it  remained 
during  Mr.  Willard's  short  ministry,  during  the  temporary  service  of 
Dr.  Ripley,  and  during  the  twelve  and  a  half  years  of  Dr.  Smith's  pastorate. 
From  the  same  position  it  first  saw  Dr.  Stearns  in  the  pastor's  place.  But 
in  a  few  years  after  that,  the  pews  were  reconstructed,  the  gallery  came 
down,  the  front  of  the  house  was  built  out,  the  tower  was  erected.  Then 
first,  not  much  more  than  twenty  years  ago,  the  church  attained  the  dignity 
of  a  bell.  The  organ  was  put  where  the  clock  now  is,  and  the  clock  took  its 
place  between  the  windows,  on  the  south  Avall  of  the  house  at  the  right  of 
the  pulpit.  Once  more,  just  as  the  present  pastor  came,  the  house  was  par- 
tially reconstructed,  the*  organ  took  its  present  place  near  the  pulpit,  and  the 
clock  was  fastened  high  upon  the  front  wall  opposite  the  preacher. 

Our  clock,  however,  is  not  as  demonstrative  as  its  neighbor  in  the  Congre- 
gational church.  That  clock  strikes  the  hours  with  one  penetrating  and 
urgent  stroke,  even  in  prayerrtime.  But  that  is  a  venerable  clock,  much 
more  venerable,  in  fact,  than  ours.  Whoever  looks  upon  its  face  may  read, 
"  John  Rogers,  Newton,  made  and  gave  it,  1761."  So  it  had  been  ticking 
for  a  century  when  the  rebels  fired  on  Sumter.  This  John  Rogers  is  said  to 
have  been  a  lineal  descendant  of  John  Rogers  the  martyr,  who  was  burned  at 
Smithfield. 

Our  clock  once  suffered  from  a  trouble  well  known  in  its  family.  The 
Willard  clocks,  when  they  reached  a  certain  age, — just  past  majority, —  had 
a  way  of  showing  a  certain  cutaneous  affection  about  the  face,  in  fact,  of 
peeling;  and  Deacon  Stone  has  recorded  that  in  September,  1851,  he  took 
the  clock  down  in  a  badly  cracked  and  peeled  condition,  and  had  the  face  re- 
painted, and  put  it  up  again,  on  the  front  of  the  gallery. 

When  the  new  clock  first  came  out  from  Boston,  the  Newton  Theological 
Institution  had  just  begun  its  work.  The  year  1825  was  the  year  of  opening. 
Two  students  were  graduated  in  '2G,  none  in  '27,  four  in  '28.  From  the  be- 
ginning, the  graduating  exercises  were  held  in  the  Baptist  meeting-house. 
The  clock,  therefore,  may  be  supposed  to  have  been  present  at  just  fifty  An- 
niversaries. On  these  occasions,  nearly  six  hundred  young  men  have  re- 
ceived the  blessing  of  the  Alma  Mater,  and  gone  forth  to  their  work  as  full 
graduates. 

The  sermons  which  have  been  preached  in  the  presence  of  the  clock  would 
doubtless  average  one  hundred  a  year,  or  amount  to  five  thousand  in  all. 
Within  this  period  which  thus  comes  under  review,  much  good  work  has 
been  done  in  our  house  of  worship,  and  many  sacred  associations  have 
gathered  around  it.  Many  of  the  chief  men  of  our  own  denomination  have 
been  heard  here,  and  there  have  been  some  of  the  best  representatives  from 
other  denominations.  Addresses  of  great  value  have  been  delivered  here  on 
anniversary  occasions.     The  remains  of  great  men  in  the  kingdom  of  God 


THOMPSONVILLE.    .  507 

have  been  brought  here  for  the  hist  tribute  of  respect  and  love.  No  pastor, 
save  Joseph  Grafton,  has  here  lain  in  silence,  while  the  last  farewell  was 
spoken ;  and  here  has  reverence  been  done  to  the  memory  of  Irah  Chase,  of 
Henry  J.  Ripley,  of  Horatio  B.  Hackett,  of  Samson  Talbot.  In  these  later 
years,  the  house  has  been  rendered  sacred  to  scores  of  persons  as  the  place 
where  they  were  buried  with  Christ  in  baptism,  and  as  the  place  of  instruc- 
tion and  worship,  it  has  become  a  sacred  place  to  hundreds,  almost  to 
thousands. 

THOMPSONVILLE. 

The  village  of  Thompsonville,  east  of  Newton  Centre,  and  half 
a  mile  distant,  acquired  its  name  from  the  name  of  Mr.  Thomp- 
son, a  laboring  man,  who  led  a  kind  of  hermit  life  in  the  woods  in 
that  localit}'  for  several  3'ears.  In  the  progress  of  events  a  few 
families  in  humble  circumstances,  chiefly  Germans,  became  resi- 
dents of  the  place,  which  in  1867  attracted  the  attention  of  some 
of  the  members  of  the  First  Baptist  church  as  a  field  for  benevo- 
lent and  Christian  labor.  The  work  originated  in  the  thought  of 
two  young  ladies.  Sabbath  School  exercises  were  commenced  in 
February,  1867,  in  a  room  hired  for  the  purpose  in  the  house  of 
Mrs.  Hammel,  and  a  regular  Sabbath  School  was  organized 
March  6,  1867.  Number  present,  fortj^-five.  Mr.  George  O.  San- 
born was  the  first  Superintendent.  During  the  summer  following, 
zealous  and  successful  efforts  were  made  by  interested  friends  of 
the  school  to  provide  a  permanent  place  for  its  sessions,  resulting 
in  the  erection  of  the  chapel,  which  was  dedicated  November  9, 
1867,  At  the  end  of  eleven  .years,  it  was  stated  that  not  a  Sabbath 
had  passed  without  a  public  service.  Average  attendance  the  first 
three  months,  thirtj'-nine  ;  the  second,  thirty-two  ;  the  third,  thirty- 
five.  Superintendents  of  the  school,  in  succession,  Messrs.  Geo. 
O.  Sanborn,  F.  A.  Lockwood,  A.  S.  Holmes,  A.  W.  Armington, 
J.  M.  White,  Dwight  Chester. 

Liberal  friends  have  contributed  generousl}-  for  the  support  of 
the  school.  Inclusive  of  the  cost  of  the  chapel,  up  to  March  31, 
1878,  $1,700  had  been  given  to  sustain  it,  and  the  contributions 
of  the  school  to  Foreign  Missions,  in  the  same  period,  had  amounted 
to  S261.  A  quarterly  collection  is  taken  in  the  First  Baptist 
church,  to  aid  in  its  support.  Man}-  excellent  results  can  be  traced 
to  its  influence.  It  is  singular  and  interesting  that  in  the  very 
portion  of  the  town  near  which  the  New  Light  excitement  began, 
nnder  the  labors  of  Mr.  Jonathan  Hyde,  of  Brookline,  in  1750, — 


508  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

after  the  lapse  of  more  than  a  century  a  living  gospel  should  again 
be  instrumental  in  supplanting  the  errors  of  German  formalism, 
and  substituting  an  intelligent  and  practical  faith. 

METHODIST   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH,    NEWTON   CENTRE. 

In  June,  1875,  a  weekly  prayer  meeting  was  commenced  in  the 
old  Engine  House,  then  located  at  the  corner  of  Centre  and  Sta- 
tion Streets,  which  was  continued  until  January,  1876,  when  a  Sab- 
bath School  was  organized.  In  the  spring  of  the  same  year  a 
preaching  service  followed.  The  enterprise  was  known  as  the 
Methodist  Mission,  and  was  a  branch  of  the  Methodist  church  at 
Newton  Upper  Falls.  The  pulpit  of  the  Mission  was  supplied  by 
the  Presiding  Elder,  the  pastors  of  neighboring  churches,  and  stu- 
dents of  the  theological  department  of  Boston  Universit}',  until 
October,  1877,  when  Mr.  G.  H.  Perkins,  of  Wesleyan  University, 
Middle  town.  Conn.,  was  engaged  as  permanent  supply. 

At  the  beginning,  the  congregations  were  small,  but  they  steadily 
increased,  until  at  the  date  of  the  organization  of  the  church,  one 
hundred  persons  were  accustomed  to  attend  the  public  worship. 
The  Sabbath  School  numbered  six  classes.  The  first  committee 
of  the  Mission  consisted  of  the  following  persons  : 

S.  D.  Garey,  G.  B.  Dillingham,  C.  H.  Robertson, 

^y.  J.  Welch,  Marshall  S.  Rice. 

The  late  Mr.  Marshall  S.  Rice  was  a  faithful  friend  to  the  Metho- 
dist cause  in  Newton.  He  generously  provided  for  the  Mission, 
at  his  decease,  in  April,  1879.  by  a  bequest  of  $1,000,  to  be  used 
in  the  erection  of  a  church  edifice. 

April  29,  1879,  the  church  was  organized  in  the  Rooms  of  the 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association.  Rev.  G.  H.  Perkins  was 
appointed  pastor,  and  the  following  were  appointed  trustees : 

Alden  Speare,  E.  M.  Fowle,  J.  F.  Larason, 

S.  D.  Garey,      W.  L.  Libby,      E.  G.  Stevens,      E.  G.  Stevens,  jr. 

A  few  days  after  the  organization,  Hon.  Alden  Speare,  Ex- Mayor 
of  Newton,  purchased  the  lot  known  as  the  Old  Engine  House  lot, 
and  presented  it  to  the  church  as  the  site  for  a  house  of  worship. 
Thus  upon  the  same  s}>ot  where  their  ecclesiastical  history  had  its 
birth,  the  church,  in  the  Providence  of  God,  built  a  house  for  his 
regular  and  permanent  worship.  The  church  edifice  was  built  in 
the  winter  of  1879-80,  and  dedicated  July  7,  1880.  About  fifty 
have  been  hopefully  con^'ertcd  since  the  outerprise  began. 


ccyL^^rfi  ec 


€^  ^^^  Kyc^^-^c^^ 


UNITARIAN  SOCIETY.  509 


George  H.  Perkins,       ...  -  1879-1880 

Bradford  K.  Pierce,  D.  D.,  -  -  -  1880 

UNITARIAN    SOCIETY. 

In  the  autumn  of  1877,  a  number  of  families  holding  the  Uni- 
tarian faith,  in  Newton  Centre  and  Newton  Highlands,  determined 
to  hold  weekly  religious  services,  and  subscribed  a  sura  sufficient 
to  meet  the  requisite  expenses  for  one  3'ear.  White's  Hall,  in  the 
Brick  block  on  Station  Street,  near  the  Railroad  Depot,  Newton 
■Centre,  was  leased  for  the  purpose  of  holding  rehgious  worship, 
and  the  first  service  was  held  on  Sunda}*,  November  11,  1877. 
Rev.  Dr.  George  W.  Hosmer,  of  Newton,  preached  on  the  occa- 
sion. An  Executive  Committee  of  seven  was  appointed,  with  the 
requisite  sub-committees  to  arrange  the  details. 

The  following  constituted  the  Board  of  Officers  : 

Executive  Committee,  J.  R.  Leeson,  Chairman ;  Harvey  S. 
•vSears,  Clerk ;  Elisha  Bassett,  Treasurer ;  Charles  E.  Abbott,  J. 
D.  Elliott,  D.  Frank  Young,  George  A.  Dexter.  Sub-Committee, 
Pulpit  supply,  Elisha  Bassett,  Charles  E.  Abbott,  H.  S.  Sears; 
Hall,  etc.,  D.  Frank  Young,  George  A.  Dexter;  Music,  J.  R. 
Leeson,  H.  S.  Sears,  J.  D.  Elliott. 

Rev.  Rufus  Phineas  Stebbins,  D.  D.,  a  graduate  of  Amherst 
College  in  1834,  and  formerly  President  of  the  Meadville  Theolog- 
ical School,  was  engaged  to  act  as  pastor,  and  is  still  in  office. 
The  church  erected  by  this  Society  was  dedicated  July  1,  1880, 
being  built  hy  the  same  architect  who  was  employed  on  the  Metho- 
dist church  at  the  corner  of  Station  Street. 

The  Centre  Green,  formerly  the  training  field, —  graded  and 
adorned  in  1879-80,  and  extending  in  front  of  these  churches, 
renders  theii'  location  very  attractive. 


CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

PROVISION     FOB  THE     POOR. —  ALMSHOUSE   PURCHASED. —  RULES     OF 
THE   HOUSE. REMOVAL. —  THE    KENRICK    FUND. 

It  is  recorded  that  the  early  inhabitants  of  Newton  were  in  easy 
circumstances,  many  of  them  bringing  with  them  to  their  new  resi- 
dence considerable  estates.  The}'  brought  also,  in  general,  that 
which  was  better  than  material  wealth, —  health,  thrift  and  indus- 
tr}-.  But,  as  it  ever  happens,  where  human  beings  congregate,  it 
was  not  long  before  misfortune,  idleness,  neglect  and  want  crept 
in.  The  prosperous  found  themselves  called  to  help  the  unfortu- 
nate, and  the  Scripture  met  its  fulfilment  which  saj's,  "  The 
poor  ye  have  alwaj-s  with  3'ou,  and  when  3'e  will  ye  maj''  do  them 
good." 

Beyond  question,  provision  was  made  for  the  sick  and  suffering 
poor,  from  time  to  time,  from  the  beginning,  whenever  there  was 
need ;  and  poverty  is  too  common  a  thing  to  have  been  wanting, 
even  in  the  earl}'  periods  of  the  town.  Happily,  the  benevolent 
impulse  is  so  strong  in  human  nature,  notwithstanding  the  power 
of  selfishness,  that  want  and  sorrow  could  not  have  failed  to 
receive  mitigations  from  the  hand  of  private  charit}'.  But  a  house 
for  the  reception  of  the  disabled  and  the  homeless  was  the  growth 
of  years.  Before  any  organized  action  of  the  town  is  recorded, 
we  find  traces  of  private  beneficence,  exercised  in  special  cases, — 
neighborhood  charit}',  as  beautiful  as  it  is  helpful, —  when  a 
great  loss  or  need  of  one  is  alle'vdated  by  being  voluntarily  taken 
upon  the  shoulders  of  man}', —  a  fulfilment  of  the  Bible  rule — 
"Bear  ye  one  another's  burdens."  The  Hyde  manuscripts  record 
several  instances  of  this  ;  for  example,  it  is  written, — 

1703. — A  contribution  was  made  for  John  Parker,  when  he  lost  Ms  cows; 
also,  for  Nathaniel  Parker;  also,  for  Samuel  Hyde,  when  his  house  was 
burnt,  May  7,  1709 ;  also,  for  Daniel  Hyde,  etc. 

510 


PROVISION  FOR  THE  POOR.  511 

The  first  entry  in  the  Town  Records,  relative  to  the  poor,  is 
March  5,  1711,  as  follows:  "Voted,  that  once  a  j^ear  there  shall 
be  a  contribution  on  Thanl^sgiving  day  for  the  poor,  wliich  shall 
be  paid  into  the  town  treasury,  and  given  out  to  the  poor  b}'  the 
Selectmen,  as  they  see  need." 

The  almshouse,  however,  came  at  last.  In  1731,  ninety-two 
years  after  the  first  settlement,  and  more  than  forty  years  after 
the  incorporation  of  the  town, —  the  citizens  voted  to  build  a 
workhouse  (so  they  denominated  the  home  of  the  stricken  poor) , 
perhaps  dreading  lest  unworthy  persons,  abusing  the  provision  of 
the  town,  should  seek  to  be  maintained  in  idleness.  Two  years 
later,  in  1733,  a  vote  was  passed  "that  the  Selectmen,  or  Over- 
seers of  the  Poor,  have  power  to  set  idle  and  disorderly  persons  to 
work ;  and  one  of  the  school-houses,  in  the  recess  of  the  school, 
shall  be  used  as  a  workhouse." 

In  1734,  Lieutenant  William  Trowbridge,  Nathaniel  Hammond, 
Daniel  Woodward,  William  H3'de  and  Samuel  Truesdale  were 
chosen  the  first  Board  of  Overseers  of  the  Poor. 

In  1750,  Henry  Gibbs,  William  Hyde  and  Robert  Murdock  were 
chosen  a  committee  to  build  a  workhouse.  Thirteen  years  later, 
in  17G3,  the  town  "  voted  to  build  a  workhouse  twenty-four  feet  by 
twenty-six,  one  story  high,  upon  the  town's  land,  near  Dr.  King's, 
or  some  other  place,  and  appropriated  £50  for  that  purpose. 

Another  step  was  taken  March  5,  17G5,  by  the  appointment  of 
a  committee  to  examine  the  laws  with  respect  to  a  workhouse,  and 
report  to  the  town  at  the  next  May  meeting.  This  committee 
reported.  May  20,  1765,  as  follows : 

We  the  subscribers,  the  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  laws  relative 
to  regulating  the  workhouse,  report  as  our  opinion  that  the  Selectmen  for 
the  time  being  do,  according  to  the  best  of  their  judgment,  order  and  regu- 
late said  house,  with  the  inhabitants  thereof,  till  our  next  March  meeting;, 
and  that  there  be  then  chosen  a  number  of  overseers  of  said  house,  not  less 
than  five,  for  the  more  particular  regulation  thereof. 

Thomas  Greenwood, 
Abraham  Fuller, 
Joshua  Hammond. 

September  29,  17G8,  Messrs.  Abraham  Fuller,  Noah  Wiswall, 
Ebenezer  Parker,  Joshua  Murdock,  Thomas  Parker,  Benjamin 
Hammond  and  John  Woodward  were  appointed  a  committee  to 
make  a  draft  of  such  rules  and  orders,  for  regulating  the  workhouse,. 


512  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

SO  called,  as  said  committee  shall  think  best ;  and  lay  the  same 
before  the  town  for  their  acceptance  at  the  next  public  meeting  of 
the  town. 

On  the  28th  of  October,  1768,  the  following  rules  and  orders 
were  reported  by  the  committee  and  accepted  by  the  town.  It  is 
interesting,  at  this  distance  of  time,  to  observe  the  remarkable 
disproportion  between  the  infant  institution  on  the  one  hand,  and 
the  extended  and  formal  code  of  regulations  on  the  other. 

Voted,  that  said  rules  and  orders  be  made  use  of  for  regulating  said 
workhouse ;  and  that  said  rules  and  orders  be  put  upon  record  in  the  Town 
Book;  and  that  the  Selectmen,  when  they  shall  judge  most  proper,  present 
the  same  to  the  Justices  of  the  Quarter  Sessions  for  their  appprobation. 

RULES   AND    ORDERS    FOR  THE   MANAGEMENT   OF   THE   WORKHOUSE  IN 

NEWTON. 

I.  Rules  relating  to  the  Selectmen  or  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  who  by 

law  have  the  direction  of  said  House. 

1.  That  there  shall  be  a  general  meeting  of  the  Overseers  at  the  house 
the  third  Tuesday  of  every  month,  at  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  to  inspect 
all  accounts,  and  examine  into  the  behavior  of  the  people  committed  to  the 
house,  and  to  redress  all  difficulties  that  occur  to  the  master,  and  to  hear  and 
consider  all  complaints  made  by  the  poor;  and  to  consult  and  advise  about 
such  further  rules  and  methods  as  may  be  for  the  advantage  of  said  house. 

II.  Rules  relating  to  the  Master  of  the  House. 

1.  That  the  master  be  a  person  of  approved  integrity  and  ability,  who 
shall  be  chosen  at  a  general  meeting  of  the  Overseers,  and,  in  case  of  his 
deatli  or  removal,  another  person  be,  as  soon  as  may  be,  chosen  in  his  room 
by  the  Overseers,  who  shall  have  power  to  agree  with  such  master  for  his 
salary ;  but  if  the  said  master  be  found  guilty  of  any  immoral  or  irregular 
behavior,  the  Overseers  reserve  to  themselves  a  power  to  dismiss  him,  and 
place  another  in  his  room. 

2.  That  the  master  keep  a  register  of  the  names,  ages  and  occupations  of 
all  the  persons  that  shall  be  admitted  into  the  house,  as  well  as  an  account 
of  the  time  of  their  entry,  and  their  deaths  or  dismission  from  the  house. 

3.  That  the  master  buy  the  provisions,  and  materials  for  work  and  other 
necessaries,  and  dispose  of  what  is  manufactured  to  the  best  advantage,  ac- 
cording to  the  advice  and  directions  of  the  Overseers,  with  whom  he  is  to 
consult  in  this  and  all  matters  of  importance. 

4.  That  the  master  keep  books  of  accounts  of  all  expenses  and  profits  of 
the  house,  to  be  passed  upon  and  allowed  by  the  Overseers  at  their  monthly 
meetings,  and  to  be  open  to  the  inspection  of  the  town,  whenever  they  shall 
sec  cause  to  appoint  a  committee  for  that  service. 


RULES  CONCERNING  THE  ALMSHOUSE.        513 

III.  Rules  relating  to  the  Persons  that  shall  be  admitted  into  the 

House. 

1.  That  none  shall  be  admitted  without  a  written  order,  under  the  hands 
of  the  major  part  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor. 

2.  That  upon  their  admission  tliey  be  examined,  whether  they  are  free 
from  lico  and  foul  distempers,  and,  if  they  are  not,  the  master  to  take  care 
and  see  that  tlicy  are  cleansed. 

3.  That  the  several  persons  in  the  house  constantly  repair  to  the  place 
or  places,  and  at  the  hours  assigned  by  the  master  of  said  house,  and  that  they 
shall  work  orderly  at  such  business  and  so  many  hours  as  the  Overseers  shall 
direct. 

4.  That  they  constantly  attend  the  public  worship  of  God  on  Lord's  days 
at  the  meeting-house,  if  their  health  will  admit  of  it. 

5.  That  when  any  persons  are  taken  sick,~there  shall  be  proper  and  suit- 
able care  taken  of  them  by  the  master  of  said  house. 

IV.  Rules  relating  to  the  Diet  and  Victimlling  of  the  House. 

That  the  master  of  the  house  see  that  all  the  persons  therein  have  suitable 
victuals  and  drink  provided  for  them,  such  as  the  Overseers  shall  direct. 

V.     Rules  relating  to  the  Government  of  the  House. 

1.  That  all  immoralities  and  disobedience  to  the  government  of  the  house 
be  by  the  master  noted  in  a  book  and  laid  before  the  Overseers,  that  by 
their  authority  and  admonition  such  rudeness  and  immorality  may  be  re- 
strained, and  peace  and  good  order  maintained,  and  all  obstinate,  perverse 
and  unruly  persons  punished  according  to  their  crimes. 

2.  That  whereas  some  slothful  persons  may  pretend  sickness  or  lameness, 
to  excuse  themselves  from  labor,  it  is  ordered  that  such  persons  shall  pass 
a  proper  examination  by  a  physician  ;  and  if  it  should  appear  upon  his  report 
and  other  concurring  circumstances  that  those  persons  made  false  excuses, 
they  shall  be  punished  by  such  an  addition  of  labor  to  their  daily  stints,  or 
some  other  way,  as  the  Overseers  shall  determine. 

3.  That  if  any  person  or  persons  shall  neglect  to  repair  to  his  or  their 
work,  at  such  time  and  place  or  places,  as  shall  be  assigned  him,  her  and  them 
by  tlie  master  of  said  house,  or  refuse  to  work,  loiter,  or  be  idle,  or  shall  not 
well  perform  the  task  of  work  set  him,  her,  or  them,  or  shall  waste  or  spoil 
any  of  the  materials  or  tools  of  the  several  manufactures,  or  shall  deface 
tlie  walls,  or  break  the  windows,  or  shall  disturb  the  house  by  clamor,  quar- 
relling, fighting,  or  abusive  language,  or  profane  the  Sabbath,  or  carry  it 
disrespectfully  to  the  master  or  Overseers  of  said  house,  or  shall  drink  to 
excess,  steal,  or  profanely  curse  and  swear,  or  in  any  other  respects  act 
immorally  or  irregularly,  he,  she  or  tliey  shall  be  punished,  either  by  denying 
him,  her  or  them  a  meal,  or  whole  day's  allowance,  or  by  gagging,  or  By 
whipping,  not  exceeding  five  stripes;  or  causing  him,  her  or  them  to  wear 
a  collar  round  about  his,  her  or  their  neck,  with  a  wooden  clog  to  it;  or  by 
an  addition  of  labor  to  their  daily  task,  according  to  the  nature  and  circum- 

33 


5U  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

stances  of  the  crime ;  and  in  case  of  frequent  repetition  and  obstinacy  in  his-^ 
her,  or  their  crimes,  he,  she  or  they  shall  be  punished  by  order  of  one  or 
more  Justices  of  the  Peace  by  removal  into  the  County  workhouse,  or 
prison,  or  otherwise,  as  the  law  directs. 

4.  That  the  Overseers  at  their  monthly  meetings  have  power  to  punish  all 
breaches  of  the  foregoing  orders,  excepting  those  that  are  referred  to  the 
cognizance  "of  a  Justice  of  the  Peace. 

5.  That  the  master  of  the  house  have  power,  in  the  intervals  between  the 
meetings  of  the  Overseers,  to  punish  the  breaches  of  the  foregoing  orders, 
according  to  the  instructions  he  shall  receive  in  writing  from  the  Over- 
seers ;  and  that  in  any  cases  of  difficulty  arising,  which  may  need  a  more 
speedy  consideration,  he  shall  call  the  Overseers  together  for  their  advice 
and  assistance. 

6.  That  the  foregoing  rules  and  orders  of  the  house  be  publicly  read,  at 
least  once  a  month,  that  none  may  pretend  ignorance  of  them. 

The  care  of  the  poor  seems  to  have  given  the  people  of  Newton 
no  Uttle  trouble.  Occasional  references  in  the  Records  indicate 
that  the  wards  of  the  town  were  of  an  insubordinate  temper,  and 
often  gave  the  Master  of  the  house  cause  of  complaint.  In  the 
progress  of  j^ears,  various  plans  for  disposing  of  the  poor  and  mak- 
ing them  comfortable  were  proposed.  In  April,  1805,  a  vote  was- 
passed  authorizing  and  impowering  the  Selectmen  to  let  out  the 
poor  in  a  way  that  shall  appear  to  them  for  the  interest  of  the 
town.  A  regular  S3'stem  seems  to  have  been  finally  agreed  upon, 
and  a  house  and  land  purchased  for  ttiis  pm'pose  in  the  year  1818, 
—  the  initiation  of  the  S3'stem  which  has  continued,  with  only 
casual  and  necessary  modifications,  to  the  present  date.  The  place 
purchased  in  1818  was  the  lower  farm  of  Captain  Joel  Houghton, 
consisting  of  forty-three  acres  of  land  with  convenient  buildings, 
formerly  known  as  the  Henry  Pigeon  house  at  Auburndale.  The 
price  was  $2,500.  The  estate  was  subject  to  a  mortgage  of  $1,500- 
to  Jane  Pigeon.  The  committee  expended  |190,  in  repairs  and 
improvements. 

The  old  s^'stem  of  rules  for  the  government  of  the  house, 
ordained  fift}"  3- ears  previousl}',  was  replaced  by  a  new  code.  Such 
a  code  may  in  those  da3's  have  been  uecessarj'.  Experience  may 
have  proved  it  to  be  requisite.  But  the  ideas  of  irregularity, 
crime  and  punishment  seem  to  us  to  appear  in  painful  repetition, 
as  if  the  house  were  designed  to  meet  the  conditions  of  persons 
bent  on  sin  and  confined  as  a  penalty  for  its  commission,  and 
not  as  a  place  of  refuge  for  a  class,  of  whom  many  were  innocent 
and  unfortunate, —  a  House  of  Correction  for  criminals,  rather 
than  a  Refuge  for  the  Unfortunate  Poor. 


b 


NEW  REGULATIONS.  515 

The  following  is  the  new  code  : 

1.  No  person  shall  be  admitted  into  this  house  as  a  pauper,  without  a  cer- 
tificate from  one  or  more  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor. 

2.  All  persons  in  this  house  to  be  of  good  behavior,  and  decently  and 
orderly  to  attend  to  family  devotions  morning  and  evening,  and  at  meals. 
Whosoever  offends  in  this  will  be  punished. 

C>.  Any  person  in  this  house  who  shall  disturb  the  peace  thereof  by  strik- 
ing his  or  her  fellow,  or  any  other  person  in  this  house,  or  be  guilty  of  any 
threatening  language  or  otlier  indecent  behavior  will  be  punished  according 
to  the  nature  of  tiie  crime. 

4.  Any  person  in  this  house  who  shall  disturb  the  peace  thereof  by  pro- 
fane cursing  or  swearing,  or  any  other  immorality,  will  be  punished  therefor. 

5.  All  persons  in  this  house  to  behave  decently  and  orderly  at  meals ; 
and  if  .any  person  shall  find  fault  with  his  or  her  allowance,  and  shall  pre- 
sume to  waste  or  destroy  the  same,  or  contend  with  the  Keeper  respecting  the 
same,  he  shall  be  punished  therefor  according  to  the  nature  of  the  offence. 

G.  All  persons  in  this  house  who  are  able  are  to  be  kept  to  labor;  and 
if  any  person  or  persons  who  are  able  shall  refuse  to  work,  or  shall  be  sloth- 
ful in  their  work,  or  shall  waste  or  destroy  the  materials  they  are  working 
upon,  they  shall  be  punished  therefor. 

7.  All  persons  in  this  house  who  shall  go  without  the  gate,  without  the 
liberty  of  the  Keeper,  shall  be  punished  therefor. 

8.  Such  persons  as  are  able  are  to  attend  public  worship  on  Lord's  day, 
when  the  weather  is  suitable,  and  return  immediately  to  this  house  when 
service  is  ended. 

9.  All  persons  in  this  house  to  retire  to  bed  at  night  and  rise  in  the 
morning  as  the  Keeper  shall  order,  excepting  those  who  may  be  sick. 

10.  All  complaints  to  be  made  to  one  or  more  Overseers  of  the  Poor  both 
by  the  Keeper  and  other  persons  in  this  house;  and  the  said  Overseers  will 
take  cognizance  of  the  same.  And  in  case  of  sickness  in  this  house,  par- 
ticular orders  will  be  given  by  said  Overseers,  on  notice  given  them  by  the 
Keeper. 

11.  Any  persons  supported  in  this  house  who  shall  bring  in,  or  cause  to 
be  brought  into  the  same,  any  ardent  spirit  whatever,  shall  be  punished. 

12.  The  punishment  for  a  breach  of  any  of  these  articles  by  any  of  the 
paupers  shall  be  by  reducing  the  usual  allowance  of  food,  or  by  solitary  con- 
finement, or  both,  under  the  direction  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor.  But  in 
cases  of  outrage,  when  the  security  of  any  person  is  in  danger  by  violence 
offered  to  any  in  this  house,  then  the  Keeper  shall  secure  the  author  or 
authors  of  such  outrage  until  notice  can  be  given  to  one  or  more  of  the 
Overseers. 

The  foregoing  rules  are  to  be  read  by  the  Keeper  to  every  person  when 
admitted  into  this  house,  and  once  a  month  to  all  in  the  house. 

Such  were  the  early  provisions  made  for  tlie  poor  of  Newton, 
dictated,  undoubtedly,  by  the  spirit  of  kindness,  but  difficult  to 


516  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

be  administered,  owing  to  the  depravity  of  human  nature,  and  the 
growing  disposition  of  unworthy,  designing  and  idle  persons  to 
secure  a  living  without  earning  it.  The  difficulty  of  managing  wisel}' 
this  department  of  the  government  has  grown  everywhere  with 
the  growth  of  the  countr3^  Too  often  the  unworthy  and  foreign- 
ers have  found  ample  provision  for  their  wants,  and  the  modest 
and  worthy  native  poor,  entitled  above  all  to  the  benefit  of  such 
provision,  have  suftered. 

The  Poorhouse  at  Auburndale,  having  serv^ed  for  several  years 
the  purpose  for  which  it  was  purchased,  was  sold,  and  about 
forty  acres  of  laud  bought,  and  buildings  erected,  on  the  Sher- 
burne Road,  near  the  house  of  the  late  Matthias  Collins,  Esq., 
which  are  still  in  use.  While  the  Poorhouse  was  in  its  former  loca- 
tion, the  inmates,  who  were  able,  attended  Divine  service  ever}' 
Sabbath  at  the  Congregational  church  in  West  Newton.  Since 
the  removal,  provision  has  been  made  for  them  at  the  Methodist 
church,  Newton  Upper  Falls.  Forty  years  ago.  Divine  service 
used  to  be  held  in  the  dining-room  of  the  House  every  Sabbath 
evening,  and  the  ministers  of  the  town  in  rotation  preached  to  the 
inmates  and  such  of  the  neighbors  as  chose  to  be  present.  It  is 
said  that  on  these  occasions  Dr.  Homer,  when  it  was  his  turn  to 
officiate,  always  preached  sitting. 

Besides  the  provision  made  for  the  poor  of  Newton  by  action  of 
the  town  and  b}^  unrecorded  private  beneficence,  which  has 
undoubtedly  flowed  in  a  thousand  perpetual  and  refreshing 
streams, —  a  noble  provision  was  made  b}'  one  of  the  citizens  in 
1825,  called 

THE   KENIUCK   FUND, 

of  which  the  Records  contain  the  following  account : 

At  a  legal  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Newton  on  Monday, 
the  third  day  of  January,  1825,  a  communication  from  John  Kem-ick,  Esq., 
was  read,  as  follows  : 

"Newton,  Dec.  16,  1824. —  Impressed  with  the  utility  and  importance  of 
laying  the  foundation  of  a  permanent  fund,  from  which  may  be  annually 
drawn  some  aid  and  relief  for  certain  descriptions  of  the  Poor  of  my  native 
town  of  Newton,  through  all  future  generations,  I  am  disposed  to  make  the 
following  proposals. 

"  1.  To  pay  into  the  hands  of  the  Selectmen  of  Newton,  as  Trustees,  the 
sum  of  one  thousand  dollars,  to  be  by  them  let  at  lawful  interest,  secured  by 
mortgages  on  real  estate  of  at  least  three  times  the  value  of  the  sums  loaned. 


THE  KENRICK  FUND.  517 

"2.  That  the  annual  interest  of  five  hundred  doHars  of  the  proposed  sum 
be  distributed  from  year  to  year,  at  the  discretion  of  the  Trustees,  towards 
assisting  and  relieving  the  needy,  industrious  poor  of  Newton,  especially 
widows  and  orphans,  none  of  whom  have  fallen  under  the  immediate  care  of 
the  Overseers  of  the  Poor. 

"  3.  That  the  annual  interest  arising  from  the  remainder  of  the  Donation 
be  added  to  the  principal,  and  carefully  kept,  interest  on  interest,  until  the 
whole  sum  amounts  to  three  thousand  dollars,  which  with  due  care  will  be 
effected  within  twenty-eight  years.  After  vzhich,  I  direct  that  the  whole  fund 
be  loaned  at  an  interest  of  five  per  cent,  per  annum,  and  the  annual  interest 
be  distributed  in  manner,  and  to  descriptions  of  poor  before  mentioned  for- 
ever, through  all  future  generations. 

"  With  a  view  of  promoting  the  future  prosperity  of  Newton,  and  from  a 
full  persuasion  that  where  industry,  temperance,  honesty  and  punctuality 
prevail,  there  will  be  but  few  paupers,  I  further  direct  that  this  fund  be 
loaned  in  moderate  sums,  not  exceeding  three  hundred  dollars  to  any  one 
person,  and  for  terms  of  time  not  exceeding  five  years  ;  that  the  several  sums 
be  collected  when  due  and  re-loaned  to  others, —  a  preference  being  always 
given  to  applications  from  married  young  men,  from  twenty-three  to  thirty 
years  old,  of  temperate,  industrious  habits,  and  distinguished  for  honesty  and 
punctuality  in  their  dealings. 

"  If  the  town  of  Newton  vote  to  accept  the  proposed  Donation,  and  con- 
stitute the  Board  of  Selectmen  and  their  successors  in  office  permanent  Trus- 
tees, with  special  instructions  faithfully  to  manage  and  apply  the  fund  in 
exact  accordance  with  the  foregoing  directions  and  apparent  intentions  of  the 
Donor,  then,  if  ray  life  continues,  I  will  pay  over  the  sum  proposed  within 
six  months  after  the  town's  vote  of  acceptance  and  appointment  of  Trustees. 

"John  Kenrick. 
"  Selectmen  of  Newton.. 

"P.  S.  Hopes  are  indulged  that  some  others,  of  ability  and  like  minded, 
will  be  disposed  to  make  additions  to  the  Fund  proposed. 

"J.  K." 

Voted,  that  the  town  accept  the  noble  benefaction  now  offered  by  John 
Kenrick,  Esq.,  with  a  full  determination  to  conform  to  all  the  conditions 
with  which  he  has  seen  fit  to  accompany  the  same. 

Voted,  that  this  Donation  be  denominated  the  "  Kenrick  Fund." 

Voted,  that  the  Board  of  Selectman  and  their  successors  in  office  be 
hereby  appointed  permanent  Trustees,  to  manage  and  apply  the  said  Fund 
according  to  all  the  conditions  accompanying  the  same. 

Voted,  that  the  present  Selectmen  of  the  town  be  hereby  appointed  a 
committee,  with  directions  to  wait  upon  John  Kenrick,  Esq.,  and  present  to 
him  the  thanks  of  the  town,  for  his  truly  noble  benefaction,  and  make  known 
to  him  the  grateful  feelings  with  wliich  his  benevolent  offer  is  accepted;  and 
assure  him  that  no  efforts  on  the  part  of  the  present  generation  shall  be  want- 
ing, to  carry  his  generous  intentions  respecting  the  same  into  the  fullest  and 

most  complete  effect. 

Joseph  Jackson,  Town  Clerk. 

May  2,   1825. —  John  Kenrick  added  two   hundred  dollars   to   the   above 

Donation. 


518  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Under  date  of  August  5,  1826,  John  Kenrick,  Esq.,  added 
again  two  hundred  dollars  to  his  former  Donations  to  the  town, 
accompanied  by  the  following  letter : 

Newton,  Aug.  5,  1826. —  Gentlemen, —  I  herewith  transmit  a  due  bill  for 
the  further  sum  of  $200,  to  be  added  to  the  Fund  for  assisting  and  relieving 
the  industrious  poor  of  Newton,  and  direct  that  after  making  the  second 
yearly  dividend  of  $30,  the  sura  of  $40  be  annually  distributed  until  the 
Fund  amounts  to  $4,000,  jiroposed  in  my  letter  of  April  30,  1825. 

If  there  is  a  continuance  of  the  same  honorable  and  faithful  management 
the  Trustees  have  hitherto  exhibited,  the  fund  will  be  complete  in  little  more 
than  twenty-two  years  from  the  reception  of  this  concluding  part ;  after  which 
they  will  be  enabled  to  make  their  loans  at  five  per  cent,  per  annum,  and 
commence  their  yearly  distribution  of  $200. 

"When  this  fund  is  once  completed,  it  must  never  be  diminished.  And  if, 
cither  by  accident  or  mismanagement,  any  part  of  it  is  lost,  I  do  hereby 
expressly  enjoin  that  the  interest  arising  from  the  remainder  be  added  to  the 
principal  until  the  deficiency  be  made  good. 

Thus  guarded  and  secured,  I  indulge  the  consoling,  animating  hope  that  this 
humble  relief  fund  will  outlast  the  superb  obelisk  designed  to  perpetuate  the 
memory  of  martial  heroes  and  a  bloody  battle,  and  endure  as  long  as  the 
aberrations,  infirmities  and  wants  of  the  human  family. 

I  am,  gentlemen,  respectfully  j'ours, 

John  Kenrick. 

Selectmen  of  Newton. 

In  1830,  Mr.  Kenrick  added  to  the  fund  three  hundred  dollars. 
In  addition  to  the  above  liberal  acts,  Mr.  Kenrick  made  still 
another  gift  to  the  town,  in  the  following  letter : 

Newton,  Aug.  6,  1828. — Gentlemen, — Newton  has  a  house  and  farm  for 
the  residence  of  their  poor,  and  I  am  happy  to  learn  it  has  answered  a  good 
purpose,  and  is  likely  to  be  beneficial  in  future.  I  have  been  thinking,  since 
I  awoke,  that  it  would  be  advantageous  to  have  that  farm  well  stocked  with 
fruit-trees.  And  as  I  have  abundance  of  young  apple-trees,  English  cherry 
and  peach-trees,  all  budded  and  containing  variety  as  large  as  can  be  desired, 
and  can  make  the  supply  without  any  injury  to  myself,  I  will  make  the  town 
welcome  to  as  many  of  the  above  kinds  as  you  may  send  for.  It  will  be  in- 
dispensable, however,  that  you  take  the  trouble  of  taking  them  up.  Also,  I 
will  furnish  as  many  currant  bushes,  and  as  large,  as  you  may  wish. 

I  am  respectfully  yours, 

J.  Kenrick. 

Note. — I  recommend  moving  the  trees  in  autumn. 


CHAPTER  XL. 

NEWTON     AND     TEMPERANCE. FIRST    MOVEMENT. DR.      GILBERT'S 

KECOLLECTIONS. — NEWTON      AND      FIRE      COMPANIES. FIRE- 
WARDS     CHOSEN. PROPERTY     OF     THE     FIRE     DEPARTMENT. 

The  citizens  of  Newton  early  took  au  interest  in  the  cause  of 
Temperance.  "The  Massachusetts  Society  for  the  Suppression 
of  Intemperance"  was  formed  at  the  State  House  in  Boston,  Feb- 
ruary 5,  1813.  The  object  of  the  Society,  as  expressed  in  the 
Constitution,  was  "  to  discourage  and  suppress  the  too  free  use  of 
ardent  spirit,  and  its  kindred  vices,  profaneness  and  gaming,  and 
to  encourage  and  promote  temperance  and  general  moralit}'." 
Many  saw  no  .happy  results  from  this  Society,  and,  after  many 
years  of  effort,  retired  from  the  field  in  despair.  The  "  American 
Temperance  Society"  was  formed  in  Boston,  February  13,  182G. 
At  the  first  meeting  a  Constitution  was  adopted,  and  sixteen  gen- 
tlemen were  "  chosen  by  the  members  of  the  meeting,  at  the  com- 
anencement,  to  compose  the  Society."  Seven  of  the  members 
"were  ministers,  and  the  second  on  the  list  was  the  Rev.  William 
Jenks,  D.  D.,  a  native  of  Newton.  A  month  later,  March  12, 
eighty-four  more  persons  were  elected,  in  the  Northern  and  Mid- 
dle States,  as  members  of  the  Societ}'.  A  circular  was  prej^ared 
and  sent  out,  setting  forth  the  evils  of  intemperance,  and  soliciting 
contributions  for  the  support  of  a  Secretary,  who  should  devote 
his  whole  time  to  the  promotion  of  the  objects  of  the  Society,  In 
September,  1826,  an  association  of  more  than  fifty  heads  of  fami- 
lies and  more  than  a  hundred  and  fifty  3'oung  men  was  formed  in 
Andover,  on  the  plan  of  total  abstinence.  On  the  1.5th  of  Decem- 
ber, 1826,  only  two  months  later,  a  meeting  was  held  in  Newton, 
"which  took  active  measures  on  the  subject  of  Temperance,  and, 
by  a  circular,  addressed  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  town,  sought  to 
create  a  general  interest  in  regard  to  it.  The  following  is  the 
circular : 

510 


520  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Newton,  December  15,  1826. 

Sir, —  At  a  meeting  of  several  gentlemen  held  at  this  place,  to  inquire 
whether  any  measures  could  be  adopted  for  the  suppression  of  intemperance, 
it  was  unanimously  resolved  to  be  expedient  to  form  an  Association  for  that 
purpose,  and  a  committee  was  appointed  to  draft  a  Constitution. 

At  a  subsequent  meeting,  the  following  Constitution  was  adopted,  and  the 
undersigned  were  directed  to  forward  a  copy  to  every  family  in  Newton, 
accompanied  with  such  a  statement  of  facts  in  relation  to  the  subject,  as  they 
might  think  proper. 

In  conformity  with  these  instructions,  we  now  address  you,  and  respect- 
fully invite  your  attendance  at  the  Centre  School-house,  on  the  evening  of 
the  first  Wednesday  of  January  next,  at  6  o'clock,  when  this  Constitution 
will  be  revised,  and  such  an  one  adopted,  as  a  majority  of  those  who  choose 
to  become  members  shall  approve ;  and  officers  for  the  ensuing  year  will  be 
chosen. 

CONSTITUTION. 

Believing  that  intemperance  is  productive  of  more  human  misery  and 
moral  degradation  than  any  other,  or  all  other  vices  combined ;  and  that  this 
most  appalling  of  earthly  calamities,  is  but  the  legitimate  fruit  of  what  our- 
selves, in  common  with  a  vast  majority  of  the  most  valuable  citizens  of  tliis 
highly  privileged  land,  have  practised,  and  termed  the  "  reasonable  and 
necessary  use  of  ardent  spirits" — 

Believing  that  "man  cannot  live  to  himself  alone,"  and  that  every  indi- 
vidual, however  insignificant  or  uninfluential,  may  exert  some  infliuence  upon 
others  by  his  example,  and  is  accountable  to  God  and  the  community  for  all 
the  evil  consequences  of  that  example ;  and,  believing  that  associated,  is 
uniformly  more  successful  than  individual,  effort,  we  hereby  form  ourselves 
into  an  Association  for  the  suppression  of  intemperance. 

The  main  object  of  this  Society,  is  not  the  reformation  of  drunkards.  The 
habitual  drunkard's  example  does  comparatively  nothing  to  tempt,  but  much 
to  deter,  the  rising  generation  from  its  imitation.  We  are,  however,  fully 
aware  that  the  drunkard  inflicts  upon  his  aflfectionate  wife  and  innocent 
children  a  weight  of  woe  not  to  be  told  or  conceived,  and  sufficient  to  justify 
the  unceasing  labor  of  a  Avhole  community  to  remove.  But,  at  the  same  time, 
we  feel  that  a  whole  community  may  labor  with  untiring  zeal  and  perse- 
verance, and  accomplish  literally  nothing  in  this  work.  And  were  we  able 
to  remove  from  (mr  mortified  sight  the  drunkard's  example,  and  relieve  all 
the  discouraged  wives  and  humble  children,  from  that  horrid  weight  of  woe 
which  is  sinking  them  into  the  earth;  even  then  we  should  do  nothing  that 
death  wpuld  not,  in  a  very  short  time,  accomplish  without  us.  Indeed,  the 
"terrible  ravages  of  this  sin  are  but  streams,  issuing  from  the  fountain  of 
habitual  moderate  drinking ;  "  so  that  the  reformation  of  every  drunkard  in 
the  town  would  not  arrest,  for  a  single  moment,  this  many-headed  monster. 
The  cxami)le  of  the  daily  "reasonable"  draughts  of  our  most  influential 
men,  so  long  as  a  majority  of  such  men  continue  to  exhibit  such  an  example,. 


TEMPERANCE.  521 

will  continue  to  produce  successive  crops  of  drunkards,  to  blast  our  moral 
welfare,  and  multiply  widows,  orphans  and  paupers  amongst  us. 

"To  warn  the  temperate,  to  sound  an  alarm  to  the  tlunking,  to  stand  be- 
tween the  living  and  the  dead,  is  the  purpose  of  tliis  Association."  And, 
for  the  accomplishment  of  this  object,  we  mutually  bind  ourselves  to  a  rigid 
observance  of  the  foUcwing  Rules  and  Regulations  : 

1.  The  first  and  most  prominent  article  of  this  Association  shall  be,  that 
its  members  totally  relinquish  the  use  of  ardent  spirit,  unless  as  a  medicine. 

2.  Should  a  physician  recommend  to  any  member  of  this  Society  the  daily 
use  of  ardent  spirit,  to  continue  thirty  days,  it  shall  be  his  duty  to  give  notice 
of  the  same  to  the  Secretary,  and  withdraw  his  name ;  and  be  admitted  a 
member  again,  only  when  such  necessity  ceases. 

3.  The  members  of  this  Association  hereby  agree  to  refrain  from  invit- 
ing others  to  the  use  of  ardent  spirit  at  their  social  visits ;  and  from  furnish- 
ing it  in  any  quantity,  or  on  any  occasion  (except  as  a  medicine),  to  those 
whom  they  may  employ  —  and,  as  far  as  our  circumstances  and  situation  will 
permit,  firom  offering  it  in  hospitality  to  strangers,  or  others  who  may  inci- 
dentally call  on  us, — the  object  being  to  banish  ardent  spirit  from  our  dwell- 
ings altogether ;  and  to  this  point  every  member  pledges  himself  to  approach 
as  near  as  possible. 

4.  Members  who  are  parents  or  guardians  of  children  and  youth,  pledge 
themselves  to  keep  them  from  such  places  and  company  as  may  have  a  ten- 
dency to  tempt  to  the  use  of  ardent  spirit,  and  to  use  every  effort  to  impress 
on  the  minds  of  the  young,  a  realizing  sense  of  the  dangerous  consequences 
connected  with  its  habitual  use. 

5.  Members  of  this  Association,  in  the  employment  of  laborers  on  their 
premises,  are  expected  to  give  a  preference  to  those  who  use  no  ardent  spirit. 

6.  Any  person  more  than  fourteen  years  old,  may  become  a  member  by 
signing  this  Constitution. 

7.  The  name  or  style  of  this  Society,  shall  be  the  "  Newton  Friendly 
Society." 

8.  The  officers  of  this  Association  shall  be  a  President,  Vice-President, 
Treasurer,  Secretary,  and  three  Directors,  to  be  chosen  annually  on  the  first 
"Wednesday  in  January. 

9.  It  shall  be  the  duty  (jf  the  President  to  preside  at  all  meetings  of  tlie 
Society,  and  of  its  Directors ;  and  in  case  of  his  absence,  the  Vice-President 
shall  preside. 

10.  The  Treasurer  shall  receive  funds,  and  dispose  of  the  same  as  the 
Board  of  Directors  sliall  determine. 

11.  The  Secretary  shall  keep  a  fair  record  of  all  the  Association's  trans- 
actions, officers'  and  members'  names,  and  of  such  facts  and  circumstances 
as  the  Board  direct. 

12.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Directors  to  watch  over  the  interest  and 
prosperity  of  the  Association ;  and  they,  together  with  the  President,  Vice- 
President  and  Secretary,  shall  form  the  Board  of  Directors,  for  the  transac- 
tion of  the  business  of  the  Society,  and  use  all  laudable  means  to  obtain 
members,  and  promote  its  objects.  They  shall  meet  as  often  as  once  in 
three  months. 


522  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

13.  Tliis  Constitution  may  be  altered  or  amended  at  any  annual  meeting, 
by  a  majority  of  the  members  present. 

We  presume  it  can  hardly  be  necessary  to  state  one  fact,  or  offer  one  argu- 
ment in  addition  to  those  urged  in  the  foregoing  preamble ;  yet  as  there  are 
facts  which,  to  a  candid  mind,  present  a  weight  of  testimony,  absolutely 
irresistible,  permit  us  to  name  some  of  them. 

The  Secretary  of  State,  in  a  report  to  the  Legislature  of  New  York,  rela- 
tive to  the  causes  of  pauperism,  justifies  the  conclusion,  that  there  arc,  at 
tliis  moment,  eighty  thousand  persons  in  that  State,  who  have  become  pau- 
pers, either  directly  or  indirectly,  from  the  use  of  ardent  spirits  ;  and  that  it 
requires  an  annual  expense  of  more  than  half  a  million  dollars,  to  support 
them.  In  one  town  in  that  State,  thirteen-fourteenths  of  its  paupers  have 
become  such  from  its  improper  use. 

Forty  million  dollars  are  annually  expended  for  this  poison,  in  the  United 
States; — and  if  to  this  we  add  the  immense  amount  expended  for  paupers, 
and  for  healing  those  who  have  become  diseased,  its  effect  upon  our  pecu- 
niary prosperity  becomes  obvious  enough.  , 

In  regard  to  its  effects  on  our  moral  welfare,  facts  arc  still  more  conclusive. 
We  have  been  characterized  by  a  late  eminent  statesman,  as  "  a  nation  of 
drunkards."  Out  of  1,061  cases  of  criminal  prosecutions  in  North  Carolina, 
from  eight  to  nine  hundred  were  connected  with,  or  produced  by  the  vice  of 
intemperance.  And  of  4,931  cases  brought  before  the  Municipal  Court,  in 
Boston,  the  great  mass  of  them  could  be  traced  to  the  same  cause;  and  the 
same  is  supposed  to  be  the  cause  of  three-fourths  of  all  the  crimes  committed 
in  the  United  States. 

Nor  is  this  waste  of  property  and  moral  degradation  all  the  evil  that  is 
brought  upon  our  country  by  this  vice.  It  has  been  computed  by  those  who 
have  carefully  investigated  this  subject,  that  more  than  10,000  lives  are  an- 
nually destroyed  in  the  United  States,  while  the  number  qf  those  who  are 
diseased,  distressed  and  impoverished,  amounts  to  more  than  200,000. 

And  now,  Sir,  in  view  of  these  and  many  other  facts,  which  might  be 
added,  whether  we  deem  complete  success  possible  or  not,  dues  not  our  use- 
fulness, our  characters,  our  jn'osperity,  our  healths,  our  lives,  and  the  ever- 
lasting welfare  of  our  souls,  require  us  to  do  all  that  God  has  given  us  the 
means  of  doing,  to  arrest  the  progress  of  this  deadly  vice?  And  may  we  not 
indulge  a  hope  that  in  this  effort  we  shall  be  aided  by  the  weight  of  your  in- 
fluence and  example? 

Very  respectfully,  yours, 

Samuel  Hyde, 
William  Jackson, 
Joel  Fuller, 
Seth  Davis. 


In  conformity  with  the  invitation,  as  set  forth  in  the  above  cir- 
cular, a  meeting  was  held  at  the  time  and  place  specified,  and 
twenty-seven  members  subscribed  then-  names  to  a  document  of 


TEMPERANCE.  523 

the  same  import  as  the  circular,  and  officers  were  chosen.  TMs 
was,  probabh',  the  first  local  or  town  organization  of  the  kind  in 
the  State,  or  in  New  England,  excepting  that  at  Andover,  above 
alluded  to.  Much  ridicule  and  opposition  was  manifested  ;  but  the 
Societ}',  notwithstanding,  continued  to  increase  rapidly  in  num- 
l)ers  and  influence,  until  hundreds  were  in  the  ranks.  Weekly 
aneetings  for  several  consecutive  winters  were  held  in  a  building 
used  for  a  private  Academj'  in  West  Newton,  it  being  the  onh' 
place  convenient  for  such  [)urposes.  It  was  at  that  place  that  the 
Society  established  a  librar}'  of  several  hundred  volumes,  called 
the  Adelphian  Library'.  It  also  originated  the  "Institution  for 
Savings "  in  the  town  of  Newton.  At  their  weekly-  meetings, 
debates  on  the  utility  of  railroads  and  other  subjects,  on  astrono- 
my, chemistry,  agriculture,  history,  etc.,  were  held,  and  were  pop- 
ular, and  as  numerousl}^  attended  as  an}-  meetings  of  a  like  charac- 
ter at  AVest  Newton.  Thus  the  first  fruits  of  the  Temperance 
reform  were  felt  in  a  stimulus  to  frugality  and  literary  culture  ;  and, 
perhaps,  a  hint  comes  down  to  us  from  those  earlier  daj^s,  as  to 
new  methods  of  giving  interest  to  this  class  of  meetings,  which 
are  now  too  often  barren  and  repetitious.  Let  the  mind  be  fed 
Avith  higher  nutriment,  and  the  lower  appetites  of  the  body  will 
find  an  effectual  check.  It  is  fitting,  at  a  meeting  for  the  promo- 
tion of  universal  self-control,  to  discuss  the  relations  of  this 
attainment  to  general  prosperity'  in  all  things. 

The  following  is  a  part  of  the  action  recorded  at  the  first 
meeting  of  the  Society  : 

Deeply  impressed  with  a  sense  of  the  important  and  valuable  results,  to  the 
rising  and  risen  generations,  which  may  be  reasonably  anticipated  from  the 
efforts  of  the  Newton  Association  for  the  Promotion  of  Temperance,  and  be- 
ing full}'  aware  that  these  efforts  have  been,  and  (to  be  effectually  useful) 
must  continue  to  be,  attended  with  considerable  pecuniary  sacrifice,  we  here- 
by cheerfully  contribute  and  agree  to  pay  to  the  Treasurer  of  said  Society, 
the  respective  sums  set  against  our  names. 


William  Jackson, 

$10.00 

E.  B.  Kenrick, 

.$2.00 

Joseph  Grafton, 

1.00 

Ephraira  Jackson,  2d, 

1.50 

Samuel  Hyde, 

3.00 

Joel  Jenison, 

.20 

Joel  Fuller, 

1.33 

Joshua  Jenison, 

.25 

Seth  Davis, 

1.50 

E.  F.  Woodward, 

1.50 

Increase  S.  Davis, 

2.00 

William  Kenrick, 

1.00 

Marshall  S.  Rice, 
John  Kcnrick, 

2.00 
5.00 

.$32.34 

524  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Dr.  Gilbert  gives  the  following  interesting  account  in  con- 
nection with  the  early  movement  in  Newton  in  the  cause  of  Tem- 
perance : 

I  had  not  been  long  in  Newton  when  Mr.  William  Jackson  came  to  request 
me  to  deliver  a  Discourse  before  the  Temperance  Society  at  its  second  an- 
niversary. I  was  not  very  well  posted  in' regard  to  the  subject;  but  as  I  had 
been  a  member  of  the  Temperance  Society  in  the  town  of  Andover,  I  felt 
that  I  was  enlisted  for  the  war.  I  had  read  Dr.  Beecher's  "  Six  Sermons  on 
Intemperance,"  and  heard  Drs.  Edwards  and  Hewitt  preach  on  the  subject; 
and  so  I  acceded  to  the  request. 

While  I  was  engaged  in  preparing  my  Discourse,  I  called  on  father 
Greenough,  who  felt  a  little  cool  towards  the  movement.  He  was  a  very 
conscientious  man,  and,  being  in  the  practice,  under  medical  advice,  of  tak- 
ing a  half  a  glass  of  gin  every  day,  he  had  joined  the  Society,  with  that  pro- 
viso. I  told  him  what  I  was  doing.  I  told  him  I  had  come  to  the  conclusion 
that  the  army  of  intemperates  in  the  United  States  was  enormous.  "  How 
many?  "  he  inquired.  "  Thirty  thousand,"  said  I.  "  O  no  ;  there  cannot  be 
half  so  many,"  said  he.  "  Even  that  is  only  twenty-five  to  a  thousand  peo- 
ple." "  Well,  there  could  not  be  so  many."  "  Mr.  Greenough,  don't  you 
think  your  own  parisii  would  furnish  that  proportion?  "  "  No,  no."  "  Well, 
suppose  we  add  Watertown  and  Brighton."  "  Well,  if  you  add  Watertown, 
I  don't  know;  they  do  drink  there." 

"  Now,"  said  I,  "  suppose  you  begin  at  the  Poorhouse  and  count  through 
the  parish, —  you  are  better  acquainted  than  I  am, —  now  are  there  not  a 
dozen  at  the  Poorhouse?"  "Yes,  but  they  all  came  from  Oak  Hill."  "Well, 
then,  suppose  you  reckon,  for  your  part,  two  at  the  Poorhouse."  "Yes, 
there  may  be  two."  "  Now,"  said  I,  "  lot  us  count  on."  His  three  unmar- 
ried daughters  took  up  the  matter  and  began  the  count,  and  passed  through 
the  entire  parish.  In  a  settlement  of  about  sixty  houses,  they  counted  up, 
to  the  astonishment  of  the  good  old  man,  nineteen.  "  Oh,"  said  he,  "  who 
would  have  thought  there  were  half  so  many?  " 

I  found  subsequently  as  many  more,  who  were  known  to  go  quite  too  far 
in  the  same  direction.  Many  of  them  afterwards  reformed;  some  died, 
unchanged.  But  the  cause  of  Temperance  won  the  hearts  of  the  commu- 
nity, and  a  great  work  was  done. 

Dr.  Gilbert's  Discourse  was  published,  and  was  among  the  first 
wliich  maintained  the  doctrine  of  total  abstinence. 

The  town  of  Newton,  in  its  corporate  capacit}',  undoubtedly 
kept  even  pace  with  the  Commonwealth  and  with  public  opinion 
on  the  subject  of  temperance.  Liquor  and  license  laws  were,  from 
time  to  time,  here  as  elsewhere,  matters  of  familiar  discussion 
with  the  people  ;  and  whatever  measures  Massachusetts  legislation 
established,  the  executives  of  Newton  promptly  sanctioned  and 
carried  out.     The  progress  of  tlie  temperance  movement  in  N;;w- 


TEMPERANCE.  525 

ton  was  iu  harmony  with  the  movenaent  in  the  best  towns  of  the 
State.  The  Records  occasionally  testify  that  there  were  faithful 
men,  watching  over  the  public  welfare,  who  were  ever  ready  to  put 
in  execution,  in  this  department,  the  most  stringent  law  which  pub- 
lic opinion  could  be  made  to  sanction.  Some  of  the  entries  in  the 
Records,  designed  to  shelter  the  people  from  harmful  temptation, 
are  sufficiently  curious.  Tims  in  April,  1850,  the  Selectmen  were 
appointed  a  committee  to  prosecute  all  violators  of  the  license  law 
in  the  town.  In  March,  1853,  the  citizens,  in  town  meeting 
assembled,  voted  not  to  license  an}^  to  sell  intoxicating  liquors. 
April  1,  18G2,  a  certificate  is  issued  to  one  of  the  citizens,  and 
signed  b}^  the  whole  Board  of  Selectmen,  appointing  the  person 
in  question  "  agent  for  the  sale  of  spirituous  liquors  under  the  liq- 
uor laws  of  this  Commonwealth,  for  the  year  ending  May  1,  1863." 
In  1864,  the  business  in  some  respects  assumed  a  still  graver  char- 
acter, the  town  itself  becoming,  through  its  agent,  the  purchaser 
and  seller  of  spirituous  liquors  to  its  inhabitants.  The  following 
is  the  certificate,  placed  among  the  Records  of  the  town: 

CERTIFICATE    OF   THE   APPOINTMENT   OF   TOWN   LIQUOR   AGENT. 
Under  the  Laws  of  Massachusetts. 
Town  of  Newton  : 

This  is  to  certify  that  John  J.  Ware,  having  given  bonds,  has  been  duly 
appointed  by  the  Selectmen  of  Newton,  an  agent  to  purchase  Intoxicating 
liquors,  and  to  sell  the  same  at  Newton,  in  Beacon  Street,  in  the  Town  of 
Newton,  to  be  used  in  the  Arts,  or  for  Medicinal,  Chemical  and  Mechanical 
purposes,  and  no  other;  under  and  in  conformity  with  the  Laws  of  the  Com- 
monwealth of  Massachusetts.  (See  General  Laws,  Chapter  8G,  Sections  17 
to  24  inclusive.)  This  appointment  to  continue  for  eight  months  from  the 
date  hereof,  unless  sooner  revoked  by  said  Selectmen.  Said  agent  shall  re- 
ceive a  salary  of  fifty  dollars  a  year,  which  shall  be  in  full  for  his  said  ser- 
vice, or  in  that  proportion  for  a  less  time. 

Dated  at  Newton  this  sixth  day  of  September,  1864. 


Thomas  Rice,  jr., 
Samuel  F.  Dix, 
Fked.  a.  Collins, 
Orrin  Whipple, 
J.  F.  C.  Hyde, 


>•  Selectmen  of  Newtou. 


The  following  year  it  was  specified  that  the  place  of  deposit  and 
sale  of  these  articles  should  be  at  the  Almshouse. 

A  similar  certificate  was  granted  in  1865-7.  But  this  method 
was   in  due  time  abolished.     And  in  the  warrant  for  the  town 


526  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

meeting  of  November  5,  1867,  there  was  an  article  "to  see  if  the 
town  will  abolish  its  Liquor  Agenc}''  and  discontinue  its  traffic  in 
intoxicating  liquors,  or  remove  its  stock  of  liquors  from  the  Alms- 
house, and  establish  an  agent  for  the  sale  thereof  in  each  village 
in  the  town."  When  the  article  was  read  in  the  town  meeting, 
"  after  considerable  discussion  the  town  voted  to  postpone  indefi- 
nitel}'  the  whole  matter." 

The  temperance  principles  of  the  town  went  still  further.  For 
on  the  6th  of  September,  1870,  a  vote  was  passed  by  the  town 
that  no  person  shall  be  allowed  to  sell  ale,  porter,  strong  beer  or 
lager  beer  in  the  town  of  Newton.  This  vote  was  repealed 
May  2,  1871. 

From  that  time  the  cause  of  Temperance  has  been  left  to  the 
action  of  the  State  laws  and  the  magistrates  appointed  to  execute 
them,  and  to  the  voluntary  organizations  or  associated  or  private 
efibrts  of  the  citizens. 

NEWTON   AND   FIRE   COMPANIES. 

The  old  Cataract  Engine  Company  at  the  Lower  Falls,  is  the 
oldest  fire  organization  in  Newton,  and  has  had  a  marked  and 
peculiar  histor}'.  In  the  yeav  1813  the  Legislature  passed  an  act 
granting  authority  to  certain  persons  to  form  a  Fire  Engine  Com- 
pany,* compose^  of  residents  of  the  Lower  Falls,  in  part  situated 


♦The following  is  the  copy  of  tills  Charter:  "  Be  it  enacted,  etc., 

"  Sect.  1.  Tliat  the  Selectmen  of  the  towns  of  Newton  and  Needham  be  and  they 
hereby  are  respectively  authorized  and  empowered  to  nominate  and  appoint,  as  sooa 
as  may  be  after  the  passing  of  this  Act,  and  ever  after  in  the  month  of  March  an- 
nually, so  long  as  there  shall  be  a  good  Engine  at  or  near  Lower  Falls,  so  called,  on 
Charles  River,  any  number  of  suitable  persons,  not  exceeding  ten  in  each  of  said, 
towns,  to  be  a  Company  of  Enginemeu,  to  take  charge  of  and  manage  said  engine, 
who  shall  be  subject  to  the  same  duties  and  vested  with  the  same  powers,  and  enti- 
tled to  the  same  rights,  privileges  andexemptions  that  all  Enginemen  now  by  law  are. 

"  Sect.  2.  Be  it  further  enacted  that  all  rules  and  regulations  respecting  their  duty 
as  Enginemen  shall,  before  they  be  established,  be  approved  by  the  Selectmen  of 
said  towns;  and  all  penalties  annexed  to  the  same  may  be  recovered  by  the  Clerk  of 
said  Enginemen  before  any  Justice  ol  the  Feace  in  the  County  where  the  person  who 
may  forfeit  shall  reside. 

"Provided,  however,  that  nothing  herein  contained  shall  be  construed  into  an 
authority  to  appoint  by  the  Selectmen  aforesaid  any  man  to  the  Engine  Company 
aforesaid,  who  shall  reside  more  than  half  a  mUe  from  the  established  house  of  said 
Engine,  nor  to  reduce  the  number  of  men  in  any  military  Company  to  a  less  number 
than  sixy-four,  rank  and  file. 
"  Approved  June  18, 1812." 

An  Act  was  passed  February  23, 1813,  increasing  the  number  of  Enginemen  to  be 
appointed  by  the  towns  of  Newton  and  Needham  to  twenty-one,— thirteen  of  whom 
shall  always  be  inhabitants  of  Newton. 


FIRE  COMPANIES.  527 

in  Newtoii,  and  part  in  Needham, —  the  Charles  River  being  the 
boundary  of  the  two  towns,  as  is  the  case  at  the  Upper  Falls. 
The  act  granted  unusual  powers  to  this  Company,  the  members  of 
which  paid  an  admission  fee  of  five  dollars.  Their  tub  was  at 
first  a  wooden  one,  but  afterwards  replaced  with  copper.  They 
purchased  their  own  machine  ;  also  the  buckets,  then  in  common 
use  at  fires,  and  otlier  paraphernalia.  The}^  adopted  by-laws,  and, 
b3-  authority  of  the  Act,  imposed  penalties  for  their  infringement. 
Though  the  temperance  movement  had  not  then  commenced, 
stringent  regulations  were  adopted  to  prevent  the  members  of  the 
Company  from  using  spirituous  liquor  to  an  immoderate  extent. 
This  organization  continued  from  the  year  1813  until  about  1840, 
when  it  came  under  the  direction  of  the  town. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  first  appointment  of  enginemeo, 
for  Company  No.  1,  Newton  Lower  Falls  : 

Newton,  May  3,  1813. —  Nominated  and  appointed  Francis  Hoogs,  Isaac 
Hagar,  Ephraim  Jackson,  2d,  James  Bunce,  Edward  Fisher,  John  Green- 
wood, Joshua  Jackson,  jr.,  George  Hooker,  Henry  Bartlett,  Daniel  Seaver, 
Amos  Haggct  and  Nathaniel  Hyde,  as  enginemen  to  Engine  No.  1,  at  the 
Lower  Falls,  agreeable  to  an  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  this  Commonwealth, 
passed  February  23,   1813. 

Most  of  the  al)ove  have  died.  Many  of  the  prominent  men  of 
the  village  and  town  have  belonged  to  this  organization,  and  their 
spirit  of  enterprise  and  noble  daring  has  been  transmitted  to  their 
successors. 

Notwithstanding  the  stringent  regulation  against  immoderate 
drinking,  it  is  probable  that  the  enginemen  of  the  Lower  Falls, 
in  those  ante-temperance  days,  were  no  more  proof  against  the 
pleasures  of  the  palate  than  other  mortals.  Indeed,  they  may 
almost  justly  be  accused  of  courting  temptation.  Enginemen 
have  always  been  convivial  companions.  And  at  their  monthly 
business  meetings,  which  were  held,  according  to  the  custom  of 
the  times,  at  the  Village  inn, —  to  compensate  the  landlord  for 
then-  accommodations,  ever}'  engineman  Avas  in  the  habit  of 
going  to  the  bar,  and  paying  ten  cents  for  a  drink  from  the 
decanters.  And  the  annual  symposium  at  the  same  inn  doubt- 
less furnished,  besides  the  savory  viands,  the  substautials  of  the 
feast,  a  provocative  of  appetite  at  the  beginning,  and  an  antidote 
against  the  cold  air  of  evening,  when  they  adjourned  to  go  home- 
at  the  close.  But  the  dinner,  or  '"  Enginemen's  Supper,"  as  thejr 
called  it,  was  not  at  the  expense  of  the  town. 


528  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

The  fire  department  of  later  times  was  of  gradual  growth. 
From  the  beginning  at  Newton  Lower  Falls,  in  1812,  the  town 
from  time  to  time  took  action  to  protect  the  property  of  the  citi- 
zens, appropriating  money,  purchasing  engines  and  ladders  for  the 
several  villages,  and  gradually  increasing  the  pay  of  firemen, 
until  in  the  year  of  grace  1878,  the  total  expense  of  this  depart- 
ment, including  the  Fire  Alarm  Telegraph,  amounted  to  $37,303.01, 
and  the  amount  of  property  invested  in  Fire  apparatus,  buildings 
and  land,  including  the  fire  alarm  telegi'aph,  was  $148,100. 

The  following  Records  give  a  general  view  of  the  action  of  the 
town  at  successive  periods  : 

A  Fireward,  so  called,  \^as  elected  by  the  town  April  6,  1818.  The 
incumbent  elected  was  Solomon  Curtis.  In  1823,  eight  firewards  were 
chosen,  and  in  1824,  ten. 

May  12,  1823,  a  vote  was  passed  by  the  town  "that  it  be  left  to  the  dis- 
cretion of  the  Selectmen  to  build  Engine-houses  when  and  where  they  may 
deem  them  necessary.  Provided,  that  the  proprietors  of  the  Engine  or 
Engines  will  provide  land  at  their  own  expense  to  build  said  houses  upon." 

August  11,  1824,  a  vote  was  passed  offering  a  reward  of  three  hundred 
dollars  "  to  any  person  that  will  give  any  information  that  shall  serve  to 
detect  and  convict  the  incendiary  or  incendiaries  that  caused  any  of  the  late 
fires  that  have  or  that  may  take  place  in  this  town. "  The  Selectmen  were 
also  authorized  "  to  provide  such  necessary  appendages  to  the  several  fire- 
engines  of  the  Town  as  thej'  may  think  proper." 

March  7,  1825,  four  firewards  were  chosen  for  each  of  the  Engines,  No. 
1,  Lower  Falls;  No.  2,  Newton  Centre  and  Upper  Falls;  No.  3,  West  New- 
ton; Elliot  Factory  Engine,  Upper  Falls.  In  1826  the  number  of  firewards 
was  increased  to  seventeen,  and  in  1827  to  eighteen.  In  1835,  the  town 
voted  to  expend  one  thousand  dollars,  to  put  the  fire-engines  in  repair  or 
purchase  new  ones,  together  with  hose.  In  March,  182C,  it  was  voted  that 
in  future  the  several  firewards  in  the  town  provide  refreshments  for  the 
engineraen  and  others,  who  may  come  from  neighboring  towns  to  aid  in 
extinguishing  fire,  and  present  bills  of  the  same  to  the  Selectmen  for 
allowance. 

No  new  measures  in  reference  to  the  extinguishment  of  fires 
were  instituted  for  several  years.  Beyond  the  annual  election  of 
firewards,  and  an  occasional  appropriation  of  two  hundred  dollars 
for  the  purchase  of  hose,  the  Department  ran  on  in  its  even  tenor, 
not  much  regulated  by  the  town,  and  in  a  general  waj'  not  adding 
very  much  to  the  securit}'  of  loroperty.  The  geographical  extent  of 
the  town  was  too  great,  and  the  engines  were  too  small,  and  the  sup- 
ply of  water  was  generally  too  scanty  to  make  the  Fire  Department 


FIRE  COMPANIES.  52» 

of  much  use.  In  March,  18J  2,  however,  the  town  appropriated  six 
hundred  dollars  each,  for  fire  purposes,  to  the  villages  of  Newton 
Upper  Falls,  West  Newton,  Newton  Centre  and  Newton  Corner, 
provided  that  each  of  these  villages  should  add  two  hundred  dollars 
more.  In  November,  1843,  a  similar  appropriation  was  made  for 
Newton  Lower  Falls.  At  the  same  time,  the  town  voted  to  accept 
of  an  Act  of  the  Legislature,  establishing  a  Fire  Department  in 
Newton.  In  March,  1849,  the  firemen  were  allowed,  by  vote,  five 
dollars  and  the  abatement  of  their  poll  tax,  in  compensation  for 
their  sei'vices.  In  March,  1847,  it  was  stated  that  "  the  whole 
expenses  of  the  Fire  Department,  including  $76.80,  old  debts, 
had  been,  the  past  3'ear,  $1,087.31.  The  expenses  for  each  engine 
and  Company,  including  the  debts  now  due  for  the  repairs  of 
engines,  applied  to  the  Companies  where  they  belong,  have  been  as 
follows:  No.  1,  Lower  Falls,  $192.80;  No.  3,  West  Newton, 
$lG0.64;No.  4,  Upper  Falls,  $106.24;  No.  5,  Newton  Corner, 
$269.51 ;  No.  6,  Newton  Centre,  $97.94.  The  whole  expense 
above  named  ($1,087.31)  included  taxes  refunded  to  Enginemen, 
and  refreshments  at  the  general  trial  of  engines." 

The  management  of  fires,  engines  and  engine  companies  was 
evidently  a  difficult  one  to  the  citizens  of  Newton.  To  give  the 
engine  companies,  which  were  generally  composed  of  enterprising 
young  men,  sufficient  liberty,  and  yet  to  prevent  that  libert}'  from 
being  abused, —  to  control  them,  and  j'et  leave  them  to  fulfil 
their  necessary  office  without  feeling  that  they  were  unduly  con- 
trolled,—  caused  the  citizens  of  the  town  much  anxiety.  In 
April,  1850,  a  committee,  previously  appointed,  made  an  extended 
report  on  this  subject,  which  shows,  to  a  certain  extent,  the  abuses 
of  libertj^  on  the  part  of  the  enginemen,  and  the  state  of  mind  of 
sober  and  judicious  citizens.     The  report  is  as  follows  : 

We  the  subscribers,  a  committee  chosen  at  the  last  annual  March  meet- 
ing, "  to  report  at  the  next  April  meeting  some  measures  that  will  lessen  the 
expenses  of  the  Fire  Department,"  have  attended  that  service  and  beg  leave 
to  report,  that  after  a  free  and  protracted  discussion  relative  to  the  subject, 
they  were  nearly  unanimous  in  coming  to  the  conclusion,  that  the  expense 
and  evils  arising  out  of  the  present  organization  of  the  Fire  Department  had 
formed  a  crisis  that  required  a  less  exceptionable  organization,  or  that  the 
morals  and  pecuniary  interest  of  the  town  would  be  greatly  promoted,  by  dis- 
pensing entirely  with  all  the  appliances  pertaining  to  said  Department. 

Your  committee  entertain  no  other  but  friendly  feelings  towards  all  the 
members  of  the  present  Fire  Department,  and  feel  assured  that  they  would 
34 


530  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

not  suffer  by  ccmparison  with  any  similar  organizations  in  the  adjoining 
towns.  Yet  it  cannot  be  denied  that  evils  of  such  magoitude  have  grown 
out  of  the  present  system,  as  to  encourage  crime  and  debase  the  mind,  rather 
than  to  protect  property  and  aid  the  unfortunate.  And  it  is  a  well  known 
fact  that  such  is  the  doubtful  utility  [of  such  companies]  in  the  minds  of  the 
inhabitants  of  very  many  towns  in  the  Commonwealth,  that  they  refuse  to 
make  any  provisions  for  any  similar  organizations.  Among  the  great  number 
of  towns  thus  acting  may  be  mentioned  the  neighboring  towns  of  Needhani, 
Weston,  Lincoln,  and  even  the  populous  town  of  Lexington;  and  if  their 
comparative  losses  by  fire,  compared  with  our  own,  where  expensive  apparatus 
is  provided,  be  the  standard  by  which  to  judge  of  the  wisdom  of  their  course, 
the  results  indicate  their  superior  foresight. 

And  it  is  no  new  thing  under  the  sun  that  has  suddenly  manifested  itself, 
that  evils  of  great  magnitude  are  incident  to  all  similar  organizations. 
Nearly  2000  years  since,  Trajan,  writing  to  Pliny,  in  reply,  says,  "You  are 
of  opinion  it  would  be  proper  to  establish  a  company  of  firemen  in  Nicome- 
dia,  agreeably  to  wliat  has  been  ijractised  in  several  other  cities.  But  be  it 
remembered,  that  Societies  of  this  sort  have  greatly  disturbed  the  peace  of 
the  Province  in  general,  and  of  those  cities  in  particular.  Whatever  name 
we  give  them,  and  for  whatever  purpose  they  may  be  instituted,  they  will  not 
fail  to  form  themselves  into  factious  assemblies,  however  short  their  meet- 
ings may  be."  And  although  the  respectable  town  of  Newton  has  never 
been  the  scene  of  such  disturbances  as  have  been  exhibited  in  the  ancient 
Roman  Empire,  or  in  some  of  the  cities  of  our  happy  Republic,  yet  scene* 
have  been  witnessed  that  have  met  the  disapprobation  of  its  most  influential 
and  worthy  citizens.  And  it  cannot  be  denied  that  several  thousand  dollars'' 
worth  of  property  was  destroyed  in  a  neighboring  town,  in  a  single  night,  and 
in  all  probability  it  would  have  been  saved,  had  no  engine  been  within  ten 
miles  of  the  scene  of  conflagration. 

From  the  foregoing  considerations,  your  committee  found  it  much  easier 
to  deplore  the  evils,  than  to  point  out  any  specific  course  which  would  wholly 
obviate  the  evils  complained  of.  But  they  were  unanimous  in  recommend- 
ing to  the  town  to  refuse,  under  all  circumstances  whatever,  to  provide  any 
refreshments.  And  although  cases  may  possibly  occur,  where  such  a  course 
might  be  attended  with  some  inconvenience,  your  committee  however  feeL 
confident  that  the  evils  arising  under  the  present  system  are  tenfold  more 
than  would  arise  under  the  one  recommended. 

Your  committee  recommend  that  the  sum  of  three  dollars  only  be  given  to 
each  engineman,  inasmuch  as  a  principle  of  philanthropy  ought  to  be  the 
stimulus  to  prompt  them  to  bear  a  portion  of  the  burden,  rather  than  any 
pecuniary  consideration.  And  they  cannot  but  believe  that  a  suflicient  num- 
ber of  patriotic  young  men  exist  in  every  village,  to  manage  the  several 
engines  in  the  town.  But  should  it  prove  otherwise,  your  committee  enter- 
tain no  doubts  but  that  a  competent  number  of  citizens  in  every  village 
would  volunteer  to  turn  out,  by  day  or  by  night,  in  all  cases  of  emergency, 
even  without  any  compensation.  But,  provided  that  neither  of  the  foregoing 
results  should  follow,  your  committee  would  recommend  that  some  suitable 


FIRE  DEPARTMENT.  531 

person,  as  heretofore,  should  be  appointed  to  take  proper  care  of  the  engines 
in  the  several  villages,  and  that  a  liond  be  given  to  the  town  by  not  less 
than  six  responsible  men  in  each  of  the  villages  as  aforesaid,  where  the  sev- 
eral engines  are  located,  and  that  the  said  engines  be  given  up  to  their 
charge,  to  be  surrendered  back  to  the  town  whenever  demanded,  in  the  same 
good  condition  they  now  are  in,  casualties  and  natural  wear  excepted. 

Your  committee  further  recommend  that  no  engine  be  permitted  to  leave 
its  destined  location,  to  go  to  any  of  tlie  adjoining  towns,  or  to  other  villages 
in  the  town,  until  sent  for  by  persons  properly  authorized  to  seek  such  aid. 

Your  committee  are  aware  that  some  of  the  foregoing  recommendations 
fall  legitimately  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Board  of  Engineers,  as  now 
constituted.  Yet  feeling  that  some  action  of  the  town  on  the  foregoing  sub- 
jects would  be  received  with  approbation,  your  committee  felt  desirous  that 
an  expression  of  the  town  might  be  had  as  touching  the  subject. 

Seth  Davis,  in  behalf  of  the  Committee. 

The  Report  was  amended  "  by  substituting  the  sura  of  five  dol- 
lars instead  of  three  dollars  for  the  compensation  of  the  engine- 
men,  which  is  to  include  their  pay  for  their  services,  and  their 
refreshments  and  fuel," — and  then  accepted. 

For  the  next  ten  years,  the  difficult  matter  of  engines  and  fire 
companies  and  the  management  of  them  seems  to  have  called  forth 
little  action  on  the  part  of  the  town.  Appropriations  were  made, 
from  time  to  time,  to  meet  the  necessities  of  the  department.  The 
expenses  attendant  on  the  maintenance  of  the  engine  companies 
were  paid  out  of  the  public  treasury,  and  annually  reported  in  the 
auditor's  account.  The  firemen  kept  up  their  several  organiza- 
tions, and  accomplished  as  much  as  could  be  expected  of  them 
with  their  imperfect  machines,  and  the  lack  of  water  in  many  parts 
of  the  town,  with  which  they  had  to  contend.  April  29,  1861,  an 
appropriation  was  made  of  $500,  to  purchase  new  hose  for  the  fire 
department. 

Februaiy  1, 1867,  the  Fire  Department  of  Newton  had  six  hand 
engines,  well  furnished  with  apparatus,  and  in  good  working 
order;  viz..  No.  1  at  the  Lower  Falls,  No.  3  at  West  Newton, 
No.  4  at  the  Upper  Falls.  Empire  5  and  Nonantum  5  at  Newton 
Corner,  and  Eagle  No.  6  at  Newton  Centre.  All  but  the  last 
named  had  organized  fire  companies  attached  to  them. 

Three  months  later,  the  two  fire  companies  at  Newton  Corner 
dissolved  theu*  organization,  and  that  part  of  the  town  remained 
for  a  season  without  a  fire  company,  awaiting  the  introduction  of 
the  Steam  Fire  Engine, —  an  improvement  of  modern  times,  which 


532  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

was  sure  to  come,  and  which,  when  it  came,  constituted  a  new 
era  in  the  history  of  the  fire  department.  The  introduction  of 
such  an  institution  into  one  village  of  Newton  insured  its  coming 
successively  into  the  other  villages.  The  power  of  a  steam  fire 
engine  to  throw  water  created  a  necessity  for  public  reservoirs ; 
for  no  well  could  supply  the  enormous  demand  ;  and  in  due  time 
followed  the  Charles  Eiver  waterworks  and  the  street  hj^drants,  of 
which,  the  vote  to  purchase  the  first  steam  fire  engine  was  a  proph- 
ecy and  an  assurance. 

Newton  had  not  3'et  become  a  citj- ;  but  it  was  thus  by  anticipa- 
tion securing  to  itself  all  the  conveniences  and  luxuries  of  a  city. 
Its  enterprising  inhabitants  were  not  content  to  be  left  behind  in 
the  race  of  improvement.  Many  of  the  citizens  had  come  from 
places  where  they  had  learned  to  regard  such  things  as  among  the 
necessities  of  life,  and  they  could  not  be  satisfied  without  the  enjo}'- 
ment  of  them.  Newton  also  sought  to  draw  to  itself  an  increas- 
ing population,  and  to  gather  into  its  bosom  those  who  would  be  to 
it  a  strength  and  an  honor ;  and  if  a  wise  policy,  on  the  one  hand, 
would  dissuade  the  townsmen  from  so  expensive  measures,  an 
equally  wise  policy,  on  the  other  hand,  urged  them  upon  their  adop- 
tion. 

November  5,  1867,  the  sum  of  $300  was  appropriated  to  pur- 
chase a  bell  for  fire  alarm  purposes,  to  be  placed  in  the  house  of 
Engine  Co.  No.  3  at  West  Newton.  Soon  afterwards,*  a  vote  was 
passed  appropriating  money  to  procure  a  Steam  Fire  Engine  to  be 
located  in  the  village  of  Newton  Corner.  March  7,  1870,  the  town 
voted  to  pay  the  firemen  ten  dollars  each  per  j'ear,  instead  of  five, 
and  leading  bosemen,  including  those  at  the  Steam  Fire  Engine 
house,  fifteen  dollars. 

April' 3,  1871,  the  town  voted  to  purchase  a  Steam  Fire  Engine 
for  West  Newton.  November  13,  1871,  an  appropriation  was 
made  for  a  Hook  and  Ladder  carriage  to  be  located  at  Newton- 
ville,  and  in  March  following  (1872)  the  sum  of  825,000  was 
voted  for  a  Steam  Fire  Engine  and  House  at  Newton  Centre. 

The  improved  Fire-apparatus  suggested  the  necessity  of  the  fire- 
alarm,  which  formed  an  important  part  of  the  fm-nishing  of  the 
Steam  Fire  Engine  bouse  at  Newton  Centre  from  the  beginning. 


♦The  large  and  elegant  school-liouse  at  Newtou  Centre  was  burned  November  14, 
ISGi);  the  tire-apparatua  then  existing  was  utterly  unable  to  stay  the  conflagration. 
This  event  may  have  led  to  this  efficient  order  of  the  town,  at  the  next  town  meeting. 


FIRE  DEPARTMENT. 


533 


As   soon  as  the  circuit  was  completed,  the  fire-alarm  was   also, 
employed,  to  strike  the  hour  of  noon  in  every  part  of  the  city, 
thus  giving  the  citizens  uniform  time,  and  as  a  signal,  when  occa- 
sion required,  for  the  schools. 

VALUATION  OF  THE  PROPERTY  OF  THE  FIRE  DEPARTMENT. 

The  following  valuation  of  the  property  of  the  Newton  Fire 
Department  is  taken  from  the  Eeport  of  the  City  Auditor  for 
December,  1879: 


Steam  Fire  Engine  House,  No.  1  Engine  and  apparatus,  fur- 
niture, lockup,  dwelling-house,  stable  and  land, 

Steam  Fire  Engine  House,  No.  2  Engine,  apparatus,  land,  etc.. 

Steam  Fire  Engine  House,  No.  3  Engine  and  apparatus,  fur- 
niture, stable,  lockup,  land,  etc.. 

Hook  and  Ladder  House,  stable,  land,  etc..  No.  2, 

Hook  and  Ladder  Carriage,  etc.,  Newtonville, 

Hose  Carriage,  hose,  etc.,  Newtonville, 

Engine  House,  land,  etc.,  do. 

Hose  Carriage  House,  stable,  etc.,  Auburndale, 

Hose  Carriage,  hose,  etc.,  Auburndale, 

Hose  Carriage  House,  stable,  etc.,  Lower  Falls, 

Hose  Carriage,  hose,  etc.,  Lower  Falls, 

Fire  Engine  House,  engine,  land,  etc..  Upper  Falls, 

Fire  Engine  House,  land,  etc.,  Newton  Centre, 

Hose,  apparatus,  hooks,  ladders,  etc.. 

Reservoirs  for  Fire  purposes. 

Fire  Alarm  Telegraph,  including  team,  etc.. 


$25,000.00 
25,000.00 

28,000.00 

18,000.00 

800.00 

1,500.00 

3,500.00 

6,000.00 

800.00 

7,000.00 

1,800.00 

2,000.00 

4,000.00 

1,000.00 

2,000.00 

16,000  00 

$141,400.00 


CHAPTER  XLI. 

SLAVE-HOLDING     IN       NEWTON. —  SLAVERY      IN       MASSACHUSETTS.— 
SLAVE   OWNERS  IN  NEWTON. 

The  histoiy  of  slavery  in  Massachusetts  runs  back  to  a  very 
early  period,  and  it  is  not  surprising  that  the  early  residents  of 
Newton  did  not  wholly  avoid  complicit}'  with  it.  Samuel  Maver- 
ick resided  on  Noddle's  Island  (afterwards  East  Boston),  in  1630, 
the  date  of  the  arrival  of  John  Winthrop.  He  had  a  fort  and  four 
great  guns,  and,  besides,  "  a  negro  woman  and  a  negro  man,"  and 
"  another  negro  who  was  her  maid  ;"  and  John  Josel3'n,  who  came 
to  New  England  in  1638,  testifies  that  "  Mr.  Maverick  was  desir- 
ous to  have  a  breed  of  negroes."  One  of  these  negro  women  was 
said  to  have  been  a  queen  in  her  own  country.  The  laws  enacted  in 
Massachusetts  between  1030  and  1641  make  mention  of  "masters 
and  servants,  man-servant  and  maid-servant."  In  1645,  men- 
tion is  made  of  "  negroes  fraudulently  and  injuriously  taken  and 
brought  from  Guinea  "  b}^  Captain  Smith,  to  Piscataqua.  About 
the  same  time  a  law  was  passed,  "  prohibiting  the  buj'iug  and  sell- 
ing of  slaves,  except  those  taken  in  lawful  war,  or  reduced  to  ser- 
vitude for  their  crimes  by  a  judicial  sentence,  and  these  were  to 
have  the  same  privileges  as  were  allowed  by  the  law  of  Moses." 
In  1649,  the  injunction  of  the  Hebrew  code  (Exodus  XXI:  16), 
"  He  that  stealeth  a  man  and  selleth  him,  he  shall  surely  be  put  to 
death  " — was  adopted  as  a  part  of  the  law  of  Massachusetts. 

In  1675-7  some  of  the  Indians,  supposed  to  be  loyal,  took  part 
against  the  colonists  in  king  Philip's  war.  Those  taken  in  arms 
were  adjudged  guilty  of  rebellion  ;  some  of  them  were  put  to  death, 
but  most  of  them  were  sold  into  slaver}-  in  foreign  countries. 

It  was  at  this  period  that  the  Rev.  John  Eliot,  the  apostle  of 
the  Indians,  the  foremost  friend  of  every  good  work,  and  the 
noble  pioneer  alike  of  temperance  and  anti-slavery  in  this  Com- 

534 


.    JOHN  ELIOT  AND  SLAVERY.  535 

mon wealth,  sent  up  his  petition  to  the  Colonial  Government 
against  the  enslavement  of  the  Indians.  The  petition  is  worthy 
of  record  here. 

PETITION   OF   JOHN   ELIOT   AGAINST  THE   SALE    OF   INDIANS. 

To  the  Honorable  Governor  and  Council^  sitting  at  Boston^  this 
13th  of  the  6th,  1075. 

The  Humble  Petition  of  John  Eliot  Sheweth: 

That  the  terror  of  selling  away  such  Indians  into  the  Islands  for  perpetual 
slaves,  who  shall  yield  up  themselves  to  your  mercy,  is  like  to  be  an  effect- 
ual prolongation  of  t'.ie  war,  and  such  an  exasperation  of  them  as  may  pro- 
duce we  know  not  what  evil  consequences  upon  all  the  land. 

Christ  hath  said,  '•  Blessed  are  the  merciful,  for  they  sliall  obtain  mercy." 
This  usage  of  them  is  worse  than  death.  The  design  of  Christ,  in  these  last 
■days,  is  not  to  extirpate  nations,  but  to  gospelize  them.  His  sovereign  hand 
:and  grace  hath  brought  the  gospel  into  these  dark  places  of  the  earth.  When 
we  came,  we  declared  to  the  world  (and  it  is  recorded),  yea,  we  are  engaged 
by  our  Letters  Patent  from  the  King's  Majesty, — that  the  endeavor  of  the 
Indians'  conversion,  not  their  extirpation,  was  one  great  end  of  our  enterprise 
in  coming  to  these  ends  of  the  earth.  The  Lord  hath  so  succeeded  that  work 
-as  that,  by  his  grace,  they  have  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  sundry  of  them- 
selves able  to  teach  their  countrymen  the  good  knowledge  of  God.  And, 
however  some  of  them  have  refused  to  receive  the  gospel,  and  now  are 
incensed  in  their  spirits  unto  a  -djar  against  the  English,  yet  I  doubt  not  that 
the  meaning  of  Christ  is  to  open  a  door  for  the  free  passage  of  the  gospel 
among  them. 

My  humble  request  is  that  you  would  ioWow  Christ's  design  in  this  matter, 
to  promote  the  free  passage  of  religion  among  them,  and  not  destroy  them. 

To  sell  souls  for  money  seemeth  to  me  a  dangerous  merchandise.  To  sell 
them  away  from  all  means  of  grace,  when  Christ  has  provided  moans  of 
grace  for  them,  is  the  way  for  us  to  be  active  in  the  destroying  their  souls. 
Deut.  XXIII :  15,  16,  a  fugitive  servant  from  a  pagan  master  might  not  be 
delivered  to  his  master,  but  be  kept  in  Israel  for  the  good  of  his  soul;  —  how 
much  less  lawful  to  sell  away  souls,  from  under  the  light  of  the  gospel,  into  a 
condition  where  their  souls  will  be  utterly  lost,  so  fir  as  appearetli  unto  man  ! 

All  men  of  reading  condemn  the  Spaniard  for  cruelty  upon  this  point,  in 
destroying  men  and  depopulating  the  land.  The  country  is  large  enough ; 
here  is  land  enough  for  thera  and  us  too.  Prov.  XIV  :  28,  "In  the  multitude 
of  people  is  the  King's  honor." 

It  will  be  much  to  the  glory  of  Christ  to  have  many  brought  in  to  worship 
his  great  name. 

I  desire  the  Honored  Council  to  pardon  my  boldness,  and  let  the  case  of 
conscience  be  discussed  orderly,  before  the  King  be  asked.  Cover  my 
weakness,  and  weigh  the  reason  and  religion  that  laboreth  in  this  great  case 
■of  conscience.  John  Eliot. 


536  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

About  three  months  subsequently,  seven  Indians  were  sold,  "to 
be  transported  to  an}'  place  out  of  this  continent,"  by  the  Treas- 
urer of  the  Colony. 

The  merchants  of  Massachusetts  never  engaged  in  the  African 
slave  trade  to  any  considerable  extent.  In  1703  a  duty  of  four 
pounds  was  laid  on  every  negro  imported.  Not  more  than  three 
ships  in  a  year  were  ever  engaged  in  the  African  trade,  and  slaves 
bought  in  Africa  were  sold  either  in  the  Southern  colonies  or  in 
the  West  Indies.  Very  few  entire  cargoes  were  ever  introduced. 
Some  of  the  vessels  sold  the  best  specimens  in  the  AYest  Indies, 
and  brought  the  residue  to  Boston,  which  is  said  to  be  the  only 
seaport  in  Massachusetts  ever  dishonored  by  this  trade.  The 
trade  dechned  at  about  the  date  of  the  Stamp  Act,  and  in  1788  it 
was  prohibited  by  law. 

The  above  notices  have  reference  to  the  Commonwealth  of  Mas- 
sachusetts, and  not  to  any  single  town.  It  is  an  honor  to  Newton, 
that  in  her  old  families  of  aristocratic  wealth  and  breeding,  the 
rights  of  men  were  generally  respected.  Preeminentl}^  has  the 
name  of  Jackson  been  gloriously  identified  with  resistance  to  aU 
oppression,  and  the  advocacy  of  the  cause  of  human  freedom- 
Slaver}',  as  administered  by  the  fathers  of  Newton,  was  patri- 
archal, rather  than  selfish  and  tyrannical ;  and  it  was  no  sooner 
found  existing  on  this  soil,  than  it  showed  signs  of  decay.  The 
Declaration  of  Eights  in  the  Constitution  of  Massachusetts, 
adopted  in  1780, — that  "  all  men  are  born  free  and  equal," —  con- 
tained in  itself  the  seeds  of  universal  liberty  and  equality.  And 
such  seed,  planted  in  Massachusetts,  could  not  fail  to  bring  forth 
its  legitimate  fruit. 

A  census  was  taken  by  order  of  Government,  in  the  end  of 
1754  and  beginning  of  1755,  from  which  it  appears  that  the  num- 
ber of  slaves  in  Massachusetts,  at  that  date,  was  about  2,570. 
Of  these,  1,270  were  in  Boston  ;  the  number  returned  for  Newton 
was  ten  males  and  three  females. 

In  17G3  there  were  in  Massachusetts  5,214  colored  inhabitants  ; 
in  1776,  5,249  ;  in  1784,  4,377.  Slaves  were  in  the  largest  num- 
bers, previous  to  1763.  An  intelligent  colored  man,  advanced 
in  life,  affirmed  that  Boston  contained  one-fourth  part  of  all  of 
them.  In  country  towns,  he  never  heard  of  more  than  three  or 
four  on  a  farm,  except  in  one  case,  where  there  were  sixteen. 
Those  in  Boston  were  employed  as  rope-makers,  anchor-makers, 


SLAVERY.  537 

ship-carpenters  or  servants  in  families.  It  is  said  that  negro  chil- 
dren were  reckoned  as  incumbrances,  and  were  often  given  away. 
Negroes  were  taxed  as  ratable  proi)erty.  Some  of  them  purchased 
their  freedom,  and  some  were  liberated  by  their  masters  ;  but  the 
law  was  against  manumission,  unless  the  master  gave  bonds  for 
the  maintenance  of  those  set  at  liberty',  in  case  of  sickness  or 
decrepitude.  If  found  abroad  after  nine  o'clock,  P.  M.,  the}' 
were  sent  to  the  House  of  Correction.  A  negro  striking  a  white 
man  was  liable  to  be  sold  out  of  the  province. 

The  controversy  concerning  slavery  and  its  abolition  began  as 
early  as  1766,  and  was  warmly  pursued  for  several  years  in  pam- 
phlets, speeches  and  newspaper  articles.  In  1767,  an  effort  was  made 
in  the  Massachusetts  Legislature  to  discourage  slavery,  but  with- 
out avail.  In  1773,  the  subject  was  again  brought  forward, through 
a  petition  of  the  colored  population.  In  1774,  an  Act  was  passed 
by  the  Assemblj'  forbidding  the  importation  of  slaves,  but  Gov- 
ernor Hutchinson  vetoed  it.  After  the  adoption  of  the  Constitu- 
tion in  1780,  several  asked  for  their  freedom,  and  obtained  it. 
Some  took  it  without  leave.  Many,  who  were  aged  and  feeble, 
continued  in  the  families  where  they  had  been  owned. 

The  slavery  which  existed  in  Massachusetts  was,  however,  with- 
out doubt,  a  less  galling  yoke  than  the  slavery  of  the  Southern 
States.  No  such  slave  code  ever  blackened  the  legislation  of  the 
former,  as  that  which  formed  the  acknowledged  system  of  the  lat- 
ter, and  in  families  where  slaves  were  found,  they  were  most  often 
treated  ^dth  the  tenderness  due  to  children,  and  the  compassion- 
ate consideration  dealt  out  to  the  unfortunate  and  the  suffering. 
The  heart  of  Massachusetts  never  harbored  the  spirit  of  tyranny 
towards  the  black  man  because  of  the  hue  of  his  skin.  The  slave 
was  protected  by  legal  enactment  from  the  possible  cruelt}'  of  the 
master.  In  1781,  an  indictment  was  found  against  a  white  man 
in  Worcester  county  for  assaulting,  beating  and  imprisoning  his 
slave.  He  was  tried  in  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court  in  1783. 
His  defence  was  that  the  black  was  his  slave,  and  that  the  disci- 
pline was  necessarj-  correction.  But  his  defence  was  met  by  the 
clause  of  the  Constitution  which  asserts  that  "  all  men  are  born 
free  and  equal."  The  judges  and  jury  decided  that  he  had  no 
right  to  beat  or  imprison  the  negi-o,  and  the  master  was  found 
guilty,  and  fined  fort}'  shillings.  This  decision,  it  is  said,  was 
the  death-blow  of  slavery  in  Massachusetts. 


538 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


SLAVES   AND   SLAVE-HOLDEES   IN   NEWTON. 

The  following  are  the  names  of  the  slaves  held  in  Newton  to- 
gether with  their  owners,  so  far  as  they  can  be  ascertained. 


OAVXEU. 

SLAVES. 

KESIARKS. 

Tidy, 
-  Jemme, 

Obtained,   by   his  will,  free- 

dom and  40  shillings. 

James  Barton,  d.  1729, 

1  Tom, 
[Dinah, 

Thomas  Brown, 

1  Negro  Girl, 

( Job  Comocho  ( Ind'n), 

Died,  1754. 

Capt.  Joshua  Fuller,  d.  1777, 

I  Charley, 

\  Cajsar  Mingo, 

Died,  1755. 
"       1742. 

Rev.  John  Cotton,  d.  1757, 

1  Quartus, 
(  Phillis, 

Went  into  the  King's  service 

An  incumbrance. 

Edward  Jaclison,  d.  1757, 

I  Calo, 

Appraised  at  £i:>  13s.  4d, 

(  Boston, 

"             £30  13S.  4a. 

Jonathan  Jackson,  d.  ISIO, 

Pomp, 

Freed,  June,  1776.    Died  1822. 

Kev.  Edward  Jackson,  d.  1754, 

I  Negro  man, ) 
\             wife,  / 
(  Abigail, 

Valued  at  £430. 

Capt.  Caleb  Kenrick.  d.  1771, 

5  Rose, 

Died  1786. 

(  Negro  man. 

"      1781. 

Capt.    Thomas     Prentice,    d. 

(  "  N  egro  slave," 

Valued  at  £90. 

1730, 

(  "  Servant  boy," 

"         £15. 

Dea.  W^illiam   Trowbridge,  d. 

1  Lewis, 

Born  173G. 

1744, 

1  Nancy, 

"        " 

Gen.  William  Hull  estate. 

Tillo  (Othello), 

An  incumbrance. 

Daniel  Cooke,  d.  1754, 

Pompey, 

Valued  at  £375. 

Veiy  probably  there  were  other  slave-holders  in  Newton,  of  whose 
ownership  in  their  fellow-men  no  record  remains.  The  last  rem- 
nant of  slavery  was  Tillo  (Othello) ,  a  life-long  incumbrance  of  the 
estate  of  General  William  Hull.  He  died  in  Newton,  and  is  buried 
beside  his  former  master,  in  the  Cemetery  on  Centre  Street.  This 
slave,  as  he  was  known  in  his  old  age,  seemed  to  live  a  veiy  inde- 
pendent life,  laboring  onl}'  so  m*ich  as  was  agreeable  to  him.  He 
was  wholly  uncultivated  intellectually,  and  it  is  said  could  never 
be  taught  to  read.  He  attended  the  Sabbath  School  in  the  time  of 
Dr.  Homer's  later  ministry,  and  during  Divine  service  used  to 
occupy  a  seat  in  one  of  the  negro  pews  that  adorned  the  southeast 
and  northeast  corners  of  the  audience-room  in  the  old  church  (the 
church  of  1805),  above  the  chou'. 

Considerable  trade  was  formerly  carried  on  between  Massachu- 
setts and  Barbadoes.  Several  families  from  this  Commonwealth 
settled  in  that  island  for  purposes  of  trade.  Among  them  was  that 
of  AVilliam  Spring,  brother  of  Lieutenant  John  Spring,  one  of  the 
first  settlers  of  Newton.     William  Spring  died  in  Barbadoes  about 


SLAVERY. 


539 


1695.  It  is  most  likely  that  negro  slaves  were  first  introduced 
Jiere  by  means  of  that  connection  with  the  "West  Indies.  Gov- 
ernor Bradstreet,  in  a  letter  to  the  Lords  of  the  Privy  Council, 
writes, — 

There  hiith  been  no  company  of  blacks  or  slaves  brought  into  the  country 
since  the  beginning  of  this  Plantation  for  the  space  of  fifty  years ;  only  one 
small  vessel,  about  two  years  since,  after  twenty  months'  voyage  to  Mada- 
gascar, brought  hither  betwixt  forty  and  fifty  negroes,  mostly  women  and 
children,  which  sold  here  for  ten,  fifteen  and  twenty  pounds  apiece,  which 
stood  the  merchants  in  near  forty  pounds  apiece,  one  with  another.  Now 
and  then  two  or  three  negroes  are  brought  hither  from  Barbadoes  and  other 
of  his  Majesty's  Plantations,  and  sold  for  about  twenty  pounds  apiece;  so 
that  there  may  be,  within  our  government,  about  one  hundred,  or  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty ;  and,  it  may  be,  as  many  Scots,  brought  hither  and  sold  for 
servants  in  the  time  of  the  war  with  Scotland,  and  most  of  them  now  mar- 
ried and  living  here;  and  about  half  as  many  Irish,  brought  hither  at  several 
times  as  servants. 

On  the  Wills  and  Inventories,  and  the  Record  of  Deaths  extend- 
ing from  1681  to  1802,  there  are  statements  showing  that  within 
that  period  thirtj'-six  slaves  were  owned  in  oS'ewton  by  the  follow- 
ing persons  : 


NAMES. 

KO. 

VALUE. 

NAMES. 

NO. 

VALUE. 

Edward  Jackson,  senior, 

Josiah  Hall  (1786), 

(died  l(i81), 

2 

£10 

Joshua  Flacg  (1802), 

€apt.  Thomas  Prentice  (1710), 

1 

Judge  Abraham  Fuller (1794), 

Samuel  Jackson,  Esq.  (1742), 

1 

John  Pigeon, 

Ilev.  Eihvaid  Jackson  (1754), 

2 

£430 

Madame  Gibbs  (1783), 

Capt.  John  Jackson  (1755), 

1 

Capt.  Joshua  Fuller  (1777), 

Capt. Thomas  Prentice  (1730), 

2 

£105 

Alexander  Shepard, 

Capt.  Caleb  Kenrick  (1771), 

2 

Edward  Durant  (1740), 

Dea.  William  Trowbridge 

Ebenezer  IJartlett  (1751), 

(1744), 

4 

Dr.  John  Allen  (1750), 

Daniel  Cooke  (1754), 

1 

£375 

Thomas  Brown  (1754), 

Rev.  John  Cotton  (1757), 

2 

Robert  Brown  (1754), 

James  Barton  (1729), 

3 

Moses  Mason, 

CHAPTER  XLII. 

NEWTON      THEOLOGICAL       INSTITUTION.  —  ORIGIN.  —  THE       MANSION 

HOUSE. FIRST     ANNIVERSARY, COLBY     HALL. OFFICERS     OP 

THE   BOARD   AND    OF    THE   INSTITUTION. —  SOME    OF    ITS    FRUITS. 

The  charter  of  the  Newton  Theological  Institution  was  signed 
bj'  his  Excellency,  Governor  Levi  Lincoln,  February  22,  1826. 
The  Trustees  named  in  the  Act  of  Incorporation  were  Joseph 
Grafton,  Lucius  Bolles,  Daniel  Sharp,  Jonathan  Going,  Bela 
Jacobs,  Ebeuezer  Nelson,  Francis  Wayland,  jr.,  Henry  Jackson, 
clergymen,  and  Ensign  Lincoln,  Jonathan  Bacheller,  Nathaniel 
Ripley  Cobb,  laymen.  The  origin  of  the  Institution  maybe  dated 
from  a  meeting  of  ministers  and  other  gentlemen  from  various 
parts  of  New  England,  held  in  Ma}',  1825,  in  the  vestry  of  the 
First  Baptist  church  in  Boston,  then  situated  in  Salem  Street, 
near  Stillman  Street.  At  that  meeting,  it  was  resolved  "  that  it  is 
expedient  to  establish  a  Tlieological  Institution  in  the  vicinity  of 
Boston,"  and  the  gentlemen  present  pledged  themselves  to  use 
ever}^  suitable  exertion  towards  the  promotion  of  that  object.  The 
Massachusetts  Baptist  Education  Societ}'  (afterwards,  the  North- 
ern Baptist  Education  Society)  was  founded  in  1814, —  an  asso- 
ciation having  for  its  object  "  to  aid  young  men  desirous  of  enter- 
ing the  work  of  the  ministr}-,  in  obtaining  literary  and  theological 
information."  This  Societj-,  up  to  1823,  had  given  aid  to  sixty- 
five  beneficiaries.  At  the  auuiversarj'  of  the  Societ}^  at  the  date 
above  mentioned,  the  Executive  Committee  made  the  following- 
report  : 

Besides  attending  to  the  ordinarj'  duties,  the  past  year,  the  committee 
have,  in  compliance  with  the  recommendation  of  a  large  meeting  of  ministers 
and  otliers  convened  in  Boston,  May  25,  1825,  taken  into  consideration  the 
establishment  of  a  Theological  Seminary  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston.  This 
measure  has  for  many  years  been  in  contemplation.     We  are  convinced  that 

540 


»„tfiii.,iii!:'Hl! 


THEOLOGICAL  INSTITUTION.  541 

tlie  time  has  arrived  to  build  this  part  of  the  Lord's  house.  Although 
attempts  have  been  made  to  establish  Theological  departments  in  connection 
with  two  of  our  (colleges,  and  some  success  has  attended  them,  yet  we  are 
of  opinion  that  a  Theological  Institution,  established  by  itself  alone,  where 
the  combined  powers  of  two  or  three  or  more  men  of  experience,  and  men 
of  God,  can  be  employed  in  instructing  and  forming  the  manners  and  habits 
and  character  of  pious  young  men  for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  is  greatly  to 
be  preferred.  They  have  therefore  appointed  two  sub-committees,  one  to 
draw  up  a  general  plan  for  an  Institution,  and  inquire  concerning  a  suitable 
place  for  its  location,  and  the  other  to  solicit  donations  and  subscriptions. 

After  a  free  and  harmonious  interchange  of  views,  it  was 
resolved  that  an  effort  ought  to  be  made  to  provide  a  Seminary  for 
Theological  education  ;  and  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Edu- 
cation Societ}^  was  requested  to  take  initiatory  steps  towards  the 
accomplishment  of  the  object. 

The  committee  proceeded  at  once  to  carry  into  execution  the 
wishes  of  those  by  whom  they  had  been  elected.  The  late  Rev. 
Irah  Chase,  having  just  resigned  his  position  as  Professor  of 
Languages  and  Biblical  Literature  in  the  Columbian  College  at 
"Washington,  was  provisionally  appointed  Professor  of  Biblical 
Theology.  A  site  was  purchased  in  Newton  Centre,  containing 
eighty-five  acres,  on  elevated  ground,  and  commanding  one  of  the 
most  delightful  prospects  in  eastern  Massachusetts.  Upon  the 
summit  of  the  hill  was  a  large  dwelling-house  with  other  buildings, 
adapted  to  a  genteel  country  residence.  The  main  edifice,  long 
known  as  the  "Mansion  House,"  was  of  sufficient  capacit}'  for  the 
immediate  purposes  of  the  Institution.  The  whole  property*, 
with  a  good  title,  was  purchased  for  $4,250,  a  sum  considerably 
less  than  would  have  been  required  for  the  erection  of  the  build- 
ings, as  they  then  existed.  The  necessary  alterations  in  the  Man- 
sion House  were  immediatelj-  made,  at  an  expense  of  $3,748, 
thus  rendering  the  original  cost  of  the  premises  $7,998.  This 
amount  was  procured  by  subscription  as  follows  : 


John  B.  Jones,  Boston,         $    500.00 

Ward  Jackson,  Boston,  600.00 

Heman  Lincoln,  Boston,  500.00 
Nathaniel  R.  Cobb,  Boston,   1,070.15 

Ann  M.  Lane,  Boston,  100.00 

Jonathan  Carlton,  Boston,  300.00 

Ichabud  Macomber,  Boston,  300.00 

Ensign  Lincoln,  Boston,  250.00 

John  Sullivan,  Boston,  200.00 


A  friend,  Boston,  $        1.00 

Estate  of  Lydia  Sparhawk, 

Boston,  1,000.00 

Jonathan  Bixby,  Newton,  50.00 

Reuben  Stone,  Newton,  50.00 

Josiah  Bacon,  Newton,  10.00 

M.  Davis,  Newton,  6.00 

Miss  Bunding,  Newton,  1.00 

"William  Jackson,  Newton,  50.00 


542 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


Levi  Farwell,  Cambridge,    $1,070.15- 


Edward  Bacon,  Cambridge, 
Jonathan  Bacheller,  Lynn, 
Elijah  Corey,  Brookline, 
Eleanor  Dana,  Brighton, 
Norfolk  and  Middlesex  Mis- 
sionary Society, 


10.00 

1,070.15 

400.00 

100.00 

20.00 

$7,998.45 


John  Tappan,  Boston,  $100.00 

Thomas  Kendall,  Boston,  100.00 

Elijah  Mears,  Boston,  25.00 

Jeremiah  Fitch,  Boston,  20.00 

David  R.  Griggs,  Boston,  50.00 

E.  &  A.  Winchester,  Boston,  50.00 

Ezra  Chamberlain,  Boston,  20.00 

J.  A.  Lamson,  Boston,  5.00 

John  H.  Smith,  Boston,  20.00 

Samuel  Beals,  Boston,  50.00 

The  property  thus  purchased  was  formerly  kuowa  as  the  "  Peck 
estate."  At  a  later  period,  a  small  tract  called  the  "  Dr.  King 
estate  "  was  purchased,  and  added  to  the  property  of  the  Insti- 
tution. 

The  following  interesting  notes  are  from  the  pen  of  Rev. 
George  W.  Merrill,  of  Salem,  who  devoted  ranch  time  and  effort 
to  the  investigation  of  the  histor}'  of  the  estate. 

Mr.  John  Peck,  of  Boston,  toward  the  close  of  the  last  century,  married  a 
wealthy  lady  whose  name  was  Gilman.  Soon  after  the  marriage,  the  lady's 
father  died ;  her  mother  shared  the  home  of  the  daughter,  and  her  father's 
estate  was  administered  by  her  husband.  In  the  natural  order  of  things,  the 
guardianship  of  Mrs.  Gilman's  property  passed  into  the  hands  of  Mr.  Peck. 

For  this  family  a  large  farm  was  bought  in  Newton,  and  the  house,  after- 
wards known  as  the  Old  Mansion  House,  was  begun,  probably,  in  the  year 
1798.  The  site  was  considered  one  of  the  most  desirable  in  the  vicinity  of 
Boston.  The  aspect  of  the  hill  has  changed  since  that  day.  I  do  not  know 
whether  the  eastern  slope  was  as  bare  of  trees,  as  it  is  now,  or  not;  but  the 
western  side  was  much  more  thickly  wooded,  and  the  southern  slope  as  well. 
The  view  from  the  top,  where  the  house  was  built,  was  much  the  same  as 
now,  with  the  exception  that  the  surrounding  towns  and  villages  were  com- 
paratively small,  and  therefore  not  so  marked  a  feature  of  the  landscape. 
The  farm  was  within  easy  riding-distance  of  the  city,  and  the  stage-coach 
passed  the  foot  of  the  hill  daily,  on  its  regular  trips  from  Needham  to  Boston 
and  back  again. 

Probably  the  house  was  never  counted  finished ;  for  Mr.  Peck's  professed 
ambition  was  to  have  the  finest  residence  in  all  the  region,  and  no  eff"orts 
were  spared  to  make  it  such ;  and  workmen  were  almost  constantly  employed 
in  new  enterprises,  or  else  in  improving  what  had  already  been  done.  The 
rarest  and  most  beautiful  plants  adorned  the  grounds,  and  the  kitchen  gar- 
den was  especially  famous.  A  fine  avenue  was  graded  at  great  expense 
from  the  high-road  to  the  top  of  the  hill,  and  shade-trees  were  planted  on 
each  side  of  it  (now  Institution  Avenue).  In  the  execution  of  these  plans 
the  wealth  of  the  family  was  soon  found  to  be  vanishing  all  too  fast.  Not 
only  Mr.  Peck's  property  failed  him,  but  that  of  the  wife  and  mother-in-law 
was  also  greatly  diminished.     The  further  prosecution  of  the  work  ceased,. 


THEOLOGICAL  INSTITUTION.  543 

and  it  was  not  long  before  the  beauties  of  the  place  began  to  disappear. 
Then  came  on  the  war  of  1812,  and  it  was  tliought  that  perhaps  the  lost  for- 
tune might  be  retrieved.  The  great  prices  paid  for  wool  induced  Mr.  Peck, 
as  well  as  many  other  gentlemen  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston,  to  purchase 
sheep,  and  raise  large  flocks.  Accordingly,  the  hill  became  a  great  pasture- 
ground.  As  many  as  live  hundred  slieep  were  owned  by  Mr.  Peck  at  ohl- 
time.  But  apparently  the  venture  did  not  prosper;  for  tlie  owner  (Al 
obliged  to  give  up  the  estate,  and,  with  the  little  property  that  remained  to 
them,  the  family  removed  to  the  West.  The  misfortunes  of  Mr.  Peck,  in 
connection  with  the  old  house,  gave  rise  to  an  ancient  joke,  ascribed  to  Rev. 
Mr.  Grafton,  then  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  church.  The  house  was 
called,  at  one  time,  in  allusion  to  its  breezy  situation,  crowned  with  a 
cupola,  at  the  summit  of  the  hill,  a  m///,  that  had  ground  one  feci,  at  least; 
it  was  only  after  several  days  of  labor,  that  the  historian  discovered  the 
origin  of  the  joke,  for  only  the  first  part  of  it,  which  asserted  the  house  to 
be  a  mill,  had  survived  in  the  memory  of  a  few  persons. 

After  its  builder  and  first  owner  left  the  house,  it  was  occupied  by  two  or 
three  families,  before  it  came  into  the  possession  of  the  Corporation.  Tra- 
dition speaks  vaguely  of  one  Tavener,  as  one  of  these  tenants,  and,  with  a 
more  certain  tone,  of  a  family  named  Morrill,  which  held  possession  at  the 
time  of  its  purchase  for  the  Institution.  At  this  time  there  was  a  verj'  high 
board-fence  around  that  portion  of  the  land  afterwards  known  as  "the  farm." 
The  estate  contained  at  this  time  eighty-five  acres. 

Many  changes  have  been  made  in  the  years  that  have  intervened.  The 
marks  of  the  earliest  alterations  were  long  visible  in  many  places.  The  tops 
of  the  old  chimneys  could  be  seen  by  any  one  curious  enough  to  investigate 
the  store-room  under  the  I'oof.  Two  or  three  rooms  for  students,  in  the  At- 
tic, were  elegantly  called  "the  crow's  nest;"  and  the  young  men  who  oc- 
cupied them  used  to  assert  tliat  in  windy  days  the  occupants  felt  so  sensibly 
the  motion  of  the  building,  that  it  seemed  to  them  like  the  swinging  of  the 
bird  in  its  nest, —  from  which,  perhaps,  originated  the  name.  It  is  not  known 
■when  the  secret  winding  stair-case  between  the  walls  was  constructed,  but 
doubtless  it  was  when  the  house  was  first  built;  surely  a  Theological  Insti- 
tution could  have  no  occasion  for  ways  so  dark.  The  hall  used  for  a  dinuig- 
room,  for  many  years,  was  extended,  after  the  house  was  purchased  for  the 
Institution  ;  originally  it  reached  only  to  the  pillar  in  the  middle  of  the  room. 
Dr.  Hackett's  recitation-room  was  on  the  second  floor,  over  the  dining-room, 
and  Dr.  Hovey's  on  the  second  floor,  over  the  ai)artment  used  as  a  chapel. 

The  Mansion  House  was  demolished  after  the  erection  of  Sturtevant  Hall. 

The  first  meeting  of  the  Trustees,  invested  with  the  necessary 
powers  as  a  body  corporate,  was  held  in  Boston,  March  10,  182G, 
at  the  house  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Sharp,  when  the  Act  of  Incorpora- 
tion was  formally  accepted,  a  professorship  of  Bibical  Theology 
established,  and  the  Rev.  Irah  Chase,  hitherto  provisionally',  now 
oflSciall}'  and  unanimously,  elected  Professor.     On  the  day  when. 


544  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

the  Institution  was  opened,  manj'  of  the  Trustees  and  others 
interested  in  its  success,  met  at  the  house  of  Rev.  Mr.  Grafton,  to 
iuA'oke  the  blessing  of  Almighty  God  on  the  new  enterprise. 

Instruction  was  at  first  given  by  Professor  Chase  alone ,  Nov. 
28,  1825,  to  the  young  men  resorting  to  the  Institution, —  before 
the  buildings  on  the  Hill  were  ready  for  use, —  in  an  old-fashioned 
tenement  on  Ward  Street,  formerly  Brighton  Street,  a  little  west 
of  the  Harbach  house ;  this  old  tenement  house  was  afterwards 
occupied  b}^  Mr.  Walter  Hill,  and  subsequently  demolished.  Until 
the  houses  for  Professors  were  erected.  Professor  Chase  resided 
chiefl}^  in  the  Dr.  King  house,  which  stood  at  that  time  on  land  at 
the  foot  of  Institution  Hill,  on  the  site  of  the  house  afterwai'ds 
occupied  by  President  Sears,  and  subsequently  the  property  of 
Gustavus  Forbes,  Esq. 

At  the  second  meeting  of  the  Trustees,  held  Maj'  30,  1826, 
Professor  Chase,  from  a  committee  previously  appointed  to  pre- 
pare a  Code  of  Rules  and  Regulations  for  the  government  of  the 
Institution,  made  a  report  which  was  adopted.  These  Rules  pro- 
vided, that  — 

The  regular  course  shall  occupy  three  years,  and  embrace  Biblical  Litera- 
ture, Ecclesiastical  History,  Biblical  Theology,  Pastoral  Duties,  and,  in 
short,  the  various  studies  and  exercises  appropriate  to  a  Theological  Institu- 
tion, designed  to  assist  those  who  would  understand  the  Bible  clearly,  and, 
as  faithful  ministers  of  Christ,  inculcate  its  lessons  the  most  usefully. 

The  next  meeting  was  held  at  Newton,  September  14,  1826, 
when  a  Professorship  of  Bibical  Literature  and  Pastoral  Duties 
was  established,  and  the  Rev.  Henry  J.  Riple}-,  then  in  Ricebor- 
ough,  Georgia,  was  unanimously  elected  the  Professor.  On  the 
same  day  was  held  the  first  anniversary  of  the  Institution.  The 
small  company  attending  was  easily  accommodated  in  a  recitation- 
room  in  the  Mansion  House.  Two  individuals  —  John  E.  Wes- 
ton and  Eli  B.  Smith  —  read  essays,*  and  received  the  Professor's 
certificate  of  graduation.  Their  course  at  Newton  Avas  short,  for 
they  had  both  been  connected  with  other  Institutions, —  the  former 
under  the  instruction  of  Professor  Chase  in  the  Theological  Depart- 


*The  essay  of  Mr.  Smith  was  entitled  "Preaching  Christ  Crucified;"  that  of 
Mr.  Weston,  "  The  connectiou  between  a  preacher's  private  life  and  his  official  min- 
istration." A  person  who  was  present  on  the  occasion  wrote  thus:  "These  essaj^s 
were,  in  our  judgment,  of  uncommon  value.  They  presented  aunion  which  we  hope, 
will  ever  characterize  the  efforts  of  the  students  of  this  Institution,  of  just  views 
and  elevated  piety." 


THEOLOGICAL  IXSTITUTION.  545 

mcnt  of  the  Columbian  College,  Washington,  D.  C, —  the  latter 
at  Andovcr.  The  next  class  in  regular  course  graduated  in  1828, 
and  consisted  of  four,  viz.,  George  Leonard,  Thomas  W.  Merrill, 
Barnas  Sears  and  Seth  8.  Whitman. 

As  the  number  of  students  increased,  it  became  necessary  to 
make  further  provision  for  their  accommodation.  Accordingl}-, 
in  1827,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  devise  a  plan  for  a  new 
building,  and  also  to  procure  the  means  for  defraying  the  cost  of 
it.  In  1829,  the  Treasurer  reported  that  such  a  building  had  been 
erected  at  an  expense  of  $10,594.12,  and  paid  for  by  subscrip- 
tions. Towards  this  amount  the  Hon.  Nicholas  Brown,  of  Provi- 
dence, gave  $4,000,  and  the  Treasurer,  Hon.  Levi  Farwell,  was 
also  a  liberal  subscriber.  The  "Brick  Building,"  since  named 
"Farwell  Hall,"  in  honor  of  the  first  Treasurer  of  the  Institution, 
was  originally  eighty -five  feet  in  length,  forty-nine  feet  in  breadth, 
and  three  stories  in  height.  It  was  greatly  improved  at  an 
expense  of  about  twelve  thousand  dollars  in  the  year  1875  bj^  the 
addition  of  the  Mansard  roof,  which  increases  the  number  of 
rooms  for  students,  and  also  by  the  introduction  of  steam  heating 
apparatus.  The  Mansion  House  was  used  partly  for  recitation- 
rooms,  chapel  and  the  steward's  department,  and  partly  for  the 
accommodation  of  students,  until  the  year  1875,  when,  having 
become  old  and  dilapidated,  it  was  demolished.  Two  members 
of  the  Peck  family,  having  heard  that  the  building  was  to  be  taken 
down,  journeyed  from  their  residence  in  the  West  to  take  a  fare- 
well view  of  the  old  home,  and  arrived  just  in  season  to  witness 
the  removal  of  the  last  timbers.  It  was  from  them  that  informa- 
tion of  the  date  of  the  erection  of  the  house  was  obtained.  Colb^' 
Hall,  which  contains  the  Library,  chapel  and  lecture-rooms,  and 
Sturtevant  Hall  were  subsequently  erected  at  a  cost  of  about  fortj' 
thousand  dollars  each. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Board,  September  13,  1832,  the 
Professorship  held  by  Professor  Ripley  was  divided,  and  the  Rev. 
James  Davis  Knowles,  pastor  of  the  Second  Baptist  church  (after- 
wards, Warren  Avenue),  in  Boston,  was  elected  Professor  of  Pas- 
toral Duties,  and,  on  the  14th  of  November  following,  he  was 
inaugurated  by  public  services. 

October  12,  1835,  the  Rev.  Barnas  Sears  was  elected  Professor 
of  Christian  Theolog}',  and  August  5,  1839,  the  Rev.  Horatio 
Balch  Hackett  was  elected  Professor  of  Biblical  Literature  and 
35 


546  HISTORY  OF  NEWTOX. 

Interpretation.  Thus  the  four  professorships  contemplated  in  the 
prospectus  of  the  Institution,  as  drawn  up  by  Professor  Chase,  were 
full. 

The  consummation  of  the  fire-proof  edifice  called  Colby  Hall^ 
for  the  preservation  of  the  valuable  Library,  and  the  chapel  and 
lecture  rooms  of  the  Institution,  in  1866,  was  a  marked  event, 
and  of  so  much  interest  as  to  justify-  a  public  demonstration  at  its 
dedication  to  its  sacred  uses.  Accordinglj-,  on  Monda}^  Septem- 
ber 10,  1866,  the  Board  of  Trustees,  the  Faculty,  the  students, 
and  a  large  number  of  the  friends  of  the  Institution  assembled  for 
the  purpose  in  the  new  building.  The  following  was  the  order  of 
exercises  :  Prayer  bj^Ilev.  Dr.  Lamson,  of  Brookline.  Statement 
of  the  Chairman  of  the  Building  Committee,  Gardner  Colby,  Esq., 
and  Delivery  of  the  Kej^s  to  the  President  of  the  Board  of  Trustees. 
Delivery  of  the  Keys  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Facult}',  with  an 
address  by  the  President  of  the  Trustees,  Rev.  Baron  Stow,  D.  D. 
Address  b}^  Alvah  Hovey,  D.  D.  Prayer  of  Dedication  by  Rev. 
William  Hague,  D.  D.,  of  Boston.  Hymn,  written  for  the  occa- 
sion by  Rev.  8.  F.  Smith,  D.  D.,  of  Newton.  Benediction  by 
Rev.  A.  Caswell,  D.  D.,  of  Providence.  The  proceedings  were 
published  in  pamphlet  form,  by  order  of  the  Trustees.  It  was  a 
lovely  autumnal  da}-,  when  this  ceremony  transpired,  and  none 
could  fail  to  partake  of  the  spirit  of  the  occasion. 

From  the  Address  of  the  President  of  the  Board  of  Trustees,, 
we  take  the  following  striking  and  truthful  extract  : 

The  history  of  the  Institution,  tliough  covering  a  period  not  very  extended, 
has  some  points  of  interest.  Its  principal  founders  have  all  passed  from 
their  service  to  their  reward.  Could  they  bo  present  to-day,  we  have  no 
greater  joy  than  would  be  theirs,  in  witnessing  this  new  proof  that  their  suc- 
cessors are  building  well  upon  foundations  which  they  laid  in  prayer  and 
sacrifice.  They  were  few  in  number ;  but  they  were  large-hearted,  and  acted 
in  the  spirit  of  loyalty  to  Christ,  and  with  intelligent  views  of  what  the  well- 
being  of  their  denomination  required — '' Children  of  Issachar — men  that  had 
undcjstanding  of  the  times,  to  know  what  Israel  ought  to  do.'"  They  devised 
benevolently,  liberally,  not  only  for  tlieir  own  generation,  but  for  posterity, 
and  after  more  than  forty  years,  tlieir  forecast  and  generosity  are  appreciated 
beyond  their  largest  anticipations. 

In  whose  mind  the  idea  of  such  a  Seminary  first  originated,  or  who  first 
proposed  to  make  it  practical,  I  have  never  learned;  and,  though  I  was 
familiar  with  them  all,  I  never  heard  one  of  them  claim  it  as  his  own,  or 
speak  of  it  as  belonging  to  another.  It  was  manifestly  an  idea  of  the  period, 
developed  simiiltaneously  in  several  minds  under  the  pressure  of  similar 


THEOLOGICAL  INSTITUTION.  547 

convictions,  and  the  honor,  not  then  tliought  of,  we  now  accredit  impartially 
to  a  select  number,  '■'■whose  names  are  in  the  Book  0/  Life."  Men  of  God, — we 
revere  their  memories.  Their  record  is  a  sacred  deposit  in  the  custody  of 
the  present  generation,  to  be  transmitted  along  the  future. 

The  Address  contains  this  worthy  tribute  to  the  first  Treasurer 
of  the  Board,  the  Hon.  Levi  Farwcll,  of  Cambridge  : 

Of  the  services  rendered  by  Mr.  Farwell,  a  recognition  is  due  in  some  way 
more  fitting  than  fugitive  words.  He  filled  the.  office  of  Treasurer  until  the 
time  of  his  death  —  eighteen  consecutive  years  —  a  period  Avhen  the  Institu- 
tion was  an  experiment,  and,  in  many  minds,  of  doubtful  success ;  when  it 
had  no  endowment,  and  when  the  funds  for  current  expenses  were  often  pro- 
cured with  difficulty.  Many  a  time  he  stood  under  heavy  burdens,  some- 
times bending,  occasionally  well  nigh  disheartened,  yet  giving  money  with  a 
liberal  hand,  and  personal  service  to  an  extent  little  known  and  imperfectly 
appreciated. 

The  mention,  in  this  Address,  of  the  earher  patrons  of  the 
Institution  is  interesting  and  instructive.  Later  friends  of  the 
object  have  given  still  more  liberally,  to  meet  the  wants  of  the 
Institution.     Their  record  will  not  be  forgotten. 

Large  contributions  to  its  funds,  either  by  donation  or  by  will, 
have  been  few.  Messrs.  Cobb,  Farwell  and  Bacheller,  among  the 
earlier  patrons,  together  gave,  during  life  and  at  death,  in  nearly 
equal  sums,  the  aggregate  of  $57,150.  Michael  Shepard,  Elijah 
Corey  and  Nicholas  Brown  gave,  together,  $19,901.  "  These  gifiii 
were  made,"  says  Dr.  Hovey,  "  when  the  wealth  of  our  denomi- 
nation was  small,  and  the  givers  might  well  be  called  muniflceut 
friends  of  learning."  The  Addi'ess  of  the  President  of  the  Insti- 
tution, closes  with  these  words  : 

When  I  tliink  of  the  resources  of  this  Building  Committee,  witli  tlieir 
Chairman,  y^^f/Zt'  /r/«(r^/j  [Gardner  Colby,  Esq.];  when  I  think  of  other 
bretliren,  scarcely  less  able,  and  no  less  willing,  to  aid  in  every  good  cause ; 
and  when  I  see  young  men  of  enterprise  and  intelligence  ready  to  join  with 
their  seniors  in  council  and  action,  to  make  this  Seminary  a  glory  and  a 
blessing  to  our  Zion,  I  augur  good  for  the  future.  Such  men,  with  means 
in  their  hands  and  love  to  Christ  in  their  hearts,  will  carry  on  the  work  so 
nobly  begun ;  and  here,  on  this  beautiful  spot,  prepared  by  the  Architect  of 
Nature  for  such  a  use,  will  flourish,  through  the  ages,  a  "  school  of  the 
prophets,"  acknowledging  the  Bible,  and  the  Bible  only,  as  the  standard  of 
Christian  doctrine  and  duty. 

It  would  be  interesting  to  know  the  number  of  contributors  lo  the  funds 
of  Newton,  but  there  are  no  known  means  in  existence  for  ascertaining  that 


548 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


number  with  any  considerable  degree  of  accuracy.  However,  for  the 
000  endowment,  completed  July  1,  1853,  about  four  hundred  names,  besides 
those  of  three  churches  and  one  benevolent  Society,  are  reported ;  for  the 
additional  endowment  of  $200,000,  completed  March  31,  1871,  about  three 
hundred  and  thirty  names,  besides  those  of  three  churches,  are  reported. 
Sixty-three  persons  contributed  the  money  for  the  erection  of  Colby  Hall,  the 
smallest  sum  given  being  five  dollars,  and  the  largest  §11,000.  For  Sturte- 
vant  Hall,  the  Institution  is  largely  indebted,  so  far  as  special  gifts  are  con- 
cerned, to  the  gentleman  whose  name  it  bears. 


PRESIDENTS    OF    THE    BOARD    OF   TRUSTEES. 


*Rev.  Joseph  Grafton, 
*Rev.  Daniel  Sharp,  D.  D.,     - 
*Rev.  Alexis  Caswell,  D.  D., 
*Rev.  Baron  Stow,  D.  D., 
♦Gardner  Colby,  Esq., 
J.  Warren  Merrill,  A.  M., 

TREASURERS. 

*Hon.  Levi  Farwell, 
♦Gardner  Colby,  Esq., 
Thomas  Nickerson,  Esq., 

SECRETARIES. 
*Rev.  Francis  Wayl.and,  jr.,  D.  D., 
*Rev.  James  Davis  Knowles, 
*Rev.  Henry  Jackson,  D.  D., 
Caleb  Parker,  jr.,  Esq., 
Rev.  George  W.  Bosworth,  D.  D., 


1826-1835 
1835-1853 
1853-1854 
1854-18G9 
1870-1879 
1880 


1826-1844 
1844-1868 
1868 


1826-1827 
1827-1832 
1832-1837 
1837-1854 
1854 


PRESIDENTS    OF   THE   INSTITUTION. f 

*Rev.Barnas  Sears,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  1839-1848. 
Rev.  Alvah  Hovey,  D.  D.,  1868. 

PROFESSORS. 


•Rev.  Irah  Chase,  D.  D. ,  1825-1845 

»Rev.  Henry  Joues  Ripley,  D.  D.  1826-1860 
♦Rev.  James  Davis  Knowles,  1832-1838 
*Rev.  Barnas  Sears,  D.  D..  1836-1848 

*Rev.   Horatio   Balcli   Hackett, 

D.  D.,  1839-1868 

*Rev.  Robert  Everett  Pattison, 

D.  D. ,  1848-1854 

Rev.  Alvah  Hovey,  D.  D.,  1833 

Rev.   Albert   Nicholas    Arnold, 

D.  D.,  1855-1857 

*Rev.    Arthur    Savage    Train, 

D  D.,  1859U18G6 


Rev.   George   Dana  Boardman 

Pepper,  D.  D.,  1865-1867 

Rev.  Galusha  Anderson,  D.  D.,    186G-1873 
Rev.  Heman  Lincoln,  D.  D.,         1868 
Rev.  Oakman  Sprague  Stearns, 

D.  D.,  1868 

Rev.  Ezra  Palmer  Gould,  A.  M.,  1868 
Rev.    Samuel     Lunt    Caldwell, 

D.  D  ,  1873 

Rev.  Elisha  B.  Andrews,  1879 


*  Deceased. 

t  During  a  part  of  its  history,  the  Institution  was  conducted  by   the  co-ordinate 
Professors,  the  office  of  President  being  dispensed  with. 


THEOLOGICAL  INSTITUTION. 


549 


ASSISTANT   INSTRUCTORS   IN   HEBREW. 


Mr.  Oakman  S.  Steams, 
Mr.  Daviil  B.  Ford, 
Rev.  Alvah  Hovey, 
*Mr.  Samson  Talbot, 
Mr.  James  A.  Clark, 
Rev.  Samuel  Brooks, 


1846-1847 

Mr  Joseph  H.  Gilmore, 

1862-1863 

1847-1849 

Rev.  Henry  M.  King, 

1863-1864 

1849-1855 

Mr.  Frederick  D.  Blake, 

1864-1865 

1855-1856 

Rev.  Josiah  N.  Gushing, 

18G5-1867 

1856-1857 

Mr.  Francis  E.  Tower, 

1867-1868 

I861-18C2 

LIBRARIANS. 

•Rev.  Henry  J.  Ripley,  1828-1846 

Rev.  Oakman  S.  Stearns,  1846-1847 

»Rev.  James  M.  Symonds,  1847-1848 

Mr.  David  B.  Ford,  1848-1849 


♦Deceased. 


Rev.  Alvah  Hovey,  1849-1 8G2 

*Rev.  Arthur  S.  Train,  1862-1863 

Rev.  Alvah  Hovey,  1863-1866 

*Rev.  Henry  J.  Ripley,  1866-1875 


For  a  brief  period  a  partial  course  of  study  was  maintained  in 
the  Institution,  for  the  benefit  of  persons  whose  age  or  other  cir- 
cumstances would  not  allow  them  to  remain  dming  the  entire 
course  of  three  years.  Including  these,  Dr.  Hovey  says,  in  his 
Semi-Centennial  Discourse,  delivered  June  8,  1875,  the  whole 
number  who  have  been  connected  with  the  Institution  as  students, 
is  more  than  seven  hundred, —  making  an  average  attendance  of 
thirty-five  a  3'ear  for  fifty  years,  and  an  average  of  fourteen  going 
out  from  the  school  everj^  year.  Hy  far  the  largest  portion  have 
devoted  themselves  to  the  work  of  the  ministry.  Fifty-four 
entered  upon  the  work  of  missions  to  the  heathen  during  the  fifty 
years  embraced  in  the  review  alluded  to.  "A  few  of  these,"  says 
Dr.  Hovey,  "  may  properly'  be  named." 

John  Taylor  Jones,  D.  D.  (d.  September  13,  1851),  pursued  his  theolo- 
gical studies  in  Andover  and  Newton.  He  was  a  missionary  in  the  East 
twenty  years,  eighteen  of  which  were  spent  in  Siam.  He  began  our  mission 
among  the  Siamese,  and  translated  the  whole  New  Testament  into  their  lan- 
guage. He  was  a  consistent  Christian,  an  instructive  preacher,  a  superior 
scholar,  and  his  labors  for  the  Siamese  were  attended  by  the  blessing  of  God. 
Francis  Mason,  D.  D.  (d.  March  3,  1874),  a  classmate  of  Dr.  Jones  in  the 
Seminary,  preceded  him  about  three  months  in  the  voyage  to  Burmah.  His 
term  of  service,  first  in  Tavoy  and  afterwards  in  Toungoo,  extended  over  a 
period  of  about  forty-four  years.  He  was  studious,  hopeful,  enterprising, 
"  a  mathematician,  a  naturalist,  a  linguist,  and  a  theologian;"  ho  transl.ated 
the  Scriptures  into  tlie  Sgau  Karen  dialect ;  he  published  two  works  on  Bur- 
mah ;  to  wit,  "  Tenasserim;  or,  Notes  on  the  Fauna,  Flora,  Minerals,  and 
Nations  of  British  Burmah  and  Pegu,"  and  -'Burmah;  its  People  and  Nat- 


550  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

iiral  Productions  ;"  he  wrote  also  a  memoir  of  his  second  wife,  and  a  "  Life 
of  Ko-Thah-byu,"  and  still  later.  "  The  Story  of  a  "Working  Man's  Life," 
being  an  autobiography.  He  must  be  pronounced  one  of  the  most  useful 
missionaries  in  the  Burman  field.  Rev.  William  G.  Crocker  (d.  February 
24,  1844)  finished  the  regular  theological  course  in  1834,  and  in  July  of  the 
next  year  embarked  for  Liberia,  to  preach  the  gospel  among  the  Bassas. 
AVithin  less  than  nine  years,  liis  work  was  finished,  and  he  was  called  to 
his  reward.  But  his  missionary  record  was  a  noble  one ;  for  during  that 
short  period,  he  endured  extraordinary  hardships  on  the  burning  and  sickly 
coast  where  he  was  stationed.  Mr.  Crocker  was  distinguished  for  sweetness 
of  temper,  simplicity  of  manners,  large  common-sense,  and  intense  activity. 
Josiah  Goddard  (d.  September  4,  1854)  was  graduated  from  this  Seminary 
in  1838,  and  sent  out  the  same  year  as  a  missionary  to  the  Chinese.  For 
this  people  he  labored  earnestly  and  wisely  sixteen  years,  first  in  Bangkok, 
next  in  Shanghai,  and  lastly  in  Ningpo.  Besides  his  work  as  a  preacher,  ho 
translated  the  whole  New  Testament  and  the  first  three  books  of  the  Penta- 
teuch into  a  dialect  understood  by  the  people.  He  was  a  man  of  fine  judg- 
ment, scholarship  and  temper,  mastering  the  difficulties  of  the  Chinese 
language  as  few  Americans  are  able  to  do,  and  accomplishing  a  very  impor- 
tant service  in  a  comparatively  short  period.  In  his  place,  and  worthy  of  his 
name,  labors  to-day,  a  son,  Josiah  R.  Goddard,  also  a  graduate  of  this  Insti- 
tution. John  W.  Johnson  (d.  October  21,  1872)  was  my  own  classmate  for 
two  years  in  this  school,  a  man  of  excellent  spirit  and  fair  scholarship, 
respected  by  his  teachers,  and  loved  by  his  fellow-students.  His  missionary 
life  was  divided  by  a  change  of  location  into  two  parts,  nearly  equal ;  for  he 
labored  about  twelve  years  in  Hong  Kong,  and  about  thirteen  in  Swatow. 
He  was  a  man  of  many  attractive  qualities,  a  true  Christian,  and  a  good  mis- 
sionary. Benjamin  C.  Thomas  (d.  June  10,  1869),  of  the  class  of  1849, 
sailed  for  Burmah  soon  after  graduating,  and  labored  for  the  Karens  twenty 
years  in  Tavoy,  Henthada,  and  Bassein,  though  more  than  half  of  his  mis- 
sionary life  was  passed  in  Henthada.  His  temperament  was  ardent  and 
poetic,  his  piety  deep  and  fervent;  but  he  was  at  the  same  time  a  man  of" 
sound  judgment  and  practical  spirit.  His  enthusiasm  was  intense,  but  it  was 
guided  by  reason.  He  was  aflame  to  move  men,  but  always  in  the  right 
direction.  Very  many  of  the  hymns  used  by  the  Sgau  Karens  in  worship 
were  either  translated  or  composed  by  him.  He  was  an  effective  preacher, 
-a  wise  counsellor,  a  devout  Christian,  uniting  in  himself  nearly  all  the  quali- 
ties most  useful  to  a  missionary.  He  returned  home,  enfeebled  by  ardent 
labor  and  an  exhausting  climate,  to  die  in  the  prime  of  life  and  in  the  noon- 
day of  his  usefulness.  He  is  the  first  tenant  of  a  burial  lot  in  the  Newton 
cemetery,  purchased  by  the  American  Baptist  Missionary  Union,  for  the 
last  repose  of  such  of  its  returned  missionaries  as  may  die  in  this  vicinity. 

In  addition  to  these,  and  several  more  of  kindred  spirit,  as  Erastus  Wil- 
lard,  Cephas  Pasco,  Judson  Benjamin,  and  the  ever-to-be-lamented  Kelley, 
who  have  finished  their  course  on  earth,  I  would  gladly  mention  the  names 
of  some  who  still  live,  as  Isaac  M.  Wilmarth,  missionary  to  France,  and 
now  resident  in  Pemberton,  N.  J. ;  Nathan  Brown,  D.  D.,  for  more  than 


THEOLOGICAL  INSTITUTION.  551 

twenty  years  a  missionary  in  Assam,  and,  after  a  residence  of  more  than  fif- 
teen years  in  his  native  land,  once  more  engaged  in  the  foreign  work, —  a  man 
of  vigorous  intellect  and  unbending  principle;  Edward  A.  Stevens,  D.  D., 
now  almost  forty  years  connected  with  the  Burman  work, —  a  veteran, 
but  still  strong,  with  clear  head  and  true  heart,  ready  to  serve  the  cause  till 
death;*  Joseph  G.  Binney,  D.  D.,  who  was  in  this  school  for  a  time,  and 
whose  service  to  the  Karens  as  head  of  a  Theological  Seminary  for  native 
preachers,  has  been  invaluable, — a  sensitive,  high-souled,  resolute,  and 
Christian  educator,  who  has  spent  about  twenty-four  years  in  the  foreign 
field ;  Durlin  L.  Brayton,  who  was  also  for  a  time  connected  with  this  Semi- 
nary, who  has  been  in  missionary  service  little  less  than  forty  years,  and 
who  is  still  a  courageous  and  efficient  soldier  of  the  cross ;  Lyman  Jewett, 
D.  D.,  of  Nellore,  whose  gentleness  of  manner  and  of  spirit  is  only  surpassed 
by  his  unswerving  devotion  to  the  will  of  Christ  and  his  heroic  purpose 
to  give  the  gospel  to  the  Teloogoos;  and  Arthur  R.  R.  Crawley,  of  Hen- 
thada,  whose  fearless  and  manfal  nature  has  been  consecrated  for  twenty- 
two  }-ears  to  untiring  labor  for  the  salvation  of  the  Burmese.  And  with 
these  I  might  join  tlie  names  of  such  younger  men  as  Chapin  H.  Carpenter, 
Daniel  A.  W.  Smith,  Josiah  R.  Goddard,  Josiah  N.  Gushing,  Alonzo  Bun- 
ker and  Sylvester  Baron  Partridge,  with  others  of  equal  age  on  the  field ;  and 
even  then  there  would  be  left  a  considerable  number  of  more  recent  recruits. 
About  fifty-five  students  of  Newton  have  been,  for  longer  or  shorter  periods, 
cither  presidents  or  professors  in  Colleges  or  Theological  Seminaries. 
'W^'hetlier  they  have  done  as  much  for  the  advancement  of  true  religion  by 
teaching,  as  they  would  have  done  by  giving  themselves  exclusively  to  the 
ministry  of  the  Word,  I  am  unable  to  say;  but  of  their  ability  and  useful- 
ness in  the  posts  filled  by  them,  I  can  speak  with  entire  confidence.  It  may 
be  proper  to  remark  that  I  do  not  include  in  this  number  the  heads  of  our 
important  schools  for  the  freedraen;  as  D.  W.  Phillips,  D.  D.,  in  Nashville, 
Tenn. ;  Charles  H.  Corey,  in  Richmond,  Va.  ;  Henry  Tupper,  in  Raleigh, 
N.  C. ;  and  G.  M.  P.  King,  in  Washington,  D.  C. ;  for  the  schools  over 
which  they  preside  are  neither  colleges  nor  distinctively  theological  seminaries, 
though  much  nearer  the  latter  than  the  former,  since  their  primary  object  is 
to  provide  a  suitably  instructed  ministry  for  the  colored  people  of  the  South. 
But  whether  the  honored  brethren  at  the  head  of  these  schools  be  called 
missionaries  or  presidents,  or,  rather,  be  supposed  to  unite  these  two  forms 
of  Christian  service  in  one  person,  they  are  doing  a  great  and  good  work  in 
a  very  satisfactory  manner,  and  we  number  them  among  the  choicest  jewels 
which  adorn  the  brow  of  our  ahna  mater. 


*  Edward  O.  Stevens,  son  of  Dr.  Stevens,  and  missionary  to  the  Burmans,  is  also  a 
graduate  of  this  Seminary.  In  the  Catalo.true  of  Newton,  the  names  of  father  and 
son  appear  several  times,  alreadj-,  among  the  graduates;  e.  {/.,  John  E.  Weston  and 
Henry  G.  Weston,  John  T.  Jones  and  Howard  M.  Jones,  Elijah  Hutchinson  and  John 
S.  Ilutchiuson,  Horvey  Fitts  and  Lonzo  L.  Fitts,  Mark  Carpenter  and  Chapin  IT.  Car- 
penter, Samuel  B.  Swaim  and  Josoiih  S.  Swaim,  Thomas  D.  Anderson  and  Thomas 
D.  Anderson,  jr.,  Josiah  Goddard  and  .Josiah  K.  Gc^ddard,  Edward  A.  Stevens  and 
JEdward  O.  Stevens,  Charles  M.  Bowers  and  Charles  A.  Bowers,  Edwin  B.  Bullard  and 
Edwin  Bullard.    There  may  be  other  instances  which  have  escaped  my  notice. 


652  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Time  will  not  permit  me  to  speak  of  all  the  presidents  and  professors 
who  have  been  indebted  to  this  Institution  for  some  part  of  their  training; 
and  it  is  diflScult  to  make  any  selection  from  the  list  of  names  before  me, 
without  passing  by  those  who  are  no  less  worthy  than  the  ones  selected.  Yet 
you  would  scarcely  pardon  me  if  I  should  pass  over  in  silence  all  the  names 
belonging  to  this  list.  In  the  class  of  1826  was  Eli  B.  Smith,  D.  D.,  for  a 
long  period  president  of  the  New  Hampton  school,  and  professor  of  Theol- 
ogy,—  a  teacher  of  deep  convictions,  sound  views,  and  high  integrity,  by 
whom  many  excellent  ministers  were  taught  the  principles  of  our  holy  re- 
ligion. In  the  class  of  1828,  Barnas  Sears,  D.  D.,  president  of  this  Institu- 
tion, and  professor  of  Christian  Theology,  and,  at  a  later  day,  president  of 
Brown  University, —  a  teacher  and  a  man  who  will  never  cease  to  be  honored 
by  his  pupils.  In  the  class  of  1831,  Joseph  G.  Binney,  D.  D.,  president  of 
Columbian  College,  and  now  head  of  the  Theological  Seminary  in  Rangoon, 
by  whom  more  Karen  preachers  have  been  educated  than  by  any  other  man ; 
and  Joel  S.  Bacon,  D.  D.,  president  of  Georgetown  College,  Kentucky,  pro- 
fessor in  the  Hamilton  Literary  and  Theological  Institution,  and  president 
of  Columbian  College, —  a  man  of  good  repute  in  all  the  offices  which  he 
filled.  In  the  class  of  1832,  John  S.  Maginnis,  D.  D.,  who  was  called  to 
be  a  systematic  theologian  by  the  cast  of  his  own  mind,  as  well  as  by  the 
grace  of  God  and  the  voice  of  his  brethren,  and  who  is  remembered  by  his 
pupils  of  Hamilton  and  Rochester  with  grateful  esteem.  In  the  class  of  1835, 
David  N.  Sheldon,  D.  D.,  for  some  years  president  of  Waterville  College,  a 
keen  metaphysician  and  a  perspicuous  writer.  In  the  class  of  183G,  James 
L.  Reynolds,  D.  D.,  professor  in  the  Furman  University,  South  Carolina, — 
a  most  admirable  Christian  scholar  and  teacher.  In  the  class  of  1840,  John 
L.  Lincoln,  LL.  D.,  the  eloquent  and  accomplished  professor  of  the  Latin  lan- 
guage in  Brown  University;  and  James  Upham,  D.  D.,  for  a  considerable 
period  head  of  the  New  Hampton  Institution,  then  located  at  Fairfax,  Ver- 
mont, and  professor  in  the  theological  department.  In  the  class  of  1841,  Albert 
N.  Arnold,  D.  D.,  professor  in  this  Institution,  in  Hamilton,  and  in  Chicago. 
In  the  class  of  1842,  James  S.  Mims  (d.  1855),  for  eleven  years  professor  in 
the  theological  department  of  Furman  University, —  a  conscientious,  manly 
teacher,  who  "  stimulated  the  mental  activity  of  his  pupils,  and  inspired  them 
with  something  of  his  own  ardor;  "  Robert  A.  Fyfe,  D.  D.,  since  1860  prin- 
cipal of  the  Canadian  Literary  Institution,  in  Woodstock,  Canada,  and  pro- 
fessor of  theology  in  the  same  ;  and  Ezekiel  G.  Robinson,  D.  D.,  who  served 
for  a  time  as  professor  in  the  Covington  Theological  Seminary,  was  for  twenty 
years  the  pride  and  glory  of  the  Rochester  Theological  Seminary,  and  is  now 
president  of  our  oldest  University,  where  he  is  still,  as  many  before  me  can 
testify,  a  wonderfully  captivating  and  stimulating  instructor.  In  the  class  of 
1843,  George  W.  Samson,  D.  D., —  a  man  of  Catholic  spirit,  indefatigable  ia- 
dtistry,  and  varied  attainments,  who  was  for  many  years  president  of  Colum- 
bian College;  Martin  B.  Anderson,  LL.  D.,  professor  in  Waterville  College, 
editor,  and  now  for  a  long  time  president  of  Rochester  University, —  an  edu- 
cator, a  statesman  and  an  orator;  and  Henry  G.  Weston,  D.  D.,  president 
of  Crozer  Tlieological  Seminary,  who  is  winning,  original,  independent,  sug- 


THEOLOGICAL  INSTITUTION.  553 

gestive,  and  successful  in  everything  which  he  undertakes.  In  the  class  of 
1844,  Peter  C.  Edwards  (d.  1SG7),  professor  in  Furman  University,  South 
Carolina, —  an  able  teacher  and  a  noble  Christian,  of  whom  Professor  James  C. 
Furman  writes,  "  As  to  his  character,  I  must  say,  that  a  man  so  large-hearted, 
pure  in  purpose,  and  scrupulously  conscientious,  so  steadfastly  devoted  to 
high  aims,  yet  so  wholly  unassuming  and  modest,  it  has  seldom  been  my  lot 
to  know."  In  the  class  of  1845,  Ebenezer  Dodge,  D.  D.,  president  of  Madi- 
son University,  and  professor  of  theology, —  a  man  of  lofty  thoughts  as  well 
as  lofty  stature,  and  worthy  of  the  double  sceptre  which  he  wields ;  Kendall 
Brooks,  D.  D.,  president  of  Kalamazoo  College, — a  mathematician,  a  statis- 
tician, and  a  scholar;  Samuel  L.  Caldwell,  D.  D.,  whose  preeminence  in  cul- 
ture and  knowledge  of  literature  is  readily  conceded  by  all ;  and  Heman  Lin- 
coln, D.  D.,  who,  as  an  editor,  a  writer,  and  a  teacher,  has  won  a  high  place 
in  the  esteem  of  liis  brethren, — the  last  two  being  now  professoi's  in  this 
Institution.  In  the  class  of  184G,  Oakman  S.  Stearns,  D.  D.,  who  is  at  once 
sensitive  and  true,  enthusiastic  and  discreet,  a  professor  also  in  his  alma 
mater.  In  the  class  of  1847,  Basil  Manly,  D.  D.,  for  a  period  of  years  pro- 
fessor in  the  Southern  Theological  Seminary  at  Greenville,  South  Carolina, 
and  now  president  of  the  Georgetown  College,  Kentucky.  In  the  class  of 
1850,  John  B.  Foster  and  Samuel  K.  Smith,  both  of  them  professors  in  Colby 
University.  In  the  class  of  1851,  Fletcher  O.  Marsh,  professor  in  Denison 
University.  In  the  class  of  1853,  Edward  C.  Mitchell,  D.  D.,  professor  in 
the  Union  Theological  Seminary,  Chicago;  and  Artemas  W.  Saw3'er,  D.  D., 
president  of  Acadia  College.  In  the  class  of  1855,  Samson  Talbot,  D.  D., 
late  president  of  Denison  University,  a  man  who  had  accomplished  so  much, 
and  who  gave  promise  of  accomplishing  so  mucli  more,  that  his  death  seemed 
strangely  inexplicable.  In  the  class  of  1860,  George  D.  B.  Pepper,  D.  D., 
professor  in  Crozer  Theological  Seminary.  In  that  of  1861,  Joseph  H.  Gil- 
more,  of  Rochester  University,  and  Henry  C.  liobins,  D.  D.,  president  of 
Colby  University.  In  the  class  of  1862,  David  Weston,  too  soon  removed 
by  death  from  a  sphere  of  labor  to  which  he  seemed  peculiarly  adapted ;  and 
in  the  class  of  1868,  Ezra  P.  Gould,  professor  in  this  Institution,  who  exhi- 
bits, in  all  his  work,  exact  scholarship,  logical  discrimination,  and  indepen- 
dent thought;  and  George  A.  Whittemore,  whose  culture,  courtesy,  and 
literary  attainments  are  recognized  by  all  who  know  him. 

Thus  the  Newton  Theological  Institution  has  been  the  means  of  building 
up  other  schools  of  the  highest  character  and  usefulness,  as  Rochester  Uni- 
versity and  Theological  Seminary,  Furman  University,  and  Greenville  The- 
ological Seminary,  Crozer  Theological  Seminary,  and  many  others  which  it 
is  needless  to  mention. 

The  alumni  of  Newton  have  not  only  served  the  world  as  ministers,  mis- 
sionaries, presidents,  and  professors,  but  also  as  writers  and  editors.  I  am 
imable  to  give  the  number  of  those  who  are  known  as  authors,  but  it  is  cer- 
tainly respectable,  and  the  volumes  which  they  have  given  to  the  public 
would  make  a  library  worthy  of  any  man's  attention.  In  the  list  of  authors 
might  be  placed  the  names  of  such  men  as  Barnas  Sears,  William  Hague, 
Francis  Mason,  Joseph  Banvard,  David  N.  Sheldon,  William  Crowell,  Elias 


554  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

L.  Magoon,  Albert  N.  Arnold,  George  W.  Samson,  John  C.  Stockbridge, 
Samuel  L.  Caldwell,  Ebenezer  Dodge,  Lucius  E.  Smith,  Joseph  A.  Goodhue, 
H.  Lincohi  Wayland,  Daniel  W.  Faunce,  and  A.  J.  Gordon,  with  others  of 
<'qual  merit.  In  the  list  of  editors  could  be  placed  Barnas  Sears,  Nathan 
Brown,  William  B.  Jacobs,  Enoch  Hutcliinson,  William  Crowell,  Ezekiel 
<x.  Eobinson,  Martin  B.  Anderson,  Henry  G.  Weston,  William  C.  Child, 
Kendall  Brooks,  Hcman  Lincoln,  Franklin  Wilson,  Edwin  T.  Winkler,  John 
H.  Luther,  Samuel  K.  Smith,  Jolm  B.  Fostor,  H.  Lincoln  Wayland,  Elisha* 
Budd  De  Mill,  Lucius  E.  Smith,  Henry  S.  Burrage,  Thomas  S.  Rogers,  and 
many  more.  And  in  the  list  of  frequent  contributors  to  the  Christiaft  Reviczv 
and  Baptist  Quarterly,  or  to  some. of  our  ablest  religious  papers,  might  be 
placed  a  still  greater  number  of  names  which  deserve  to  be  mentioned.  In 
this  way  the  sons  of  Newton  have  made  their  influence  felt  in  ten  thousand 
homes  for  the  last  forty  years,  and  contributed  their  part  to  the  intelligence 
and  progress  of  our  people. 

Besides  the  above,  the  Newton  Theological  Institution  has  con- 
tinued to  send  forth  men  of  kindred  abilit}',  character  and  spirit, 
every  j^ear  pouring  its  streams  of  refreshing  influence  into  the 
darkness  of  this  world.  Like  a  perennial  fountain,  it  proves  to  be 
a  source  of  incalculable  blessing,  ever  widening  and  deepening  in 
its  healthful  flow.  The  cause  of  morality  and  religion  is  made 
glad  by  it,  and  men  of  divers  tongues  and  manners,  all  round  the 
world,  hear  the  name  of  Newton,  and  rise  up  and  call  it  blessed. 


^<ra^   C^/^e^-^ 


TAe  Reiiati/fiZ  Pcintiny  Co  2i:neri>>'< 


CHAPTER  XLin. 

NEWTON     THEOLOGICAL      INSTITUTION. BIOGRAPHICAL      NOTICES. 

IRAK     CHASE,     D.    D. HENRY    J.    RIPLEY,    D.    D. PROF.    J.    D. 

KNOWLES. PROF.    HORATIO     B.    IIACKETT. PROF.    ARTHtTR     S. 

TRAIN. REV.    R.    E.  PATTISON. STUDENTS    AND    ALUMNI     WHO 

TOOK    PART  IN   THE    WAR. 

Rev.  Irah  Chase  was  born  in  Stratton,  Vt.,  October  5,  1793. 
His  parents  originated  in  that  part  of  Sutton,  Mass.,  since  called 
Millbury.  His  father,  full  of  patriotic  impulses,  and  stirred  by 
the  rumor  of  the  shedding  of  blood  at  Lexington,  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  Revolutionaiy  war,  enlisted,  at  the  age  of  sis- 
teen,  in  the  American  army.  He  was  severely  wounded  in  a 
battle  near  New  York,  confined  as  a  prisoner  for  nearly  a  3ear, 
released  at  the  restoration  of  peace,  and  then  removed  to  Vermont, 
where  he  devoted  the  rest  of  his  life  to  agriculture.  The  son,  being 
in  delicate  health  from  his  infancy  and  unable  to  enter  into  the 
hardy  toils  of  his  father,  was  devoted  to  stud}^,  and  entered  Mid- 
dlebmy  College  in  1811,  a  3'ear  in  advance.  He  was  an  intense 
student,  and  graduated  with  high  honor.  During  the  second  j^ear 
of  his  college  course,  he  connected  himself  with  the  Baptist  church 
in  Middlebur}'. 

It  was  his  original  purpose  to  stud}'  law  ;  but  the  work  of  the 
ministry  gradually  became  the  choicest  deske  of  his  heart.  He 
entered  the  Andover  Theological  Seminary,  where  he  completed 
his  course  in  September,  1817,  and  was  ordained  the  17th  of  the 
same  month,  at  the  session  of  the  Boston  Baptist  Association  at 
Danvers.  Shortly  afterwards,  he  was  invited  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Staughton,  of  Philadelphia,  to  A'isit  that  city,  and  become  asso- 
ciated with  him  in  the  work  of  theological  instruction.  After  a 
brief  visit  in  New  England,  he  entered  on  the  sei-vice  of  a  theo- 

55o 


556  HISTORY  or  NEWTON. 

logical  instructor  in  Philadelphia,  in  the  twent^^-fifth  year  of  his 
age. 

The  Institution,  presided  over  by  Dr.  Staughton,  was  afterwards 
removed  to  Washington,  and  united  with  the  Columbian  College, 
and  committed  almost  entirely  to  the  charge  of  Professor  Chase. 
In  this  field  of  labor  he  remained  seven  years,  during  which,  by 
medical  advice,  he  retired  temporarily  from  his  exhausting  labors, 
and  spent  a  year  in  Europe,  mainly  in  Germany,  devoting  himself 
to  studies  pertaining  to  his  profession.  But  he  found  the  union 
of  the  literary  and  theological  departments  in  the  same  Institution 
a  serious  embarrassment,  and  in  1825  he  resigued  his  office. 

This  opened  the  way  for  him  to  engage  in  the  founding  of  the 
Newton  Theological  Institution  ;  and,  on  the  28th  of  November, 
1825,  instruction  was  commenced.  The  plan  of  the  Institution, 
as  drawn  up  by  Professor  Chase,  was  substantially  the  same  as 
that  which  had  been  adopted  for  the  Institution  at  Philadelphia. 
The  Newton  Institution  may  be  regarded  as  a  renewal,  under 
more  favorable  circumstances,  of  the  enterprise  commenced  at 
Philadelphia, —  an  enterprise,  which,  though  necessarily  aban- 
doned, was  fraught  with  good,  more  than  twenty  young  men  having 
been  under  instruction,  and  eleven  having  been  dismissed  in  the 
regular  course. 

The  labors  of  Professor  Chase  at  Newton  continued  for  twenty'' 
years,  b}'  theu*  formative  influence  tending  to  shape  its  entire 
future.  In  1845,  he  retired  from  the  active  work  of  instruction  ; 
but  he  never  ceased  to  cherish  the  deepest  interest  in  the  Institu- 
tion. He  was  placed  on  its  Board  of  Trustees,  and  continued  a 
member,  by  successive  elections,  till  his  death.  His  last  public 
act  was  the  la3-ing  of  the  corner-stone  of  the  Library  building  of 
the  Institution,  June  29,  1864. 

The  great  object  of  Dr.  Chase's  life  was  ministerial  education, 
and  whatever  was  rela'ted  to  it.  Hence  he  was  an  early  and  ear- 
nest advocate  of  the  publication  of  a  religious  quarterly',  which 
should  be  the  repository  of  higher  Biblical  criticism,  and  present 
the  best  thoughts  of  the  best  writers.  A  prospectus  of  such  a 
work,  issued  under  his  name,  at  an  early  period  of  the  existence 
of  the  Newton  Institution,  was  doubtless  among  the  influences 
which,  a  few  j'ears  later,  led  to  the  inception  of  the  Christian 
Review,  edited  first  bj'  Professor  Knowles.  The  founding  of  Acadia 
College,  in  Nova  Scotia,  is  largely  due  to  his  instrumentality. 


PROFESSOR  CHASE.  557 

Professor  Chase  was  sought  for  other  places  of  influence  and 
honor.  Before  going  to  Philadelphia,  he  received  an  invitation  to 
a  professorship  of  Languages  in  Waterville  College.  He  was  also 
solicited  to  accept  the  Presidency  of  Georgetown  College,  Ken- 
tucky, at  the  opening  of  that  Institution. 

He  was  a  man  of  remarkable  perseverance  and  iron  industry. 
He  read  the  entire  works  of  Irenaeus,  in  a  huge,  closel3--pi'iuted 
folio,  in  order  to  settle  the  author's  meaning  of  an  important 
phrase.  In  like  manner,  it  is  said,  he  waded  through  the  great 
folios  of  Origen.  Near  the  close  of  his  life,  he  made  an  elaborate 
investigation  relative  to  the  inscriptions  found  in  the  Roman  cata-  ^ 
combs,  to  determine  the  dates  of  those  to  which  the  baptismal 
controversy  had  given  an  undue  importance.  One  of  his  associ- 
ates. Dr.  ^ovej'',  says  of  him,-^ 

His  patient  researcli,  his  accurate  knowledge,  his  love  of  biblical  study, 
liis  fatherly  interest  in  the  students,  and  his  admirable  spirit  in  controversy,  are 
admitted  by  all ;  and  besides,  he  had  the  special  privilege  of  impressing  on 
the  Institution  his  own  view  of  theological  education.  Its  character  was 
determined  in  a  great  measure  by  him.  The  course  of  study  and  instruction 
was  marked  out  by  his  mind  and  described  by  his  pen.  A  theological  school 
might  indeed  have  been  founded  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston,  by  the  Baptists  of 
Massachusetts,  if  he  bad  not  been  at  hand  to  lead  in  the  enterprise ;  but  it 
would  surely  have  been  different  in  some  respects  from  the  one  that  was 
founded.  And  it  has  been  justly  said,  that  "  he  was  the  central  mover  in  the 
enterprise,  and  around  him  the  friendly  elements  crystallized  and  coalesced. 
The  plan  of  the  Institution  was  essentially  his ;  and  scarcely  a  principal  feat- 
ure in  its  organization  has  since  been  changed."  From  my  acquaintance 
with  Dr.  Chase,  in  his  riper  years,  and  from  the  testimony  of  those  who  were 
familiar  with  his  earlier  life,  I  infer,  that  whatever  he  set  before  him  as  an 
end  to  be  sought,  was  chosen  with  careful  deliberation,  and,  when  chosen, 
was  pursued  with  unwavering  purpose.  In  the  best  sense  of  the  expression, 
he  was  tenax  propositi ;  and  if  he  did  not  in  every  instance  surmount  the 
obstacles  in  his  way  and  reach  the  end  proposed,  the  failure  cannot  be 
ascribed  to  any  weakness  in  his  character.  He  was  a  patient  student,  a  saga- 
cious interpreter,  an  exact  teacher,  an  instructive  writer,  an  honest  counsel- 
lor, a  conscientious,  hopefal  Christian,  and  it  is  not  easy  to  overestimate  the 
service  which  he  rendered  to  biblical  learning  and  a  pure  Christianity. 

He  was  a  man  of  the  purest  catholicit}-.  He  was  peculiarl}' 
unselfish,  seeking  the  good  of  others  rather  than  his  own ;  a  wise 
and  cautious  counsellor,  animated  by  a  decided  faith  and  a  simple- 
hearted  piety.  He  was  of  a  sensitive  spirit,  but  eminentl}'  hope- 
ful, a  lover  and  companion  of  good  men,  and  an  ardent  lover  of 
Ms  countrv. 


558  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Dr.  Chase  was  twice  married.  His  first  wife  was  Miss  Harriet 
Savage,  of  Hartford,  Conn.,  (died  in  Newton,  May  2,  1834)  ;  tlie 
second,  Miss  Martha  Raymond,  (died  in  Cambridge,  October  2o, 
184G),  Dr.  Chase  died  in  Newton,  November  1,  1864,  aged 
seventy-one. 

The  publications  of  Dr.  Chase  were  : 

The  Life  of  Bunyan,  author  of  Pilgrim's  Progress. 
The  Design  of  Baptism,  viewed  in  its  Relation  to  the  Christian  Life. 
The  Work  claiming  to  be  the  Apostolical  Constitutions  and  Canons. 
Dr.  Bushnell's  Arguments  reviewed, — with  the  Testimony  of  Origen. 
Reraarlis  on  the 'Book  of  Daniel. 

Besides .  his  larger  volumes,  he  published  numerous  sermons 
and  other  pamphlets,  and  various  smaller  articles,  more  or  less 
elaborate,  controversial,  historical,  exegetical,  etc.,  a  monument 
to  his  research  and  learning. 

Professok  Henry  Jones  Ripley  was  born  in  Boston,  January 
28,  1798,  in  a  house  which  stood  at  the  corner  of  Hanover  and 
Tileston  Streets,  then  denominated  " Love  Lane"  and  "Middle 
Street."  He  was  fitted  for  college  at  the  Boston  Latin  School, 
entered  Harvard  Univei'sity  at  the  age  of  fourteen,  and  graduated 
with  the  class  of  1816.  For  a  few  months  after  his  graduation, 
he  devoted  himself  to  teaching  in  North  Hampden,  Me.,  where  he 
became  a  disciple  of  Christ,  and  decided  to  give  himself  to  the 
work  of  the  ministry.  He  studied  theology  at  Andover  Theo- 
logical Seminary,  graduating  in  1819.  While  in  the  seminary  he 
became  interested  in  the  rehgious  welfare  of  the  colored  people  of 
the  South.  He  received  an  appointment  from  a  Missionary  Soci- 
ety in  Savannah,  Georgia,  to  labor  among  them  in  that  State,  and 
was  ordained  as  an  evangelist  preparatory  to  this  work,  in  the 
Baldwin  Place  church,  Boston,  November  7,  1819.  In  a  few 
months  he  resigned  his  connection  with  the  Missionary  Society, 
and  became  pastor  of  the  churches  in  North  Newport  and  Bryan's 
Neck,  Ga.  He  spent  a  year  afterwards  at  Eastport,  Me.,  and 
then  returned  to  Georgia,  where  he  labored  with  much  success 
from  1821  to  1826. 

In  September,  1826,  he  was  elected  Professor  of  Biblical  Liter- 
ature and  Pastoral  Duties  in  the  Newton  Theological  Institution. 
He  served  the  Institution  as  professor  for  thirt3'-four  years,  and 
gave  instruction  in  every  department  of  study  in  its  course.     For 


PROFESSOR  RIPLEY.  559' 

about  five  years  after  the  close  of  his  service  as  a  professor,  he 
was  occupied  principality  with  his  private  studies  and  the  prepara- 
ration  of  his  own  works  for  publication.  At  the  close  of  the  war 
he  accepted  an  appointment  to  preach  the  gospel  in  Savannah  and 
vicinity,  and  in  various  ways  to  endeavor  to  promote  the  efficiency 
of  the  colored  Baptist  ministers  and  churches,  and  to  instruct  such 
Aouug  men  of  color  as  might  be  looking  to  the  ministry.  In  this 
work  he  continued  about  nine  months.  He  returned  to  the  North 
in  the  spring  of  1866,  and  in  the  autumn  of  the  same  j'ear  he 
became  Librarian  of  the  Institution  at  Newton.  In  this  service 
he  continued  until  his  death. 

Ever  read}'  to  consecrate  all  his  powers  to  the  work  before  him,, 
he  undertook  this  unobtrusive  sphere  of  usefulness  with  the  same 
energy  and  zeal,  and  the  same  cheerfulness  which  had  character- 
ized him  as  a  professor  in  the  various  departments  of  instruction 
in  the  Institution,  His  habits  of  accuracy  and  exactness  eminently 
fitted  him  for  this  work.  The  Library  became  to  him  as  a  child. 
He  often  said,  "  The  Library  is  my  idol  now.  If  I  can  only  see 
it  increase  in  scope  and  authority,  the  crowning  wish  of  my  life  wih 
be  secured."  Speaking  of  a  certain  costly  set  of  books,  which  he 
wished  to  secure,  he  said,  "  If  we  can  place  that  set  on  our  shelves, 
I  shall  be  ready  to  depart."  Steadil}'  did  he  pursue  his  purpose. 
Earnestly  did  he  solicit  aid,  from  sources  beyond  the  designated 
funds.  Never  did  he  solicit  in  vain.  His  wish  in  regard  to  the 
work  referred  to  was  gratified ;  and  the  completed  catalogues  of 
the  Librar}^,  that  of  authors,  and  that  of  subjects,  the  completed 
sets  of  books,  the  winnowiug  out  of  duplicates,  and  the  purchase 
of  what  was  permanentl}'  valuable,  the  minute  accuracy  of  his. 
daily  toil,  and  the  large  additions  made  by  his  suggestion, —  all 
bear  witness  to  his  scrupulous  fidelity  and  determined  purpose  to 
fill  up  the  measure  of  his  days  with  usefulness. 

He  received  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Divinity  from  the  Alabama 
University  in  1844,  and  from  Harvard  University,  his  alma  mater, 
in  1845.  One  of  his  associates  in  the  Institution,  Dr.  Hovey,  says 
of  him, — 

As  a  teacher  and  writer,  he  was  accurate  in  knowledge,  perspicuous  in 
language,  and  earnest  in  spirit.  He  was  loved  and  revered  by  his  pupils, 
trusted  by  his  brethren  in  the  ministry,  and  respected  by  Christians  of  every 
name.  He  was  firm  without  harshness,  gentle  without  weakness.  In  con- 
troversy he  united  the  utmost  candor  with  a  strict  adhesion  to  truth.     In  my- 


560  HISTOKY  OF  NEWTON. 

intercourse  with  him  during  a  period  of  thirty  years,  I  never  discovered  a 
trace  of  unfairness  in  his  judgment,  of  self-will  in  his  temper,  or  of  obliquity 
in  his  conduct;  and  of  him,  more  emphatically  than  of  any  other  man  whom 
I  have  known  so  well,  can  I  say,  "Mark  the  perfect  man  and  behold  the 
upright,  for  the  end  of  that  man  is  peace." 

Another  bears  the  following  testimony : 

He  was  the  teacher  of  multitudes  who  knew  him  tlirough  his  clear  and  com- 
prehensive Commentaries.  Through  these  he  taught  not  only  the  preacliers, 
but  also  the  Sabbath  School  teachers,  whose  wants  he  met  with  peculiar  feli- 
city. He  was  also  a  leader  in  the  denomination  with  which  he  was  identified, 
a  defender  of  the  faith,  clear,  pointed,  kindly,  but  firm,  full  of  charity,  but 
yielding  no  tittle  of  the  truth.  His  moral  worth  surpassed  every  other  excel- 
lence. His  crowning  glory  was  liis  goodness.  For  purity  of  heart  and  life, 
for  gentleness  and  amiability  of  spirit,  for  practical  wisdom,  for  unselfish 
devotion  to  his  work,  whether  as  a  missionary,  a  teacher,  an  author,  a 
preacher,  a  brother  in  the  church,  or  a  guide  and  counsellor  of  youth,  he  had 
no  superiors  and  few  equals.  Says  one  who  knew  him  intimately,  "  His  fifty 
years  of  toil  were  years  of  marvellous  achievement.  They  are  certainly 
suggestive  of  variety  of  form  and  of  solidity  in  substance.  Whatever  he 
undertook,  he  did  well.  Whatever  he  achieved,  he  wrought  out  by  slow, 
painstaking,  concentrated  method.  He  toiled  steadily  on,  undeterred  by  con- 
siderations of  personal  ease,  unchecked  by  the  desire  for  personal  relief,  his 
mind  fixed  on  one  thing,  ever  repeating  to  himself  the  maxim  of  the  apostle, 
*  "fhis  one  thing  I  do.'  " 

Dr.  Riple}^  was  married  to  a  lady  in  Georgia,  who  survives 
him.  He  had  five  children, —  an  only  son,  who  died  while  a  mem- 
ber of  Brown  Universit}',  and  four  daughters.  He  died  May  21, 
1875,  aged  seventy-seven,  and  was  buried  in  the  Newton  Ceme- 
ter3^     The  following  are  his  publications : 

Sermon  at  the  Ordination  of  Rev.  James  Shannon. 

Sermon  at  the  Ordination  of  Rev.  Calvin  Newton,  on  "The  Characteris- 
tics of  the  Minister's  Work." 

Hints  on  the  Promotion  of  Piety  in  Ministers  of  the  Gospel. 

Memoir  of  Rev.  Thomas  S.  Winn. 

Christian  Baptism.  An  Examination  of  Prof.  Stuart's  Essay  on  the  Mode 
of  Baptism. 

Notes  on  the  Four  Gospels.     2  vols. 

Notes  on  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles. 

Notes  on  the  Epistle  to  the  Romftns. 

Notes  on  the  Epistle  to  the  Hebrews.     With  new  Translation. 

Sacred  Rhetoric.     Composition  and  Delivery  of  Sermons. 

Exclnsiveness  of  Baptists.  Review  of  Rev.  A.  Barnes'  Pamphlet  on 
Exclusivism. 

Church  Polity.  A  Treatise  on  Christian  Churches  and  the  Christian 
Ministry. 


PROFESSOR  KNOWLES.  561 

Dr.  Riplo}''  also  edited  "  Campbell's  Lectures  on  Systematic  The- 
ology," and  "  The  Karen  Apostle,"  by  Rev.  Francis  Mason,  and 
contributed  from  time  to  time  to  the  religious  periodicals  and  the 
higher  Reviews. 

James  Davis  Knowles,  the  third  Professor  of  the  Institution, 
■was  born  in  Prowlence,  R,  I.,  in  July,  1798, —  the  second  son  of 
Edward  and  Amey  (Peck)  Knowles.  At  about  twelve  years  of 
age,  he  was  placed  as  an  apprentice  in  a  printing-office  in  Provi- 
dence, where  he  learned  the  mechanical  part  of  the  business,  and 
acquired  uncommon  facilit}^  in  the  use  of  the  pen,  contributing 
man}'  articles  in  prose  and  poetry  to  the  newspapers  of  the  day. 
One  of  his  poetical  efforts  was  an  addition  of  three  stanzas  to 
Gray's  "  Eleg}^  in  a  country  church  j^ard," — in  the  manner  of  Gray, 
—  giving  to  that  immortal  poem,  as  he  conceived,  an  evangelical  turn. 
In  Jul}-,  1810,  he  became  co-editor  of  the  Rhode  Island  J.meri- 
can,  a  popular  and  widely  circulated  journal.  In  March,  1820, 
he  became  a  member  of  the  First  Baptist  church  in  Providence, 
then  under  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Gano,  and  the  fol- 
lowing autumn,  he  decided  to  devote  himself  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry.  Shortly  afterwards,  he  went  to  Philadelphia  to  study 
with  the  Rev.  Dr.  Staughton  and  Rev.  Irah  Chase,  afterwards  the 
first  Professor  in  the  Newton  Theological  Institution.  In  January, 
1822,  the  Institution  established  in  Philadelphia  by  Drs.  Staugh- 
ton and  Chase,  was  removed  to  Washington,  and  united  with  the 
Columbian  College.  Mr.  Knowles  entered  the  Sophomore  class 
in  the  college,  and  graduated  in  December,  1824,  with  the  highest 
honors  of  his  class.  While  he  was  an  undergraduate,  besides 
maintaining  his  high  standing  as  a  scholar,  he  also  edited  the 
Columbian  Star,  a  weekly  journal,  with  much  ability.  Imme- 
diately after  his  graduation,  he  was  appointed  Tutor,  and  dis- 
charged the  duties  of  his  office  with  marked  ability  till  the  suc- 
ceeding autumn,  when  he  accepted  a  call  to  the  pastorate  of  the 
Baldwin  Place  Baptist  church  (then  the  Second  Baptist  church) 
in  Boston.  He  was  ordained  December  28,  1825.  Professor 
Chase  preached  the  sermon  on  the  occasion.  Here  he  was  a  faith- 
ful pastor  for  seven  years,  and  during  his  ministry  three  hundred 
and  three  members  were  admitted  to  the  church,  being  an  average 
of  more  than  forty-three  per  year.  His  health  becoming  broken, 
he  resigned  his  pastorate  in  Boston,  September  20,  1832,  and  was 
elected  Professor  of  Sacred  Rhetoric  and  Pastoral  Duties  in  the 
36 


5G2  HISTORY  OF   NEWTOK 

Newton  Theological  Institution,  and  continued  to  hold  this  office  till 
his  decease,  May  9, 1838.  His  sudden  and  lamented  death  was  the 
result  of  confluent  small-pox,  of  the  worst  type,  taken,  probably, 
in  New  York  city,  where  he  had  just  before  spent  a  few  days^ 
attending  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Baptist  General  Convention. 
He  was  buried  at  midnight  in  a  lonely  grave  on  the  grounds  of 
the  Institution,  without  funeral  ceremonies,  by  the  light  of  "  lan- 
terns dimly  burning."  On  the  monument  which  marks  his 
resting-place  are  these  words  : 

As  a  scholar  and  an  author,  he  consecrated  his  rare  powers  to  the  service 
of  God  and  of  man ;  as  a  Minister  of  the  gospel,  he  preached,  earnestly  and 
faithfully,  its  everlasting  truths ;  as  a  theological  teacher,  he  commended  to 
his  pupils  the  accomplishments  of  learning  and  the  beauty  of  holiness  ;  as  a 
man,  faith  in  Christ  exalted  his  affections  and  his  aims,  regulated  his  discharge 
of  every  duty,  and  animated  his  desires  for  the  purity  and  the  rest  of  heaven. 

One  of  his  successors  in  the  pastorate  sa^^s  of  him, —  "  His  nat- 
ural temper  was  peculiarl}'  amiable  ;  his  feelings  were  uniformly 
kind  and  tender ;  he  was  ever  gentle,  mild  and  forbearing.  He 
loved  peace,  and  for  its  maintenance  would  sacrifice  almost  au}^ 
thing  but  truth  and  conscience.  In  equanimity  amidst  disturbing 
influences,  I  never  saw  him  surpassed."  Another  saj's, —  "Mr. 
Knowles  excelled  as  a  writer.  As  a  public  speaker,  he  was  more 
than  fair  ;  but  his  pen  was  more  the  instrument  of  power  than  his 
voice.  He  was  accurate,  without  being  precise  ;  elegant,  without 
being  ornate,  combining  a  chaste  simplicitj'  with  sufficiency  of 
strength.  His  st^'le  was  Ionic  in  its  properties,  rather  than 
Doric  or  Corinthian." 

Mr.  Knowles  was  married  January  11,  1826,  to  Susan  Elizabeth, 
daughter  of  Joshua  Laugley,  Esq.,  of  Providence.  They  had  four 
children, —  two  daughters  and  two  sons. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  Mr.  Knowles'  publications  : 

Perils  and  Safeguards  of  American  Liberty.  Address  pronounced  on  the 
4th  of  July,  at  the  Second  Baptist  Meeting-house  in  Boston,  at  the  Religious 
Celebration  of  the  Anniversary  of  xVmericau  Independence,  by  the  Baptist 
Churches  and  Societies  in  Boston,  1828. 

Memoir  of  Mrs.  Ann  II.  Judson,  late  Missionary  to  Burmah,  1829. 

Spirituous  Liq.uors  Pernicious  and  Useless.  A  Fast  Sermon  delivered  in 
Boston,  1829. 

Importance  of  Theological  Institutions.  Address  before  the  Newton  The- 
ological Institution,  1832. 

Memoir  of  Roger  Williams,  the  Founder  of  the  State  of  Rhode  Island,  1834. 


^-  /J  ^.;cckj,.-Kr- 


PEOFESSOR  IIACKETT.  5G3 

Rev.  IIokatio  Balch  Hackett  was  born  iu  Salisbury,  Mass., 
December  27,  1808.  He  studied  at  Pliillips  Academy,  Andover, 
and  graduated  at  Amlierst  College  in  1830,  with  the  highest  hon- 
ors. The  same  j'ear,  ho  entered  the  Andover  Theological  Seminary, 
and  graduated  in  1834,  having  spent  the  college  year  of  1831-2 
as  Tutor  in  Amherst  College.  In  September,  1834,  he  took  charge 
of  the  department  of  Languages  in  Mount  Hope  College,  Balti- 
more, Maryland,  where  he  spent  one  j'ear,  and  during  this  year 
was  admitted  to  the  First  Baptist  church  in  Baltimore.  In  Sep- 
tember, 1835,  he  became  Adjunct  Professor  of  the  Latin  and 
Greek  Languages  and  Literature  in  Brown  Universit}',  and  con- 
tinued in  that  office  till  the  autumn  of  1839,  when  he  was  elected 
Professor  of  Biblical  Literature  and  Interpretation  in  Newton  The- 
ological Institution.  He  was  ordained  in  Newton,  December  13, 
1839.  He  preached  but  rarely  ;  but  his  profound  views  of  Divine 
truth,  his  clear  statements,  his  elegance  of  diction,  and  his  low, 
musical  voice  attracted  universal  admiration.  After  he  had 
been  two  years  in  Newton,  Professor  Hackett  made  the  first  of 
his  five  voyages  to  Europe,  and  spent  a  year  in  Germany  in  Bib- 
lical studies.  Returning  to  Newton,  he  resumed  his  work  in  the 
Institution,  and  continued  his  labors  till  the  autumn  of  18G8, 
when  he  resigned.  A  minute,  prepared  and  adopted  by  the  Boai'd 
of  Trustees  at  the  date  of  his  resignation,  says,  "Ilis  previous 
reputation,  as  a  scholar  and  an  educator,  inspired  high  hopes  of 
his  success  in  the  particular  department  to  which  he  was  invited, 
and  the  Board  of  Trustees  are  happy  in  testifying  that  all  those 
hopes  have  been  fuUj-  realized.  He  applied  himself  at  once 
and  earnestly  to  such  studies,  over  a  broad  range,  as  would  best 
qualify  him  for  efiective  service  as  a  teacher  of  the  languages  in 
which  the  Old  and  New  Testaments  were  written,  and  as  a  relia- 
ble interpreter  of  the  inspired  writings.  His  prosecution  of  those 
studies,  both  at  home  and  in  foreign  lands,  was  enthusiastic, 
and  his  proficiency,  eminently  apparent,  soon  made  him  known 
and  respected  far  beyond  the  limited  chcle  within  which  his  offi- 
cial duties  were  performed.  His  published  works,  containing 
matured  results  of  his  investigations,  are  all  creditable  to  himself, 
honorable  to  the  Institution,  and  serviceable  to  the  students  of 
the  Word  of  God. 

"  In  the  twenty-nine  j-ears  of  faithful  service,  Dr.   Hackett  has 
attained  an   elevated   position   among  Biblical   scholars,    and   is 


564  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

fortunate  in  having  his  excellence  justly  appreciated  and  cordially 
ackuoAvledged.'' 

Dr.  Hackett  was  now  employed  two  3'ears  in  the  translation  and 
revision  of  portions  of  the  Old  Testament  for  the  Bible  Union, 
and  in  other  works  of  kindred  character.  In  1870,  after  a  fourth 
brief  tour  in  Europe,  he  commenced  his  latest  labor  as  Professor 
of  Biblical  Literature  and  New  Testament  Exegesis  in  the  Roch- 
ester Theological  Seminar}^,  and  continued  in  this  service  tiU  his 
death,  November  2,  1875.  Dr.  Hovey  says,  of  his  connection 
with  the  Institution  in  Newton, — ■ 

He  performed  the  duties  of  his  office  witli  rare  ability.  To-day,  as  before 
he  resigned  his  professorship,  we  gladly  do  hira  honor  as  a  true  scholar,  ever 
increasing  his  stores  of  knowledge  by  study  or  by  travel,  and  as  an  eloquent, 
enthusiastic  and  faithful  teacher,  kindling  in  the  hearts  of  his  pupils  a  glow- 
ing desire  to  read  the  oracles  of  God  in  the  very  words  employed  by  David, 
or  his  greater  Sou.  The  reputation  of  Dr.  Hackett  as  a  biblical  scholar  is 
equal,  I  suppose,  to  that  of  any  man  in  America,  and  that  reputation  has  been 
fairly  and  nobly  won.  For  a  considerable  period,  at  least,  his  was  the  name 
that  attracted  young  men  to  this  school,  and  his  the  ability  which  retained 
them  here.  Not  only  by  the  accuracy  of  his  knowledge,  but  also  by  the  sin- 
gular beauty  of  his  language,  did  he  charm  and  inspire  the  classes  under  his 
charge,  and  wield  a  potent  influence  in  favor  of  Christian  culture. 

Dr.  Hackett  was  buried  in  the  cemetery  at  Newton.  On  one 
side  of  the  beautiful  granite  shaft  which  marks  his  resting-place  is 
this  inscription :  "  Honored  and  revered,  as  a  scholar,  teacher 
and  author.  As  an  interpreter  of  the  Scriptures  he  instructed  a 
generation  of  Christian  ministers.  '  Serving  the  Lord  with  all 
humility  of  mind.' " 

"  His  personal  appearance,"  writes  an  associate,  "  indicated  his 
fine  organization.  In  1858,  he  was  taken,  in  France,  for  a  native 
of  the  country."  Another  says,  "  His  head  was  not  large,  but 
very  round,  resembling  somewhat,  in  this  respect,  the  head  of  Ex- 
President  Thiers,  of  the  French  Republic,  and  was  covered  all 
over  with  a  fine  growth  of  short,  iron-graj^  hair.  His  face  was 
always  kept  smooth,  like  that  of  Thiers ;  his  eye  was  small  and 
twinkling,  like  that  of  the  French  historian  and  statesman,  and 
both  alike  wore  glasses."  Professor  Hadle}- ,  of  New  Haven,  says 
•  of  his  printed  works,  "  They  are  marked  bj^  a  genuine  erudition, 
and  a  thorough  knowledge  of  all  that  has  been  wi'itten  on  their  sev- 
eral subjects  ;  but  still  more  striking  is  the  good  judgment  which 
they  show,  and  their  conspicuous  fairness.     Rarely  have  we  read 


PROFESSOR  TRAIN.  565 

books  which  gave  us  so  high  a  conception  of  the  writer's  whole 
nature." 

Dr.  Hackett  was  married  September  22,  1834,  to  Mary  Wads- 
worth  Balch,  his  cousin ;  she  was  the  daughter  of  Rev.  WilUam 
Balch,  of  Salisbur}-,  Mass.  Her  mother  was  Mary  Wadsworth, 
daughter  of  Dr.  Benjamin  Wadsworth,  pastor  in  Danvers,  Mass., 
for  fifty  3'ears,  and  who  was  descended  from  a  collateral  branch 
of  the  family  which  gave  President  W^adsworth  to  Harvard  Uni- 
versit}'.  Besides  his  widow,  two  sous  and  one  daughter  survived 
him.     One  son  died  in  infanc}'. 

The  principal  publications  of  Dr.  Hackett  are  the  following : 

•  Plutarch  on  the  Delay  of  the  Deity  in  the  Punishment  of  the  Wicked. 
With  notes.     1844. 

Grammar  of  the  Chaldee  Language,  as  contained  in  the  Bible  and  Tar- 
gums.     Translated  from  Geo.  B.  Wirier.     1845. 

Exercises  in  Hebrew  Grammar,  etc.     1847. 

Recollections  and  Estimate  of  Prof.  B.  B.  Edwards.     1853. 

A  Commentary  on  the  Original  Text  of  the  Acta  of  the  Apostles.  1852. 
(A  new  edition,  revised  and  greatly  enlarged.     1858.) 

Illustrations  of  Scripture.  Suggested  by  a  Tour  through  the  Holy  Land. 
1853.     (JSTew  and  Revised  Edition.     18G0.) 

Notes  on  the  Greek  Text  of  the  Epistle  of  Paul  to  Philemon.     1860. 

Thirty  Articles  in  Dr.  William  Smith's  Dictionary  of  the  Bible.     1860-3. 

Christian  Memorials  of  the  War.     1864. 

Dr.  William  Smith's  Dictionary  of  the  Bible.  Edited,  with  large  addi- 
tions, 4  vols.     1868-70. 

The  Book  of  Ruth.     1876. 

In  addition  to  these  larger  volumes,  Dr.  Hackett  published 
addresses,  translations,  introductions  to  other  works,  and  uumer- 
ous  contributions  to  periodical  literature. 

Abthuu  Savage  Train,  the  eldest  sou  of  the  Rev.  Chaiies 
and  Elizabeth  Harrington  Train,  was  born  in  Framingham,  in 
August,  1812.  The  father  came  to  Newton  to  study  theology  in 
his  earlier  life,  and  it  is  au  agreeable  coincidence  that  the  son 
came  to  Newton  to  teach  theology  nearly  half  a  century  after- 
wards. Mr.  Train  pursued  his  earl}-  classical  studies  under  the 
instruction  of  his  father,  and  graduated  with  high  rank  at  Brown 
University  in  1833.  He  was  tutor  in  Brown  University  upwards 
of  two  3'ears,  and  was  ordained  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  church 
in  Haverhill,  Mass.,  October  20,  1836,  and  continued  to  sustain 
that  relation  till  January,  1860.  In  November,  1859,  he  entered 
upon  the  professorship  of  Sacred  Rhetoric  and  Pastoral  Duties  in 


5G6  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

the  Newton  Theological  Institution,  and  resigned  his  office  after 
seven  years.  He  then  accepted  the  call  to  the  pastorship  of  the 
First  Baptist  church  in  Framingham,  the  home  of  his  childhood, 
and  continued  in  that  office  till  his  death.  Where  the  father  had 
sowed,  thither  the  sou  came  to  reap.  The  service  of  Dr.  Train 
ns  a  teacher  covered,  in  all,  a  space  of  about  nine  years,  and  as 
a,  preacher,  twenty-nine  years ;  and  in  each  sphere  alike  he  left 
an  honored  record. 

He  was  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Brown  Univer- 
sity from  1845  until  his  death,  and  in  1855  he  received  from  that 
University  the  honorary  degree  of  Doctor  of  Divinit3\ 

During  his  residence  in  Haverhill  as  a  pastor,  he  did,  as  the 
largest,  so  the  most  effective,  work  of  his  life.  He  took  a  deep 
interest  in  every  thing  which  related  to  the  welfare  of  his  parish- 
ioners and' of  the  village  where  he  lived.  He  was  a  man  of  public 
spirit,  feeling  a  pride  in  the  place  of  his  residence,  and  entering 
heartily  into  every  thing  which  promised  to  advance  its  interests. 
The  public  schools  of  the  town  were  remodelled  through  his  influ- 
ence, and  elevated  to  a  high  degree  of  excellence.  The  rural 
cemetery  of  the  place  owes  much  of  its  beauty  and  tastdulness 
to  his  suggestions,  and  some  of  the  trees  which  adorn  the  streets 
and  public  squares  were  set  out  by  his  own  hands.  He  was  a 
model  pastor,  S3'mpathizing,  affectionate  and  faithful.  His  preach- 
ing Avas  both  doctrinal  and  practical,  clear,  sound  and  instructive. 
Naturally  a  good  scholar,  he  was  distinguished  by  sound  sense 
and  practical  sagacity.  With  the  exception  of  a  brief  tour  in 
Europe,  his  work  was  never  interrupted,  and  his  church  and  con- 
gregation were  eminently  benefited  by  the  influence  of  his  minis- 
trv.  He  died  in  Framingham,  January  2, 1872,  and  was  buried  in 
Haverhill,  among  the  people  to  whom  he  had  devoted  the  best 
3'ears  of  his  life.  His  departure  called  forth  man}-  honorarj^  trib- 
utes from  various  bodies,  showing  the  high  estimation  in  wliich  he 
was  held. 

His  only  publication  was  a  centennial  discourse,  delivered  on 
the  one  hundredth  anniversary  of  the  church  in  Haverhill,  of  which 
he  had  been  pastor  twenty -three  j'ears. 

He  was  twice  married,  and  left  a  widow  and  three  daughters, 
the  children  of  the  first  marriage. 

Robert  Everett  Pattison,  son  of  the  Rev.  WiUiam  Pattison, 
was  born  in  Benson,  Vt.,  August   17,  1800,  and  graduated   at 


PRESIDENT  SEARS.  5G7 

Amlicrst  College  in  1826.  For  a  brief  period  he  taught  in  the 
Academy  in  Amherst,  and  afterwards  became  Tutor  in  Columbian 
College,  Washington,  D.  C.  In  1828,  he  was  elected  Professor  of 
Mathematics  and  Natural  Philosophy  in  Waterville  College.  After 
one  year  of  service,  in  1829  he  was  ordained  pastor  of  the  Second 
Baptist  church  in  Salem,  Mass.,  and  in  March,  1830,  accepted 
a  call  to  the  pastorate  of  the  First  Baptist  church  in  Providence, 
R.  I.  In  1836,  he  became  President  of  Waterville  College, 
and  administered  the  duties  of  the  office  with  great  acceptance 
and  success.  In  1840,  he  relinquished  the  presidenc}',  and  was 
elected  Secretary  of  the  American  Baptist  Missionar}^  llnion. 
In  1845,  be  removed  to  Covington,  Kentucky,  where  he  was 
President  and  Professor  of  Theology  in  the  Western  Baptist 
Theological  Institute  ;  and,  when  that  Seminary  was  discontinued, 
he  returned  to  Massachusetts,  and  became  Professor  of  Biblical 
Theology  in  the  Newton  Theological  Institution.  After  six  years 
of  service,  he  yielded  to  the  call  to  accept,  a  second  time,  the 
presidenc}'  of  Waterville  College,  where,  it  is  said  of  him,  "In  all 
metaphysical  questions,  the  clearness  of  his  perceptions  and  the 
quickness  of  his  intellect  gave  him  pre-eminent  power,  and  com- 
manded the  respect  of  ever\'  pupil."  From  this  position,  he  retin-ned 
to  a  second  pastorate  over  the  First  Baptist  church  in  Providence. 
His  next  residence  was  a  temporary  one  in  Worcester,  Mass., 
where  he  took  charge  of  the  Oread  Institute  for  Young  Ladies. 
In  1863,  he  returned  to  the  work  of  theological  instruction,  and 
became  Professor  in  Shurtleff  College,  Alton,  111.  The  last  four 
3'ears  of  his  life  were  spent  in  Chicago,  111.,  as  acting  President  of 
the  Chicago  Universitj',  and  professor  of  Theology  in  the  Chicago 
Theological  Seminary.  Dr.  Pattison  was  thrice  married,  and  had 
six  children.  He  died  in  St.  Louis,  November  21,  1874.  His 
pupils  became  ministers  in  nearl}'  every  State  and  Territory  of  the 
Union.  The  theology  he  taught  is  reproduced,  through  his  stu- 
dents, among  the  Karens  of  Burmah,  the  Teloogoos  of  Hither 
India,  and  the  Assamese  along  the  Brahmaputra.  His  counsels 
and  influence  are  seeds  of  thought  and  sources  of  inspiration  to 
hundreds  whom  he  never  saw. 

PROFESSORS    IN   THE    INSTITUTION,    NOW   LIVING. 

Barnas  Sears,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  born  Sandisfield,  Mass.,  Novem- 
ber 19,  1802,  graduated  at  Brown  Univ.,  1825,  Newton  Theol. 
Inst.,  1825-7;  ordained  pastor  at  Hartford,  Conn.,  1827;  Profes- 


568  HISTOEY  OF  NEWTON. 

sor  Hamilton  Lit.  and  Theol.  Inst.,  1829  ;  Professor  and  President 
Newton  Theol.  Inst.,  1836-48  ;  Secretary  Mass.  Board  of  Educa- 
tion, 1848-55  ;  President  of  Brown  Univ.,  1855-67  ;  General  Agent 
Peabody  Education  Fund,  1867.    [Died  July  6,  1880.] 

Alvah  Hovet,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  born  Greene,  N.Y.,  April  5, 1820  ; 
graduated  at  Dartmouth  Coll.,  1844,  Newton  Theol.  Inst.,  1848; 
preached  in  New  Gloucester,  Me.,  1848-9;  ordained  in  Boston, 
November,  1849  ;  Instructor  in  Hebrew,  Newton  Theol.  Inst., 
1849-55  ;  Professor  of  Church  History,  1853-5  ;  Professor  of 
Theology  and  Christian  Ethics,  1855  ;  President,  1868. 

Albert  N.  Arnold,  D.  D.,  born  Cranston,  R.  I., February  12, 
1814  ;  graduated B.  U.,  1838,  Newton  Theol.  Inst.,  1841 ;  ordained 
Newbur3'port,  September  14, 1841 ;  Missionary  in  Greece,  1844-55  ; 
Professor  of  Ecclesiastical  History,  Newton  Theol.  Inst.,  1855-7  ; 
Pastor  Westboro',  1857-64  ;  Professor  Biblical  Criticism  and  Pas- 
toral Theology,  Hamilton  Theol.  Inst.,  1864-9;  Professor  Bibli- 
cal Literature  and  Exegesis,  Bap.  Theol.  Sem.,  Chicago,  1869-76. 

George  D.  B.  Pepper,  D.  D.,  born  Ware,  Mass. ;  graduated 
Amherst  Coll.,  1857,  Newton  Theol.  Inst.,  1860  ;  ordained  Water- 
■viUe,  Me.,  September,  1860;  Professor  Newton  Theol.  Inst., 
1865-7  ;  Professor  Crozer  Theol.  Sem.,  1868. 

Galusha  Anderson,  D.  D.  Pastor  at  St.  Louis ;  Professor 
Newton  Theol.  Inst.,  1866-73  ;  Pastor  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  Chicago, 
111.  ;  President  of  Chicago  University. 

Heman  Lincoln,  D.  D.,  born  Boston,  Mass.,  April  14,  1821 ; 
graduated  Brown  Univ.,  1840,  Newton  Theol.  Inst.,  1845; 
ordained  Boston,  September,  1845  ;  Professor  of  Ecclesiastical 
History,  Newton  Theol.  Inst.,  1868-73  ;  of  Homiletics  and  Pas- 
toral Duties,  1873. 

Samuel  Lunt  Caldwell,  D.  D.,  born  Newbury  port,  November 
13, 1820  ;  graduated  Waterville  College,  1839,  Newton  Theol.  Inst., 
1845  ;  ordained  August,  1846  ;  Professor  of  Ecclesiastical  History, 
Newton  Theol.  Inst.,  1873-8  ;  President  of  Vassar  College,  1878. 

Oakman  Sprague  Stearns,  D.  D.,  born  Bath,  Me.,  1818  ;  grad- 
uated Waterville  College,  1840,  Newton  Theol.  Inst.,  1846; 
Instructor  in  Hebrew  in  Newton  Theol.  Inst.,  1847;  ordained 
May  19,  1847  ;  Professor  of  Interpretation  of  the  Old  Testament 
in  Newton  Theol.  Inst.,  1868. 

Ezra  Palmer  Gould,  born  Boston,  February  27,  1841 ;  grad- 
uated   Harvard  University,   1861,   Newton  Theol.   Inst.,  1868  j 


STUDENTS  WHO  SERVED  IN  THE  WAR.  5G9 

ordained  September,  1868  ;  Assistant  Professor  Biblical  Literature, 
Newton  Theol.  Inst.,  1868-71 ;  Professor  of  Biblical  Literature 
(New  Testament) ,  1871 . 

Elisha  Benjamin  Andrews,  born  Hinsdale,  N.  H.  ;  graduated 
at  Brown  Univ.,  1870,  Newton  Theol.  List.,  1872-4;  Principal 
Conn.  Lit.  Inst.,  Suffield,  Conn.,  1870-72;  ordained  July,  1874; 
Pastor,  Beverl}',  Mass.  ;  President  Denison  Univ.,  Granville, 
Ohio  ;  Professor  of  Homiletics  in  Newton  Theol.  Inst.,  1879. 

NEWTON  THEOLOGICAL  INSTITUTION  AND  THE  WAR  OF  THE  REBELLION. 

In  the  war  for  the  suppression  of  the  rebellion,  1861-5,  the 
students  and  alumni  of  the  Newton  Theological  Institution  were 
distinguished  by  their  zeal  and  patriotism,  and  showed  their  readi- 
ness to  encounter  danger,  when  they  were  summoned  by  the  caU 
of  duty.  The  following  Roll  of  Honor  will  be  appreciated  by  the 
patriot  and  the  Christian.  Such  men  should  be  kept  in  everlast- 
ing remembrance. 

STUDENTS   WHO   SERVED   IN   THE   WAR,    1861-5. 

James  William  Ashton,  First  Lieutenant,  157th  Pennsylvania  Volun- 
teers, October  3,  1S62.  Actins?  Post  Adjutant,  Fort  Delaware,  June,  1863. 
Regimental  Adjutant,  April,  1804.  Wounded  before  Petersburg,  Va.,  June 
27,  1864.     Discharged  on  account  of  wounds,  September  29,  1864. 

Seth  Jones  Axtell,  Corporal  51st  Massachusetts  Volunteers.  Enlisted 
August  25,  1862.  Served  in  North  Carolina,  under  General  Foster.  Mus- 
tered out  of  service  July  21,  1863.  Pastor  at  West  Medway,  Mass.  Presi- 
dent of  Leland  University,  New  Orleans,  La. 

Joseph  Henry  Gannett,  Private,  Co.  H,  12th  Massachusetts  Volunteers, 
April  25,  1861.  Served  in  Virginia.  Detached  from  regiment  as  Acting 
Hospital  Steward,  Frederick  City,  Md.,  October,  1862.  Mustered  out  of  ser- 
vice, June  26,  1864.     Pastor  at  East  Gloucester,  Mass. 

JosiAH  Ripley  Goddard,  Sergeant,  Co.  K,  Rhode  Island  Volunteers, 
October  1,  1862.  Served  in  Virginia  and  Maryland.  Mustered  out  of  ser- 
vice, July  6,  1863.     Missionary  in  Ningpo,  China. 

Frank  Tomlinson  Hazlewood,  Private,  lOth  Rhode  Island  Volunteers, 
May  21,  1862.  Served  in  Virginia  and  Maryland.  Mustered  out,  Septem- 
ber 1,  1862.  Served  also  in  Christian  Commission  before  Petersburg,  Va., 
1864.     Pastor  at  Bangor,  Me. 

Horace  Franklin  Barnes,  Private,  Co.  E,  47th  Massachusetts  Volun- 
teers, September,  1862.  Served  in  the  Department  of  the  Gulf.  Detached 
from  regiment  as  Government  reporter.     Mustered  out  of  service,   August, 

1863.  Pastor. 

Stephen  Copeland  Fletcher,  Private,  7th  Maine  Volunteers,  November 
27,  1861.     Captain,  same  regiment,   January   23,  1862.      Major,  August  7, 

1864.  Lieut.-Colonel  1st  Maine  Veteran  Volunteers,  November  3,'  1864. 


570  HISTOKY  OF  NEWTON. 

Brevet  Colonel  United  States  Volunteers,  April  2,  18G5,  for  gallant  and  meri- 
torious conduct  at  the  capture  of  Petersburg,  Va.  Served  in  the  army  of 
the  Potomac.  Wounded  at  Spottsylvania  Court  House,  May  12,  1864,  at 
Port  jStevenson  before  Petersburg,  July  13,  18G4,  and  at  Cedar  Creek, 
October  10,  1864.  Provost  Marshal  Southern  District  of  Virginia,  April  12, 
1865.  Mustered  out  of  service,  with  regiment,  July  9,  1865.  Pastor  at  New- 
London,  N.  H. 

Ezra  Palmer  Gould,  Private,  24th  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  October 
18,  1861.  Second  Lieutenant  55th  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  December  25, 
1863.  Captain,  59th  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  April  9,  1864.  Major,  same 
regiment,  December  16,  1864.  Served  in  North  Carolina  and  Virginia. 
Wounded  in  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness,  May  6,  1864.  Mustered  out  of 
service,  with  regiment,  August  1,  1865.  Professor  in  the  Newton  Theologi- 
cal Institution. 

Walter  Whitney  Hammond,  Private.  Co.  I,  47th  Massachusetts  Volun- 
teers, September  6,  1862.  Sergeant,  October  24,  1862.  First  Sergeant, 
June  8,  1863.  Served  in  the  Department  of  the  Gulf.  Mustered  out  of  ser- 
vice, with  regiment,  September  1,  1863.  Pastor  at  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  Ber- 
gen, N.  J.,  Detroit,  Mich. 

■  Stlvanus  Boardman  Macomber,  Private,  Co.  K,  13th  Maine  Volunteers, 
January  4,  1864.  Served  in  the  Department  of  the  Gulf.  Mustered  out  of 
service,  with  regiment.  May  13,  1865.     Pastor. 

George  Holmes  Messer,  Private,  lOtli  Rhode  Island  Volunteers,  May, 
1862.  Served  in  Virginia  and  Maryland.  Mustered  out  of  service,  with 
regiment,  September  1,  1862. 

Sylvester  Baron  Partridge,  Private,  92nd  New  York  Volunteers, 
September  1,  1861.  First  Sergeant,  Co.  H,  December  15,  1861.  Second 
Lieutenant,  Co.  B,  January  1,  1862.  Detached  from  regiment  to  serve  as 
Acting  Signal  Officer,  October  6,  1862.  First  Lieutenant,  Co.  B,  92nd  New 
York  Volunteers,  November  24,  1862.  First  Lieutenant  Signal  Corps 
United  States  Army,  March  3,  1863.  Served  last  as  Chief  Signal  Officer, 
25th  Army  Corps,  on  the  staff  of  Major-General  Weitzel.  Mustered  out  of 
service  June  6,  1865.     Missionary  in  Siam  and  China. 

Henry  Hudson  Beach,  Private,  Co.  D,  133rd  Illinois  Volunteers.  Mus- 
tered into  service  at  Camp  Butler,  111.,  May  31,  1864.  Mustered  out,  Sep- 
tember 18,  1864. 

Christopher  C.  Burrow^s,  Chaplain  United  States  Army,  Port  Hudson, . 
La.,  1863-4. 

William  Thomas  Chase,  appointed  Chaplain  4th  United  States  Colored 
Troops,  March,  1863.  Served  in  the  Department  of  the  Gulf  Mustered 
out  of  service,  March,  1864.  Pastor  at  Dover,  N.  H.,  Lewiston,  Me.,  and 
Cambridgeport,  Mass. 

Nelson  Newton  Glazier,  Private,  Co.  G,  11th  Vermont  Volunteers; 
afterwards  1st  Vermont  Heavy  Artillery.  Corporal,  November  23,  1862. 
Soon  afterwards,  detailed  as  Acting  Ordnance  Sergeant.  Second  Lieutenant 
Co.  A,  November  2,  1863.  First  Lieutenant,  January  21,  1864.  Served  in 
the  Department  of  Washington  till  May  12,  1864 ;  then,  in  the  Army  of  the 


ALUMNI  IN  THE  WAK.  571 

Potomac.  "Wounded  at  Spottsylvania  Court  House,  May  18,  1864.  He  lost 
liis  left  arm.  Discharged  on  acKiount  of  wounds,  September  3,  1864.  Pastor 
at  Burlington,  Vt. 

William  Hknry  Spencer,  Private,  61st  New  York  Volunteers,  Septem- 
ber 6,  1861.  Second  Lieutenant,  January  8,  1862.  First  Lieutenant,  Janu- 
ary 24,  1862.  Captain,  June  14,  1862.  Served  in  Virginia.  Wounded  at 
Ciiarlcs  City  Cross  lloads,  Va.,'  June  30,  1862.  He  lost  right  leg.  Com- 
missioned Major,  but  never  mustered  as  such.  Discharged  on  account  of 
wounds,  December  29,  1862.     Pastor  at  Foxboro',  Mass.,  Waterville,  Me. 

James  Hope  Arthur,  Private  7th  Connecticut  Volunteers.  Was  con- 
fined eight  months  in  Libby  Prison,  Richmond.  Wounded  in  knee,  in  bat- 
tle of  Tybee,  N.  C.     Missionary  to  Japan. 

ALUMNI   WHO   SERVED    IN   THE   WAR,    1861-5. 
1831. 
TiMOTHT  R.  Cressey,  Chaplain  of  a  Minnesota  regiment.     Served  in  the 
Army  of  the  Cumberland.    Died  Aug.  30,  1870. 

1834. 
William  F.  Nelson,  Hospital  Chaplain,  U.  S.  Army,  1861-5.     Died  March 
15,  1875. 

1839. 
Samuel  W.  Field,  Chaplain  12th  R.  I.  Volunteers,  Sept.,  1862.     Served 
in  Virginia  and  Kentucky.     Mustered  out  of  service,  with  regiment,  July, 
1863. 

1843. 

George  Knox,  Chaplain  1st,  10th  and  29th  Maine  Volunteers,  1861-4. 
Died  Oct.  31,  1864.  The  report  of  the  Adjutant  General  says,  *'  He  shared 
the  perils  and  hardships  of  the  gallant  10th,  during  its  memorable  campaigns, 
with  distinguished  coolness  and  fortitude.  Hispresence^vas  never  wanting  on 
the  battle-field,  where  his  attentions  to  the  wounded  and  the  dying  were  timely 
and  efficient.  He  endeared  himself  to  the  men  by  numberless  acts  of  kind- 
ness Avhich  will  never  be  forgotten." 

1845. 

William  Bacheller  Greene,  Col.  14th  Reg.,  Mass.  Volunteers.  He  died 
In  England  in  1877,  at  the  age  of  51  years.  Col.  Greene  was  son  of  the  late 
Nathl  Greene,  formerly  postmaster  of  Boston,  and  was  born  at  Haverhill. 
Ho  was  educated  at  West  Point;  served  in  the  Florida  campaign;  was  con- 
nected with  the  Brook  Farm  movement;  was  settled  as  a  Baptist  minister,  at 
Brookficid,  Mass.,  and  afterwards  as  a  Unitarian,  at  Springfield.  He  was  a 
strong  abolitionist  and  a  Democrat.  On  the  5th  of  July,  1861,  he  was  com- 
missioned as  colonel  of  the  14th  Regiment  of  Massachusetts  Infantry  Volun- 
teers, afterwards  the  1st  Regiment  of  Heavy  Artillery. 

In  August,  1864,  he  was  recalled  by  General  McClellan  and  assigned  to  the 
command  of  the  artillery  brigade  of  General  Whipple's  Division,  and  had 
charge  of  a  line  of  twelve  forts,  from  Forts  Scott  and  Jackson  to  Forts  De 


572  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Kalb  and  Bennet.  His  brigade  consisted  of  the  14th  Massachusetts  Infantry, 
16th  Maine  Infantry,  1st  Battery  Independent  Wisconsin  Artillery,  and  2d 
New  York  Artillery.  He  resigned  his  commission  October  11,  1862,  and  re- 
turned to  Boston,  where  he  resided  until  about  a  year  and  a  half  before  his 
death,  when  he  went  to  England. 

In  1853  he  was  a  member  of  the  Constitutional  Convention,  was  a  strong 
advocate  of  social  progress,  and  was  greatly  "interested  in  the  improvment  of 
the  condition  and  privileges  of  the  working  people.  He  was  also  a  firm  be- 
liever in  freedom  of  speech.  Col.  Greene  was  a  close  student  of  theology, 
having  considerable  acquaintance  with  Hebrew  and  Egyptian  antiquities. 
He  was  also  a  fine  mathematician,  and  an  industrious  scholar  in  all  the 
branches  of  science  and  philosophy  which  interested  him.  In  Free  Masonry, 
he  took  all  the  thirty-three  degrees  of  the  "  Ancient  and  Accepted  Rite." 
As  a  writer.  Col.  Greene  has  left  several  memorials  of  himself  in  the  shape 
of  published  works,  among  which  are  "  Socialistic,  Communistic,  Mutualistic 
and  Financial  Fragments,"  "Theory  of  the  Calculus,"  "Explanation  of 
the  Theory  of  the  Calculus,"  "Transcendentalism,"  "The  Facts  of  Con- 
sciousness and  the  Philosophy  of  Mr.  Hebert  Spencer." 

1851. 
Jonathan  Mekriam,  1864.     Pastor  in  Illinois.     Died,  Nov.  29,  1872. 

1852. 
Heman  Lincoln  Wayland,  Chaplain  7th  Connecticut  Volunteers,  Infan- 
try, Sept.  18,  1861.     Served  with  his   regiment  in   the  Department  of  the 
South  (S.  C,  Ga.  and  Florida).     Mustered   out  Jan.  7,  1864.     President 
Franklin  College,  Ind.     Editor  National  Baptist 

1855. 

Henry  Fayette  Lane,  Chaplain  41st  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  Infantry, 
Nov.  4,  1862.  Served  in  the  Department  of  the  Gulf  under  General  Banks. 
Mustered  out,  Aug.  25,  1863. 

1856. 

George  Donald  Henderson,  Chaplain,  U.  S.  A.,  1859-63;  do.  XJ.  S. 
Navy,  July  2,  1864.  Served  in  the  North  Atlantic  Blockading  Squadron. 
Ordered  to  the  Naval  Academy,  Sept.  12,  1864. 

1857. 
Enos  Munger,  Chaplain,  1862-4.     Died,  Oct.  14,  1873. 
Joseph  Colver  Wightsian,  Chaplain  24th  Connecticut  Volunteers,  In- 
fantry, Oct.  31,  1862.     Served  in   the  Department  of  the  Gulf.     Mustered 
out,  with  regiment,  Sept.  30,  1863. 

1858. 
George  Bdllbn,  Chaplain  16th  Maine  Volunteers,  Infantry,  Aug.,  1862. 
Served  in  Maryland  and  Virginia.     Mustered  out,  Oct.  11,  1863.     Pastor, 
Pawtuckct,  R.  I. 


ALUMNI  IN  THE  WAR.  573 

Charles  A.  Snow,  Chaplain  3rd  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  Infantry,  Oct. 
10,  1862.  Served  in  North  Carolina.  Mustered  out,  with  regiment,  June 
26,  1863.     Pastor,  Fall  River. 

J.  Parker  Chapin,  Chaplain  U.  S.  Hospital,  1862-3.  Pastor,  Conway, 
N.  H. 

1859. 

John  F.  Ashley,  Captain,  Co.  G,  53rd  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  Infantry. 
Served  in  the  Department  of  the  Gulf.  Mustered  out,  with  regiment,  Sept. 
2,  1863. 

JoTHAM  W.  HoRTON,  Chaplain,  New  Orleans,  La.  1863-4.  Superintend- 
ent Ross  Colony,  1864.     Killed  by  a  mob,  Aug.  5,  1866.     (See  pp.  574,  575.) 

1860. 

Francis  Mansfield,  Chaplain  U.  S.  Volunteers,  1862-3. 

1861. 

Charles  H.  Corey,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  1864-5.  President,  Richmond  Insti- 
tute, Richmond,  Va. 

Lucius  M.  S.  Haynes,  1st  Lieutenant,  4th  Maine  Battery,  Dec.  21,  1861. 
Served  with  his  battery  in  the  field,  and  was  mustered  out  Sept.  22,  1862. 

Charles   Henry  Roave,  Chaplain  Post  Hospital,  Augusta,  Me.,  1864-5. 

1862. 

Henry  Tupper,  Private,  Co.  E,  36th  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  Infantry. 
Enlisted  July,  1862.  Sergeant,  Aug.,  1862.  Served  in  Maryland,  Virginia, 
Kentucky  and  Mississippi.  Transferred  to  the  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  Nov. 
1,  1863,  and  stationed  at  Portsmouth  Grove,  R.  I.  Mustered  out  at  the  close 
of  the  war.     President,  Shaw  University,  N.  C. 

1863. 
Charles  Herbert  Richardson,  Chaplain,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  1864-5. 

1864. 

Joseph  H.  Sedwick,  Private,  Co.  B,  44th  Massachusetts  Volunteers. 
Promoted  Sergeant.  Served  in  North  Carolina  under  General  Foster.  Mus- 
tered out  of  service,  with  regiment,  at  Readville,  Mass.,  June  18,  1863. 

Henry  Kirk  Porter,  Private,  Co.  A,  45th  Massachusetts  Volunteers. 
Enlisted  in  the  autumn  of  1862.  Served  in  North  Carolina.  On'duty  a 
while  at  the  office  of  the  Provost  Marshal  at  Newborn.  Mustered  out  of 
service,  with  regiment,  at  Readville,  Mass.,  July  8,  1863. 

Samuel  White  Duncan,  Captain,  Co.  F,  50th  Massachusetts  Volunteers. 
Commissioned  November  10,  1862.  Served  under  General  Banks  in  the 
Department  of  the  Gulf.  Participated  in  the  several  assaults  on  Port  Hud- 
son in  the  months  of  May  and  June,  1863.  Mustered  out  of  service,  with 
regiment,  at  Wenham,  Mass.,  Aug.  24,  1863.     Pastor,  Cleveland,  Cincinnati. 

Henry  Sweetser  Bubrage,  Private,  Co.  A,  36th  Massachusetts  Volun- 
teers, August  1,  1862.     Sergeant,  August  5,  1862.     Sergeant-Major,  August 


574  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

27,  18G2.  Second  Lieutenant,  Co.  D,  May  16,  18G3.  First  Lieutenant, 
November  17,  1863.  Wounded  at  the  battle  of  Cold  Harbor,  Va.,  June  3, 
1864.  Captain,  June  19,  1864.  A  prisoner  at  Richmond  and  Danville,  Va., 
from  November  1,  1864  to  February  22,  1865.  Brevet  Major  United  States 
Volunteers,  "  for  gallant  and  meritorious  conduct  in  the  campaign  from  the 
Rapidan  to  the  James,"  March  13,  1865.  Acting  assistant  Adjutant  General, 
1st  Brigade,  2nd  Division,  9th  Army  Corps,  April  15,  1865.  Served  in  Mary- 
land, Virginia,  Kentucky,  Mississippi,  Tennessee,  and  a  second  time  in  Vir- 
ginia. Mustered  out  of  service,  with  regiment,  June  8,  1865,  at  Alexan- 
dria, Va.     Editor  Zioii's  Advocate,  Portland,  Me. 

1866. 

William  C  Bakrows,  Private,  Co.  F,  24th  M<i-ine  Volunteers,  September 
10,  18G2.  Sergeant,  September  16,  1862.  First  Sergeant,  December  17, 
1862.  Second  Lieutenant,  June  1,  1863.  Served  in  Department  of  the 
Gulf.     Mustered  out  of  service,  with  regiment,  August  25,  1863. 

Henry  Gordon  Gat,  Private,  10th  Rhode  Island  Volunteers,  May  2^, 
1862.  Mustered  out  of  service  at  Providence,  September  1,  1862.  Re-en- 
listed September  3,  1862,  in  Co.  F,  26th  Connecticut  Volunteers.  Appointed' 
First  Sergeant,  September  19,  1862.  Served  in  Department  of  the  Gulf. 
Wounded  at  Port  Hudson,  June  13,  1863.  Mustered  out  of  service,  with 
regiment,  August  17;  commissioned  Second  Lieutenant  August  17,  but  was 
not  mustered,  on  account  of  expiration  of  service. 

Addison  Parker,  Sergeant,  Co.  F,  46tli  Massachusetts  Volunteers. 
Served  in  North  Carolina  under  General  Foster.  Mustered  out  of  service 
July  28,  1863. 

Besides  the  past  graduates  of  the  Newton  Theological  Institu- 
tion, and  its  actual  members  who  served  in  the  armies  of  the  Union 
during  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  many  of  the  students  and  former 
graduates  entered  the  service  of  the  Christian  and  Sanitary  Coni- 
mis&ions,  and  in  the  hospitals  gave  themselves  to  the  labor  of  car- 
ing for  those  who  needed  such  assistance  as  the}'  were  able  to 
render.  Soldiers  of  the  cross  of  Christ,  though  they  did  not  win 
for  themselves  titles  or  emoluments,  they  secured  the  heartfelt  grat- 
itude of  the  sick,  the  wounded,  and  the  dying.  And  it  is  a 
remarkable  fact  that  among  all  who  thus  imperilled  their  lives  for 
their  country,  leaving  the  stud}^  for  the  field  of  deadly  conflict, 
not  one  young  life  perished.  Two  others,  graduates  of  the  Insti- 
tution, however,  gave  up  their  lives  to  the  cause  to  which  they  had 
consecrated  themselves, —  Mr.  Knox,  who  was  accidentally  killed 
in  the  discharge  of  his  dut}-,  and  Mr.  Horton,  who  was  shot  b}*  a 
mob  which  he  was  endeavoring  to  pacify.  The  remains  of  Mr. 
Horton  were  returned  to  his  friends  in  Boston  for  burial.  A 
crowded  assembly  gathered  in  Tremont  Temple  to  do  honor  to  his- 


BUllIAL  OF  A  CHAPLAIN.  575 

memory.  Ministers  of  various  denominations  took  part  in  the 
funeral  services.  The  following  hymn,  written  bj''  the  Rev.  S.  F. 
Smith  for  the  occasion,  was  sung  at  the  close : 

Take  from  our  hands,  O  faithful  earth, 

This  martyred  form  —  a  lioly  trust; 
While  mourning  hearts,  submissive,  bow, 

And  tears  bedew  the  sacred  dust. 

Slain  in  his  prime  by  hands  unclean, 

Peaceful  shall  be  the  martyr's  rest ; 
Nor  fears  alarm,  nor  foes  assail, 

Nor  pains  annoy,  nor  cares  molest. 

In  joyful  hope  we  build  his  tomb, 

"Where,  calm,  the  brave  and  holy  sleep ; 
And  patriot  faith  and  Christian  love 

Around  the  shrine  their  watch  sliall  keep. 

0  man  of  God,  in  patience  waitj 
The  morning  redness  streaks  the  gloom; 

Thy  dust  shall  rise, —  and  earth,  redeemed. 
Proclaim  its  Great  Deliverer  come. 

The  whole  number  of  representatives  of  the  Institution,  in  the 
various  branches  of  service  in  the  war,  was  forty-four.  Of  these^ 
twenty-seven  were  alumni  of  the  Institution,  and  seventeen  actual 
students  within  its  walls,  at  the  time  when  the  summons  came  for 
active  service  in  the  field.  The  patriotic  lessons,  imbibed  from  the 
teachings  of  the  Institution  and  from  the  Hoi}-  Scriptures,  fitted' 
them  for  the  emergency.  They  were  prepared  to  do  valiant  ser- 
vice for  their  countrj-,  as  well  as  for  the  church  of  Christ.  It  is  an 
interesting  fact  that,  of  the  students  who  were  members  of  the 
Institution  when  the  necessity  grew  most  urgent,  about  one  in 
every  four  ofiered  himself  for  the  service,  saying,  "  Here  am  I, 
send  me."  And  of  the  entire  number  of  the  alumni  to  the  close 
of  the  civil  war, —  omitting  those  who  were  not  living  and  those 
who  had  gone  as  missionaries  to  other  lands,  the  whole  number 
engaged  in  the  service  of  then'  countr}^  was  not  far  from  one  in 
every  ten, —  a  noble  offering  to  the  cause  of  patriotism,  honorable 
ahke  to  themselves,  then*  training  and  the  Institution  where  they 
■were  nurtured. 


CHAPTER  XLIV. 

NORTH    VILLAGE. PAPER-MAKING. CHEESE-CAKE      BROOK. COT- 
TON     WARP. GAS         MANUFACTURE. "  TIN        HORN." iETNA 

MILLS. BOSTON    MANUFACTURING    COMPANY. THE   BRIDGE. 

NORTH   EVANGELICAL   CHURCH. 

The  historj'  of  the  North  Village  of  Newton,  as  connected  with 
the  establishment  and  growth  of  various  original  kinds  of  manu- 
factures, is  full  of  interest.  Some  of  the  works  first  planted  here 
were  on  the  Watertown  side  of  the  river ;  but,  the  village  being 
one,  the  water-power  being  equally  available  on  each  side,  and  the 
enterprise  of  the  owners  having  built  up  a  business  constantly 
expanding  in  each  direction,  the  history  of  manufactures  at  this 
point  belongs  to  the  histor}"  of  Newton,  and  the  history  of  New- 
ton cannot  be  complete  without  it.  The  locality  bore  for  manj' 
years  the  title  of  "  Bemis's  Factories." 

An  article  in  the  Waltham  Sentinel  of  April  29,  1864,  supplies 
the  requisite  materials  for  the  view  which  follows. 

Through  the  energy,  enterprise  and  perseverance  of  the  Bemis 
family  through  two  or  three  generations,  water-power  was  first 
applied  at  this  point  for  manufacturing  and  mechanical  purposes. 

David  Bemis,  the  father  of  Captain  Luke  Bemis  and  Seth 
Bemis,  Esq.,  more  than  a  century  since  purchased  thirty-nine  acres 
of  laud  on  the  Watertown  side,  and  subsequently  twenty-five  acres 
additional,  embracing  all  the  land  on  which  the  buildings  belong- 
ing to  the  village  on  that  side  of  the  river  now  stand.  In  1778, 
David  Bemis  with  Dr.  Enos  Sumner,  who  then  owned  the  land  on 
the  Newton  side,  constructed  the  original  dam  across  the  river 
where  the  same  now  is.  The  next  year  Dr.  Sumner  sold  out  his 
interest  in  the  concern  to  John  D.  McDongal,  of  Boston,  Michael 
Carney,  of  Dorchester,  and  Nathaniel  Patten,  of  Hartford,  Conn., 
who  erected  a  paper-mill  in  1779.     In  1780-1,  David  Bemis  became 

576 


NORTH  VILLAGE.  577 

owner  of  two-thirds  of  this  business,  and  with  his  son.  Captain 
Liiko  Bemis,  carried  it  on  till  1790,  when  the  father,  David  Bemis, 
died.  Short!}'  after  that  event,  Luke  Bemis  and  his  brother  Isaac 
became  sole  owners  of  the  propert}',  and  continued  together  till 
1794,  when  Isaac  Bemis  died.  From  that  time  till  1821,  Luke 
Bemis,  either  alone  or  in  partnership  with  his  brother-in-law,  Caleb 
Edd}-,  of  Boston,  carried  on  the  business  of  paper-making.  He 
then  sold  out  to  Seth  Bemis,  his  brother,  as  will  be  more  particu- 
larly noticed  hereafter,  in  connection  with  the  history''  of  the 
Watertown  side. 

Captain  Bemis  may  be  regarded  as  the  fii'st  successful  manufac- 
turer of  paper  in  this  vicinity,  and,  perhaps,  in  Massachusetts,  and 
who  at  the  outset  had  to  struggle  against  great  difficulties,  being 
obliged  at  the  commencement  to  obtain  most  of  his  machinery 
and  workmen  from  Europe,  and  afterwards  suffering  the  loss  of 
his  mill,  stock  and  machinery  by  fire.  But  so  important  was  the 
enterprise  considered,  in  a  public  point  of  view,  that  the  Legisla- 
ture of  Massachusetts  made  a  special  grant  to  enable  him  to 
rebuild  his  mill  after  the  fii'e. 

The  process  of  paper-making  in  those  daj's  was  slow  and  tedious, 
requiring  as  many  months  as  it  now  requii-es  days.  Each  sheet 
was  made  singly,  by  first  dipping  the  mould  into  the  pulp,  and 
shaking  it,  much  in  the  same  manner  as  a  person  shakes  the  riddle 
in  cleaning  grain.  When  the  pulp  was  sufficiently  consolidated  by 
this  shaking  process,  the  mould  was  turned  over  upon  a  woollen 
felt,  to  which  the  pulp  adhered ;  upon  this,  another  felt  was  laid  for 
the  reception  of  another  sheet,  and  thus  the  process  was  contin- 
ued. The  moulds  were  all  imported  until  the  beginning  of  the 
present  century.  About  that  time,  Mr.  Jacob  Mead,  an  ingen- 
ious citizen  of  Waltham,  invented  a  machine  for  weaving  copper 
wire  for  paper-moulds.  This  invention  proved  to  be  very  remu- 
nerative to  the  inventor,  and  a  great  convenience  to  the  public. 
No  one,  outside  of  the  inventor's  family,  ever  saw  it  until  after 
the  inventor's  death.  It  was  then  sold  at  auction  by  the  adminis- 
trator, boxed  up  and  unseen,  to  the  late  Mr.  Thomas  Miller,  of 
Waltham,  for  S550.  The  process  of  paper-making,  however,  soon 
became  so  essentially  changed,  after  Mr.  Miller's  purchase,  that 
the  value  of  the  invention  was  much  diminished. 

All  the  land  bounded  bj'  the  river,  on  the  southerly,  that  is,  the 
Newton  side,  extending  from  or  near  the  Watertown  line  to  a  point 
37 


578  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

on  Charles  River  near  the  north  end  of  Morse  Island,  afterwards 
called  Fox  Island,  belonged,  during  a  century  or  more  from  the 
•  first  settlement  of  Newton,  to  Richard  Park  and  John  Fuller,  and 
their  lineal  descendants.  The  former  owned  six  hundred  acres  of 
the  easterly  portion,  and  John  Fuller  the  westerl}'  portion,  con- 
taining seven  hundred  and  fifty  acres.  The  division  line  between 
them  commenced  at  a  point  on  the  river,  near  and  perhaps  identical 
with  that  which  divided  the  land  of  the  late  Henry  Craft  from  that 
which  now  belongs  to  Messrs.  Seth  and  George  Bemis.  This  line 
ran  southerly  to  a  white  oak  tree,  the  stump  of  which  is  now 
remaining  at  a  point  about  twenty  feet  south  of  Watertown  Street, 
opposite  the  house  of  the  widow  Monks.  This  original  landmark 
still  continues  as  an  important  one  between  different  owners  of 
land.  John  Fuller's  south  line  ran  westerly  from  said  oak  tree  to 
the  point  near  Fox  Island,  as  before  mentioned.  John  Fuller  had 
seven  sons,  whose  Christian  names  all  began  with  the  letter  J. 
This  very  valuable  tract  of  territory  now  belongs  to  Waltham ; 
during  more  than  a  centurj-,  it  was  called  Fuller's  Corner.  The 
father,  witli  some  or  all  of  his  sons,  while  traversing  the  then  wil- 
derness near  the  residence  of  the  late  Ezra  Fuller,  refreshed  them- 
selves with  cake  and  cheese  and  drank  from  the  brook,  and  hence 
named  it  Cheese-cake  Brook,  by  which  name  it  is  still  known. 
At  a  later  hour,  they  cooked  some  wild  game  on  the  small  conical 
hill  standing  a  little  east  of  the  residence  of  Mr.  Conant,  which 
they  named  Cook  Hill.  Fifty  or  sixty  3'ears  ago  it  was  so  desig- 
nated ;  but  the  name  has  now  become  obsolete. 

The  remains  of  the  original  house  of  John  FuUer  could  be  seen, 
until  within  a  few  j^ears,  near  the  river,  on  the  farm  of  the  late 
Ezra  Fuller. 

Richard  Park  died  in  1665,  and  his  only  son  Thomas  inherited 
his  estate,  by  the  wiU  of  his  father.  Thomas  Park  erected  a  house 
near  the  barn,  which  was  burned  several  years  since,  belonging  to 
the  late  Seth  Bemis,  Esq.  The  house  was  standing  until  about 
1808-9,  although  so  dilapidated  as  to  be  untenantable.  Thomas 
Park  died  August  11,  1G90,  aged  sixty-two,  and  from  him,  his 
heu's  and  assigns,  the  title  of  all  the  land  in  the  vicinit}'  has  been 
derived. 

We  will  now  turn  our  attention  to  the  northerly  or  Watertown 
side  of  the  river,  which  forms  an  integral  part  of  this  busy  manu- 
facturing village. 


NORTH  VILLAGE.  579 

Dui'ing  tlic  period  while  David  Bemis  vrith  his  son  Luke  was  en- 
gaged in  the  manufacture  of  paper  on  the  Newton  side,  he  built  and 
carried  on  a  grist-mill  and  snuff-mill  on  the  Watertown  side,  until  his 
death  in  1790,  it  being  the  first  mill  on  that  side  of  the  river  at  that 
place.  At  his  decease,  the  property  on  the  Watertown  side  v^'a^^ 
inherited  by  his  two  sons,  Luke  and  Seth,  the  latter  of  whom,  in 
or  about  179G,  bought  out  the  interest  therein  of  his  brother 
Luke,  and  became  sole  proprietor  of  the  mill  and  its  appurtenances. 
He  soon  made  preparations  for  the  manufacture  of  chocolate,  and 
preparing  dye-woods  and  medicinal  woods  and  roots  for  use. 
These  branches  of  business  he  carried  on  successfully  until  about 
1803.  Then,  by  making  a  small  addition  to  the  old  mill,  he  com- 
menced spinning  cotton  by  machiner}- ;  and  although  the  machinery 
was  very  limited  in  amount  and  imperfect  in  its  construction,  his 
profits  were  said  to  be  almost  fabulous  on  his  "  cotton  warp,"  which 
was  wholly  consigned  to  a  Mr.  Bowers,  of  Boston,  father  of  Mr. 
Charles  E.  Bowers,  later  of  Newtonville.  So  great  was  the 
demand  that  it  was  impossible  for  Mr.  Bemis,  with  his  limited  num- 
ber of  spindles,  to  furnish  the  required  supply. 

It  had  been  and  was  then  the  practice  universally  to  manufiic- 
turo  all  the  cotton  cloth  for  domestic  use,  in  the  family.  All  the 
families  were  furnished  with  spinning-wheels,  and  nearl}'  all  with 
looms.  Hence  the  great  demand  for  "  Bemis'  warp,"  which  was 
much  superior  to  that  spun  b}'  hand.  The  woof  or  filling  was  still 
spun,  and  the  cloth  woven  in  families.  At  that  period  the  women, 
old  and  ^'oung,  knew  bow  to  spin  and  weave,  as  well  as  to  s(>w. 
A  writer  of  the  age  following  says, —  "  Thes*  were  the  fnore 
respected  for  being  competent  and  willing  to  earn  their  living  by 
honest  industry.  Alas,  the  change  !  that  the  spinning  of  street 
3'arn  and  weaving  webs  of  scandal  should  have  so  generalh'  suc- 
ceeded the  home  manufacture  of  useful  domestic  textile  fabrics." 

The  preparation  of  the  cotton  for  carding  was  at  that  time  a 
slow  and  expensive  operation.  It  was  carried  out  in  small  parcels, 
to  be  picked  by  hand  in  families  living  in  the  vicinit}',  at  about 
four  cents  per  pound,  exclusive  of  carrying  out  and  bringing  back, 
which  required  most  of  the  time  of  one  man  and  horse.  To  facil- 
itate the  process  of  picking,  such  families  as  were  engaged  in  the 
occupation  were  mostly  provided  with  a  "  whipping  frame,"  the 
bottom  of  which  was  woven,  or  made  of  strong  cords  so  loosely 
that  the   seeds   and   dirt  could  pass  through ;  the   cotton,  being 


580  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

placed  tliereon,  and  two  sticks,  one  in  each  hand,  being  laid  on 
smartly  for  two  or  three  minutes,  became  very  much  loosened. 
For  several  years  the  business  of  cotton  picking  afforded  employ- 
ment to  a  multitude  of  persons,  enabling  them  to  procure  a  com- 
fortable livelihood. 

Mr.  Bemis  constantly  improved  and  increased  his  machinery  for 
spinning,  etc.,  discarding  the  old  and  adopting  that  which  was 
new  and  better.  After  a  few  years  he  caused  a  machine  to  be 
made  for  preparing  the  cotton  for  carding,  which  did  not  differ 
materiall3'  from  the  "  cotton  pickers  "  of  the  present  day.  This 
machine  bore  the  grim  title  of  "the  devil ;"  and,  though  not  very 
attractive  in  appearance,  particularly  when  in  motion,  performed 
in  a  very  expeditious  and  satisfactor\-  manner  the  service  intended, 
much  to  the  regret  of  the  numerous  laborers,  who  were  obliged,  in 
consequence  of  the  invention,  to  seek  their  dail}'  bread  b}'  other 
methods. 

As  early  as  1808  or  1809,  Mr.  Bemis,  with  the  aid  of  foreign 
weavers  using  hand-looms,  began  to  manufacture  somewhat  exten- 
sively sheeting,  shirting,  bed-ticking,  satinet,  bagging  for  the 
Southern  market  and  cotton  duck,  woven  at  that  time  principally 
by  the  State  Prison  convicts  in  Charlestown,  a  large  number  of 
whom  were  emploj'cd  hj  Mr.  Bemis  until  his  power-looms  were 
put  in  operation,  taking  precedence  of  any  in  New  England.  The 
cotton  duck  manufactured  by  Mr.  Bemis  was  the  first  that  Avas 
ever  manufactured  in  the  United  States.  Strong  prejudice,  having 
its  birth  in  ignorance  and  interest,  existed  for  some  j^ears  against 
its  use ;  but  Mr.  Bemis  had  the  satisfaction  to  outlive  the  prejudice 
against  its  adaptation  to  the  uses  for  which  it  was  intended,  and  to 
realize  a  handsome  profit  by  its  manufacture. 

In  the  autumn  of  1812,  Mr.  Bemis  caused  to  be  built,  at  the 
easterty  end  of  the  old  mill,  the  small  brick  building, —  demol- 
ished fifty  years  later, —  for  a  gas-house.  In  this  building  gas 
from  coal  was  made  under  the  direction  of  an  English  expert,  and 
the  lighting  of  the  factory  b}' the  same  in  1812-13,  was  said  at  that 
time  to  have  been  the  first  attempt  to  illuminate  with  coal-gas  in 
the  United  States.  Many  persons  from  considerable  distances 
visited  the  factor}^  to  witness  the  brilUancy  of  the  experiment. 
The  gas  being  prepared  in  close  proximit}^  to  the  dwelling-house 
of  Mr.  Bemis,  and  the  pipes,  being  of  common  tin,  having  man}' 
leakages,  made  its  use  objectionable,  and  it  was  abandoned  after 


NORTH  VILLAGE.  '  581 

the  second  3'ear ;  but  it  is  a  fact  worthy  of  record,  that  carburetted 
hydrogen  for  ilkimiuating  purposes  gleamed  out  over  the  waters 
of  the  Charles  and  irradiated  the  intervales  of  Newton  two  years 
before  it  was  in  use  in  England. 

At  this  time  Mr.  Bemis  had,  by  several  additions,  alterations,' 
divisions  and  sub-divisions  under  the  same  old  roof,  departments 
for  carrying  on,  at  the  same  time,  the  following  branches  of  busi- 
ness,—  viz.,  the  manufacturing  of  cotton  and  wool  into  yarn,  the 
weaving  being  done  in  another  building,  preparing  for  use  the 
various  kinds  of  medicinal  preparations  and  d3-e- woods,  glass  grind- 
ing and  cutting,  polishing  binnacle  and  other  lights  for  light- 
houses, ships,  etc.,  a  shop  for  repairing  and  making  niachiner^-,  a 
grist-mill,  and,  adjoining,  the  building  for  the  manufacture  of  gas. 
In  that  hive  of  industrj-  might  be  seen  at  that  time  the  late  Elisha 
Crehore,  for  many  years  a  successful  merchant  in  Waltham. 

All  the  operatives  emploj'ed  in  carrying  on  the  foregoing 
branches  of  business  for  the  first  eighteen  or  twenty  years  were 
apprised  of  the  time  to  commence  operations  bj^  the  blowing  of  a 
tin  horn,  which  required  the  effort  of  strong  lungs  to  make  the 
blast  long  and  loud.  And,  however  ludicrous  such  a  method  may 
appear  at  this  age  of  the  world,  the  ringing  of  a  bell  at  that  time 
for  such  a  purpose  would  undoubtedlj^  then  have  appeared  much 
more  so,  as  no  bell  larger  than  a  cow-bell  was  then  in  use  in 
Watertown,  Newton  or  Waltham.  The  name  of  "  Tin  Horn," 
applied  to  the  village,  has  been  coined  in  more  recent  times,  no 
such  term  having  been  in  use  until  subsequent  to  the  employment 
of  the  tin  horn  for  the  purpose  specified. 

In  1821,  Mr.  Bemis,  by  purchasing  of  his  brother  Luke  and 
Caleb  Eddy,  a  brother-in-law  of  Luke  Bemis,  then-  interest  on  the 
Newton  side,  became  sole  owner  of  the  whole  water-power,  mills, 
etc.,  and  soon  after  sold  to  the  Boston  Manufacturing  Company 
twelve  inches  of  the  power ;  that  is,  he  lowered  his  dam  one  foot, 
and  received  the  sum  of  $12,000  for  so  doing;  and,  soon  after, 
re-conveyed  to  his  brother  Luke  and  four  or  five  others  a  joint 
interest  in  the  establishment  under  the  firm  name  of  the  Bemis 
Manufacturing  Company,  and  during  their  corporate  continuance 
carried  on  principally  the  manufacture  of  satinets  and  cotton 
ducks,  until  the  dissolution  of  the  Compau}'  in  1830. 

On  the  dissolution  of  the  Bemis  Manufacturing  Company, 
Mr.  Seth  Bemis,  in  company  with  Thomas  Cordis,  one  of  the  old 


582  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

company,  bought  out  the  entire  property  of  said  company,  and 
continued  the  same  business  of  the  former  company  until  1839. 
When  Thomas  Cordis  sold  out  his  interest  to  Seth  Bemis  and  his 
son,  Seth  Bemis,  jr.,  they  used  the  water-power  on  both  sides, 
partly  for  the  manufacture  of  cotton  and  wool,  and  parth'  for  the 
manufacture  of  dj-e-woods  and  drugs,  until  1847.  Then  they  sold 
out  their  dj'e-wood  business  on  the  Newton  side  to  William  Free- 
man ;  and  Seth  Bemis,  senior,  again  became  sole  owner  of  the 
factory  buildings  and  water-power  on  the  Watertown  side,  and  so 
continued  till  his  death  in  1850. 

On  the  settlement  of  his  estate  in  1851,  Seth  Bemis,  son  of  the 
deceased,  became  the  sole  proprietor  of  the  Watertown  mills  and 
property,  and  retained  the  ownership  till  18G0,  when  he  sold  out 
to  William  Freeman  &  Co.  By  a  subsequent  transfer,  Messrs. 
Freeman  &  Co.  sold  to  the  ^tna  Mill  Compau}',  by  whom  the 
works  were  greatly  enlarged,  for  the  purpose  of  prosecuting  the 
manufacture  of  woollen  fabrics  by  both  water  and  steam  power. 

It  will  thus  be  seen  that,  from  the  original  purchase  in  1753  by 
David  Bemis,  the  propert}^  on  the  Watertown  side  of  the  river  has 
been  in  the  Bemis  family  more  or  less  exclusively  for  more  than 
a  century  and  a  quarter,  and  on  the  Newton  side  for  nearly  a 
century. 

A  bridge  across  the  river  was  first  built  by  the  Messrs.  Bemis 
at  this  part  of  the  river,  being  private  property,  between  1790  and 
1796.  For  ten  or  twelve  3'ears  it  was  without  railing,  and  would 
now  be  regarded  as  dangerous.  lu  1807,  the  Watertown  end  was 
carried  away  bj^  a  freshet,  and  a  foot-bridge  onl^'  was  substituted 
during  two  or  three  years.  Subsequenth',  a  bridge  was  built  b^' 
subscription,  suitable  for  teams,  the  people  in  the  vicinity  aiding. 
In  1818,  the  Watertown  end  of  this  bridge  was  again  carried 
awa3\  The  next  day,  John  Cowdry  and  Timothy  Davis,  man}' 
years  a  resident  of  Waltham,  attempted  to  cross  the  river  to 
the  Newton  side,  above  the  dam,  in  a  boat,  which  was  upset,  and 
they  were  carried  over  the  dam.  John  Cov,'dry  was  drowned,  but 
Mr.  Davis,  after  being  several  times  drawn  back  into  the  vortex 
under  the  dam,  was  by  a  mysterious  Providence  thrown  out  of  the 
whui,  and  floated  to  the  portion  of  the  bridge  on  the  Newton  side, 
and  was  rescued  by  the  anxious  spectators. 

The  road  leading  over  the  bridge  was  called  Cahfornia  Street, 
and  was  laid  out  as  a  public  highway  in  1816. 


NORTH  EVANGELICAL  CHURCH.  583 

THE  NORTH  EVANGELICAL  CHURCH. 

The  Congregational  church  in  the  North  Village  of  Newton  had 
its  origin  in  a  Sabbath  School,  held  at  the  Depot  known  as  Bemis' 
Station,  on  the  Watertown  Branch  Railroad, —  not  in  Newton,  but 
on  the  north  side  of  the  river.  This  school  was  commenced 
June  2,  18G1.  The  first  two  Sabbaths  the  school  met  in  the  open 
air.  The  third  Sabbath  was  stormy.  On  the  fourth  Sabbath,  the 
school  was  held  in  a  room  that  had  been  secured  in  the  old 
Hitchie  mansion,  where  it  continued  its  sessions  until  July  27, 
1862,  when  it  was  transferred  to  a  small  chapel,  erected  for  its 
use,  on  Chapel  Street.  The  street  was  then  without  a  name,  and 
•open  only  on  one  end.  The  land  on  which  it  stood  was  given  by 
Mr.  Thomas  Dall}',  and  the  cost  of  the  building  was  $1,200,  the 
iimount  being  raised  by  subscription. 

During  the  ^-ear  18G5,  considerable  religious  feeling  was  mani- 
fest among  the  people,  and  the  t'hapel  proved  too  small  to  contain 
the  audiences.  The  Sabbath  School  had  increased  from  eigh- 
teen,—  the  number  at  the  beginning, —  to  one  hundred  and  sevent}^- 
five.  The  chapel  was  enlarged  by  adding  twenty  feet  to  its 
length,  and  a  vestry  on  one  side, —  $2,000  having  been  subscribed, 
to  pay  for  this  improvement. 

Jul}'  11,  1866,  a  church  was  organized,  composed  of  the  follow- 
ing constituent  members, —  twenty-three  in  number, —  of  whom 
fifteen  had  been  inembers  of  the  Eliot  church,  eight  were  dismissed 
from  other  churches,  and  five  joined  by  profession. 


Samuel  E.  Lowry, 
E.  D.  Dyer, 
Sarah  Dyer, 
C.  E.  Hohnan, 
Julia  Newton, 
Meliitable  H.  Mason, 
Benjamin  Turner, 
Eliza  L.  Turner, 
Mary  A.  McGuire, 
Sarah  Hunt, 
Elizabeth  Scotton, 
Sarah  H.  Coburn, 


Sarah  Arnold, 
Mary  A.  Bates, 
Mrs.  Joseph  Turner, 
Mary  Mee, 
Martha  Simpson, 
Sarah  A.  Ballon, 
James  Brooks, 
Joseph  Wain, 
Mary  Ann  Brooks, 
Addie  A.  Rumrell, 
Hannah  F.  Rumrell. 


At  the  public  exercises  connected  with  the  recognition  of  the 
church,  the  sermon  was  by  Rev.  J.  W.  Wellman.  Previous  to 
this  time,  the  only  services  held,  in  addition  to  the  Sabbath  School, 


584  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

were  a  praj-er  meeting  every  Sabbath  evening  the  first  year,  and 
after  that,  preaching  on  Sabbath  evenings.  From  this  date,  the 
regular  services  were  maintained. 

Eev.  Samuel  E.  Lowry  was  ordained  the  first  pastor  of  the 
church  February  21,  1867.  On  this  occasion,  the  sermon  was  by 
Rev.  H.  J.  Patrick ;  ordaining  praj^er  hj  Rev.  J.  W.  Turner, 
Waverly ;  hand  of  fellowship  bj'  Rev.  James  M.  Bell,  Water- 
town;  charge  by  Rev.  D.  L.  Furber;  address  to  the  people  by 
Rev.  J.  W.  Wellmau. 

The  chapel  in  which  the  chui'ch  had  worshipped  hitherto  was 
destroyed  by  fire  June  9,  1872.  In  its  place  an  edifice  of  stone 
was  erected  on  the  same  site,  at  a  cost  of  $18,000,  which  was  all 
subscribed  and  paid  previous  to  the  dedication,  which  occurred 
October  16,  1873.  From  June  till  December,  1872, —  until  the 
vestry  was  completed,  Divine  service  was  held  in  a  neighboring 
shop,  owned  by  Mr.  Dally.  The  stone  used  in  the  construction 
of  the  building  was  taken  from  a  quarry  near  Beacon  Street,  New- 
ton Centre,  on  land  then  owned  by  Samuel  H.  Gooch,  Esq.  The 
number  of  chm-ch  members  in  1878  was  one  hundred  and  ten. 
For  the  first  sixteen  j'ears  of  the  history  of  the  Sabbath  School, 
the  pastor  was  also  the  Superintendent.  The  first  and  only  pas- 
tor of  the  church  is  Rev.  Samuel  E.  Lowry.  The  following  mem- 
bers have  served  as  Deacons  : 

E.  D.  Dyer,  -  -  -  -  -  1866-1877 

Joseph  Wain, 1866-1867 

Henry  Mason, 1867-1868 

Artemas  Eumrell,  -  ...  -  1868-1874 

Nathaniel  Davidson,  ....  1874-1878 

W.  R.  Smith, 1876 

Eugene  Garlick.        .  _  .  -  -  1876 

The  enterprise  and  vigor  of  the  North  Village  has  steadil}^  grown, 
from  the  beginning.  Its  business  has  never  suffered  any  impor- 
tant check ;  and,  under  a  succession  of  bold  and  honorable  busi- 
ness men,  its  prosperity  seems  assured.  The  day  is  not  distant 
when,  reaching  out  towards  Newton  on  the  one  hand  and  Newton- 
ville  on  the  other,  it  will  become  continuous  with  them  both. 


CHAPTER  XLV. 

THE    NEWTON    CEMETERY. THE    BEGINNING. —  THE   DEDICATION. 

STATISTICS. THE   SOLDIERS*   MONUMENT. 

The  older  cemeteries  of  the  town  having  been  long  in  use,  and 
the  gi'owth  of  the  population  requiring  new  provision  for  the 
proper  disposal  of  the  dead,  a  movement  was  made  for  the  estab- 
hshment  of  a  rural  place  of  sepulture,  which,  after  mature  con- 
sideration, resulted  in  the  organization  of  the  Newton  Cemetery 
Corporation,  April  5,  1855.  A  considerable  tract  of  land, 
reserved,  as  it  would  seem,  by  Providence  for  this  specific  use,  was 
of  such  character  and  so  situated  as  to  mark  it  as  designed  for  a 
tranquil,  tasteful  and  appropriate  spot  for  the  repose  of  the  dead. 
This  land  was  near  the  geographical  centre  of  the  town,  diversi- 
fied in  surface,  covered  with  a  charming  growth  of  evergreen  and 
deciduous  trees,  easily  accessible  from  every  quarter,  and  it  had 
never  been  touched  by  the  hand  of  cultivation.  As  a  result  of 
the  peculiar  circumstances,  by  which  the  business  and  population 
were  planted  mainly  in  other  portions  of  the  town,  almost  on  the 
periphery-  of  a  circle, —  the  several  villages,  as  it  were,  keeping 
watch  and  ward  around  the  hallowed  centre, —  the  shady  groves, 
the  solemn  aisles,  the  tangled  paths  and  the  rich  virgin  mould  had 
waited  more  than  two  hundred  years  for  the  determination  of  the 
use  to  which  thej'  were  Divinety  appointed.  And  now  the  time 
had  come.  Owing  to  its  undulating  surface,  its  freedom  from 
rocks,  its  loose  gravel  as  a  subsoil,  preventing  standing  water,  a 
pleasant  pond  within  its  borders,  and  the  Cold  Spring  Brook,  run- 
ning through  the  premises,  and  capable  of  indefinite  ornamenta- 
tion, when  the  resources  of  the  Company  shall  be  such  as  to  allow 
an  application  to  this  work,  the  location  was  undoubtedl}-  the  best 
that  could  have  been  made  within  the  limits  of  the  town. 

Seth  Davis,  Esq.,  was  chairman  of  the  first  meeting,  and  J.  W. 
Plympton,  Esq.,  clerk,  who  was  re-elected  every  successive  j^ear 

585 


586  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

till  1863,  and  gave  much  time  and  valuable  service  in  the  establish- 
ment of  the  cemetery.  The  following  constituted  the  first  Board 
of  Trustees : 


Lemuel  Crehore, 
Seth  Davis, 
M.'irsliall  S-  Rice, 
Dr.  Henry  Bigelow, 


Rev.  J.  E.  Woodbridge, 
Rev.  Barnas  Sears, 
J.  D.  Towle. 


Dr.  Henry  Bigelow  was  elected  President  by  the  Trustees,  and 
continued  to  hold  the  office,  with  great  acceptance,  until  he  was 
removed  by  death  in  18G5.  He  now  sleeps  amid  the  shadows  of 
the  cemetery,  and  a  monument  over  his  remains,  erected  b}^  the 
contributions  of  the  school  children,  testify-  to  the  estimation  in 
which  he  was  held. 

The  first  purchase  of  laud  embraced  thirty  acres.  All  the  sur- 
veying and  engineering  work  for  the  first  fifteen  3'ears  were  per- 
formed b}'  the  late  Marshall  S.  Rice,  Esq.  Mr.  Henry  Ross  was 
appointed  Superintendent  in  April,  1861,  and  the  success  of  the 
enterprise  is  due  largely  to  his  taste  and  skill,  and  his  devotion  to 
the  interests  of  the  cemetery. 

Work  was  commenced  upon  the  grounds  in  1855.  After  a  few 
years,  it  became  evident  that  the  wants  of  the  rapidly  growing 
population  would  soon  demand  enlargement ;  and  the  Corporation 
added  to  the  first  purchase  about  thirty-five  acres  more,  adjoin- 
ing the  first  on  the  north  and  west,  and  extending  the  cemetery 
through,  from  Beacon  Street  to  Homer  Street.  In  1859,  it  used 
to  be  known  as  "  Grove  Hill  Cemeter}-,"  but  that  name  soon  dis- 
appeared. 

The  exercises  at  the  formal  consecration  of  the  Cemetery  to  its 
sacred  use  were  held  on  a  lovely  summer  afternoon,  June  10,  1857. 
All  nature  seemed  in  harmony  with  the  scene.  Seats  had  been 
arranged  for  the  audience  on  an  elevated  platform,  beautifuU}- 
shaded.  Walks  and  other  improvements  had  already  been  made, 
in  the  immediate  vicinity,  and  a  few  of  the  neighboring  lots  had 
been  occupied.  The  simple  adornments, —  here  and  there  a  lowly 
grave,  or  a  tasteful  monument,  removed,  perhaps,  from  an  older 
cemetery', —  were  a  sufficient  prophecj^  of  the  nature  and  destina- 
tion of  the  place, —  a  repository  of  "  seed,  sown  of  God,  to  ripen 
for  the  harvest."  It  was  easy  to  feel  the  adaptation  of  so  choice 
a  spot  to  its  future  use.     The  calm  beauty  of  the  day,  the  breath  of 


NEWTON  CEMETERY.  587 

the  summer  air,  just  moying  the  leaves  of  the  forest,  the  arching 
canopy  of  the  sky,  with  a  few  floating  clouds,  like  angels  watch- 
ing over  the  scene,  the  presence  of  an  orderly  and  interested  assem- 
l:)lage,  in  fuU  harmony  with  the  spirit  of  the  occasion,  the  voice  of 
prayer  and  hymn,  and  words  of  Christian  consolation  and  hope, — 
nil  rendered  the  day  one  long  to  be  remembered,  and  a  fitting  in- 
auguration of  this  fair  resting-place  for  the  dead.  At  the  begin- 
ning, the  President  of  the  Corporation  made  an  Introductory 
Address ;  after  whicli.  the  following  h^Tun,  by  S.  Jennison,  Esq., 
of  Worcester,  was  sung  to  the  tune  of  Duke  Street. 

Why,  in  these  sunniest  hours  of  June, 

With  the  young  summer's  freshest  leaf, 
Stand  we  together  to  commune 

On  that  which  is  but  linked  with  grief  ? 

In  this  serene,  sequestered  wood, 

Scarce  known  but  to  the  birds'  soft  tread, 

With  solemn  rite,  in  saddened  mood, 
A  home  we  hallow  for  our  dead ; — 

Where  we,  too,  when  these  scenes  shall  close. 

May  join  the  loved  ones  gone  before, 
Who,  sunk  in  death's  unmoved  repose, 

To  earthly  homes  return  no  more. 

The  dead, — even  now  they  slumber  here. 

And  if,  above  their  rest  profound. 
There  hath  been  prayer,  or  sigh,  or  tear, 

Have  they  not  made  this  sacred  ground? 

And  is  thy  name,  O  grave  !  allied 

Only  with  terrors  and  wkh  pain? 
Then  Christ  for  us  in  vain  has  died, 

Then  were  his  resurrection  vain. 

But  earth  exulteth  in  that  word 

Which  doth  the  gate  of  heaven  ope ; 
And  we  who  have  its  promise  heard 

No  longer  sorrow  without  hope. 

Father !  to  us  such  faith  be  given, 

That  we  in  death  m.ay  see  the  face 
As  of  an  angel  from  thy  heaven, 

Bidding  us  back  to  thy  embrace. 


588  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Rev.  D.  L.  Furber,  of  the  First  church,  offered  the  prayer  of 
Consecration.  Rev.  F.  D.  Huntington,  then  Plummer  Professor 
of  Christian  Morals  in  Harvard  College  and  Preacher  to  the  Uni- 
versity, dehvered  an  address,  which  was  touching,  simple  and 
beautiful.  The  ceremony  was  closed  by  singing,  to  the  tune  of 
Naomi,  the  following  hjonn,  written  for  the  occasion  by  Rev.  S.  F. 
Smith,  D.  D.,  of  Newton  Centre. 

Deep,  'mid  these  dim  and  silent  shades, 

The  slumbering  dead  shall  lie, 
Tranquil,  as  summer  evening  fades 

Along  the  western  sky. 

The  whispering  winds  shall  linger  here 

To  lull  their  deep  repose ; 
Like  music  on  the  dewy  air, 

Like  nightfall  on  the  rose. 

Light  through  the  twining  boughs  shall  shed 

Its  calm  and  cheerful  ray. 
As  hope  springs  from  the  dying  bed, 

And  points  to  perfect  day. 

Around  each  funeral  urn  shall  cling 

The  fairest,  freshest  flowers. 
Emblem  of  heaven's  eternal  spring, 

And  brighter  lands  than  ours. 

Gathered  from  thousand  homes,  the  dust 

In  soft  repose  shall  lie, 
Like  garnered  seed,  in  holy  trust 

For  immortality. 

Room  for  the  households ! — till  the  morn 

Its  glories  shall  restore, 
And  on  the  silent  sleepers  dawn  .      , 

The  day  that  fades  no  more. 

The  concluding  prayer  was  by  the  late  Rev.  Washington  Gilbert, 
of  "West  Newton. 

As  early  as  1868,  a  large  portion  of  the  first  thirty  acres  had 
been  laid  out  with  avenues  and  paths,  into  lots  of  different  sizes, 
to  suit  the  wants  of  the  citizens,  and  five  hundred  lots  had  been 
taken.  In  1871,  by  additional  purchases,  the  property  of  the  Cor- 
poration had  extended  to  about  eighty-two  acres,  the  cost  of  which 
was  about  eleven  thousand  dollars.     The  expenditure,  up  to  that 


SOLDIEKS'  MONUMENT.  589 

date,  had  been  about  twenty-eight  thousand  dollars,  including  land, 
buildings,  gateway,  entrance,  implements,  etc.  The  cost  of  the 
new  entrance  and  gatewa}^  was  about  $7,500,  and  this  improve- 
ment was  completed  in  the  3'ear  1871. 

The  number  of  interments  up  to  October,  1878,  was  about  1,800  ; 
the  average  number  per  year,  about  130.  The  amount  of  the  fund 
for  perpetual  care  of  lots,  at  the  above  date,  was  about  $29,000. 
Besides  the  general  Receiving  Tomb,  there  are  six  or  eight  private 
tombs  ;  but  the  prevailing  taste  in  the  communitj-  prefers  to  com- 
mit the  remains  of  the  departed  directly  to  the  bosom  of  the  earth. 
The  average  price  per  acre  of  the  original  purchase  was  S145  ;  the 
present  value  is  estimated  at  S600  per  acre.  The  total  number  of 
lots  sold  to  October,  1878,  was  757, —  each  lot  containing  an  aver- 
age of  three  hundred  feet.  The  fund  for  perpetual  care  was  com- 
menced bj'  a  bequest  of  $100  from  the  estate  of  Mr.  Elisha  Field 
for  this  purpose  ;  in  1867,  a  like  sum  was  received  from  the  heirs 
of  Charles  Pelham;  and  in  1868,  $200  from  the  estate  of  J.  S. 
Cummings. 

The  expenses  of  maintaining  the  cemetery  to  1878  are  as  fol- 
lows : 

Estimate  for  the  first  three  years  at  8    800  per  annum,  $  2,400 

For  the  next  five      "              3,000,  15,000 

"          "    five      "             4,000,  20,000 

"         last  five      "             6,000,  30,000 


#67,400 
For  land  and  buildings,  15,167 

For  gateway  and  trimmings,  7,200 


Total  expenditure,  f  89,767 

An  additional  strip  of  land,  on  Walnut  Street,  was  purchased  by 
the  Corporation  in  the  year  1879. 

DEDICATION   OF  THE   SOLDIERS*    MONUMENT. 

One  of  the  most  interesting  and  touching  ceremonies  ever  wit- 
nessed in  the  Newton  Cemetery  was  the  Dedication  of  the  Sol- 
diers' Monument, —  an  event  well  worthy  of  a  place  in  these 
records.  Believing  that  it  is  good  to  perpetuate  the  memory  of 
those  who  give  their  lives  to  the  service  of  their  countr}',  a  distin- 
guished citizen  of  Newton  generously  offered  to  give  the  sum  of 
one  thousand  dollars,  provided  other  friends  would  contribute  an 


590  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

additional  amount,  sufficient  to  erect  a  Monument,  which  should 
stand  as  a  permanent  testimonial  of  the  high  appreciation  of  the 
inhabitants  of  Newton  for  theii*  heroic  dead. 

The  proposition  was  cordially  welcomed   by  the  people  of  the 
town,  and  at  a  meeting  held  August  7,  1863, 


Hon.  J.  Wiley  Edmands, 
Henry  Bigelow,  M.  D., 
Hon.  AVilliam  Claflin, 
Hon.  Thomas  Rice,  jr., 
Hon.  David  H.  Mason, 


William  E.  Sheldon,  Esq.,. 
Willard  Marcy,  Esq., 
J.  S.  Farlow,  Esq., 
John  C.  Chaffin,  Esq., 


were  chosen  a  committee,  with  authority  to  erect  a  Monument. 

In  order  that  all  might  share  in  this  grateful  tribute,  a  donation 
of  one  dollar  was  solicited  from  each  inhabitant  and  nearly  twelve 
hundred  dollars  were  received  from  this  source.  More  than  eleven 
hundred  children  of  the  public  schools  contributed  each  one  dime  ; 
and  the  remainder  necessary  to  construct  the  monument,  and  to> 
grade  and  surround  the  lot  with  a  suitable  curbstone,  together 
with  the  erection  of  an  appropriate  entablature,  was  cheerfully 
contributed  by  the  generous  friends  of  the  soldiers  in  the  town. 
Standing,  as  it  does,  near  the  entrance  of  the  cemetery,  and  where 
every  visitor  is  sure  to  encounter  it,  the  monument  is  a  perpetual 
memorial  of  that  patriotic  spirit  which  cannot  die,  and  by  which 
Newton  lias  ever  been  distinguished.  Summer  and  winter,  by  daj'' 
and  by  night,  like  a  sleepless  sentinel,  it  seems  to  keep  watch  and 
ward  over  the  dead,  and  at  the  same  time  to  remind  the  living  of 
the  duty  they  owe  alike  to  their  country  and  to  God.  Whether 
the  fragrant  breezes  of  summer  sweep  over  this  Eden  of  the 
departed,  or  the  soft  mantle  of  winter,  like  a  bridal  garment,  rests 
on  the  place  of  their  repose,  this  granite  pillar,  towering  heaven- 
wards, speaks  the  same  language  of  patriotism,  of  honor,  and  of 
hope. 

The  monument  itself,  with  the  entablature,  cost,  $3,975.50 

The  curbstone  and  posts,  1,245.00 

The  work  was  completed  at  an  expense  of  $5,220.50 

The  lot  of  land  occupied  by  the  monument  was  given  b}'^  the  town 
for  this  use,  and  the  trustees  of  the  cemetery  Corporation  engage 
to  keep  the  grounds  in  good  order  and  condition.     The  monument 


SOLDIERS'  MOmjMENT. 


591 


is  au  octagonal  shaft  of  Quincy  granite,  resting  upon  a  die  and 
plinth  of  the  same  material,  and  is  twentj-eight  feet  in  height. 
Upon  the  front  of  the  die  are  inscribed  the  words, 

"in  memoriam   perpetdam." 

Near  the  monument  is  the  entablature,  on  which  is  carved  the 
motto, 

"pro  patkia  mortui  sunt," 

bearing  the  names  of  fifty -nine  brave  men  of  Newton,  who  offered 
up  their  lives  in  the  cause  of  freedom  and  the  Union. 

LIST   OF   NAMES   ON   THE    SOLDIERS'    TABLET. 


Lieut.  EBEN  WHITE, 

orestus  j.  adams, 
john  allen, 
george  baker, 
george  h.  baxter, 
willia:m  r,  bexson, 
theodore  l.  brackett, 
leroy  s.  bridgemax, 
eben  r.  buck, 
reuben  l.  butler, 
thomas  w.  gifford, 
gilbert  a.  cheney, 
frederick  champion, 

SETIl  COUSENS,  JR., 
FREDERICK  A.  CUTTER, 
WILLIAM  FELL, 
CHARLES  E.  FIFIELD, 
WILLIAM  N.  FREEMAN, 
JOHN  FORSYTH,  jk., 
WILLIAM  L.  GILMAN, 
ROGER  S.  KINGSBURY, 
Major  HENRY  T.  LAWSON, 
HAR\T:Y  L.  VINTON, 
WILLIAM  L.  HARRIS, 
JOHN  MYER,  JR., 
JOHN  McQUADE, 
GEORGE  H.  NICHOLS, 
JOHN  B.  ROGERS, 
Lieut.  JOSEPH  B.  BRECK, 
WILLIAM  L.  PARKER , 


LEOPOLD  H.  HAWKES, 
PATRICK  HAGGERTY', 
THOMAS  L.  JACKSON, 
ALBERT  A.  KENDALL,  M.D., 
JEFFERSON  LiYRKIN, 
CHARLES  A.  LEAVITT, 
MICHAEL  MARTIN, 
DANIEL  H.MILLER, 
STEPHEN  L.  NICHOLS, 
ALBERT  F.  POTTER, 
JOSEPH  R.  PRATT, 
WILLIAM  H.  RICE, 
WILLIAM  RAND,  jr., 
EDWARD  H.  TOMBS, 
LUCIUS  F.  TROWBRIDGE, 
MICHAEL  VAUGHN, 
CHARLES  WARD, 
GRAFTON  H.  WARD, 
SAMUEL  F.  WOODWARD, 
THOMAS  C.  NORCROSS, 
DANIEL  SANGER, 
WILLIAM  B.  NEFF, 
MATTHEW  T.  H.  ROFFE, 
THOMAS  DURAN, 
LEMUEL  F.  BASSETT, 
GEORGE  H.  RICH, 
EDW"ARD  LYMAN, 
LOWELL  :\I.  BRECK, 
ALFRED  WASHBUTRN. 


It  was  deemed  accordant  with  the  spirit  of  the  enterprise,  as 
well  as  suggestive  of  the  duties  and  responsibilities  of  the  living, 
in  this  juncture  of  national  affairs,  to  celebrate  the  completion  of 
the  Monument  with  pubhc  ceremonies,  and  dedicate  it  to  the  mem- 
ory of  the  brave  heroes  of  Newton,  who  have  fallen,  or  may  fall, 


592  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

in  this  struggle  for  liberty  and  good  government.  Accordingly  on 
the  twenty-third  day  of  July,  1864,  this  beacon  memorial  to  the 
present  and  after  times  was  solemnly  inaugurated,  in  the  presence 
of  a  large  and  deeply  interested  audience.  The  ceremonies  took 
place  in  the  open  air,  a  few  yards  to  the  left  of  the  monument,  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  main  Avenue. 

The  exercises  opened  with  the  following  graceful  address  of 
Thomas  Rice,  Esq.,  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Selectmen.  Mr. 
Eice  had  been  a  most  efficient  leader  of  his  fellow-townsmen  in  all 
the  struggle,  burning  with  patriotic  zeal,  now  visiting  the  soldiers 
of  Newton  in  camp,  and  bearing  to  them,  together  with  material 
succors,  assurances  of  the  confidence,  regard  and  sympathy  of  the 
people  ;  now  returning  to  comfort  the  widow  and  provide  for  the 
orphan,  and  to  stimulate  those  at  home  to  continued  courage,  and 
effort  for  the  welfare  of  their  country.  What  Governor  John  A. 
Andrew  was  to  the  State  of  Massachusetts,  in  those  days  of  pa- 
triotic faith  and  struggle,  the  same  was  Thomas  Rice  to  New- 
ton. It  was  fitting,  therefore,  that  his  voice  should  be  the  first  to 
be  heard  on  such  an  occasion.     The  following  were  his  words  : 

Fellow-citizens, — We  have  assembled  in  this  quiet  and  beautiful  cemetery, 
to  dedicate  this  noble  Monument,  as  a  perpetual  memorial  of  those  brave  sons 
and  patriots  of  Newton,  who,  seeing  our  flag  insulted,  our  homes  threatened, 
our  country  in  danger,  buckled  on  their  armor,  and  went  forth  in  our  defence, 
and  in  the  defence  of  their  country,  and  fell  martyrs  in  the  midst  of  the 
struggle. 

This  Monument  is  built  of  the  enduring  and  never-crurabling  granite,  that 
it  may  stand  as  long  as  the  everlasting  hills  from  which  it  was  taken ;  that 
we  may  come  beneath  its  shadow,  and  teach  our  children  and  children's 
children  to  honor  and  revere  the  names  of  those  inscribed  upon  its  tablet. 

Would  to  God  that  the  last  name  had  been  inscribed, —  that  the  sacrifices 
which  we  have  now  made  were  sufficient  to  secure  permanent  peace  !  But, 
my  friends,  such  is  not  the  case.  We  shall  be  called  upon  to  add  name  after 
name  to  this  honorable  list,  before  this  wicked  and  shameful  rebellion  is 
crushed,  as  it  surely  will  be ;  for  it  cannot  be  that  this  great  nation,  which  has 
achieved  its  own  independence,  and  has  so  long  been  the  asylum  of  the  op- 
pressed of  all  other  nations,  is  now  to  be  destroyed  by  its  own  internal  dis- 
sensions. That  the  time  may  not  be  far  distant  when  this  contest  shall  be 
over,  should  be  the  ardent  supplication  of  every  Christian;  that  it  may  end 
in  the  reestablishment  of  the  Union,  the  fervent  prayer  of  every  patriot. 

The  promise  made  to  our  soldiers  when  they  enlisted, —  '■  that  should  any 
of  them  be  so  unfortunate  as  to  fall  in  battle,  their  remains  should  be  recov- 
ered, if  possible,  and  tenderly  cared  for," — has  been  faithfully  carried  out  by 
the  town,  and  most  of  those  who  have  fallen  now  repose  in  their  native  dust. 


SOLDIERS'  MONUMENT.  593 

But  some  still  remain  on  Southern  soil,  where  or  how  buried  we  know  not. 
All  we  can  say  of  them  is,  they  have  fulfilled  their  mission,  their  heroic  deeds 
have  passed  into  history,  and  their  names  are  engraven  upon  our  memories. 

This  is  a  voluntary  tribute  of  a  grateful  people  to  perpetuate  the  memory, 
and  to  hand  down  to  future  generations  the  names,  of  those  patriots  who  have 
fallen  in  this  second  struggle  for  freedom  and  right.  The  people  of  the  town 
have  not  waited  till  the  war  was  over,  before  recognizing  the  services  of  those 
who  have  fiillen  in  their  defence ;  but  in  the  midst  of  the  contest,  while  the 
government  is  calling  for  more  men  and  more  money,  they  have  gone  for- 
ward in  this  noble  work.  We  have  done  what  the  town  and  people  may  well 
be  proud  of.  The  town  has  given  and  graded  this  beautiful  spot,  and  the 
people  have  contributed  the  money  to  purchase  this  memento.  It  has  all 
been  done  by  voluntary  subscription,  and  by  all  classes,  from  the  princely 
merchant  down  to  the  humblest  scholar  in  our  common  schools,  that  all 
might  feel  that  they  have  a  common  interest  in  this  patriotic  work,  and  have 
done  something  towards  perpetuating  the  memory  of  those  who  have  proved 
good  soldiers,  and  at  the  command  of  the  Supreme  Governor  have  laid  down 
their  arms  and  gone  up  higher. 

Let  us  invoke  the  God  of  our  fathers, —  that  God  of  concord  who  presided 
over  their  deliberations  when  they  laid  the  foundation  of  the  Republic, —  to 
incline  the  hearts  of  our  Southern  brethren  to  peace  and  submission  to  the 
legally  constituted  rulers  of  the  nation ;  but,  fiiiling  this,  let  us  pray  that  same 
God,  who  is  also  the  God  of  battles,  that  he  may  grant  victory  upon  victory 
to  the  Union  arms,  until  every  vestige  of  rebellion  is  swept  from  the  land, 
and  the  flag  of  the  United  States, —  the  symbol  of  her  sovereignty, —  shall 
again  wave,  in  undisputed  supremacy,  over  a  free,  united,  and  prosperous 
people. 

The  address  of  Mr.  Rice  happily  breathed  the  same  spirit  which 
animated  tlie  entire  audience,  and  spoke  the  language  of  every  heart. 
There  were  no  divergent  sentiments,  and  no  uninterested  spectators. 
The  people  had  lived  through  more  than  three  years  of  the  war, 
with  all  its  trials,  expenses  and  hardships  ;  they  had  suffered  again 
and  again  the  agony  of  disappointment  and  the  poignant  distress 
of  hope  deferred  ;  they  had  been  parted  from  husbands  and  fathers, 
brothers  and  sons,  man}'^  of  whom  were  sleeping  the  soldier's  last 
sleep,  and  would  return  to  them  no  more.  Many  families  had  found 
their  means  of  living  seriously  abridged,  and  the  whole  economy 
of  life  was  necessarily  changed  with  them.  And  still  with  undaunt- 
ed spirit  they  scorned  to  abandon  the  struggle.  They  were  re- 
solved to  go  forward,  and  trust  in  God. 

Mr.  Rice's  address  was  followed  by  prayer  by  the  Rev.  Edward 
James  Young,  pastor  of  the  Channing  church  and  Societ}'.     Then 
came  the  following  ode : 
38 


594  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

'T  is  holy  ground  — 
This  spot,  where  in  their  graves, 
Wc  place  our  Country's  braves, 
Who  fell  in  Freedom's  holy  cause 
Fighting  for  liberty  and  laws  — 

Let  tears  abound. 

Here  let  them  rest  — 
And  summer's  heat  and  winter's  cold, 
Shall  glow  and  freeze  above  this  mold  — 
A  thousand  years  shall  pass  away  — 
A  nation  still  shall  mourn  this  clay. 

Which  now  is  blest. 

Here,  where  they  lie, 
Oft  shall  the  widow's  tear  be  shed, 
Oft  shall  fond  parents  mourn  their  dead, 
The  orphan  here  shall  kneel  and  weep. 
And  maidens  grieve  where  lovers  sleep  — 

A  broken  tie. 

Great  God  in  heaven  ! 
Shall  all  this  sacred  blood  be  shed  — 
Shall  Ave  thus  mourn  our  glorious  dead, 
O,  shall  the  end  be  wrath  and  woe, 
The  knell  of  Freedom's  overthrow  — 

A  country  riven? 

It  will  not  be ! 
We  trust,  O  God!  Tiiy  gracious  power 
To  aid  us  in  our  darkest  hour. 
This  be  our  prayer  —  "  O  Father !  save 
A  people's  Freedom  from  the  grave  — 

All  praise  to  thee  !" 

The  principal  discourse  on  tlie  occasion  was  by  the  Rev.  Ploratio 
Balch  Hackett,  D.  D.,  Professor  in  the  Newton  Theological  Insti- 
tution,—  a  man  of  the  most  ardent  patriotism,  who,  at  the  request 
of  the  town,  brought  his  scholarly  culture  and  brilliant  eloquence 
to  dignify  and  adorn  tlie  hour.  No«ie  had  kindled  Avith  a  gran- 
der enthusiasm  than  he  during  the  entire  progress  of  the  strug- 
gle. None  had  felt  more  keenly  the  joy  of  every  victor}',  and  the 
pain  of  every  defeat.  None  had  more  fully  comprehended  the 
magnitude  of  the  occasion.  His  culture,  his  learning,  his  enlight- 
ened Christian  patriotism  pointed  him  out  as  the  orator  specially 
fitted  for  the  -service  required.     And  all  felt  that  he  spoke  in  a 


SOLDIERS'  MONUMENT.  595 

manner  worth}'  of  himself  and  of  the  occasion.  The  discourse, 
witli  the  other  exercises  of  the  da^',  were  afterwards  printed.  Dr. 
Hackett's  address  was  followed  by  a  poem  by  the  Rev.  S.  F.  Smith, 
D.  D.,  and  the  ceremony  was  closed  -with  an  original  hymn,  by  the 
same  author : 

Take  these  choice  treasures,  gentle  earth, 
And  shield  them  in  thy  faithful  breast, 

Gathered  like  gems  of  priceless  worth, 
And  brought  among  thy  dead  to  rest. 

Take  this  new  honor,  reared  in  love, 

Where  sleep  the  trusted  and  the  brave. 

Pointing  the  mourner's  faith  above. 

To  Him  who  takes,  to  Him  who  gave. 

Round  this  fair  shaft  let  summer  leave 

Its  fragrant  airs,  at  morn  and  even, 
And  golden  clouds  in  sunlight  weave 

Pathways  of  glory  into  heaven. 

Again  the  flag  of  peace  shall  float 

O'er  all  the  land,  from  sea  to  sea; 
O'er  all  the  land  shall  swell  the  note 

Of  Freedom's  final  Jubilee. 

We  build  the  shrine,  we  sing  the  brave ; 

Yet  own  how  vain  are  human  boasts ; 
In  God  alone  is  power  to  save, — 

Our  trust  is  in  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

The  literary  performances  of  the  occasion  were  printed  in  a 
pamphlet,  at  the  expense  of  the  town. 

The  tranquil  beauty  of  the  day  was  in  striking  contrast  with  the 
storm  of  war  and  tumult  still  raging  at  the  South.  The  end  of  the 
war  was  still  nearh"  a  year  away ;  but  the  scenes  of  such  an  occa- 
sion had  a  stimulating  effect  upon  the  hearts  of  all  who  were  present. 
And  it  may  well  be  believed  that  every  one  left  the  hallowed  spot 
with  the  fresh  resolve  to  be  found  rcad3-for  any  coming  emergcnc}'. 

It  is  an  interesting,  fact,  and  highly  honorable  to  the  town  of 
Newton,  that  this  was  the  first  soldiers'  monument  known  to  have 
been  erected  in  New  England  to  the  memory'  of  the  heroes  of  this 
terrible  struggle,  and  also  that  it  was  erected  while  the  conflict  was 
still  surging  with  its  waves  of  bitterness  over  the  fair  domains  of 


596  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

our  national  inheritance.  On  this  very  day,  there  was  a  truce 
between  the  two  armies  at  Atlanta,  Ga. ,  for  the  burial  of  the  dead 
of  the  last  engagements. 

It  is  not  known  that  any  others  of  the  soldiers  of  Newton  were 
slain  during  the  war ;  so  that  the  list  on  the  tablet  received  no 
additions.  Several,  however,  retui'ned  home,  diseased  and 
infirm,  as  a  consequence  of  the  hardships  and  exposures  to  wliich 
they  were  subjected,  and,  in  process  of  time,  one  by  one,  passed 
away.  They  as  really  laid  down  their  lives  for  their  country's 
welfare,  as  those  who  fell  in  battle. 


CHAPTER  XLVI. 

KEWTON  IN   THE    WAR   OF   THE    REBELLION. TOWN     ACTION. —  THE 

WOMEN  OP    NEWTON. —  BATTLES   IN  WHICH   NEWTON    MEN   WERE 

ENGAGED. UNFURLING   THE    FLAG. THE   SLAIN   IN  BATTLE. — 

GEN.     A.     B.     UNDERWOOD. —  NEWTON's    DEAD    IN    THE   WAR. — 
BATTLE   OF   GETTYSBURG  DESCRIBED   BY   A   PARTICIPANT. 

On  the  19th  of  April,  1861,  immediately  after  the  tidings  of  the 
firing  on  Fort  Sumter  reached  Boston,  with  an  account  of  the  action 
of  the  President  of  the  United  States  thereon,  the  Selectmen  of 
Newton  issued  their  warrant  for  a  town  meeting  to  be  held  at  the 
earliest  practicable  date.  The  warrant  contained  just  three  clauses. 
The  spirit  of  patriotism  glowed  as  of  old,  and  the  people  were 
ready  to  fly  to  arms  in  defence  of  the  country.  The  fathers  of 
the  Revolutionary  period  were  dead,  but  theh*  mantles  rested  on 
their  sons.     The  three  clauses  above  referred  to  were  as  follows  : 

1.  To  choose  a  Moderator. 

2.  To  see  if  the  town  will  make  suitable  provision,  by  an  appropriation 
of  money  or  otherwise,  for  the  relief  of  the  families  of  such  of  her  citizens 
as  may  respond  to  the  call  of  the  President  for  men  to  maintain  the  Govern- 
ment of  the  United  States  by  entering  the  military  service  of  their  country. 

3.  To  see  if  the  town  will  appropriate  money  for  the  purchase  of  uni- 
forms or  equipments  of  such  military  companies  as  may  be  formed  within 
the  town. 

At  the  meeting  held  in  accordance  with  the  above  warrant, 
April  29, 1861,  J.  F.  C.  Hyde,  Moderator,  is  the  following  record : 

D.  H.  Mason,  Esq.,  presented  and  read  the  following  preamble  and  reso- 
lution, viz.  : 

Whereas,  for  the  first  time  in  the  history  of  our  Government,  the  Republic 
is  placed  in  great  peril  by  an  armed  rebellion  of  several  of  the  United  States, 
threatening  the  destruction  of  our  National  Archives  and  Capitol,  and  a  sudden 
resort  to  armed  resistance  has  become  necessary  for  the  preservation  of  our 
lives  and  liberties, 

597 


598  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

And  whereas,  by  solemn  Proclamation,  the  President  of  the  United  States 
has  called  upon  the  good  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts  for  the  means  of 
<^ffectual  resistance, — 

Now,  therefore,  we,  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Newton,  in  town  meet- 
ing assembled,  ever  loyal  to  the  Constitution  and  the  laws  of  the  land, 
do  hereby  instruct  and  direct  the  Selectmen  of  our  said  town  to  take  and  ap- 
propriate from  any  moneys  at  any  time  in  tlie  treasury  of  said  town,  during 
the  current  year,  a  sufficient  sum,  not  exceeding  twenty  thousand  dollars,  to 
fully  arm  and  equip,  in  the  most  approved  and  effectual  manner,  one  Com- 
pany or  more  of  Volunteer  Militia,  who  have  enlisted  or  may  hereafter  enlist 
from  said  town,  in  the  service  of  the  General  or  State  Governments. 

And  if  any  such  jiersons  are  called  into  the  actual  service,  leaving  their 
families  unprovided  for,  the  said  Selectmen  are  also  directed  to  take  especial 
care  to  provide  for  them  all  the  needed  and  necessary  comforts  of  life,  in 
sickness  and  in  health,  during  the  continuance  of  said  service,  and  as  long  as 
the  exigency  of  the  case  requires. 

And  if  any  should  perish  in  said  service,  the  town  will  tenderly  care  for 
their  remains,  and  furnish  them  a  suitable  burial. 

Resolved,  that  the  people  of  this  town  have  the  most  perfect  confidence 
and  trust  in  our  present  form  of  Government,  that  we  have  faith  in  the  wis- 
dom and  patriotism  of  its  framers,  and  that,  without  distinction  of  party  or 
l)arty  lines,  in  our  heart  of  hearts  we  revere  and  love  their  virtues  and  their 
memories.  The  cause  of  this  Union  is  our  cause,  and  to  its  support,  with  a 
firm  reliance  on  the  protection  of  Divine  Providence,  we  pledge  our  lives, 
our  fortunes  and  our  sacred  honor. 

This  resolution  was  a  precise  counterpart  to  that  passed  b}'  the 
fathers  of  Newton  in  the  opening  chapter  of  the  Revolution.  It 
had  the  same  ring.  The  preamble  and  resolution  Avere  discussed 
in  patriotic  speeches  by  D.  H,  Mason,  Esq.,  Hon.  J.  Wiley 
Edmands,  Andrew  II.  Ward,  jr.,  William  Mcintosh,  and  others, 
and  passed  unanimoush\ 

Andrew  II.  Ward,  jr.,  a  member  of  a  large  committee  from  all 
parts  of  the  town,  who  had  held  a  meeting  at  Newtonville  on  the 
subject  of  Volunteers,  here  presented  two  papers,  and  read  them. 
The  first,  after  being  amended,  was  as  follows  : 

The  committee  recommend  that  a  committee  of  tlireo,  in  connection  with 
the  Selectmen,  be  chosen,  to  take  measures  for  obtaining  uniforms  and  un- 
derclothes, and  what  other  apparel  is  necessary,  and  that  the  committee  be 
Capt.  T.  M.  Bryan,  jr.,  E.  W.  Dennison  and  J.  C.  Potter,  jr. 

The  committee  also  recommend  to  the  town  to  accept  tiie  following  com- 
mittee on  Arms,  to  act  with  and  render  assistance  to  the  Selectmen,  viz. : 
Capt.  T.  M.  Bryan,  jr.,  A.  H.  "Ward,  jr.,  and  E.  W.  Dennison. 

VoTKD,  to  adopt  the  recommendations  presented  by  Mr.  Ward. 


WAR  OF  THE  REBELLIOX. 


i>99 


The  other  paper  presented  by  Mr.  AVard  was  as  follows : 

To  Tiiii  Selectmen  of  Newton: 

Hiiving  understood  that  a  fund  was  to  be  appropriated  by  the  town  for  the 
equipment  of  the  military  Company  now  being  formed  therein,  the  under- 
siirnod,  as  representing  the  ladies  of  Newton,  volunteer  to  make  up  all  the 
undergarments  necessary  for  its  outfit. 


Mrs.  rhilip  A.  Green,  )  tt„„o,.  ttoIIc: 
3Irs.  William  Pentecost,  /  '^  PP"^^  J'^^"^- 
Mrs. Thomas  Rice,. in, )  j  -p  ,, 

Mrs.  Edward  Warren,  |  ^^"^^^  ^  ^"®- 

Mrs.  M.  L.  Ward,   1  A,jT,urmlalp 
Mrs.  E.  M.  Clarke,  (  ^uDurDaaie. 

:Mrs.  C.  M.  Severance, )  ^    ^  Xewton 
Miss  E.  A.  Goodale,     f  ^^^^^  Newton. 


Miss  P.  Cunningham, )  xewtonviUe 
Mrs.  W.  R.  Horton,     /  JNewtonvme. 

Mrs.  Henry  Fuller,     )  ■vrp^.-on  rnmer 
INIrs.  George  Linder,  ]  -Newton  comer. 

Mrs.William  Sturtevant, )  x'«,„4«^  n«^(-^« 
Mrs.  Gardner  Colby,         j  ^  ^^"^  Centre 


Voted,  that  the  paper  contaiuiug  the  names  of  the  ladies  who 
have  volunteered  to  make  underclothes  be  referred  to  the  joint 
committee  on  uniforms. 

Hon.  J.  Wiley  Edmands  moved  that  the  Selectmen  have  author- 
ity to  ofler  a  sum  not  exceeding  twent}^  dollars  per  month,  while 
in  ser'sdce,  to  Volunteers  from  this  town,  in  addition  to  the  Gov- 
ernment pay ;  in  case  it  is  deemed  advisable  to  offer  such  bounty 
for  the  increase  of  the  Companies  from  this  town. 

Passed  unanimously  b}-  vote. 

jMr.  A.  B.  Underwood,  offered  the  following  resolution,  viz. : 

Resolved,  also,  that  the  Selectmen  take  care  of  and  provide  for  the  fami- 
lies of  those  citizens  of  Newton  who  have  now  gone  into  the  service  of  the 
country  in  other  Companies,  and  of  those  already  enlisted  in  other  Companies 
who  may  be  called  into  service,  as  for  those  who  go  in  Companies  from  this 
town. 

This  resolution  was  passed  unanimously. 

The  meeting  was  dissolved  ;  after  which,  cheers  were  given  for 
the  Union,  the  Newton  Compau}',  etc. 

The  citizens  of  Newton  were  evidently  impatient  of  delay,  and 
anxious  to  be  actively  engaged  in  the  service  of  the  country. 
Hence,  in  the  report  of  the  proceedings  at  a  town  meeting  held 
June  11,  1861,  we  find  the  following  records  : 

The  Chairman  of  the  Selectmen  made  a  verbal  report  of  the  doings  of  the 
Selectmen,  and  of  the  expenditures  incurred  for  troops  in  Newton ;  stating 
that  about  $1,200  had  been  expended ;  that  they  had  made  rei)eated  efforts  to 
get  the  Company  raised  in  Newton  mustered  into  Government  service,  but 
had  failed ;  and  tliat  there  was  no  prospect  of  their  being  accepted  for  a  year 
to  come ;  and  they  asked  for  instruction. 


600  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

D.  H.  Mason,  Esq.,  presented  the  following  resolutions,  which 
were  adopted : 

Resolved,  that  the  town  appropriate,  and  hereby  instruct  the  proper  authori- 
ties of  the  town  to  raise,  sufficient  money  to  defray  any  expenses  already 
incurred  to  carry  out  and  fulfil  any  contract  heretofore  made  with  or  in 
behalf  of  any  of  its  inhabitants  who  may  have  enlisted  as  members  of  the 
Volunteer  Militia,  who  have  been  or  may  be  called  into  the  service  of  the 
United  States. 

Resolved,  that  the  Selectmen  are  instructed  to  draw  from  any  money  now 
in  the  treasury  a  sufficient  sum  to  meet  the  deficiency  in  any  expense  they 
have  incurred  for  military  drills  and  purposes  up  to  this  date ;  and  that  all 
contracts  for  such  purposes  be  closed  this  day. 

Resolved,  that  the  thanks  of  the  citizens  of  this  town  are  tendered  to  its 
patriotic  young  men,  who  have  so  nobly  come  forward  and  offered  their 
military  service  to  the  State  and  country  in  this  time  of  great  peril. 

Also,  Resolved,  that  the  thanks  of  the  citizens  of  this  town  are  tendered 
to  our  Selectmen,  for  their  wise  and  prudent  management  in  our  efforts  to  pro- 
vide military  aid  for  the  defence  of  the  Government. 

Such  was  the  action  of  the  town  during  the  first  year  of  the 
war.  The  struggle  proved  to  be  much  longer  than  was  anticipated. 
But  it  is  to  the  credit  of  Newton  that  her  citizens  never  flagged  in 
zeal  or  liberality.  With  a  vigilance  that  never  slept,  with  a  patri- 
otism that  never  tu-ed,  the  Selectmen  kept  careful  watch  of  the 
events  of  the  times,  faithfully  reporting  to  the  town  what  was 
needed,  and  the  town  was  never  backward  to  vote  liberally  and 
cheerfully  all  requisite  supplies. 

In  the  proceedings  of  the  town  meeting  November  4,  1862,  we 
find  these  records : 

Voted,  that  the  town  hereby  approves  the  action  of  its  Selectmen  in  pro- 
curing Volunteer  soldiers  for  the  Government  service,  and  assumes  all  the 
expenses  incurred  by  them  in  holding  meetings  and  paying  bounties  for 
recruits,  and  in  obtaining  men  and  lists  of  men  to  fill  the  quota  of  the  town; 
and  that  the  sum  of  Forty  Thousand  Dollars  be  appropriated  for  that  purpose. 

Voted,  that  the  sum  of  two  thousand  dollars  be  appropriated  for  the  pur- 
pose of  burying  soldiers,  residents  of  the  town,  who  die  in  the  service  of  the 
country,  and  paying  any  expenses  necessary  and  incident  thereto ; — said  sura 
to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  Selectmen. 

Voted,  that  the  sum  of  three  thousand  dollars  be  appropriated,  to  be 
expended  under  the  direction  of  the  Selectmen,  for  the  purpose  of  relieving 
the  extraordinary  necessities  of  resident  soldiers  of  the  town,  serving  in  the 
field  in  the  army  during  the  coming  year. 

Voted,  that  two  thousand  dollars  be  appropriated,  to  be  expended  under 


WAR  OF  THE  REBELLION.  601 

the  direction  of  the  Selectmen,  to  relieve  the  necessities  of  discharged  and 
returned  soldiers. 

Voted,  tliat  the  sum  of  two  thousand  dollars  be  appropriated,  to  pay,  under 
the  direction  of  the  Selectmen,  for  the  recovery  and  burial  of  deceased  sol- 
diers, including  what  they  have  already  paid  for  said  services. 

Voted,  that  the  sum  of  one  thousand  dollars  be  appropriated  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  families  of  those  in  the  Navy  from  our  town,  under  the  direction 
of  the  Selectmen. 

The  Records  of  the  town  show  that  from  year  to  year,  as  long 
as  the  war  contiuued,  with  ever  watchful  eye  and  tender  care  the 
citizens,  in  their  corporate  capacity,  as  well  as  individually,  stood 
read}'  to  detect  and  meet  every  new  emergency.  At  a  town  meet- 
ing held  August  7,  1863,— 

Voted,  unanimously,  that  the  balance  of  money  which  was  appropriated 
to  families  of  Volunteers,  at  a  former  meeting,  be  now  appropriated  to  the 
families  of  drafted  men  also. 

Voted,  that  the  Treasurer  of  the  town  be  authorized,  if  in  the  judgment 
of  the  Selectmen  it  may  be  necessary,  to  borrow  for  the  use  of  the  town, 
five  thousand  dollars,  to  be  appropriated  by  tlie  Selectmen  to  the  families  of 
the  soldiers  from  Newton. 

Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  use  as  much  as  may  be  needed 
of  the  funds  heretofore  appropriated  for  the  use  of  the  families  of  deceased 
Volunteers,  for  the  use  of  the  families  of  deceased  and  disabled  soldiers 
from  Newton. 

In  the  midst  of  the  war,  a  movement  was  made  in  town  meet- 
ing, with  reference  to  the  erection  of  a  Soldiers'  Monument,  and 
Newton  was  one  of  the  first  towns  in  the  Commonwealth,  if  not 
the  first,  which  made  such  provision  to  honor  the  memory  of  her 
fallen  heroes.  In  the  town  meeting  held  November  3,  1863, 
Hon.  J.  Wiley  Edmands  offered  the  following  motion,  which  was 
at  once  carried : 

That  a  part  of  the  Cemetery  land  owned  by  the  town  shall  be  so  disposed 
of  by  the  Selectmen  as  to  secure  for  the  Soldiers'  Monument  a  lot  properly 
graded,  that  may  be  selected  by  the  committee  on  the  erection  of  the  Monu- 
ment. 

On  the  7th  of  March,  1864,  the  town  voted  to  appropriate  Si o,- 
000  for  aid  to  families  of  Volunteers  ;  and  April  4th,  $23,000,  to 
meet  the  expenses  that  ma}'  be  incurred  the  coming  year  in  rais- 
ing Volunteers  and  filling  the  town  quota.  August  5th,  ^20,000 
additional  were  voted  to  pay  bounties    and   other   expenses   of 


(J02  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

reeraitiug,  and  to  fill  the  town's  quota  "  under  the  recent  call  for 
Volunteers,  made  by  the  President  of  the  United  States." 

At  the  March  meeting,  1865,  $15,000  were  appropriated  for  fam- 
ilies of  Volunteers,  and  $5,913.22  to  cover  the  deficiencj'in  the 
same,  heretofore  appropriated  for  the  purpose  of  recruiting  men  to 
fill  Newton's  quota,  under  the  calls  of  the  President  of  the  United 
States  of  July  18,  1864,  and  December  19,  1S64. 

The  above  records  contain  a  complete  view  of  the  patriotic 
action  of  the  town  of  Newton,  during  the  eventful  period  of  the 
civil  war.  The  ceremony  of  the  dedication  of  the  Soldiers'  Mon- 
ument on  the  23rd  of  July,  1864, —  an  account  of  Avhich  is 
recorded  in  the  chapter  on  the  new  Cemetery  of  Newton, —  belongs 
to  the  same  interesting  and  honorable  history.  On  the  occasion  of 
the  Presidential  election  Novembers,  1864,  the  town  meeting  was 
remarkably  enthusiastic  as  well  as  harmonious.  The  number  of 
ballots  cast  was  1,316,  of  which  954  were  for  the  Lincoln  ticket. 
The  first  vote  deposited  on  this  occasion  was  cast  l^y  Rev.  S.  F. 
Smith,  of  Newton  Centre. 

The  above  are  all  the  i^ecords; — but  who  can  compute  all  the 
private  gifts,  the  individual  donations,  the  cares,  the  self-denials, 
the  heart-breakings,  the  desolated  homes,  the  broken  stay  and 
staft"  of  many  households,  the  life-long  sorrows,  the  hope  deferred, 
the  3'oung  lives  sacrificed,  the  best  and  bravest  blood  of  the  coun- 
try poured  out  like  water ! 

The  original  compact  still  exists,  whereby  a  small  number  of 
Newton's  most  prominent  citizens  guaranteed  the  Selectmen  and 
Treasurer  against  an}-  loss  which  might  be  incurred  by  advancing 
money  for  recruits,  in  1864. 

Whereas,  the  undersigned,  inhabitants  of  Newton,  desire  the  Selectmen  to 
recruit  men  to  fill  the  quota  of  the  town,  in  advance  of  any  future  calls  of 
the  President  of  the  United  States,  and  -the  town  cannot  approjjriate  nioney 
therefor  until  after  a  call  has  been  made,  and  it  may  be  necessary  to  pay 
more  than  is  allowed  by  law  to  be  paid  by  towns  to  Volunteers, — 

Now,  therefore,  we  do  hereby  severally  agree  and  pledge  ourselves  to 
guarantee  and  save  harmless  the  Selectmen  and  Treasurer  of  said  town  of 
Newton  against  all  loss  on  any  sums  of  money  the}^  may  pay  or  advance,  or 
wiiich  may  be  paid  to  recruits  or  for  expenses  of  recruiting,  under  the  ap- 
proval and  direction  of  the  Board  of  Selectmen  of  said  town,  to  fill  or  pro- 
vide for  any  further  call,  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  for  soldiers 
during  the  present  war. 


WAR  OF  THE  REBELLION. 


603 


Provided  tliat  the  same  shall  be  assessed  pro  rata,  upon  the  paying  sub- 
scribers hereto,  and  iu  no  case  is  to  exceed  the  amounts  annexed  to  our 
respective  names. 

Witness  our  hands,  this  18th  day  of  June,  A.  D.  18G4. 


J.  Wiley  Edraands,  ^1,000 

E.  P.  Bancroft,  1,000 

John  S.  Far  low,  1,000 

Gardner  Colby,  1,000 


C.  C.  and  I.  T.  Burr,  $1,000 

G.  C.  and  C.  H.  Lord,  1,000 

William  Claflin,  1,000 


The  patriotic  and  military  histor}-  of  Newton,  as  it  clusters 
around  the  war  for  the  suppression  of  the  rebellion,  is  familiar  to 
man}-  still  on  the  stage  of  action.  Those  who  were  present  at  the 
enthusiastic  uipetiugs  held,  from  time  to  time,  to  encourage  the 
enlistment  of  fresh  troops,  and  who  witnessed  the  noble  devotion 
of  the  choicest  3'oung  men  of  the- town  to  the  cause  of  their  imper- 
illed country,  bear  this  glorious  record  indelibl}*  inscribed  upon 
their  memories  and  their  hearts.  None  who  were  present  can  ever 
forget  a  meeting  held  at  the  public  hall  in  Newton  Centre,  during 
one  of  the  darkest  periods  of  the  war,  when  Charles  Ward  came 
forward  and  pledged  himself  to  fight,  and,  if  need  be,  to  die,  for 
the  sacred  cause  of  his  country.  He  was  3'oung  and  delicate. 
His  gentle  manners  won  upon  every  heart.  His  future  was  full  of 
promise.  Just  read}^  to  enter  college,  and  hoping  afterwards  to 
engage  in  the  sacred  profession  to  which  he  had  consecrated  his 
life, —  the  world  opened  before  him  in  the  most  tempting  attitudes. 
He  stood  up  in  that  crowded  assembly  of  stalwart  men,  and  spoke 
of  his  prospects  and  his  hopes.  "But,"  he  said,  "if  my  country 
needs  my  services,  I  am  willing  for  her  sake  to  make  the  sacrifice." 
Few  dry  eyes  were  in  that  assembh^  that  night.  He  gave  himself 
to  the  cause,  and  after  a  few  weeks  fell  on  the  field  of  Gett3'sbm'g. 
Most  worthily  is  his  name  perpetuated  by  his  comrades  in  the  title 
of  their  militar}'  organization  (Charles  Ward  Post,  organized  in 
1868).  His  spirit  and  his  fate  were  onl^'  a  specimen  of  many 
others  as  promising,  as  beloved,  as  full  of  hope  as  he,  but  who 
now  sleep  in  a  soldier's  grave. 

During  the  entire  war,  ever}'  heart  was  busied  with  its  scenes 
and  its  demands.  Ever}^  pulpit  discussed  themes  suited  to  nerve 
the  people  to  steadiness  in  the  great  struggle.  Every  man  was 
absorbed  in  the  grave  necessities  of  the  occasion.  And  gentle 
woman,  in  every  house,  the  aged  and  the  j'oung,  was  employed  in 
providing  means  to  alleviate  the   sufferings  of  the  wounded,  the 


G04  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

sick,  and  the  dying.  Besides  the  sums  of  money,  voted  and  trans- 
mitted to  the  soldiers,  thousands  of  boxes  loaded  every  express 
train  going  to  the  front, —  the  testimonials  of  the  love  and  interest 
of  those  who  remained  at  home. 

The  town,  in  its  corporate  capacit}^,  made  liberal  appropriations 
to  meet  the  expenses  of  the  war.  The  amounts  voted  b}'  the  town 
at  various  dates,  were  as  follows  : 

November  4,  1862, $50,000 

August        7,  1863, 5,000 

March         7,  1864, 15,000 

April           3,  1864, 23,000 

August       5,  1864, 20,000 

Total,  $113,000 

Amount  expended,  $92,621 

The  whole  number  of  men  required  to  fill  the  quota  of  New- 
ton's soldiers,  under  all  the  calls  for  volunteers  made  bj''  the  Pres- 
ident of  the  United  States,  was  1,0G7.  The  number  actually  fur- 
nished by  the  town  was  1,129, —  giving  a  surplus  of  sixty-two. 
The  number  of  volunteers  mustered  into  the  service  for  three 
years,  who  belonged  in  the  town  of  Newton,  was  three  hundred 
and  twent^'-three.  This  is  exclusive  of  those  who  served  in  the 
navy,  and  of  others,  natives  of  the  town,  and  whose  acts  of  valor 
did  it  honor,  although  at  the  date  of  their  enlistment  the}*  were 
citizens  of  other  places.  It  is  also  exclusive  of  many  who  served 
for  shorter  periods,  both  as  officers  and  privates,  and  whose  names 
are  worthy  of  honor. 

The  town  of  Newton  furnished,  in  this  war,  thirty-six  commis- 
sioned officers  and  two  general  officers.  Of  the  latter,  Brevet- 
Major-General  Adin  B.  Underwood  was  severely  wounded  while 
bravely  leading  the  Thirty-third  Massachusetts  regiment  in  the 
successful  attack  on  the  enemy  at  Lookout  Mountain,  Tennessee. 
Brevet-Brigadier-General  J.  Gushing  Edmands  was  also  wounded 
in  the  battle  of  Peeble's  Farm,  September  30,  1864. 

Of  the  entire  number  of  Newton  men  who  enlisted  for  three 
years,  there  were,  in  the  Thirty-second  regiment,  ninety-seven ; 
in  the  First,  twenty-six ;  in  the  Sixteenth,  thirty-seven ;  in  the 
Twenty-fourth,  seventeen  ;  and  smaller  numbers  in  several  others. 
The  whole  number  of  Massachusetta  regiments  containing  one  or 
more  Newton  men  was  thirt}-. 


WAE  OF  THE  KEBELLION.  605 

The  battles  in  which  regiments  containing  Newton  men  were 
engaged,  in  the  course  of  the  war,  were  as  follows  : 

First  Rejjiment. —  Bull  Run,  Williamsburg,  Fair  Oaks,  Glen- 
dale,  Kettle  Run,  Chantilly,  Fredericksburg,  Chancellorsville, 
Gettysburg,  Locust  Grove,  Spottsylvania. 

Second  Regimoit. —  Jackson,  Front  Royal,  AVinchester,  Cedar 
Mountain,  Antietam,  Fredericksburg,  Chancellorsville,  Gettys- 
burg, Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach-Tree  Creek,  Atlanta, 
Raleigh,  Averysborough. 

Seventh  Regiment. —  The  Peninsula,  Fredericksburg,  Chancel- 
lorsville, Gettysburg,  the  Wilderness,  Spottsylvania,  North  Anna 
River,  Cold  Harbor. 

Twelfth  Regiment. —  Cedar  Mountain,  Second  Bull  Run,  Antie- 
tam, Fredericksburg,  Chancellorsville,  Gettysburg,  the  Wilder- 
ness, Spottsylvania,  North  Anna  River,  Cold  Harbor,  Peters- 
burg. 

Thirteenth  Regiment. —  Second  Bull  Run,  Antietam,  Fredericks- 
burg, Chancellorsville,  Gettysburg,  the  Wilderness,  Spottsylvania, 
North  Anna  River,  Cold  Harbor,  Petersburg. 

Sixteenth  Regiment. —  Fair  Oaks,  Glendale,  Malvern  Hill,  Ket- 
tle Run,  Chantilly,  Fredericksburg,  Chancellorsville,  Gettysburg, 
Locust  Grove,  the  Wilderness,  Spottsylvania,  North  Anna  River, 
Cold  Harbor,  Petersburg. 

Seventeenth  Regiment. —  Kinston,  Goldsborough,  Bachelder's 
Creek,  Gum  Swamp. 

Twenty-fourth  Regiment. —  Roanoke  Island,  Kinston,  White- 
hall, James  Island,  Morris  Island,  Fort  Wagner,  Green  Valle}^, 
Drury's  Bluff,  Richmond  and  Petersburg  Railroad,  Weir  Bottom 
Church,  Deep  Bottom,  Deep  Run,  Fussell's  Mills,  Siege  of  Peters- 
burg, Four-Mile  Run  Church,  Darbytown  Road. 

Thirty-second  Regiment. —  Malvern  Hill,  Gainesville,  Second 
Bull  Run,  Chantilly,  Antietam,  Fredericksburg,  Chancellorsville, 
Gettysburg,  Rappahannock  Station,  Mine  Run,  the  Wilderness, 
Spottsylvania,  North  Anna,  Tolopotomy,  Bethesda  Church,  Peters- 
burg, Weldon  Railroad,  Vaughan  Road,  Dabney's  Mills,  Hatcher's 
Run,  Brydtown  Road,  White  Oak  Road. 


GOG  HISTORY  OF  NEWTOX. 

Thirty -third  Regiment. —  Fredericksburg,  Chancellorsville,  Bev- 
erly Ford,  Gettysburg,  Lookout  Mountain,  Missionary'  Ridge,  and 
the  battles  of  General  Sherman's  Grand  Arm3^ 

First  Regiment  of  Cavalry. —  Poolsville,  South  Mountain,  Antie- 
tam,  Fredericksburg,  Chancellorsville,  Brandy  Station,  Aldie, 
Upperville,  Gettysburg,  Williarasport,  Culpepper,  Auburn,  Todd's 
Tavern,  Fortifications  of  Richmond,  Vaughan  Road,  St.  Mary's 
Church,  Cold  Harbor,  Bellefield. 

Thus,  in  not  less  than  seventy-five  fields  did  the  men  of  Newton 
imperil  their  lives  for  the  salvation  of  their  country.  The\'  fought 
bravelj^  and  brought  back  victory.  The  names  of  those  who  fell 
in  the  war,  recorded  on  the  Soldiers'  Monument,  are  a  permanent 
testimony  to  the  patriotism  of  the  people.* 

Besides  the  citizens  of  Newton  who  were  engaged  in  the  sacred 
cause  of  freedom,  the  members  of  the  Newton  Theological  Insti- 
tution deserve  honorable  mention.  Some  of  the  young  men 
enlisted  early  in  the  war.  Several  of  the  alumni  of  former  years 
voluntarily  did  service  in  the  army,  some  as  soldiers  and  officers 
of  various  grades,  others  as  chaplains.  Several  others,  after  com- 
pleting their  service  in  the  field,  were  mustered  out,  and  immedi- 
ately entered  the  Institution,  delaying  their  preparation  for  the 
high  work  of  their  lives,  until  the  clouds  which  hung  over  their 
country  were  dissipated.  Some  of  them  suffered  severely  in  pris- 
ons and  on  battle-fields,  and  some  brought  back  only  mutilated 
forms  for  the  service  of  the  church.  The  honorable  catalogue  of 
these  patriotic  servants  of  God  will  be  found  in  connection  with, 
the  histor}'  of  the  Newton  Theological  Institution. 

In  this  connection  it  is  proper  to  speak  of  a  rare  ceremony 
which  occurred  in  the  early  part  of  the  war,  and  which  none  who 
were  present  to  witness  it  will  ever  forget.  The  ceremony  was 
the  unfurling  of  the  American  flag  on  the  Common  in  Newton 
Centre.  No  flag  of  such  size  had  ever  been  raised  in  that  village. 
A  large  and  beautiful  flag-staif  had  been  procured  b}^  subscription 
among  the  citizens,  and  a  flag  of  corresponding  dimensions.  The 
time  appointed  for  the  ceremony  was  the  early  morning,  before 
the  citizens  were  obliged  to  scatter  to  theh"  various  employments 
for  the  day.     It  proved  to  be  one  of  the  loveliest  mornings  of 


*In  chapter  XLVIII,  which  contains  official  accounts  drawn  from  documents  in  the 
Adjutant-General's  office  in  the  State  House,  it  will  be  seen  that  this  list  ismateriallj- 
enlarged. 


WAR  OF  THE  REBELLION.  607 

early  summer.  The  brilliant  sky  was  without  a  cloud,  and  the 
sun  shouo  with  its  fullest  radiance,  as  if  in  harmou}'  with  the 
scene.  The  birds  sang  their  matin  carols,  as  if  to  welcome  the 
banner,  to  float  in  the  bright  empyrean  whei'e  they  had  their  homo. 
A  large  company-  gathered  in  front  of  the  public  hall,  which,  at  that 
time,  stood  on  the  northwestern  corner  of  Station  Street, —  over}- 
one  fired  with  patriotic  ardor,  ever}"  one  drinking  in  new  strength  to 
do  and  dare,  in  the  presence  of  the  chosen  symbol  of  a  free  and 
independent  nation.  Prayer  was  offered  by  Rev.  S.  F.  Smith, 
D.  D. ,  in  the  centre  of  the  reverent  throng,  invoking  God's  continued 
blessing  on  "  the  land  of  the  free  and  the  home  of  the  brave." 
Then,  as  the  company  stood  around  the  towering  shaft,  Hon.  J. 
Wiley  Edmands,  Avho,  by  common  consent,  acted  as  master  of  cere- 
monies, led  to  its  foot  an  aged  man,  Joshua  Loring,  Esq.,  who  had 
lived  more  than  ninet}''  winters, —  and,  putting  into  his  trembling 
hands  the  cords  which  governed  the  motions  of  the  banner,  helped 
him  to  raise  it  to  its  place.  When  it  reached  the  top,  and  the 
starry  sj'mbol  unrolled  itself  and  floated  on  the  breeze,  to  the  notes 
of  the  National  Hymn  and  the  cheers  of  the  enthusiastic  crowd,  it 
was  felt  by  all  present  that  every  one  had  consecrated  himself 
anew  to  the  welfare  of  his  country,  and  that  the  cause  of  libert}'  is 
safe  with  such  defenders. 

The  following  is  an  alphabetical  catalogue  of  Newton's  soldiers 
who  were  slain  in  battle,  or  who  died  of  diseases  contracted  while 
in  service,  together  with  a  few  others  who  have  deceased  at  a  later 
period.  The  alphabetical  arrangement  of  the  names  will  render 
the  list  convenient  for  reference.  The  same  names,  arranged  by 
General  Underwood  with  reference  to  the  regiments  in  which  they 
were  included,  will  be  presented  hereafter  on  pages  623-025. 

Orestus  J.  Adams,  Mass.  32ntl,  Co.  K,  killed  in  a  charge,  Laurel  Hill,  Va. 
(Battle  of  the  Wilderness),  May  12,  1804.     His  body  was  never  recovered. 

John  Allen,  Mass.  First,  Co.  G,  killed  at  Glendale,  Va.,  June  30,  1862. 

George  Baker,  Mass.  32nd,  Co.  K,  died  at  Fairfax  Court  House,  Va.,  Sep- 
tember 11,  1862. 

Lemuel  F.  Bassett,  i;5th  Indiana  infantry,  died 

George  H.  Baxter,  Mass.  24th,  Co.  F,  killed  June  5,  1862. 

George  W.  Belcher,  1st  Mass.  Cavalry,  Co.  G,  died  1872. 

William  R.  Benson,  Mass.  First,  Co.  I,  killed  in  tlie  battle  of  Williams 
burg,  Va.,  May  5,  18G2. 


608  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

George  S.  Boyd,  Mass.  33rd,  sergeant  Co.  E,  died  June,  1872. 

George  F.  Brackett,  Mass.  5th,  Co.  K,  died  in  Newton,  October  29,  1876. 

Theodore  L.  Brackett,  First  Mass.  Cavalry,  Co.  A,  killed  accidentally  at 
Warrenton,  Va.,  Decembers,  1863. 

Joseph  B.  Breck,  U.  S.  Navy,  lieutenant,  U.  S.  gunboat  "  Niphon."  Died 
of  consumption,  the  result  of  his  arduous  labors  and  exposure,  July  26,  1865. 
By  his  blockading  services  he  aided  materially  in  the  suppression  of  the 
rebellion,  by  cutting  ofif  the  resources  of  the  Confederacy. 

Lowell  M.  Breck,  U.  S.  Navy,  acting  ensign,  died  after  expiration  of 
service. 

Leroy  S.  Bridgeman,  Mass.  First,  Co.  I,  died  1863.  Buried  at  Palmer, 
Mass. 

Charles  S.  Brown.     Buried  at  Evergreen  Cemetery. 

Eben  R.  Buck,  Mass.  44th,  Co.  B,  died  after  expiration  of  service. 

R.  L.  Butler,  Mass.  32nd,  Co.  K,  died  at  Falmouth,  Va.,  December  8,  1862. 

Frederick  Champion,  Mass.  32nd,  Co.  K,  died  at  Falmouth,  Va.,  .January 
6,  1863. 

Gilbert  A.  Cheney,  Mass.  2nd,  Co.  D,  died  of  wounds,  October  18,  1862. 

Thomas  W.  Clifford,  Mass.  32nd,  Co.  K,  died  in  the  field,  March  20,  1864. 

Seth  Cousens,  Mass.  32nd,  Co.  K,  died  after  expiration  of  service. 

Zenas  Crane,  Mass.  44th,  Co.  B,  died  October  12,  1874. 

Frederick  A.  Cutter,  Mass.  32nd,  Co.  K,  killed  at  Gettysburg,  July  2,  1863. 

Thomas  Duran,  Mass.  ISth,  sergeant  Co.  F,  died  after  expiration  of  ser- 
vice. 

A.  B.  Ely,  captain  U.  S.  Volunteers,  assistant-adjutant-general,  died  1872. 

William  Fell,  Mass.  32nd,  Co.  K,  died  at  Washington,  D.  C,  January  11, 
1863  ;  buried  in  Evergreen  Cemetery. 

Charles  E.  Fifleld,  Mass.  32nd,  sergeant  Co.  K,  died  after  expiration  of 
service. 

John  Leaman  Flagg,  Mass.  16th,  sergeant  Co.  B,  died  July  7,  1867; 
buried  at  Lower  Falls. 

John  Forsyth,  jr.,  Mass.  16th,  sergeant  Co.  E,  killed  at  Gettysburg,  July 
2,  1863. 

William  N.  Freeman,  Mass.  First,  Co.  I,  died  at  Philadelphia,  January  5, 
1863. 

William  L.  Gilman,  Rev.,  Mass.  32nd,  Co.  K,  died  of  wounds  received  at 
Gettysburg,  July  30,  1863. 

Patrick  Haggerty,  Mass.  19th,  Co.  E,  killed  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  Dec. 
13,  1862.  ■ 

H.  C.  Harrington,  Mass.  45th,  Co.  K,  died  after  the  expiration  of  service. 

William  A.  Harris,  First  Mass.  Cavalry,  Co.  G,  died  nearly  a  year  after 
peace  was  proclaimed,  from  the  fresh  breaking  out  of  a  wound  received  dur- 
ing his  terra  of  service. 


WAE  OF  THE  REBELLION".  G09 

Leopold  H.  Hawkes,  Mass.  32n(i,  Co.  K,  killed  at  Gettysburg,  July  2,  18G3, 
while  helping  a  wounded  comrade  off  the  field. 

Charles  F.  Hooker,  1st  Mass.  Cavalry,  Co.  L,  transferred  to  the  4th  Mass. 
Cavalry. 

George  Houghton,  Mass.  16th,  Co.  I,  died  at  the  National  Asylum,  Augusta, 
Me.,  September  12,  1873. 

George  E.  Huntress. 

Thomas  L.  Jackson,  Mass.  32nd,  Co.  K,  killed  at  Gettysburg,  July  2,  1863. 

William  H.  Johnson. 

William  Jordan,  Mass.  44th,  Co.  B,  died  February  22,  1875. 

Albert  A.  Kendall,  M.  D.,  Mass.  12th,  Assistant  Surgeon,  killed  at  Antie- 
tam,  Md.,  September  17,  1862,  by  a  chance  shot,  while  binding  up  the  wounds 
of  soldiers  lying  on  the  field.     Buried  at  the  Lower  Falls. 

George  Kimball. 

Roger  S.  Kingsbury,  Mass.  32nd,  Co.  K,  died  of  wounds  received  at  Get- 
tysburg, after  expiration  of  service,  October,  1870. 

Jefferson  Lakin,  Mass.  2nd,  Co.  D,  killed  at  Winchester,  Va.,  May  25, 
1862.     He  is  believed  to  have  been  the  first  Newton  soldier  killed  in  the  war. 

Henry  T.  Lawson,  2nd  Mass.  Heavy  Artillery,  major,  died  of  yellow  fever 
October  1,  1864,  in  North  Carolina. 

Charles  A.  Leavitt,  Mass.  32nd,  Co.  K,  died  at  Sharpsburg,  Va.,  October 
21,  1862. 

Elliot  Littlefield,  1st  Mass.  Cavalry,  Co.  G,  died  at  Belle  Isle,  Va. 

Edward  Lyman,  Mass.  16th,  corporal  Co.  K,  died  of  wounds  at  Falmouth, 
Va.,  June  7,  1863. 

Michael  Martin,  Mass.  IGth,  Co.  G,  killed  at  Bull  Run,  Va.,  August  29, 
1862. 

John  Meirs,  jr.,  1st  Mass  Cavalry,  Co.  H,  died  August  20,  1864. 

Daniel  H.  Miller,  U.  S.  Engineers,  died 

William  B.  Neff,  Mass.  32nd,  Co.  K,  killed  in  a  charge,  Laurel  Hill,  Va. 
(battle  of  the  Wilderness),  May  12,  1864.     His  body  was  never  recovered. 

George  H.  Nichols,  Mass.  32nd,  Co.  C,  taken  prisoner  at  Gettysburg,  died 
at  Belle  Isle. 

Stephen  L.  Nichols,  Mass.  32d,  Co.  K,  killed  in  a  charge,  Laurel  Hill,  Va. 
(battle  of  the  Wilderness),  May  12,  1864.  His  body  was  never  recovered, 
but  there  is  a  tablet  to  his  memory  in  the  new  Cemetery. 

Thomas  C.  Norcross,  Mass.  16th,  sergeant  Co.  K,  died  at  Washington, 
D.  C,  June,  1863. 

William  E.  Parker,  First  Mass.  Cavalry,  Co.  C,  died  after  expiration  of 
service. 

Henry  J.  Poole,  Mass.  22nd,  Co.  D,  killed  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  Decem- 
ber, 1862. 

39 


610  HISTOKY  OF  NEWTON. 

Albert  F.  Potter,  Mass.  44tli,  sergeant  Co.  B,  died  at  Newbern,  N.  C.;, 
January  29,  1863.     Buried  at  Brookfield. 

Joseph  R.  Pratt,  Mass.  32nd,  Co.  K.,  died  at  Shepardstown,  Va.,  October 
12,  1SG2. 

John  McQuade,  Mass.  24th,  Co.  E,  died  after  expiration  of  service. 

George  P.  Ramsdell,  Mass.  32nd,  corporal  Co.  K,  died  April  23,  1875. 

William  J.  Rand,  Mass.  45th,  Co.  K,  mortally  wounded  at  Kinston,  N.  C,. 
December  17,  1862.     Buried  in  Cambridge  Cemetery. 

William  H.  Rice,  Mass.  32nd,  Co.  K,  died  at  Washington,  D.  C,  January 
14,  1863. 

George  H.  Rich,  Mass.  45th,  Co.  K.  died  after  expiration  of  service. 

John  B.  Rogers,  Mass.  57th,  Co.  K,  died  of  wounds,  Petersburg,  Va.,  July 
26,  1864. 

John  P.  Rogers,  Mass.  16th,  Co.  I,  died  September  11,  1862. 

Matthew  T.  H.  Roffe,  1st  Mass.  Cavalry,  Co.  A,  died  after  expiration  of 
service. 

Daniel  Sanger,  Mass.  32nd,  Co.  K,  killed  at  Petersburg,  Va.,  June  19, 
1864. 

Edward  H.  Tombs,  Mass.  32nd,  Co.  K,  died  after  expiration  of  service. 

Lucius  F.  Trowbridge,  Mass.  32nd,  Co.  K,  died  at  Falmouth,  Va. ,  Decem- 
ber 29,  1862. 

William  H.  Trowbridge,  Mass.  1st,  Co.  A,  dropped  dead  July,  1862,  at 
Malvern  Hill,  Va. 

Michael  Vaughn,  Mass.  18th,  Co.  F,  died 

Harvey  L.  Vinton,  1st  Mass.  Cavalry,  Co.  G,  died  in  the  prison  at  Belle 
Isle,  Va.,  and  was  buried  near  the  prison. 

Charles  Ward,  Mass.  32nd,  Co.  K,  died  of  wounds  received  at  Gettysburg,. 
July  9,  1863. 

Grafton  H.  Ward,  Mass.  32nd,  Co.  K,  killed  at  Bethesda  Church,  June  3, 
1864. 

Eben  White,  U.  S.  colored  troops,  killed  in  Maryland,  while  enlisting  freed- 
men  in  tlie  Union  army. 

Alfred  Washburn,  U.  S.  Navy,  acting  Master,  U.  S.  ship  '•  Chocorua,"died 
of  wounds  at  New  Orleans,  May  14,  1865. 

Samuel  F.  Woodward,  Mass.  32nd,  Co.  K,  killed  at  Shady  Grove  Church, 
Va.,  May  31,  1864. 

The  Massachusetts  Second  regiment,  in  which  there  were  sol- 
diers from  Newton,  being  included  in  the  above  list,  we  copy  the 
following  testimonials  to  this  regiment.  The  statements  are  con- 
tained in  a  report,  in  the  Newton  Journal,  of  a  lecture  by  a  citizen 
of  Newton,   General  Underwood,  before   the   Newton  Ljceum, 


WAR  OF  THE  REBELLION.  611 

entitled  "  Citizen  Soldiering  during  the  late  War ;  its  Trials  and 
Compensations." 

Perhaps  no  man  could  be  found  better  able,  from  lonf?  experience  of  all 
the  vicissitudes  of  the  life  of  a  soldier,  suddenly  called  from  peaceful  home 
avocations  to  the  stormy  scenes  of  the  battle-field,  in  defence  of  flag  and 
country,  to  furnish  for  the  information  and  enjoyment  of  his  townsmen  an 
interesting  lecture  iipon  this  important  subject,  tlian  the  gentleman  above 
named  [General  A.  B.  Underwood]. 

We  cannot  at  this  time  give  a  better  idea  of  the  material  of  General  Under- 
wood's grand  old  regiment,  the  Massachusetts  Second,  with  others  equally 
brave  and  heroic,  the  pride  of  the  Old  Bay  State,  than  by  the  reproduction 
of  the  following  article,  which  appeared  in  the  Wisconsin  State  Journal,  of 
June  15,  1865  : 

"The  Second  Massachusetts  and  the  Third  Wisconsin  Infantry  have  fought 
in  the  same  brigade,  side  by  side,  throughout  the  war.  Among  the  earliest 
regiments  in  the  field,  they  first  saw  active  service  under  Banks,  in  the 
Shenandoah  Valley.  When  Stonewall  Jackson,  with  his  usual  force  of 
'■forty  thousand  men,'  fell  upon  Banks,  these  two  regiments  covered  the  rear, 
and  bore  the  brunt  of  the  fighting.  They  stood  together  at  Cedar  Mountain, 
under  the  withering  cross-fire  of  the  enemy,  when  the  noble  Crane  laid  down 
his  life  for  his  country.  They  fought  at  Antietam,  and  Gettysburg,  and 
Chancellorsville.  Subsequently  transferred  to  the  West,  they  formed  a  part 
of  that  invincible  column,  Avhich  under  Sherman  hewed  its  way  through  the 
central  mountain  fastnesses  of  the  South,  and  poured  down,  an  irresistible 
torrent,  through  Georgia  and  the  Carolinas.  Both  regiments  were  among 
those  that  re-enlisted  for  tlie  war. 

"We  remember  a  conversation  had,  about  a  year  ago,  with  an  officer  of 
the  Third,  respecting  the  comparative  merits  of  Eastern  and  Western  troops. 
He  had  served  in  the  Armj^  of  the  Potomac  and  at  the  West,  and  had  there- 
fore large  opportunities  for  seeing  and  judging  upon  the  subject.  The  best 
troops  in  the  service,  the  steadiest,  bravest,  and  most  trustworthy,  he  said, 
were  those  from  New  England  and  the  Northwest.  .  .  .  lie  s^joke  particu- 
larly of  the  Second  Massachusetts,  as  a  specimen  of  New  England  troops  \ 
and  said  that,  when  the  Third  Wisconsin  was  first  brigaded  with  them,  the 
Wisconsin  men  conceived  a  strong  antipathy  against  them.  The  Massachu- 
setts men  were  fitted  up  in  the  height  of  military  style.  They  had  the 
finest  tents  and  wagons  in  the  service,  their  uniforms  were  of  the  best  mate- 
rial, they  wore  white  gloves  on  parade ;  and  the  Wisconsin  men  looked  upon 
them  as  a  set  of  dandies  and  counter-jumpers,  who  would  take  to  their  heels 
at  the  first  approach  of  actual  danger.  By  and  by  the  hour  of  trial  came. 
Stonewall  Jackson  launched  his  thunderbolt  upon  Banks'  little  army.  And 
lo !  while  most  of  the  troops  were  hastening  out  of  harm's  way,  tliere  were 
the  brawny  boys  of  the  old  Third,  and  those  '  white-gloved  fellows  '  of  the 
Second  Massachusetts,  side  by  side,  hanging  stubbornly  at  the  rear,  their 
hearts  swollen  with  rage,  covering  the  retreat,  contesting  every  inch  of 
ground,  and  chastening  the  exultant  foe  with  terrible  punishment  from  their 


612  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

well-aimed  muskets.  'After  that,'  said  the  ofHcer,  '  there  was  no  further  dis- 
trust or  contempt  on  either  side  between  the  Third  Wisconi?in  and  the  Sec- 
ond Massachusetts,  but  mutual  good-will,  affection  and  pride  in  each  other, 
which  were  only  increased  as  they  became  better  acquainted,  under  yet 
severer  trials.'  "' 

The  following  notes  by  General  Underwood  on  the  battle  of 
Gettysburg,  in  which  some  of  Newton's  bravest  and  best  j^oung 
men  were  slain,  and  others  received  wounds  which  ultimately  ter- 
minated in  their  death,  are  of  deep  interest.     The  General  writes,— 

The  two  armies  came  in  collision,  unexpectedly,  at  Gettysburg,  instead  of 
at  White  Creek,  where  General  Mead,  the  Federal  commander,  proposed  to 
give  battle.  Terrible  was  the  shock,  as  these  two  great  armies  came  together 
upon  the  first  day  of  the  contest,  the  rebel  General  holding  his  men  well  in 
hand,  while  the  Federal  arm)'  was  scattered  over  a  large  extent  of  country. 
On  the  first  day,  the  Federal  force,  greatly  outnumbered,  exhibited  a  wonder- 
ful power  of  endurance,  with  difficulty,  and  at  the  expense  of  many  valuable 
lives,  retaining  Cemetery  Hill  as  the  base  for  the  second  day's  contest.  The 
death  of  General  Reynolds  occurred  on  the  first  day,  causing  a  thrill  of 
sorrow  to  pass  through  the  army.  At  nightfall  of  the  first  day,  tlie  largest 
corps  of  the  Union  army  was  thirty-five  miles  away,  too  distant  to  be  of  ser- 
vice unless  the  battle  could  be  prolonged  until  late  in  the  second  day. 
Words  would  fail  us  to  describe  the  events  of  the  second  day ;  the  fearful 
charges  made  by  the  rebels,  and  often  with  largely  superior  numbers ;  the 
stubborn  valor  with  which  they  were  met;  the  varying  fortunes  of  the  day; 
•at  times  the  rebels  obtaining  advantages,  which  the  resolute  pluck  of  the 
Federal  soldiers  alone  prevented  from  culminating  in  a  decided  victory ;  the 
fearful  cannonade  by  General  Lee  along  his  six-mile  line,  wliich  it  almost 
seemed  would  destroy  not  only  men,  horses  and  trees,  but  the  very  moun- 
tains themselves ;  the  grand  rebel  charge  that  followed,  and  how  unflinch- 
ingly it  was  met,  column  firing  into  column,  men  falling  by  hundreds  and 
thousands ;  tlie  grey-backs  promptly  drawing  up,  as  the  close  range  artillery 
depleted  their  lines ;  their  advance  at  first  wavering,  and  then,  by  the  mere 
force  of  numbers,  pressing  forward  and  forcing  the  Union  soldiers  reluc- 
tantly to  give  way.  Finally,  at  this  most  opportune  moment,  arrived  the  long 
expected  corps,  after  a  forced  march  occupying  the  greater  portion  of  a 
night  and  day.  This  force,  thrown  upon  the  enemy,  decided  tlwj  fortunes 
of  the  hour.  General  Lee,  though  sanguine  of  success  in  the  early  part  of 
the  day,  perceived  that  his  last  great  effort  to  break  and  disperse  the  Union 
host  had  proved  an  utter  failure,  and,  leaving  liis  dead  and  dying  on  the  field, 
ere  daylight  of  the  following  morning  he  Avas  found  to  be  in  full  retreat  to 
Virginia. 

The  following  incident  is  related  in  regard  to  the  Massachusetts  Second. 
During  the  contest,  Colonel  Mudge*  received  an  order  to  charge  with  his 
regiment  upon  a  largely  superior  rebel  array,  passing  across  a  field  where  the 
»Col.  Charles  R.  Mudge  was  killed  at  Gettysburg,  July  3, 18G3. 


WAR  OF  THE  REBELLION.  613 

Massachusetts  boys  would  be  exposed  to  the  ftiU  force  of  the  enemy's  fire. 
Though  apparently  an  act  of  madness,  Colonel  Mudgc.  bowed  to  the  order 
of  his  superiors,  and  gave  the  word,  "Forward."  Steadily,  in  the  face  of 
death,  the  men  moved  on,  never  quailing,  though  their  comrades  fell  fast 
around  them.  They  reached  the  rebel  defences  and  i)lanted  their  colors  ;  but, 
overwhelmed  by  superior  numbers,  were  forced  back,  retreating  slowly,  and 
passing  their  dead  and  dying  strewed  along  the  meadow  crossed  in  the 
advance.  That  glorious,  but  fatal,  charge  put  nearly  all  Boston  in  mourning. 
"  Some  one  had  blundered." 

The  following  notes  of  the  movements  of  the  Massachusetts 
Thirty-second,  commencing  with  the  battle  of  Gettysburg,  and 
continuing  the  narrative  of  events  till  the  close  of  the  war,  are 
from  Hcadley's  "  History  of  Massachusetts  in  the  Rebellion." 

June  26,  1863,  the  Thirty-second  moved  through  Leesburg,  crossed  the 
Potomac  at  Edward's  Ferry,  and  bivouacked  near  Poolesville,  iii  Maryland. 
The  marches  northward  were  resumed  the  next  day.  Tlie  regiment  reached 
Hanover  in  Pennsylvania,  July  1,  and  the  next  day  advanced  towards  Get- 
tysburg, and  formed  a  line  of  battle  within  two  miles  of  that  town.  At  two 
o'clock,  P.  M.,  it  moved  forward,  and  took  a  position  on  an  eminence,  just  in 
the  rear  of  the  line  of  the  Third  Corps.  In  the  engagements  of  this  and  the 
succeeding  day,  the  Thirty-second  took  an  active  part,  losing  heavily  in  men, 
-^  eighty-one  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing,  out  of  a  total  of  two  hundred 
and  twenty-nine  who  went  into  battle. 

Leaving  the  battle-field  on  the  evening  of  July  5,  the  regiment  pursued 
the  retreating  columns  of  the  enemy  towards  the  Potomac,  wliich  it  crossed 
on  the  19th ;  continued  its  march  to  Manassas  Gap,  and  took  part  in  support- 
ing the  troops  engaged  there  in  the  fight  of  the  23d  of  July.  It  advanced  as 
far  as  Culpepper,  September  15,  and  remained  there  until  October  10. 

May  1,  1864,  the  Thirty-second  crossed  the  Rappahannock  for  the  fif- 
teenth time,  and  the  Rapidan,  May  4,  for  the  fifth  tirue ;  continuing  the 
march  through  a  part  of  the  Wilderness,  till  dark.  It  bivouacked  near  the 
Wilderness  Tavern  ;  and  the  next  day,  May  5,  was  put  in  line  of  battle,  and 
became  engaged  with  the  enemy,  and  for  seventeen  successive  days  and 
nights  was  under  arms  without  an  hour's  respite,  and  in  the  frontline  always. 
In  the  hardships,  victories  and  losses  of  this  unparalleled  campaign,  it 
shared  with  all  the  regiments  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 

On  the  16tli  of  June,  the  James  River  was  crossed  in  transports,  and  the 
regiment  marched  to  within  three  miles  of  Petersburg.  On  the  18th,  it  went 
to  the  front,  was  formed  in  line  of  battle,  charged  the  enemy,  and  drove 
them  over  an  open-  field  into  their  last  line  of  intrenchments.  A  second 
charge  was  made  laLcr  in  the  day,  with  but  partial  success ;  the  enemy  were 
not  driven  from  their  works ;  but  the  crest  of  the  hill  was  gained,  wliich 
afterwards  formed  the  line  of  the  part  of  the  Ninth  Corps,  when  the  famous 
mine  was  made. 


614  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

In  the  first  charge  of  that  day,  Colonel  Greorge  L.  Prescott  fell,  mortally 
wounded.  He  was  one  of  the  best  and  bravest  of  officers.  "  In  his  veins 
flowed  the  pure  blood  of  the  Revolution."  .July  21  and  September  1,  the 
regiment  was  engaged  with  the  enemy  on  the  Weldon  Railroad.  In  both 
engagements  it  was  attacked,  and  in  both,  repulsed  its  assailants  with  heavy 
loss. 

September  30,  the  regiment  made  an  advance  to  Poplar-Grove  Church, 
two  miles  distant,  where  the  enemy  had  forts,  and  lines  of  earthworks.  The 
regiment  was  drawn  up  in  front  of  Fort  M'Rae,  charged  across  an  open  field, 
a  thousand  yards,  under  a  heavy  fire,  and  took  the  fort  with  one  piece  of 
artillery  and  sixty  prisoners.  Soon  after,  the  second  line  of  works,  to  which 
the  enemy  had  fallen  back,  was  charged  and  taken. 

At  dusk,  the  same  day,  wlion  the  Ninth  Corps,  whicii  had  advanced  in 
front,  was  coming  back  in  confusion.  General  Griffin  threw  his  division  upon 
the  pursuing  enemy,  and  checked  and  drove  them  back;  thus  saving  the 
whole  of  the  Ninth  Corps  and  the  fortunes  of  the  day.  This  fighting  is 
called  the  battle  of  Peeble's  Farm.  Colonel  Edmands  was  wounded  in  the 
beginning  of  this  engagement. 

Early  in  February,  1865,  orders  were  received  to  march.  On  the  (Uh,  it 
was  in  rifle-pits  at  Hatcher's  Run.  upon  the  extreme  left  of  the  Fifth  Corps. 
At  two  o'clock  P.  M.,  the  division  having  taken  the  place  of  Crawford's, 
which  had  given  way.  General  Warren  leading  the  brigade,  a  hot  engage- 
ment followed,  called  the  battle  of  Dabnoy's  Mills,  or  Second  Hatcher's  Run. 

Re-forming  tlie  lines  as  before  the  fight,  the  troops  remained  thus  until  tlie 
11th,  aimoyed  a  great  deal  by  the  enemy's  artillery.  Tlie  regiment  then 
moved  to  the  Vaughan  Road  to  protect  the  left  flank  of  the  extended  army. 
Here  it  performed  picket  and  other  duty,  until  the  last  of  March. 

The  25th,  it  started  for  Fort  Stedman,  where  the  Ninth  Corps  was 
attacked,  but  turned  back  to  support  the  Second  Corps  in  its  assault  on  the 
enemy's  right.  At  midnight  it  went  to  camp,  where  it  remained  until  the 
commencement  of  the  final  campaign.  March  29,  the  march  was  made  to 
the  vicinity  of  Dinwiddle  Court  House ;  thence  towards  Boydtown  Plank- 
road,  near  which  tlie  enemy  was  posted  in  strong  force.  Lines  of  battle 
were  formed  and  a  charge  made,  driving  back  the  rebel  ranks,  with  severe 
loss  to  them,  following  by  the  pursuit  of  tliem  until  dark. 

This  was  called  the  battle  of  Gravelly  Run.  The  next  day,  the  regiment 
relieved  the  skirmisb  line  In  front  of  the  brigade,  and  about  noon  was  ordered 
to  advance,  and  feel  the  enemy.  He  was  found  to  be  strongly  intrenched 
behind  hastily  built  works,  on  which  an  Impetuous  and  successful  charge 
was  made,  only  to  be  reversed  two  hours  later,  when  the  ammunition  of  our 
troops  was  exhausted. 

The  Confederate  force  then  advanced  on  the  main  line,  and  were  repulsed; 
and  the  Thirty-second  was  thrown  out  on  the  skirmish  line,  and  occupied  the 
just  now  contested  works.  Near  dark,  it  again  felt  the  enemy,  and  moved 
towards  his  second  line  of  works,  over  an  open  field,  under  a  cross-fire,  but 
could  not  take  them. 


WAR  OF  THE  REBELLION.  G15 

It  was  next  on  the  left  of  the  Fifth  Corps ;  and  six  companies,  under  Cap- 
tain Lauriat,  were  deployed  as  skirmishers,  while  the  rest  remained  with  the 
corps  until  three  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  then  marched  to  the  assistance  of 
Sheridan,  hotly  engaging  the  enemy.  It  moved,  April  1,  towards  the  Five 
Forks,  and  again  was  ordered  to  the  front  of  the  brigade- skirmishers,  and 
helped  in  the  conflicts  and  victories  of  that  memorable  day,  wliose  setting 
sun  shone  on  thousands  of  small-arms  thickly  strewn  by  the  fleeing  rebels 
over  the  field  that  sealed  the  fate  of  Petersburg  and  Richmond,  and  ruined 
Lee's  army  of  Northern  Virginia. 

Then  South-side  Railroad,  Sutherland  Station,  Jettersville,  Appomattox 
Court  House,  High  Bridge,  and  Raraplin's  Station,  were  soon  passed,  in  the 
wake  of  Lee's  flying  army. 

April  9th  was  a  fighting  day,  and  one  of  peculiar  and  intense  excitement, 
over  the  report  of  General  Lee's  negotiations  for  a  surrender,  which  was  at 
length  confirmed. 

Stacking  of  arms,  and  the  funeral-like  processions  of  defeated  rebels,  were 
the  next  exciting  scenes.  The  Thirty-second  guarded  the  surrendered  arms 
until  the  homeward  march  commenced,  the  1st  of  May;  pitching  tents,  on 
the  12th,  upon  the  heights  opposite  Washington. 

The  29th,  the  cars  were  taken  for  Boston,  followed  by  refreshing  wel- 
■comes  at  Philadelphia  and  Providence ;  and,  July  4th,  the  men  Avere  within 
sight  of  their  homes,  for  the  first  time  in  three  "  terrible  years." 

A  well-deserved  tribute  to  General  Underwood,  of  Newton, 
recorded  in  Headle3"'s  "  History  of  Massachusetts  in  the  Rebellion," 
is  worth}'  of  a  place  in  this  connection.  In  a  sketch  of  the  cam- 
paigns of  the  Massachusetts  Thirty-third,  it  is  stated  that  this  reg- 
iment, after  fighting  bravely  in  many  of  the  batttes  of  Virginia, 
was  sent  to  the  assistance  of  "  fighting  Joe  Hooker,"  hardly  pressed 
b}'  the  enemy  in  the  vicinity  of  Chattanooga.  It  was  necessary  to 
dislodge  the  rebels  from  the  heights  of  Lookout  Mountain,  and 
the  part  which  the  Thirty-third  took  in  that  encounter  is  thus 
described  in  the  account  of  the  author  : 

Colonel  Underwood  started  up  the  hill  with  but  seven  companies,  three 
having  been  sent  on  a  secret  expedition  the  evening  before.  The  hill  was 
very  steep,  covered  with  woods  and  underbrush,  and  almost  inaccessible. 
The  night  was  dark;  but  tliis  little  band  of  Massachusetts  men,  almost  aloue, 
carried  the  rebel  iutrenchments,  after  two  assaults,  witii  fixed  bayonets, 
fighting,  some  of  the  time,  hand-to-hand,  and,  before  the  supports  were  called 
into  the  fight,  drove  a  brigade  of  Longstreet's  men,  their  old  foes  in  the 
East,  from  the  hill.  It  met  witli  a  fearful  loss.  Wrote  the  correspondent  of 
the  Cincinnati  Times, — 

"  The  brave  Colonel  Underwood,  of  the  Tiurty-third  Massachusetts  regi- 
ment, was  also  wounded.  This  officer  had  passed  through  some  of  the  hard- 
est fights  on  the  Potomac,  to  meet  this  hard  fate  on  the  banks  of  the  Tennes- 
see in  a  midnight  figlit. 


616  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

"  The  conduct  of  the  regiment  was  of  the  most  praiseworthy  character,  and 
they  wavered  not,  though  the  guns  of  the  enemy  were  making  terrible  havoc 
in  their  ranks.  In  fact,  all  the  regiments  engaged  seemed  determined  to 
prove  that  not  Western  troops  alone  will  fight  in  the  West,  but  they  who  had 
met  Longstreet's  men  in  Virginia  could  cope  with  them  in  Tennessee.  Gen- 
eral Hooker,  in  his  official  report  of  the  battle  says,  '  This  skeleton  but 
brave  brigade  (Colonel  Smith's)  charged  up  the  mountain,  almost  inacces- 
sible by  daylight,  under  a  heavy  fire,  without  returning  it,  and  drove  three 
times  their  number  from  behind  the  hastily  thrown  up  intrenchments,  cap- 
turing prisoners,  and  scattering  the  enemy  in  all  directions.  No  troops  ever 
rendered  more  brilliant  service.  .  .  .  Colonel  Underwood,  of  the  Thirty- 
third  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  was  also  desperately  wounded.  If  only  in 
recognition  for  his  meritorious  services  on  this  field,  his  many  martial  vir- 
tues, and  great  personal  worth,  it  would  be  a  great  satisfaction  to  me  to  have 
this  officer  advanced  to  the  grade  of  brigadier-general.'  " 

We  must  not  omit,  in  this  place,  to  say  that  while  Newton  justly 
claims  its  due  share  of  praise,  for  the  bravery  of  her  soldiers  in 
this  terrible  conflict,  it  is  true  here,  as  everywhere  else,  that  woman 
deserves  also  to  be  mentioned  with  honor.  Mrs.  Rebecca  R.  Pom- 
roy,  the  superintendent  of  the  "  Home  for  Destitute  and  Orphan 
Girls  "  in  Newton  from  its  inception,  held  a  place  among  the  women 
who  shared  the  perils  and  hardships  of  the  war,  second  to  no  other 
among  the  women  of  America.  Having,  Providentially,  lost  her 
own  son  at  the  beginning  of  the  war,  she  felt  it  her  duty  to 
engage  at  once  in  the  laborious  and  self-denying  work  of  caring 
for  the  sick  and  wounded  in  the  army, —  the  beloved  of  other 
mothers,  who  could  not  accompany  their  sons  to  the  camp  and  the 
battle-field.  With  undaunted  energy  and  courage  and  a  heart  of 
the  finest  mould,  with  unsurpassed  zeal  for  her  country  and  faith 
in  God,  she  went  forth  voluntarily  to  this  v^ork  of  love.  She 
cheerfully  accepted  her  share  in  the  trials  of  the  hour.  With  a 
mother's  care,  she  watched  over  the  wounded,  the  sick,  and  the 
d}'ing.  With  unwearied  patience,  she  sympathized  with  the  sor- 
rows she  could  not  alleviate,  softened  the  pangs  of  the  sufferers, 
spoke  of  heaven  to  the  dying,  and  told  them  of  the  heavenly 
Father  and  his  readiness  to  pardon  the  penitent,  received  the  last 
messages  of  affection  and  transmitted  them  to  the  loved  ones  far 
away.  Above  all,  she  was  admitted,  in  Washington,  to  the  special 
friendship  and  confidence  of  the  revered  and  honored  chief  Magis- 
trate of  the  nation,  the  beloved  and  trusted  Abraham  Lincoln ; 
she  watched  over  him  in  sickness  and  bathed  his  fevered  brow, 
spoke  words  of  encouragement  to  him  in  hours  of  darkness  and 


WAR  OF  THE  REBELLION.  617 

trial,  reminded  him  of  the  God  who  rules  the  tempest,  and 
strengthened  him,  perhaps  more  than  any  other  human  being, 
through  grace,  to  work  out  the  tremendous  problem  which,  during 
his  incumbenc}^  found  its  true  issue. 

We  cannot  contemplate  but  with  profound  admiration  the  names 
of  some  of  the  soldiers  of  Newton,  accompanied,  in  the  Record 
published  by  the  town,  with  the  infoi-matioa  — "  Re-enlisted."  The 
names  so  designated  are  forty-five  in  number.  And  this  designa- 
tion implies  a  patriotic  and  self-den.ying  spirit,  worthy  of  all  praise. 
These  men  were  not  moved  to  enlistment  b}^  the  romance  of  war. 
They  had  suffered  the  hardships  of  the  camp,  and  tried  the  perils 
of  the  battle-field.  They  knew  to  what  they  were  exposing  them- 
selves. They  had  hearts  that  had  felt,  and  e^'es  that  had  wept, 
and  many  of  them  turned  awa}'  from  homes  they  loved,  to  encoun- 
ter again  the  sober  experiences  of  the  conflict.  But  they  were 
moved  by  a  spu'it  that  could  not  be  conquered.  Their  love  of  free- 
dom was  too  real  to  be  crushed  out  by  difficulties  and  hardships. 
And  so,  honorably  discharged  from  a  briefer  service,  or  cured  of 
sickness  or  of  wounds,  the  fruit  of  former  exposure,  like  true  pa- 
triots they  rushed  into  the  deadly  fray  again.  How  touching  is 
the  brief  record  attached  to  some  of  these  names, —  "Re-enlisted 
— killed."  They  made  a  second  offering  of  their  lives  to  theu- 
country.  The  sacrifice,  cheerfully  made,  was  accepted,  and  their 
names  were  delivered  over  to  the  immortal  honor,  which  pertains  to 
those  who  die  for  their  country. 

No  statistical  tables  can  give  an  adequate  idea  of  the  Herculean 
efforts  incident  to  the  demands  of  this  period  of  active  conflict. 
Patriotism  and  its  work  can  no  more  be  reduced  to  the  estimate  of 
figures,  than  moral  truths  can  be  submitted  to  mathematical  dem- 
onstration. Every  house  and  home  felt  the  tension.  The  pro- 
foundest  sufferings  were  endured  in  silencer  and  in  tears.  Many  a 
fireside  was  visited  by  bitter  bereavement ;  but  the  widow  and  the 
orphan,  with  a  noble  patriotism,  forbore  to  repine.  Cicizens  of 
various  ranks,  without  asking  to  be  paid  for  their  services,  per- 
formed tedious  journeys,  incurred  heavy  expenses,  ministered  to 
the  sick  and  wounded  soldiers,  or  looked  after  the  wants  of 
theii'  families  at  home,  with  a  watchfulness  that  never  slept,  with  a 
zeal  that  never  tired.  The  amount  paid  by  the  town  and  by  indi- 
viduals for  military  pm-poses,  from  the  beginning  of  the  war  to 
February,  18G5, —  near  the    close, —  was  Sl38,4:.57.02.     Of  this 


618  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

sum,  $46,918.92  was  afterwards  refunded  to  the  town  by  acts  of 
the  Legislature.  Perhaps,  takiug  all  things  into  the  account,  as 
much  more  was  contributed  in  a  thousand  various  ways,  of  which 
no  account  was  ever  kept,  and  no  record  could  be  made.  None 
will  ever  know  how  many  ftimilies  abridged  their  luxuries  and  even 
their  comforts  at  home,  that  they  might  supply  the  needs  and 
cheer  the  spirits  of  the  loved  ones  in  the  camp. 

We  contemplate  with  deep  interest  the  fact  that  the  men  of 
Newton  were  represented  in  nearlj'  every  kind  of  service,  and  that 
their  valor  won,  or  theu"  blood  consecrated,  many  of  the  most  impor- 
tant fields  during  the  entire  war.  The  above  record,  in  connection 
with  the  catalogue  of  the  volunteers  for  three  3'ears,  published  by 
the  town,  shows  to  what  extent  the  soldiers  of  Newton  distinguished 
themselves  by  their  bravery  and  self-denial,  their  hardships  and 
sufferings,  cheerfully  endured  for  the  salvation  of  their  country. 
Where  the  exigencies  were  most  pressing,  where  the  battle  raged 
most  fiercely,  where  most  was  to  be  ventured  in  the  conflict, — 
there  were  they.  They  were  numbered  with  the  infantry,  the 
cavalry' ,  the  light  battery,  the  heavy  artillery,  and  the  sharp- 
shooters. They  were  in  the  army  and  in  the  navy,  in  the  signal 
and  provost  departments.  Thej^  were  employed  as  surgeons,  assis- 
tant surgeons,  musicians,  chaplains,  officers  and  privates.  They 
were  in  the  regiments  of  Massachusetts,  New  Hampshire,  Ehode 
Island,  New  York  and  Penns3dvania.  In  gathering  recruits,  in 
the  field  of  carnage,  in  prisons,  in  storming  rebel  positions,  on 
picket  dut}',  in  the  hospitals,  on  the  march, —  who  were  more  sure 
to  be  found?  Who  more  prudent  to  plan,  more  prompt  to  act, 
more  patient  to  endure,  more  ready  to  sacrifice?  On  the  most 
trying  occasions,  it  was  their  lot  to  be  with  the  foremost,  in  dan- 
ger and  in  death.  In  Gettysburg  audAutietam,  in  Spottsylvania, 
Fredericksburg,  and  at  Lookout  Mountain,  we  find  their  record 
among  the  killed  and  wounded.  In  the  prisons  at  Salisbmy,  Rich- 
mond and  Dan\dlle,  their  names  are  written  with  those  of  the  suf- 
ferhig  captives.  Among  the  recruiting  officers,  gathering  colored 
troops  on  the  plantations  of  Maiyland,  one  of  them  fell  by  the 
hand  of  a  ruthless  murderer.  Some  died  amid  the  smoke  of  bat- 
tle, invoking  with  their  last  breath  a  blessing  on  their  country. 
Some,  wounded,  lay  suffering  in  the  open  field,  the  blue  heavens 
above  them  their  only  shelter,  the  rains  and  the  dews  their  onl}' 
refreshment,  till  friendlv  hands  sou<2:ht  them  out  and  cared  for 


WAR  OF  THE  REBELLION  619 

them,  or  death  came  to  their  relief.  Some  lingered  in  hospitals, 
showing  by  their  patient  demeanor  that  they  did  not  regret  the  sac- 
rifices they  had  made  for  so  righteous  and  woithy  a  cause.  Some 
returned  home  with  mutilated  forms  or  broken  constitutions,  to  be 
still  honored  and  useful  in  church  or  State,  or,  after  lingering  a 
while  among  their  friends,  living  examples  of  a  noble  patriotism, 
to  sink  into  premature  graves. 

None  who  were  witnesses  will  ever  forget  the  scene,  when,  on  a 
sultry  afternoon  in  July,  soon  after  the  battle  of  Gettysburg,  in 
one  of  the  churches  of  Newton,  a  crowded  assembly  was  gathered 
to  attend  a  rare  and  most  impressive  funeral.  In  front  of  the 
pulpit,  supported  on  four  biers,  lay  the  forms  of  four  3'oung  sol- 
<liers  who  had  been  stricken  down  in  battle.  The  caskets  in  which 
they  were  deposited  were  richly  adorned  with  flowers.  The  bright 
sun.  shaded  off  by  the  green  blinds  of  the  church,  shed  a  cheerful 
illumination  over  the  auditory.  Several  clergymen  were  present, 
to  participate  in  the  exercises.  Weeping  friends  of  the  deceased, 
in  great  numbers,  gathered  in  their  weeds  of  mourning,  painfully 
interiisted  in  that  strange  spectacle, —  the  like  of  which  had  never 
been  seen  in  the  ancient  town  of  Newton.  Words  of  graceful 
explanation  of  the  circumstances  of  the  death  of  the  3'Oung  men, 
and  the  recovery  of  their  remains,  were  offered  by  one  who  had 
left  no  effort  untried,  during  all  the  war,  to  relieve  the  inconven- 
iences and  sufferings  of  the  soldiers  in  the  field,  or  to  provide  for 
their  needy  families  at  home.  Patriotic  utterances  and  Christian 
consolations,  h^'mns  and  fervent  pra3-ers,  and  the  precious  comforts 
of  the  Word  of  God,  for  more  than  an  hour  held  the  rapt  atten- 
tion of  the  audience.  As  the  congregation,  at  the  close,  passed 
before  the  forms  of  the  dead,  they  were  nerved  with  new  purpose 
to  save  their  beloved  countrj^  from  the  hands  of  those  who  would 
trample  in  tiie  dust  its  noble  institutions,  and  whose  guilty  upris- 
ing liad  deprived  it  of  so  many,  in  the  flower  of  their  youth  and  the 
glory  of  their  riper  age.  That  silent  spectacle  of  the  faces  of  the 
dead  was  more  impressive  than  the  most  powerful  eloquence.  And 
when  the  funeral  knell  rung  out  on  the  summer  air,  and  was  echoed 
by  tlie  green  hills,  while  the  procession  wound  its  solemn  way  to 
the  beautiful  cemeter}-  to  deposit  the  precious  trust, —  the  dirge  for 
the  dead  and  the  tears  of  the  living  opened  channels  of  patriotic 
feeling  in  every  heart,  and  impressed  upon  ever}-  beholder  the 
truthfulness  of  the  classic  maxim, — 

'•  Dulce  et  decorum  est  nro  patria  niori.'' 


L 


620  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

The  soldiers  required  not  only  food  and  care  for  the  bod 3',  but 
also  the  refreshment  of  living  waters  for  the  soul.  And  none  can 
be  ignorant  how  much  was  done  b^'  a  citizen  of  Newton,  then  an 
active  and  eflficieut  Secretary  of  the  American  Tract  Society,  to 
furnish  the  soldiers  at  the  front  with  an  abundance  of  religious 
and  other  attractive  reading.  Leaving  the  peaceful  work  of  his 
office  in  Boston,  he  went  in  person  from  tent  to  tent,  and  from 
hospital  to  hospital,  carrying  the  words  of  comfort  to  the  dying 
and  the  sick ;  acting,  unpaid  and  uncommissioned,  the  part  of  a 
chaplain  and  a  good  Samaritan ;  writing  letters  for  the  disabled 
and  the  dying;  pointing  the  departing  soul. to  the  Lamb  of  God 
who  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world  ;  and,  in  comforting  and  del- 
icate words,  communicating  to  the  bereaved  the  sad  intelligence  of 
the  sorrows  that  had  come  upon  them,  and  the  promises  of  Him 
who  has  engaged  to  be  the  God  and  judge  of  the  widow,  and  the 
Father  of  the  fatherless.  Probably  none  will  ever  know  what 
quantities  of  secular  and  religious  reading  were  sent  to  the  hos- 
pitals and  the  tents  through  this  agency,  or  how  many  solitary 
hours  and  homesick  hearts  were  cheered  by  these  timely  and  wel- 
come provisions. 

It  is  an  interesting  fact  that  while  Boston,  and  many  other  cities 
and  towns  in  the  State  of  Massachusetts  lingered  in  the  work  of 
rearing  a  suitable  memorial  of  the  patriotic  dead,  Newton  was 
one  of  the  earliest  towns  in  the  Commonwealth  to  erect  a  monu- 
ment to  the  brave  men  who  imperilled  their  lives  for  the  welfare  of 
their  countr}-.  Long  before  the  smoke  of  battle  had  cleared  awa}', 
while  the  soldiers  were  still  bivouacked  on  the  Southern  fields  and 
arming  themselves  for  fresh  encounters, —  the  beautiful  shaft 
which  commemorates  the  "  names  that  were  not  born  to  die,"  was 
raised  near  the  entrance  of  the  cemetery,  on  a  swell  of  ground 
which  seemed  to  have  been  formed  by  nature  to  receive  so  distin- 
guished an  ornament.  On  account  of  its  rare  location,  it  is  sure 
to  meet  the  curious  eyes  of  visitors  who  come  to  this  cit}^  of  the 
dead.  It  is  in  aU  respects  a  fitting  memorial  of  men  who  loved 
their  country-,  and  stands,  a  grateful  token  in  remembrance  of 
their  deeds.  The  shaft  is  accompanied,  in  another  part  of  the 
same  lot,  by  a  marble  tablet,  on  which  are  inscribed  the  names  of 
the  men  whom  their  fellow-citizens  delighted  to  honor.  The  mon- 
ument was  dedicated  on  a  brilliant  summer  day, —  July  23,  18G4, — 
when  the  green  foliage  decked  the  earth  as  with  triumphal  laurels, 


SOLDIERS'   MONUMENT,   NEWTON   CEMETERY. 


"WAR  OF  THE  REBELLION".  621 

and  the  mild  airs  whispered  around  a  tuneful  requiem.  It  was 
consecrated  with  prayer  and  song,  and  the  eloquence  of  Newton's 
best  and  bravest  men.  And  there  it  stands, —  a  tribute  alike  to  the 
worth  of  the  noble  dead,  and  a  witness  to  the  affection  of  a  grate- 
ful people,  who  by  this  silent  testimonial  claim  to  tell  the  ages  to 
come  that  they  were,  and  ever  will  be,  faithful,  loving  and  true. 
As  morning  reddens  and  as  evening  fades  around  the  resting- 
place  of  the  departed,  and  as,  in  spite  of  the  varjnng  seasons,  the 
Soldiers'  Monument  still  lifts  its  graceful  proportions,  unmoved, 
towards  heaven,  it  may  be  regarded  as  sj'mbolizing  the  stern 
resolve  of  Newton  men,  under  all  political  circumstances  that  may 
arise,  to  stand  steadfast  to  the  principles  of  the  Constitution  and 
the  Union  ;  to  accept  no  compromise  with  tyranny  and  oppression  ; 
to  sanction  no  division  of  the  States  of  this  glorious  country  ;  and 
to  live  and  die,  where  the  broad  banner  of  Freedom  wraps  its  sacred 
folds  around  both  the  living  and  the  dead. 

It  is  a  fact  not  without  interest,  that  on  a  Sabbath  da}',  early 
in  this  terrible  conflict,  news  was  brought  to  the  house  of  God 
of  confusion  and  disaster  that  had  befallen  the  Union  armies. 
Promptl}',  in  all  the  churches  of  Newton,  the  regular  services  were 
laid  aside.  It  was  deemed  an  equally  proper  act  of  worship,  in 
which  all  could  engage,  to  prepare  lint  and  bandages  for  the 
wounded,  and  to  collect  and  put  in  readiness  for  transportation 
such  luxuries  and  delicacies  of  food  and  cordials  as  the  emergency 
would  allow,  to  be  forwarded  with  the  next  rising  sun  to  the  suf- 
fering troops.  Stalwart  men,  and  ever-true  and  faithful  women, 
and  children,  with  willing  hands  and  downcast  eyes, —  aU  did  what 
they  could.  Animated  by  the  spirit  of  the  occasion  and  by  love 
for  the  threatened  interests  of  freedom,  the  heart  and  the  hand 
wrought  harmoniously,  and  brought  forth  valuable  results.  That 
was  a  rare  Sabbath.  Ma}''  we  not  lielieve  it  was  acceptable  to  the 
Lord  our  God  ;  far  more  fitting  for  the  service  of  the  Great  Crea- 
tor, than  a  day  devoted  to  empty  forms  and  solemn  pageants? 
Few  words  were  spoken.  Soul  communicated  with  soul,  in  still 
agony,  chiefly  through  the  eloquence  of  silence  and  tears.  Ear- 
nest prayers  ascended,  and  encouraging  words  dropped  occasion- 
ally from  the  lips  of  the  preachers,  who  joined  in  similar  employ- 
ment with  their  people,  and  the  motive  and  the  energy  consecrated 
the  work.  And,  towards  evening,  the  services  of  that  rare  Sabbath 
closed  only  with  the  National  Hymn,  written  in  his  early  youth,  by 


622  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

a  resident  of  Newton,  and  for  twelve  j'ears  and  a  half  the  pastor 
of  one  of  its  oldest  churches, 

My  country,  't  is  of  thee. 

Amid  such  scenes,  and  burdened  by  such  apprehensions,  all 
hearts  and  all  voices,  doubtless,  joined  most  fervently  in  the  closing 
stanza, — 

Our  fathers'  God,  to  Thee, — 
Author  of  liberty, 
To  Thee  we  sing ; 
j  Long  may  our  land  be  bright 

With  freedom's  holy  light; 
Protect  us  by  thy  might, 
Great  God,  our  King. 

In  the  autumn  of  the  year  1870  (October  10),  the  military  spirit 
of  Ne^on  blossomed  afresh,  in  the  organization  of  a  military  corn- 
pan}' of  sixty-one  3'oung  men,  officered,  at  least  in  part,  by  heroes 
who  had  survived  the  perils  of  battle,  and  who  recognized  the  true 
philosophy  of  the  maxim,  "  In  peace,  prepare  for  war." 

This  sketch  of  the  part  taken  by  the  people  and  soldiers  of 
Newton  in  the  conflict  for  the  preservation  of  the  Union  may  be 
appropriately  closed  by  the  words  of  one  of  her  most  patriotic  cit- 
izens, Mr.  Thomas  Rice,  who  nobly  illustrated  in  his  life  and 
labors,  what  he  uttered  with  his  lips  or  wrote  with  his  pen : 

All  that  we  are,  or  ho^je  to  be,  is  involved  in  the  Union.  Founded  to 
insure  domestic  tranquillity  and  to  provide  for  the  common  defence,  it  is  as 
necessary  now  as  when  its  foundation  stones  were  laid  by  the  wisdom,  and 
cemented  by  the  blood,  of  our  fathers. 

In  addition  to  the  list  of  the  heroic  dead,  as  recorded  on  the 
Soldiers'  Tablet,  General  A.  B.  Underwood,  one  of  Newton's 
honored  representatives  in  the  "  War  of  the  Rebellion,"  and  who, 
in  his  praiseworthy  bravery  and  daring,  wounded  and  suffering, 
barely  escaped  with  his  life, —  has  furnished  the  following  statis- 
tics,—  showing  the  regiment,  organization  or  arm  of  the  service  in 
which  seventy-four  of  Newton's  dead,  of  the  Army  and  Navy, 
served  in  the  course  of  the  war,  including  the  additions  which, 
death  has  made  up  to  the  year  1876.  They  are  here  arranged  in 
the  order  of  regiments  and  the  arm  of  ser\ace.  The  same  infor- 
mation, in  the  alphabetical  arrangement  of  the  names  will  be- 
found  on  pages  607-610. 


NEWTON'S  DEAD  IN  THE  WAR.  623 

NEWTON'S   SOLDIERS   AND  SAILORS  WHO  DIED  IN 
THE  WAR  OF  THE  REBELLION. 

MASSACHUSETTS   IXFANTRY. 

First. 
William   H.   Trowbridge,  Co.  A,  dropped   dead  July,  1862,    at   Malvera 
Hill,  Va. 
John  Allen,  Co.  G,  killed  June  30,  1862,  at  Glendale,  Va. 
William  R.  Benson,  Co.  I,  killed  May  5,  1862,  at  Williamsburg,  Va. 
LeRoy  S.  Bridgeman,  Co.  I,  died  1863. 
William  N.  Freeman,  Co.  I,  died  Jan.  5,  1863,  at  Philadelphia. 

Second. 
Jefferson  Lakin,  Co.  D,  killed  May  25,  1862,  at  Winchester,  Va. 
Gilbert  A.  Cheney,  Co.  D,  died  of  wounds,  Oct.  18,  1862. 

Fifth. 
George  F.  Brackett,  Co.  K,  died  at  Newton,  1876. 

Twelfth. 
A.  A.  Kendall,  M.  D.,  Assistant  Surgeon,  killed  Sept.  17,  1862,  at  Antie- 
tam,  Md. 

Sixteenth. 

J.  Leaman  Flagg,  Sergeant,  Co.  B,  died  July  7,  1867. 

John  Forsyth,  jr.,  Sergeant,  Co.  E,  killed  July  2,  1863,  at  Gettysburg,  Penn, 

Michael  Martin,  Co.  G,  killed  Aug.  29,  1862,  at  Bull  Run,  Va. 

George  Houghton,  Co.  I,  died  Sept.  12,  1873,  at  the  National  Asylum,. 
Augusta,  Me. 

John  P.  Rogers,  Co.  I,  died  Sept.  11,  1862. 

Edward  Lyman,  Corporal,  Co.  K,  died  of  wounds,  June  7,  1863,  at  Fal- 
mouth, Va. 

Thos.  C.  Norcross,  Sergeant,  Co.  K,  died  June,  1863,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

Eighteenth. 

Michael  Vaughn,  Co.  F,  died 

Thomas  Duran,  Sergeant,  Co.  F,  died  after  expiration  of  service. 

Nineteenth. 
Patrick  Haggerty,  Co.  E,  killed  Dec.  13,  1862,  at  Fredericksburg,  Va. 

Twenty-second. 
Henry  J.  Poole,  Co.  D,  killed  December,  1862,  at  Fredericksburg,  Va. 

Twenty-fourth . 
John  McQuade,  Co.  E,  died  after  expiration  of  service. 
George  H.  Baxter,  Co.  F,  killed  June  5,  1862. 


624  HISTOEY  OF  NEWTON. 

TJiirty-second. 

NEWTON,    CO.    K. 

George  Baker,  died  Sept.  11,  1862,  at  Fairfax  Court  House,  Va. 
R.  L.  Butler,  died  Dec  8,  1862,  at  Falmouth,  Va. 
Charles  A.  Leavitt,  died  Oct.  21,  1862,  at  Sharpsburg,  Va. 
Joseph  R.  Pratt,  died  Oct.  12,  1862,  at  Shepardstown,  Va. 
L.  F.  Trowbridge,  died  Dec.  29,  1862,  at  Falmouth,  Va. 
Frederick  Champion,  died  Jan.  5,  1863,  at  Falmouth,  Va. 
William  Fell,  died  Jan  11,  1863,  at  Falmouth.  Va. 
William  H.  Rice,  died  Jan.  14,  1863,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 
Frederick  A.  Cutter,  killed  July  2,  1863,  at  Gettysburg,  Penn. 
Leopold  H.  HaAvkes,  killed  July  2,  1863,  at  Gettysburg,  Penn. 
Thomas  L.  Jackson,  killed  July  2,  1863,  at  Gettysburg,  Penn. 
Chai-lcs  Ward,  died  July  9,  1863,  of  wounds  at  Gettysburg,  Penn. 
William  L.  Oilman,  died  July  30,  1863,  of  wounds  at  Gettysburg,  Penn. 
George  H.  Nichols,  taken  prisoner  at  Gettysburg,  died  at  Belle  Isle,  Va. 
Thomas  W.  Clifford,  died  March  20,  1864,  in  the  field. 
O.  J.  Adams,  killed  in  a  charge,  May  12,  1864,  at  Laurel  Hill,  Va. 
William  B.  Neff,  killed  in  a  charge.  May  12,  1864,  at  Laurel  Hill,  Va. 
Stephen  L.  Nichols,  killed  in  a  charge,  May  12,  1864,  at  Laurel  Hill,  Va. 
Samuel  F.  Woodward,  killed  May  31,  1864,  at  Shady  Grove  Church,  Va. 
Grafton  H.  Ward,  killed  June  3,  1864,  at  Bethesda  Church,  Va. 
Daniel  Sanger,  killed  June  19,  1864,  at  Petersburg,  Va. 
Seth  Cousens,  died  after  expiration  of  service. 
Charles  E.  Fifield,  Sergeant,  died  after  expiration  of  service. 
Edward  H.  Tombs,  died  afcer  expiration  of  service. 

Roger  S.  Kingsbury,  died  after  expiration  of  service,  of  wounds  at  Gettys- 
burg. 

George  P.  Ramsdell,  Corporal,  died  April  23,  1875. 

Thirty-third. 
George  S.  Boyd,  Sergeant,  Co.  E,  died  June,  1872. 

Forty-fourth, 
Albert  F.  Potter,  Sergeant,  Co.  B,  died  Jan.  29,  1863,  at  Newbern,  N.  C. 
Eben  R.  Buck,  Co.  B,  died  after  expiration  of  service. 
Zenas  Crane,  Co.  B,  died  Oct.  12,  1874. 
William  E.  Jordan,  Co.  B,  died  Feb.  22,  1875. 

Forty-fifth. 
William  J.  Rand,  Co.  K,  mortally  wounded,  Dec.  17,  1862,  at  Kinston,  N.  C. 
George  H.  Rich,  Co.  K,  died  after  expiration  of  service. 
H.  C.  Harrington,  Co.  K,  died  after  expiration  of  service. 

Fifty-seventh. 
John  B.  Rogers,  Co.  K,  died  of  wounds,  July  26,  1864,  at  Petersburg,  Va. 


NEWTON'S  DEAD  IN  THE  WAR.  625 

MASSACHUSETTS   CAVALKT. 
First. 

Theodore  L.  Brackett,  Co.  A,  accidentally  killed,  Dec.  2,  1863,  at  War- 
renton,  Va. 

Jlatthew  T.  H.  Roffe,  Co.  A,  died  after  expiration  of  service 

William  E.  Parker,  Co.  C,  died  after  expiration  of  service. 

William  A.  Harris,  Co.  G,  died  after  expiration  of  service 

Harvey  L.  Vinton,  Co.  G,  died  at  Belle  Isle,  Va. 

Elliot  Littlefield,  Co.  G,  died  at  Belle  Isle,  Va. 

George  W.  Belcher,  Co.  G,  died  1872. 

John  Meirs,  jr.,  Co.  H,  died  Aug.  20,  1864. 

Charles  F.  Hooker,  Co.  L,  transferred  to  4th  Massachusetts  Cavalry,  died 
Aug.  10,  1868. 

MASSACHUSETTS   HEAVY   ARTILLERY. 

Secotid. 
Henry  T.  Lawson,  Major,  died  of  disease  at  Newbern,  N,  C,  Oct.  1, 1864. 

INDIANA   INFANTRY. 

Thirteenth. 
Lemuel  P.  Bassett,  died 

U.    S.    ENGINEERS 
Daniel  H.  Miller,  died 

U.    S.    COLORED   TROOPS 
Eben  White,  Lieutenant,  killed  in  Maryland. 

U.    S.    VOLUNTEERS. 
A.  B.  Ely,  Captain,  Assistant  Adjutant-General,  died  1872. 

U.    S.    NAVY. 

Joseph  B.  Breck,  Lieutenant,  IT.  S.  ship  "Niphon,"  died  July  26,  1865. 
Lowell  M.  Brock,  Acting  Ensign,  died  after  expiration  of  service. 
Alfred  Washburn,  Acting  Master,  U.  S.  ship  "  Chocorua,"  died  of  wounds 
May  14,  1865,  at  New  Orleans. 

"We  give  the  following  account  of  the  day  at  Gettysburg,  by  S. 
C.  Spaulding,  of  Newton  Centre,  a  member  of  the  Thirty-second : 

July  1st  we  marched  to  Hanover,  Pa.,  where  we  arrived  about  2  P.  M. 

After  passing  the  town,  we  halted  in  a  ten-acre  lot,  inclosed  with  a  splendid 

rail  fence,  six  rails  high.     There,  for  the  first  time  in  our  army  experience, 

we  received  rations  of  rails.    The  two  top  rails  only  were  to  be  taken,  and  two 

40 


62G  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

allowed  for  each  company.  This  new  order  of  things  will  be  explaiaed»  when 
I  say,  we  had  returned  from  the  land  of  Dixie  to  a  State  loyal  to  us  and  "  our 
country."  "We  remained  there  till  nearly  dark,  when  we  resumed  our  march 
northward,  halting  about  midnight  in  the  AYoods,  by  the  roadside,  where  we 
lay  down  to  rest  our  weary  limbs.  At  4  A.  M.,  after  a  hasty  breakfast,  we 
marched  again,  reaching  the  vicinity  of  Gettysburg  at  8  A.  M.  Halting 
about  two  miles  east  of  the  town,  we  formed  in  line  of  battle,  our  Corps  being 
held  in  reserve  until  the  arrival  of  the  Sixth  Corps,  to  which  had  been 
assigned  that  place.  Immediately  on  their  arrival,  we  were  relieved  at  the 
rear  and  ordered  to  the  front.  Our  brigade  advanced  to  the  ridge  at  the 
right  of  Little  Round  Top,  where  we  halted  in  line  of  battle.  From  that 
elevated  position,  we  had  a  splendid  bird's-eye  view  of  the  rebel  army,  then 
massed  on  Seminary  Ridge.  Our  halt  there  was  short.  As  the  battle  waxed 
hot  in  our  front,  we  were  pushed  forward  to  su^sport  our  troops  engaged. 
We  advanced  into,  and  nearly  through,  a  belt  of  woods,  halting  within  sup- 
porting distance  of  our  single  line  of  battle,  which  extended  along  the  edge 
of  the  open  field  in  which  the  battle  raged.  Our  line  of  battle  was  formed 
in  the  woods,  with  the  ground  descending  to  the  opening  in  our  front.  The 
enemy  occujiied  the  woods  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  field,  and  within  easy 
musket  range,  and  were  pouring  a  murderous  fire  into  our  troops  ahead  of 
us,  who,  from  their  exposed  position,  were  being  terribly  cut  up.  It  was  evi- 
dent that  they  could  not  long  withstand  the  shock,  and  must  fall  back, — there- 
fore we  were  ordered  to  unsling  our  knapsacks  and  prepare  for  the  worst. 
Scarcely  had  we  resumed  our  places  in  the  line,  when  the  remnant  of  our 
line  engaged,  fell  back  through  our  ranks  to  tlie  rear. 

Having  now  been  brought  face  to  face  with  the  enemy,  we  were  ordered 
to  kneel  and  fire,  that  we  might  be  less  exposed.  We  were  ordered  to  load 
and  fire  at  will,  and  as  rapidly  as  j)ossible,  and  (if  I  may  judge  by  the  storm 
of  bullets  that  poured  into  our  ranks),  I  should  say  the  enemy  were  faith- 
fully executing  the  same  order. 

I  cannot  better  portray  our  situation,  and  the  danger  to  which  we  were 
exposed,  than  by  giving  a  statement  of  my  own  experience,  during  the  few 
moments  we  held  that  position.  I  was  in  the  front  rank,  on  the  right  of  our 
company.  No  sooner  had  we  got  into  line  and  commenced  firing,  than  two 
comrades,  next  on  my  right,  were  hit, —  one  in  the  body,  who  was  mortally 
wounded,  the  other  in  the  head,  and  instantly  killed.  The  first  comrade  on 
my  left  was  wounded  in  the  foot,  and  went  to  the  rear,  as  did  our  1st  Ser- 
geant, with  a  wound  in  his  side,  who  was  hit  directly  behind  me,  (while 
standing,  I  presume).  A  little  bush  at  my  right,  and  within  my  reach,  was 
repeatedly  hit  with  bullets,  which  clipped  its  leaves  and  twigs.  Twice  was  I 
forcibly  reminded  that  somebody  was  making  good  line  shots,  by  bullets 
which  struck  directly  in  front  of  me,  and  near  enough  to  throw  the  dirt  and 
leaves  into  my  face.  Notwithstanding  the  excitement  of  the  conflict,  the 
unmistakable  evidences  of  the  danger  to  which  I  was  exposed  made  me  trem- 
ble ;  for  I  expected  every  instant  to  be  hit,  and  doubtless  should,  had  we 
remained  there  a  little  longer.  But  just  then  we  were  ordered  to  change  our 
position ;  and,  as  we  withdrew,  I  felt  that  I  had  a  new  lease  of  life. 


BATTLE  OF  GETTYSBURG.  G27 

I  tliink  we  could  have  hckl  our  ground  against  the  enemy  in  our  front,  but 

the  removal  of  troops  on  our  right,  left  our  flank  exposed  to  the  enemy  in  that 
direction,  Avho  instantly  took  advantage  of  our  situation  and  compelled  us  to 
fall  back, —  which  wo  did  in  good  order,  bringing  our  dead  and  wounded  with 
us.  We  niarclied  by  flank  to  the  left  a  little  way,  then  forward,  tlirough  tlie 
woods,  to  an  opening,  where  tliree  regiments  of  our  brigade,  viz.,  4th  Michi- 
gan, C2d  Pennsylvania,  and  ours  (the  9th  Mass.  being  on  picket),  charged 
across  the  field  to  the  woods  on  the  opposite  side,  where  we  halted  behind  a 
stone  wall,  adjusted  our  line,  and  commenced  firing  at  the  enemy,  who 
occupied  tlie  woods  in  our  front  in  large  numbers.  We  had  fired  but  a  few- 
rounds,  when  we  discovered  that  we  were  under  fire  from  flank  as  well  as  front. 
Our  riglit  having  again  been  left  exposed  by  a  break  in  our  line,  the  enemy 
had  turned  our  flank,  and  our  brigade  was  in  danger  of  being  annihilated  or 
captured.  The  conunand  was  given  to  fall  back ;  and,  notwithstanding  the 
terrible  fire  we  were  subjected  to,  our  line  was  not  broken,  except  as  our 
ranks  were  thinned  by  the  bullets  of  the  enemy,  until  we  reached  the  mid- 
dle of  the  field,  when  the  enemy  swarmed  upon  our  flank  and  rear,  and  the 
sharpest  contest  we  had  ever  experienced,  ensued.  Our  ranks,  which  had 
already  been  fearfully  decimated,  now  became  broken  by  the  shock  of  tlie 
enemy  upon  our  flank,  and  tlae  hand-to-hand  encounter  of  not  a  few  of  our 
number  witli  the  enemy,  who  had  gained  our  rear. 

On  that  field,  there  were  many  acts  of  heroism  worthy  to  be  recorded,  one 
only  of  which  I  will  mention  here,  viz.,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Jeffers,  in  com- 
mand of  the  4th  Michigan,  seeing  the  colors  of  his  regiment  fall  into  the 
enemy's  hands,  made  a  brave,  yet  desperate,  attempt  to  recover  them ;  and, 
while  in  the  act  of  wresting  the  flag  from  the  liands  of  its  captors,  was  thrust 
through  with  a  bayonet  and  carried  dead  from  the  field.  Not  only  the  colors 
of  the  4th  Michigan,  but  those  of  the  G'2d  Pennsylvania,  fell  into  the  enemy's 
hands, —  ours  being  the  only  ones  brought  from  the  field. 

The  enemy,  flushed  with  victory,  were  not  satisfied  with  their  success  in  the 
field,  but  pressed  us  to  the  woods,  picking  off  our  men  at  every  step,  until 
they  met  the  3d  division  of  our  Corps  (Pennsylvania  Reserves),  who,  ii  not 
fighting  on  their  own  farms,  (as  doubtless  some  of  them  were),  fought  des- 
perately for  their  homes  and  firesides,  charging  furiously  upon  the  enemy, 
and  turning  again  the  tide  of  battle,  drove  them,  as  they  had  driven  us,  across, 
the  open  field. 

While  retreating  through  the  woods,  and  just  before  we  met  our  support, 
a  comrade,  running  by  my  side,  fell  prostrate  on  the  ground,  pierced  by  a 
minnie-ball  which  entered  the  back  of  his  head,  making  a  noise  as  it  entered 
like  the  report  of  a  pop-gun,  and  so  loud  that  I  heard  it  distinctly  above 
the  din  of  battle.  I  saw  that  he  was  not  killed  (for  he  made  an  eflbrt  to  get 
upon  his  feet  again) ;  so  I  stopped  and  helped  him  up  and  to  the  shelter  of 
a  large  rock  near  by,  for  the  bullets  were  flying  thick  and  fast  just  then  and 
there,  several  striking  the  rock  as  we  went  behind  it.  There  I  laid  hiin 
down,  removed  his  knapsack,  and  bathed  his  head  wiiere  the  ball  entered, 
when  I  left  him  to  be  cared  for  by  the  Ambulance  Corps,  whose  duty  it  was 
to  look  after  the  wounded,  wliile  I  sought  my  regiment,  which  had  fallen 


628  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

back,  and  whose  colors  I  soon  discovered  behind  a  stone  wall,  around  which 
the  regiment  was  rallying  for  defence  against  the  enemy,  whose  advance, 
however,  bad  not  only  been  checked  before  it  reached  that  point,  but  whose 
temporary  success  had  been  turned  to  defeat.  As  it  was  nearly  night,  the 
fighting  soon  ceased  on  that  part  of  the  field,  and  we  fell  back  to  the  rear, 
taking  our  position  behind  a  stone  wall,  near  the  base  of  Little  Round  Top, 
where  our  regiment  lay  till  the  5th,  when  the  fighting  around  Gettysburg 
had  ceased. 

When  our  shattered  regiment  had  re-formed,  many  were  the  faces  that  we 
missed  from  their  places  in  the  ranks,  as  may  be  seen  by  the  following,  copied 
from  the  Adjutant-General's  Report  for  1863,  viz.,  Out  of  a  total  of  229  taken 
into  the  fight,  81  were  lost  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing.  Our  company 
(K)  lost  a  larger  portion,  viz.,  16,  out  of  32,  were  killed,  wounded  or  taken 
prisoners.  Among  the  prisoners  was  ray  tent-mate,  George  H.  Nichols,  who 
died  a  prisoner  on  Belle  Isle.  Three  of  our  company  were  killed  in  the 
charge,  viz.,  Frederick  A.  Cutter,  Leopold  H.  Hawkes  and  Thomas  L.  Jack- 
son, and  two  were  mortally  wounded,  viz.,  Charles  Ward,  Sergeant-Major, 
who  died  July  9,  1863,  and  William  L.  Oilman,  Corporal,  who  died  July  30, 
1863. 

During  the  forenoon  of  the  3d,  it  was  comparatively  quiet;  but  about  one 
o'clock,  the  great  artillery  duel  between  the  Union  and  rebel  armies  began, 
and  for  two  hours  the  heavens  and  earth,  woods,  hill  and  dales,  resounded, 
yea  trembled,  with  the  thunder  of  more  tlian  two  hundred  guns.  Then  came 
the  terri'ole  charge  of  Longstreet's  Corps,  with  a  crash  of  musketry  scarcely 
less  terrific  to  listen  to.  Although  we  were  not  in  a  position  to  witness  the 
charge  or  the  cannonade,  we  were  frequently  reminded  that  there  was  some- 
thing besides  thunder  in  the  air ;  for  now  and  then  a  solid  shot  or  bursting 
shell  (fired  at  random)  fell  in  the  field  before  us,  or  went  whizzing  and 
screaming  over  our  heads.  I  remember  a  solid  shot  came  unpleasantly  near 
us.  Several  of  our  company  were  sitting  close  behind  the  wall,  while  our 
Major  was  sitting  a  little  way  back,  near  a  rock,  and  on  higher  ground.  The 
shot  (which,  I  should  say,  was  a  twelve  pound  one),  just  cleared  the  wall  and 
the  Major's  head, —  removing  his  hat  for  him,  and,  striking  the  rock,  glanced 
off  some  thirty  feet  to  the  ground,  where  one  of  our  company  picked  it  up. 

The  4th  of  July  was  a  sad  day,  instead  of  a  holiday,  to  me,  for  I  was  sent 
with  three  comrades  of  my  company  to  search  out  and  bury  our  dead,  which 
we  found  and  buried  where  they  fell.  They  had  lain  so  long,  it  was  with 
difficulty  we  could  recognize  them  among  the  many  that  lay  scattered  over 
that  field,  known  as  the  Wheat  Field,  which  Colonel  Batchelder  in  his  accu- 
rate and  vivid  description  of  the  battle,  as  represented  by  his  celebrated 
painting,  designates  as  the  Whirlpool  of  the  battle  of  Gettysburg. 

The  same  narrator  gives  this  concluding  paragraph  of  his  expe- 
rience : 

I  was  finally  sent  to  Dale  General  Hospital,  Worcester,  where  I  arrived 
January  10,  1865,  and  where  I  remained  about  eight  months.  During  my 
stay  there,  I  was  most  of  the  time  on  duty,  having  been  detailed  as  Baggage 


BATTLE  OF  GETTYSBURG.  629 

Master  for  the  hospital,  although  suffering  from  an  open  wound.  As  I  was 
on  duty  only  five  hours  a  day,  I  was  allowed  a  pass  to  go  where  I  chose 
from  3  to  9  o'clock,  P.  M.  Occasionally,  I  was  granted  a  furlough  of  a  few 
days  to  visit  home.  On  the  3d  of  July,  as  I  was  passing  through  Boston  on 
my  way  to  Newton,  I  learned  that  our  regiment  liad  returned  from  the  seat 
of  war,  and  was  then  on  the  Common.  Without  delay  I  hastened  to  meet 
and  greet  those  of  my  old  comrades,  who  had  weathered  the  storm  of  thirty 
battles, —  the  names  of  which  had  been  authorized  to  be  inscribed  upon  our 
banner.  Many  were  the  faces  that  I  missed  from  the  ranks  of  the  32d,  who 
had  received  an  honorable  discharge  upon  the  battle-field,  and  many  more, 
who,  like  myself,  had  been  permanently  disabled,  were  absent, —  not  having 
been  permitted  to  share  in  the  honors  of  our  brigade,  in  being  selected  to 
receive  the  arms  and  equipments  of  Lee's  army,  after  Ms  surrender  to  General 
Grant. 

The  day  following  the  return  of  our  regiment  being  the  4th  of  July,  the 
Colonel  dismissed  the  men  for  a  few  days,  with  orders  to  report  on  the  island 
for  their  final  settlement  and  discharge  from  service. 

When  my  furlough  expired,  I  returned  to  the  hospital,  where  I  remained 
till  the  22d  of  September,  when,  at  my  request,  although  still  suffering  severely 
from  my  wound,  I  received  my  discharge. 


CHAPTER  XL VII. 

NEWTON   IN  THE    WAR   OP   THE    REBELLION. SOLDIERS    FOR   VARI- 
OUS   PERIODS. MEN     ENLISTED    IN    THE    NAVY. DECORATION 

DAY. 

The  following  catalogue  contains  the  names  of  all  soldiers,  resi- 
dents of,  or  credited  to,  Newton,  who  served  in  the  army  during 
the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  1861-5.  The  list  embraces,  first,  the 
names  of  soldiers  who  served  for  short  terms,  as  three  months, 
one  hundred  days,  and  nine  months,  with  the  rank  of  each,  or 
department  of  service,  company,  date  of  muster  in,  and  of  close 
of  service ;  then,  the  Light  Artiller}',  Heavy  Artillery  and  Cav- 
aliy,  enlisted  for  longer  terms  of  service ;  afterwards,  the  Infantry 
enhsted  for  long  terms,  as  three  years,  and  enlistments  in  the 
Regular  Army  and  Veteran  Reserve  Corps.  The  Roll  is  taken 
from  the  official  Record  of  Massachusetts  Volunteers. 

The  names  of  many  of  these  men  have  been  unknown  to  fame. 
They  never  acted  a  conspicuous  part  in  the  management  of  pub- 
lic affairs.  The}'  moved  in  the  obscurer  paths  of  life  among  their 
fellow- citizens.  If  they  quietly  dropped  their  votes  in  the  ballot 
box,  and  fulfilled  faithfully  the  duties  of  theii*  various  relations, 
their  fidelit}-  is  their  highest  praise,  and  they  have  no  need  of 
human  panegyric.  But  in  the  great  field  of  strife  to  which  they 
were  called,  every  name  has  a  value,  and  every  act  of  bravery  and 
endurance  is  worthy  to  be  recorded  with  praise.  Every  soldier 
who  went  into  the  conflict,  and  was  eager  in  that  conflict  to  do  his 
duty,  filled  an  important  niche,  and  his  presence  and  prowess,  un- 
doubtedly', contributed  to  the  triumph  of  our  arms  and  the  integ- 
rity of  the  Union.  Human  registers  may  tell  only  that  they  Uved 
and  died  ;  but  the  free  institutions  of  the  country  which  they  hon- 
ored by  their  public  spirit  and  their  valor,  and  consecrated  by  theii- 
blood,  will  be  their  undying  monument. 

630 


MASSACHUSETTS  VOLUNTEERS. 


G31 


3  uios.     ^i/i  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Jonas  M.  Pearsons, 
Ebeu  White, 

100  days.     K^th  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Frank  S.  HUlard, 
Oscar  Jones, 
Theodore  F.  Mansfield, 

100  days,     dth  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

William  H.  Clark, 
William  B.  Crafts, 
Edward  A.  Ellis, 
Edward  F.  Butters,  Corporal, 

100  days.     '?>th  Regiment  of  Infantry. 
George  W.  Stone, 

100  days.     ^2d  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Bowman  G.  Salisbury, 
William  G.  Curtis,  Corporal, 
William  F.  Alden, 
George  A.  Bosworth, 
George  W.  Brooks, 
AVilliam  H.  Brown, 
Orlando  K.  Evans, 
John  Moran, 
Wilfred  A.  \7etherbee, 

100  days.  6o//;  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

John  E.  Cahill, 
George  L.  Wetherbee, 

100  days,     zid  Unattached  Co.  of  In. 

James  M.  Dunton, 
Joseph  W.  Winslow, 

Boston  Cadets, 

Harrison  Gardner, 
Edwin  F.  Waters, 

S  mos.     ^th  Regiment  of  Itifantry. 
Joseph  D.  McNamara, 


G 


JIUSTEBED  tK.         SEKTICE     EXPIEED. 


May    1,  18G1 


July  16,  1864 


July  16,  1864 


July  18,  1864 


July  22,  18G4 
July  18,  1864 


July  23,  1864 
July  19,  1864 


Aug.  18,  1864 


May  26,  1862 
May  29,  1862 


July  31,  1861 


Nov.  16,  1864 


Oct.  27,  1864 


Nov.  10,  1864 


Nov.  11,  1864 


Nov.  30,  1864 


Nov  25,  1864 


July  2,  1863 


Sept.  19,  1862  Deserted 


632 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


9  mos.     6th  Regiment  of  Infantry, 

George  Smith, 
9  mos.     i,zd  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Thomas  B.  Hitchcock,  Asst.  Surg. 

9  mos.     436?  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Charles  M.  Cook,  Corporal, 
Charles  A.  Trafton, 

9  mos.     44^/^  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Francis  L.  Lee,  Colonel, 

John  M.  Griswold,  Captain, 

Frank  H.  Forbes,  1st  Lieut., 

John  A.  Kenrick,  1st  Lieut., 

John  A.  Kenrick,  2d  Lieut., 

Alonzo  B.  Wetherell,  1st  Serg't, 

Thomas  S.  Edmands,  Sergeant, 

George  L.  Keyes,  " 

David  Almond,  " 

William  Gillespie,  " 

Albert  F.  Potter,  " 

Charles  Surplus,  Corporal, 

Jefferson  E.  Duncan,  Corporal, 

George  W.  Lamson, 

James  C.  Coffin, 

Samuel  A.  Walker, 

Sidney  Hazelton, 

Frank  W.  Teague, 

Charles  F.  Abbott, 

David  Almond,  Sergeant, 

Theodore  E.  Baker,  Corporal, 

Frederick  B.  Bamberg,     " 

James  S.  Barrows, 

Edward  P.  Bassford, 

Samuel  G.  A.  Batchelder, 

Charles  A.  Belcher, 

William  H.  Belcher, 

Joseph  E.  Billings, 

James  M.  Brady, 

Charles  B.  Brooks, 

George  W.  Brooks, 

Eben  R.  Buck, 

Judson  Carlton, 

Edward  H.  Clark, 

Patrick  Colman, 

Zenas  A.  Crane, 

Patrick  Dalton, 

Joseph  P.  Derby, 

Francis  A.  Dewson,  Qr.  Master, 

Samuel  H.  Dresser, 


MUSTERED  VS. 


8EETICB     EXPIEE.D. 


Sept.  8,  1862    June  3,  1863 


Nov.  11,  1862 


Oct.  11,  1862 
Oct.  28,  1862 


Sept,  12,  1862 


Oct.  18,  1862 
Sept.  12,  1862 


Aug.  20,  1863 


July  30,  1863 
Feb.  22,  1863 


June  18,  1863 

Oct.  13,  1862 
June  18,  1863 
1st  Lieut.  1862 
June  18,  1863 


d.  Jan.  29,  1863 
June  18, 1863 


Deserted 
June  18,  1863 


MASSACHUSETTS  VOLUNTEERS. 


633 


KAMES. 

CO. 

B 

MUSTEEED  IN. 

SERVICE     EXPIRED. 

Stephen  M.  Dresser, 

Sept.  12,  1862 

Jan.  30,  1863 

Jefferson  E.  Duncan,  Corporal, 

B 

Thomas  S.  Edmands,  Sergeant, 

B 

John  G.  Erhart, 

B 

11 

June  18, 1863 

Warren  P.  Everett, 

B 

11 

(( 

Edgar  H.  Farnum, 

B 

a 

(( 

Antonio  J.  Fayes, 

B 

ti 

(( 

Jonathan  Felt, 

B 

n 

(( 

Charles  S.  Fields, 

B 

it 

(( 

Frank  H.  Forbes,  1st  Lieut, 

B 

Seth  Gardner, 

B 

it 

ti 

William  Gillespie,  Sergeant, 

B 

Michael  Gleason, 

B 

l( 

{( 

Edmund  Graef, 

B 

(( 

(« 

John  M.  Griswold,  Captain, 

B 

Joshua  C.  Hamblin, 

B 

(( 

(i 

Nathan  F.  Harding, 

B 

<( 

ti 

Arlond  Hai-ris, 

B 

(( 

(( 

John  Q.  A.  Hawkes, 

B 

(( 

(( 

Sidney  Hazelton,  Corporal, 

B 

George  N.  Hill, 

B 

(( 

(C 

George  H.  Hobart, 

D 

John  R.  Holmes, 

B 

(C 

11 

S.  Welles  Holmes,  Sergeant, 

H 

Benjamin  Hopkins, 

B 

(( 

(C 

Francis  H.  Hunting, 

B 

(( 

(C 

Horatio  N.  Hyde,  jr. 

B 

« 

a 

James  Jenkins, 

B 

(C 

it 

William  E.  Jordan, 

B 

(( 

a 

John  A.  Kenrick,  Ist^ieut., 

B 

Promoted 

George  L.  Keyes,  Sergeant, 

B 

Edward  P.  Kingsbury, 

B 

<( 

Sept.  25,  1862 

Charles  W.  Knights, 

B 

<( 

June  18,  1863 

George  W.  Lamson,  Corporal, 

B 

Francis  L.  Lee,  Colonel, 

B 

Rodney  M.  Lucas, 

B 

(( 

Jan.  14,  1863 

Almond  H.  Mansfield, 

B 

(( 

June  18,  1863 

Theodore  F.  Mansfield, 

B 

(( 

(< 

Barnard  McSherry, 

B 

(( 

" 

John  B.  Mero, 

B 

It 

K 

Woodman  Milliken, 

B 

(( 

(( 

Enoch  F.  Mitchell, 

B 

<< 

il 

William  T.  Mullen, 

B 

(( 

Mar.   9,  1863 

Richard  Nagel, 

B 

(( 

June  18,  1863 

Christopher  C.  Patten, 

B 

<( 

(( 

James  Pendergast, 

B 

(( 

u 

Albert  F.  Potter,  Sergeant, 

B 

Henry  F.  Reed, 

B 

(( 

it 

Walter  H.  Richardson, 

B 

<( 

(( 

William  W.  Robinson, 

B 

(( 

(< 

WUliam  M.  Rogers, 

B 

(( 

«' 

Bowman  G.  Salisbury, 

B 

(( 

Oct.      3,  1862 

Joseph  H.  Sed;vick, 

B 

11 

June  18,  1863 

Joseph  B.  Smallwood, 

B 

11 

(( 

Seth  T.  Snipe, 

B 

<< 

u 

634 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTOX. 


NAMES. 

CO. 

B 

MTTSTEEED  IX. 

SERVICE     EXPIRED. 

Charles  Surplus,  Corporal, 

Sept.  12,  18G2 

June  18,  1863 

William  J.  Sweeney, 

B 

(( 

" 

James  W.  Sylvester, 

B 

(< 

(( 

Theodore  E.  Taylor,  1st  Lieut., 

F 

(C 

Promoted 

Frank  W.  Teague,  Corporal, 

B 

Albf'rt  F.  Thayer,  Sergeant, 

E 

Daniel  P.  Tilton, 

B 

(( 

June  18,  1863 

John  E.  Towle, 

B 

<( 

({ 

William  0.  Trowbridge, 

B 

(< 

<( 

Nathaniel  W.  W.  Tufts, 

B 

(I 

it 

Daniel  A.  Walker,  Corporal, 

B 

. 

John  A.  Washburn, 

B 

<c 

May  28,  1863 

Thomas  Welch, 

B 

(( 

June  18,  1863 

Gustavus  E.  Wetherbee, 

B 

u 

u 

A.  B.  Wetherell,  1st  Sergeant, 

B 

Horace  B.  Wetherell, 

B 

(( 

(( 

Charles  E.  Whitney, 

B 

u 

(( 

Charles  H.  Wilson, 

B 

(( 

<( 

James  S.  Withington, 

B 

u 

(C 

Orlando  Woodward, 

K 

William  F.  York, 

B 

t( 

(( 

George  H.  Hobart, 

C 

(( 

(( 

Albert  F.  Thayer,  Sergeant, 

E 

(t 

<( 

Theodore  E.  Taylor,  1st  Lieut., 

F 

May       1,  1863 

(( 

Theodore  E.  Taylor,  2d  Lieut., 

F 

.  Sept.  12,    1802 

1st  Lt.  May  1,  '63 

S.  Welles  Holmes,  Sergeant, 

H 

(( 

June  18,  1863 

Orlando  Woodward, 

K 

c< 

(( 

9  mo9.      45///  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

• 

Francis  A.  Dewson,  Qr.  Master, 

Oct.     28,  1862 

July   7,    1863 

Frank  L.  Putnam, 

A 

Sept.  26,    1862 

(( 

Harrison  Gardner,  1st  Lieut., 

C 

(t 

(( 

Henry  M.  Stevens,  Sergeant, 

C 

Sept.  25,    1862 

(< 

Samuel  M.  llurlbert.  Corporal, 

c 

i( 

i( 

Theodore  Parkman,  Sergeant, 

N 

(( 

d.  of  wds.  '62 

Angus  McGilvray, 

I 

Oct.   21.   1862 

July  7,  1863 

John  Howard  Robinson, 2d  Lieut. 

K 

Oct.     7,    1862 

(( 

William  M.  Goodridge,  Sergeant, 

K 

" 

« 

Jason  F.  Ames, 

K 

(( 

(( 

Hollis  A.  Bailey, 

K 

(( 

(< 

Elbridge  G.  Blackwell, 

K 

(C 

(( 

Edward  F.  Butters, 

I 

u 

(< 

Franklin  H.  Cousins, 

K 

Oct.  29,    1862  • 

(( 

Josiah  Davis, 

K 

Oct.     7,    1862 

(( 

Freeman  Franklin, 

K 

(( 

(c 

Edward  H.  Gipson, 

K 

(( 

(( 

Henry  C.  Harrington, 

K 

(( 

(( 

Lewis  B.  Houghton, 

K 

(( 

c< 

Michael  Maley, 

K 

(C 

(( 

Daniel  G.  Rice, 

K 

(C 

(C 

George  E.  Ricker, 

K 

(( 

<( 

George  H.  Rich, 

K 

(( 

(( 

Michael  Russell, 

K 

(( 

(( 

MASSACHUSETTS  VOLUNTEERS. 


635 


Chauncey  C.  Shurtleff, 
George  P.  Strong, 
Michael  Sullivan, 

9  mos.       47///  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Edward  W.  Clark,  Chaplain, 
Charles  H.  Duvall, 

9  mos.     48M  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Daniel  Clinton, 
0  years,     ^th  Battery,  Light  Artillery. 

George  A.  Tucker, 

3  years.     13/A  Bat'ry,  Light  Artillery. 

Charles  B.  Slack,  2d  Lieut., 
"  "      1st  Lieut., 

George  Betterton,  Corporal, 
David  Carney, 

3  years.     15///  Bafry,  Light  ArtiVry. 

Charles  "Wilson, 
3  years,     idtk  Bat'ry, Light  ArtiVry. 

Freeman  Franklin, 

3  years.     \st  Regt.  Heavy  Artillery. 

Andrew  Washburn,  Major, 

•'  "         1st  Lieut., 

William  B.  Morrill, 
Edward  McKerran, 

3  years.     2d  Regim't  Heavy  ArtiVry. 

Henry  T.  Lawson,  Major, 
Henry  F.  Bailey, 
Michael  Maley,  Corporal, 
Henry  W.  Dennis, 
Augustus  Newbury, 
Daniel  H.  Stearns, 
Thomas  Lamb, 

3  years.      ■}yd  Regt.  Heavy  Artillery, 

Thomas  W.  Cummings, 
Charles  E.  Whitney, 
Hugh  Gunn, 


H 


MUSTERED  IN. 


Oct.      7,  1862 


Mar.  25,  1863 
Oct.   20,  1862 


Nov.   3,  1862 


Aug.  10,  1862 


Nov.  3,  1862 
Mar.  10,  1864 
Oct.  20,  1862 
May  19,  1864 


Aug.  23,  1864 


Mar.  11,  1864 


Jan.  18,  1862 
July  5,  1861 


Aug.  25,  1863 
July  28,  1863 
Aug.  4,  1863 
Dec.  11,  1863 


Dec.  24,  1863 


Dec.  30,  1863 
Nov.  20,  1863 
May  30,  1864 


SERVICE     EXPIRED. 


July  7,  1863 


Sept.   1,  1863 


Deserted 


Dec.  31,  1863 


1st  Lt.  March,  '64 
Resigned,  1865 
d.  Oct.  30, 1864 
Drowned,  1864 


Aug.   4,  1865 


June  27,  1865 


Sept.  15,  1862 
Maj.  ,Lnn.,  1862 
2d  Lieut.,  1862 
d.  Oct.  29, 1864 


d.  Oct.   1,  '64 

Sept.   3,  1865 
(( 

Transferred 
Sept.  3,  1865 


Sept.  18,  1865 
Deserted 


636 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


NAMES. 

CO. 

MtrSTEBED  IN. 

SEBVICE     EXPIEED. 

3  years,     ist  Bat.  Heavy  Artillery. 

Charles  Henderson, 

B 

July  28,  1864 

Deserted 

3  ye|rs.     First  Regiment  Cavalry 

George  H.  Teague,  Major, 

Dec.  10,  1864 

June  26, 1865 

"                  "        Captain, 

Sept.    2,  1864 

Major  Dec,  1864 

"                 "        1st  Lieut., 

Jan.   28,  1864 

Capt.  Sept.,  1864 

"                 "        2d  Lieut., 

Jan.  27,  1863 

1st  Lt.  Jan.,  '64 

William  Baker, 

A- 

Nov.  23,  1861 

Nov.  7,   1864 

Theodore  L.  Brackett, 

A 

Sept.  17,  1861 

d.  of  wds.  '63 

Daniel  McFadden, 

A 

Aug.  24, 1864 

June  24,  1865 

Matthew  T.  H.  Roffe, 

A 

Oct.   19,  1861 

Oct.  24,  1864 

John  E.  Bragdon,  Sergeant, 

C 

Sept.  17,  1861 

<i 

William  E.  Parker, 

C 

(( 

Transferred 

George  F.  Scott, 

C 

(( 

Oct.     3,  1864 

George  W.  Taylor, 

C 

(( 

Sept.  25,  1862 

George  H.  Teague,  1st  Sergeant, 

D 

Sept.  23, 1861 

2dLt.  Jan.,  1863 

Edwin  Hurd, 

D 

Oct.     5,  1861 

Re-enlisted. 

John  G.  Hanson, 

F 

Sept.  25,  1861 

Sept.  24,  1864 

James  Lyons, 

F 

Oct.     5,  1861 

Nov.    7,  1864 

George  W.  Belcher, 

G 

Sept.  25, 1861 

Apr.  27,  1863 

Elliot  Littlefield, 

G 

" 

Missing  in  action 

Harvey  L.  Vinton, 

G 

(( 

Re-enlisted. 

John  Meirs,  jr.. 

H 

Oct.    5,  1861 

d.  Aug.  20, '64 

John  Meirs, 

H 

«' 

Jan.  25,  1863 

James  F.  Tierney,  Corporal, 

K 

Dec.    4,  1861 

Transferred 

Lewis  Watson, 

K 

Feb.    6,  1862 

Oct.   2,    1862 

Charles  F.  Hooker, 

L 

Sept.  23,  1861 

Transferred 

George  Hutcliinson, 

L 

Oct.     5,  1861 

(( 

John  W.  G.  Whitter, 

L 

(1 

<( 

Adon.  J.  Ramsdell,  Q.  M.  Serg., 

M 

Sept.  23,  1861 

(1 

John  Finnall,  Sergeant, 

M 

Sept.  25,  1861 

(( 

Edward  L.  Jackson,  Corporal, 

M 

Sept.  23, 1861 

(( 

Robert  Ardrie,  jr., 

M 

(( 

(( 

3  years,     zd  Regiment  of  Cavalry. 

Michael  Russell, 

K 

Aug.  30,  1863 

July  20,  1865 

Thomas  F.  Hogan,  Saddler, 

K 

Aug.  25,  1864 

(( 

James  Walch, 

K 

<( 

(< 

John  Hayes,  unassigned  recruits, 

May  18,  1864 

John  Smith,           "                 " 

Aug.  17,  1864 

Martin  G.  Wood,  "                " 

May  19,  1864 

3  years.     3^  Regiment  of  Cavalry. 

Jeremiah  Dyson,  2d  Lieut., 

Oct.     5,  1865 

Sept.  28, 1865 

"             "       Sergeant, 

Jan.     2,  1865 

u 

John  S.  Collins,  1st  Sergeant, 

L 

Dec.  31,  1864 

(( 

Thomas  Barry, 

L 

Jan.     2,  1865 

(C 

Michael  Cassidy, 

L 

(( 

(( 

Andrew  Lane, 

L 

Dec.  31,  1864 

(( 

MASSACHUSETTS  VOLUNTEERS. 


637 


XAMES. 

CO. 

MtJSTEEED  IN. 

SEEVICE     EXPIKED. 

David  McCarty, 

L 

Dec.  31,  1864 

Sept.  28,  1865 

John  J.  McDonald, 

L 

Dec.    2,  1864 

(C 

Timothy  Hennessey, 

M 

Dec.  30,  1864 

<( 

Thomas  McManus, 

M 

Dec.  31,  1864 

(( 

3  years,     /^ik  Regiment  of  Cavalry. 

William  S.  Coggswell,  Saddler, 

Jan.     2,  1865 

Nov.  14,  1865 

Charles  F.  Hooker, 

L 

Sept.  3,  1861 

Sept.  24,  1864 

George  Hutchinson, 

L 

Oct.     5,  1861 

Oct.     6,  1864 

John  W.  G.  Whitter, 

L 

u 

<' 

Adoniram  J.  Eamsdell,  Q.  M.  S. 

M 

Sept.  23, 1861 

Re-enlisted 

((                                          K 

April  16,  1864 

Nov.  14,  1865 

John  Finnall,  Sergeant, 

M 

(( 

u 

Edward  L.  Jackson,  Corporal, 

M 

Sept.  23,  1861 

Sept.  24,  1864 

Robert  Andrie,  jr.. 

M 

a 

(( 

John  Finnall, 

M 

Sept.  25,  1861 

Re-enlisted 

3  years,     ^th  Regiment  of  Cavalry. 

, 

George  H.  Teague,  Captain, 

June  17,  1865 

Oct.  31,  1865 

George  F.  Scott,  2d  Lieut., 

Feb.  15, 1865 

(( 

Irenas  J.  Palmer,  1st  Sergeant, 

A 

Jan.     9,  1864 

t( 

Samuel  Carey,  Com.  Sergeant, 

A 

(( 

(( 

James  W.  Collins,  Q.  M.  Serg., 

A 

u 

<( 

Benjamin  Slater,  Sergeant, 

A 

(< 

<( 

Harrison  Carter,  Corporal, 

A 

(C 

(( 

Charles  A.  Dickerson,  Corporal, 

A 

u 

d.  Nov.  2,  '64 

Samuel  Laws,  Bugler, 

A 

May  21,  1864 

Oct.   31,  1865 

Edgar  Blanks, 

A 

Jan.     9, 1864 

(( 

Samuel  B.  Brown, 

A 

(( 

(1 

Alfred  W.  Butler, 

A 

(( 

Oct.  19,  1864 

Osborne  Cole, 

A 

<( 

Oct.  31,  1865 

William  Crane, 

A 

May  21,  1864 

Deserted 

William  Elebeck, 

A 

Jan.    9,  1864 

June  21,  1865 

Henry  M.  Guice, 

A 

(( 

Oct.  31,  1865 

Joseph  Hornbeck, 

A 

(( 

c 

George  H.  Johnson, 

A 

<( 

(( 

Washington  Jones, 

A 

May  21,  1864 

(( 

William  Jones, 

A 

Jan.     9,  1864 

(( 

William  Lawson, 

A 

(( 

June  14,  1864 

John  G.  Mazzeek, 

A 

u 

Deserted 

Stephen  McKee, 

A 

May  21,  1864 

Oct.  31,  1865 

John  Nelson, 

A 

Jan.    9,  1864 

(( 

Isaac  Norris, 

A 

May  21,  1864 

(( 

John  S.  Peterson, 

A 

Jan.    9,  1864 

d.  Aug.  2,  '64 

Solomon  Peterson, 

A 

(t 

Oct.  31,  1865 

James  IL  Ehoades, 

A 

u 

Deserted 

Henry  J.  Talbot, 

A 

(( 

Oct.  31,  1865 

James  W.  White, 

A 

1< 

(( 

George  Wright, 

A 

May  13,  1864 

(C 

Joseph  A.  Ricker,  1st  Sergeant, 

B 

Jan.  29,  1864 

<( 

Perry  Finer,  Sergeant, 

B 

(( 

(( 

Edward  T.  Preston,  Sergeant, 

B 

li 

(( 

G38 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


NAMES. 

CO. 

MUSTERED  IN. 

SERVICE      EXPIRED, 

Rufus  Clark, 

B 

Jan.  29,  1864 

June    5,  1865 

Philip  H.  Dorsey, 

B 

(i 

d.  Sept.,  1865 

Matthew  Duncan, 

B 

i( 

Oct.  31,  1865 

Matthew  H.  Lucas, 

B 

(( 

(( 

Joseph  Nathan, 

B 

u 

(1 

George  Washington, 

B 

May  13,  18G4 

" 

John  Davis,  1st  Sergeant, 

C 

Jan.  29,  1864 

June  12,  1865 

Thomas  W.  Jackson,  1st  Serg., 

C 

May  13,   1864 

Oct.  31,  1865 

Richard  Lee,  Corporal, 

C 

Jan.  29,  1864 

(( 

Hanson  Carroll, 

C 

May  13,  1864 

;c 

John  W.  Heath, 

C 

May  21,  1864 

<( 

Benjamin  F.  Jones, 

C 

Jan.  29,  1864 

Deserted 

Willis  Jones, 

C 

" 

d.  Aug.,  1865 

Horace  Pollard, 

C 

May  21,  1864 

Oct.  31,  1865 

George  Towle, 

C 

Jan.  29,   1864 

(( 

Adam  Price,  Corporal, 

D 

t( 

<<" 

George  Wells,  Saddler, 

D 

i( 

<( 

George  Butler, 

D 

(< 

George  Clark, 

D 

May  28,  1864 

Oct.  31,  1865 

Alexander  Davis, 

D 

Jan.  29,  1864 

'• 

John  W.  Ferguson, 

D 

May  21,  1864 

" 

James  Hall, 

D 

Jan.  29,   1864 

Deserted. 

William  Morris, 

D 

" 

(( 

John  Snowdon, 

D 

(( 

d.  Aug.,  1864 

Smith  Derdan, 

F 

May  28,  1864 

Oct.  31,  1865. 

Thomas  Surles, 

H 

a 

i( 

William  Dunraore, 

I 

Mar.  26,  1864 

<t 

Frank  Parker, 

I 

(( 

(( 

Robert  Boyd, 

K 

April  12, 1864 

u 

Henry  Harding, 

K 

(< 

«' 

Jolin  Jenkins, 

K 

" 

<( 

James  H.  Lockley, 

K 

IC 

June  21,  1865 

Thomas  McKey, 

K 

(; 

Deserted 

Henrv  Shaver, 

K 

<( 

Oct.  31,  1865 

Richard  K.  White, 

K 

(C 

d.  Nov.,  1864 

Simon  Wilkinson, 

K 

(1 

Oct.  31,  1865 

Francis  Lawton, 

L 

April  22,  1864 

" 

Charles  H.  Burt, 

L 

(( 

(< 

O'Kus  Robinson, 

L 

" 

(( 

Allen  Spencer, 

.L 

" 

(i 

Frederick  Winn, 

L 

(( 

d.  Aug.,  1865 

James  Treadwell,  Sergeant, 

M 

May    5,   1864 

Oct.  31,  1865 

Richard  Grovenor, 

M 

" 

May  18,  1865 

Elijah  Hale, 

M 

u 

Oct.  31,  1865 

Isaiah  Worthington, 

M 

(( 

Deserted 

Stephen  Key,  unassigned  recruit, 

May  21,  1864 

Charles  Norman,              " 

May  28,  1864 

1  yr.     1st  Battalion,  Frontier  Cavalry. 

James  Eagan, 

D 

Jan.    2,   1865 

June  30,  1865 

3  yrs.      First  Regiment  of  Lifantry. 

Clinton  T.  Frost, 

B 

Mar.  23,  1861 

July  20,  1861 

MASSACHUSETTS  VOLUNTEERS. 


GOO 


Simon  Stem, 

John  P.  Houghton,  Sergeant, 

William  II.  Houghton,  Corporal, 

John  Allen, 

Stephen  Houghton, 

"William  W.  Eaton,  1st  Sergeant, 

James  P.  Taylor,  Sergeant, 

John  McCabe,  Musician, 

William  R.  Benson, 

Leroy  S.  Bridgenian, 

William  N.  Freeman, 

DeLancy  Starr, 

Henry  G.  Washburn, 

Orange  S.  Richardson, 

3  years,     zd  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Gilbert  A.  Cheeney, 
Richard  Wood, 

3  years,     -jth  Regiment  of  In/atttry. 

Henry  G.  W.  Kittredge,  Sergeant, 
Charles  P.  Williams, 

3  years,     ^th  Regiment  of  Infatttry. 

George  Wilson, 
Charles  L.  Fairbanks, 
Thomas  Keenan, 
John  Leppert, 
Louis  Meier, 

3  years.      I  \th  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

William  B.  Morrill,  1st  Lieut. 

"  "        2d       " 

Henry  C.  Burleigh, 
John  Cummings, 
Patrick  McCormack, 
William  O'Donncll, 
Frank  Handy,  Corporal, 
Robert  Fitzgerald, 
Timothy  D.  Guptill, 

W.  Scott  Stevenson, 
3  years.      \2th  Regiment  of  Iifantry. 

Timothy  M.  Bryan,  jr.,  Lt.  Col., 
Albert  A.  Kendall,  Asst.  Surgeon, 
Thomas  P.  Haviland,  1st  Lieut., 
Samuel  Hozhowr, 


MUSTERED  IX. 


K 


May  24,  1861 
May  ^i,  ISGl 


May  24,  1861 
Aug.  17,  1861 
May  24,  1861 


May  25,  1861 
Aug.  18,  1862 


Dec.  27,  1863 
Aug.  8,  1802 


Aug.  15,  1863 
July  16,  1863 
Aug.  16,  1863 
Aug.  15,  1863 
Aug.  21,  1863 


Feb.  6,  1863 
May  16,  1862 
Aug.  12,  1863 
Aug.  13,  1863 
Aug.  14,  1863 
II 

June  13, 1861 

Jan.    5,  1864 
June  13, 1861 


June  26,1861 
Apr.  29,  1862 
June  26, 1861 
July  20,  1863 


SERVICE     EXPIRED. 


Sept.,       1862 
May  2'i,  1864 

June  30,  1862 

Deserted 
May  25,  1864 
May  25,  1863 
May  25,  1864 
May  5,  1862 
Sept.  2,  1861 
d.  Jan.,  1863 
Sept.  2,  1861 

Deserted 
Oct.    4,    1863 


d.  of  wds.  1862 
Transferred 


Transferred 
June  27,  1864 


Transferred 


Deserted 


Died  at  home 
1st  Lt.,  1863 
Transferred 
Mar.  7,  1864 
Transferred 
d.  Oct.  26,  '64 
June  24, 1864 

Re-enlisted 
July  14,  1865 
Aug.  15,  1862 


res'd  Oct.  1862 

Apr.  22,  1863 

Mar.    8,  1863 

Deserted 


€40 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


NAMES. 

CO. 

MUSTERED  IN. 

8EBVIOE     EXPIRED. 

3  years,     x-^th  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Edward  A.  Boyd, 

A 

July  16,  1861 

Aug.    1,  1864 

Joshua  W.  Fiske, 

A 

July  24,  1861 

« 

Henry  E.  Cook, 

D 

July  16,  1861 

C( 

James  E.  Moore, 

D 

<< 

Transferred 

Edward  A.  Pearson, 

D 

a 

Dec.  19,  1862 

3  years.     15M  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Joseph  Hunt,  unassigned  recruit, 

May  19,  1864 

Transferred 

John  Moore,                      " 

(( 

<( 

3  years,     idth  Regiment  of  htfantry. 

Henry  T.  Lawson,  Captain, 

Aug.    1,  1861 

Major  Aug.  '63 

John  L.  Flagg,  Sergeant. 

B 

July    2,  1861 

July  27,  1864 

Archibald  Bogle, 

B 

(< 

d.  Aug.,  1862 

Patrick  Flanagan, 

F 

Dec.  14,  1861 

Aug.  12.  1863 

Thomas  Harrington, 

F 

July  12,  1861 

Enlisted  U.  S.  A. 

"William  B.  Clancey, 

G 

(.(. 

k.  June,  1862 

Michael  Martin, 

G 

a 

k.  Aug.,  1862 

George  Collins, 

H 

June  29, 1861 

July  27,  1864 

George  Houghton, 

I 

July  12,  1861 

(1 

Hugh  Rogers, 

I 

li 

a 

John  P.  Rogers, 

I 

(( 

d.  Sept.,  1862 

Terence  Rogers, 

I 

u 

June  10,  1864 

Horace  W.  Cushman,  Musician, 

K 

July    2,  1861 

Sept.  19, 1862 

Thomas  C.  Norcross,  Sergeant, 

K 

u 

d.  June,  1863 

Samuel  Franklin, 

K 

<I 

July  27,  1864 

Jere.  Kelleher, 

K 

<( 

Nov.  15,  1861 

Nicholas  D.  Tibbetts, 

K 

(( 

Apr.  22,  1863 

Edward  Drew,  unassigned  rec't. 

Aug.  16,  1862 

Never  served 

3  years,     \-jth  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Hiram  P.  Tuxbury,  Musician, 

D 

July  22,  1861 

Deserted 

3  years.      \?>th  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Thomas  Duran, 

F 

Aug.  24,  1861 

Sept.   2,  1864 

Michael  Vaughan, 

F 

<( 

Dec.  24,  1861 

3  years.     i<)ik  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

John  McCormick, 

A 

Jan.  21,  1865 

June  30,  1865 

Patrick  Haggerty, 

E 

July  26,  1861 

k.  Dec,  1862 

John  Canfield, 

H 

Jan.  12,  1865 

War  Dept.  '65 

3  years.     2otk  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Henry  S.  Benson,  1st  Lieut., 

June   1, 1865 

July  15,  1865 

Joseph  Hunt, 

G 

May  19,  1864 

July  16,  1865 

John  Moore, 

G 

May  10,  1864 

(( 

MASSACHUSETTS  VOLUNTEERS. 


641 


David  Dixon, 

Henry  G.  W.  Kittredge, 

3  jears.     21st Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Harrison  A.  Royce,  Q.  M.  Serg., 

3  years,     zzd  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Harrison  A.  Royce,  1st  Lieut., 
Frederick  S.  Benson,  1st  Lieut., 
"  "2d  Lieut., 

"  "         Serg.  Maj., 

3  years.     23a'  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Michael  Sullivan, 
William  A.  Ring, 
Henry  L.  Stone,  Corporal, 

3  years.     z\th  Regi?ne7it  of  Infantry. 

George  Hill, 

Michael  McFee, 

George  E.  Palmer, 

George  H.  Baxter, 

Robert  Carruthers,  Corporal, 

Horatio  Carter,  1st  Sergeant, 

J.  Cushing  Edraands,  1st  Serg., 

William  Jelly,  Sergeant, 

Henry  K.  Paul,         " 

George  R.  Adams, 

Michael  Dacy, 

Thomas  Green, 
Michael  Grogan, 
Edgar  B.  Lyon, 
Joseph  M.  Sears, 
Albert  G.  Whilton, 

3  years.     zZth  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

John  Ryan, 

3  years.     29//;  Regiment  of  Injantry. 

Larin  R.  Curtis, 
William  Henry, 

3  years,     ^oth  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

John  Campbell, 


MDSTEEED  IN. 


II 


July  18,  1861 
Dec.  26,  1863 


Aug  23,  1861 


Nov.  28,  1861 
July  28,  1862 
Feb.  17, 1862 
Oct.  8,  1861 


Mar.  31,  1864 
Jan.  18,  1865 
Sept.  28, 1861 


Oct. 
Dec. 

Nov. 

Nov. 

Oct. 

Nov. 

Sept. 

Oct. 

Sept. 

Oct. 

Oct. 

Sept. 

Dec. 

Oct. 

Sept. 

Oct. 

Dec. 


24,  1861 

21,  1863 

22,  1861 

29,  1861 
19,  1861 
U,  1861 
19, 1861 

4,  1861 
16,  1861 

30,  1861 
18,  1861 

16,  1861 
29,  1863 

7,  1861 

17,  1861 
3,  1861 
3,  1861 


Jan.  1,  1862 


Aug.  13,  1864 
May  21,  1861 


Dec.  7,  1861 


SERVICE     EXPIRED. 


Dec.  19,  1861 
July  16,  1865 


Nov.  28,  1861 


Oct.  17,  1864 
Aug.  27,  1864 
1st  Lt.,  1862 
2d    Lt.,  1862 


June  9, 1864 
June  26,  1865 
May  24,  1863 


Re-enlisted 
Jan.  20,  1866 
d.  Aug.  1862 
Nov.  30,  1864 
k.  June  1862 

Re-enlisted 
Sept.  19,  1864 
Aug.  25,  1862 
Sept.  11,  1864 
Oct.  30,  1864 

Re-onlistcd 

u 

Jan.  20,  1866 
Jan.  8,  1863 
June  10,  1863 
Oct.  3,  1864 
Dec.  3,  1864 


Dec.  19,  1864 


July  29,  1865 
Feb.  10,  1863 


Re-enlisted 


41 


€42 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


MUSTERED  IX. 


SEKVICE     EXPIEED. 


3  years.     y.st  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

C3TUS  S.  Mann,  Ass't  Surg., 
Daniel  Hurley, 
Michael  Lacey, 


3  years,     yid  Regiment  of  I7ifa7itry. 

J.  Gushing Edmands,  Bv.  Br.  Gen, 
"  "         Colonel, 

"  "        Lieut.  Col., 

"  "         Major, 

"  "         Captain, 

Ambrose  Bancroft,  Captain, 
Ezra  S.  Farnsworth,  Captain, 
George  A  Hall,  Captain, 

"2d  Lieut., 
Isaac  F.  Kingsbury,  Captain, 
Ambrose  Bancroft,  1st  Lieut., 
Isaac  F.  Kingsbury,  1st  Lieut., 
Ezra  S.  Farnsworth,  1st  Lieut., 
"  "         2d  Lieut., 

George  A.  Hall,  1st  Lieut., 
John  F.  Boyd,  2d  Lieut., 
Isaac  F.  Kingsbury,  2d  Lieut., 
William  F.  Tuft,  2d  Lieut., 
Charles  E.  Madden,  2d  Lieut., 
"  "        Q.  M.  Serg., 

NON-COMMISSIONED    STAFF. 

Melvin  M.  Snow,  Sergeant  Major, 
Isaac  F.  Kingsbury,  Serg.  Major, 
Charles  Ward,  Sergeant  Major, 

Patrick  Dalton, 
Elias  Morgan, 
Thomas  Keenan, 
John  Leppert, 

Ezra  S.  Farnsworth,  1st  Sergeant. 
George  A.  Hall,  " 

Simeon  B.  Leach,  " 

James  W.  McGuire,  " 

William  F.  Tufts,  " 

Grafton  H.  Ward,  " 

Henry  P.  Churchill,  Sergeant, 
Joseph  E.  Cousens,  " 

Joseph  E.  Cousens, 
Charles  E.  Fifield,     Sergeant, 
George  A.  Hall,  " 

Hosea  Hyde,  " 

Isaac  F.  Kingsbury,         " 
Simeon  B.  Leach,  " 

Charles  E.  Madden,         " 


Oct.  10,  1863 
Feb.  13,  1862 
Jan.  28,  1862 
Feb.  15,  1864 


June  30, 
June  29, 
Dec.  29, 
July  30, 
Dec.  29, 
July  20, 
Apr.  1, 
July  20, 
June  1, 
July  30, 
Feb.  6, 
June  15, 
Mar.  19, 
Dec.  4, 
July  30, 
Dec.  15, 
Apr.  1, 
June  7, 
Jan.  5, 


1864 
1864 
1862 
1862 
1862 
1864 
1865 
1864 
1865 
1862 
1863 
1864 
1863 
1864 
1862 
1862 
1865 
1865 
1864 


Aug.  13,  1862 

Aug.  15,  1862 

Sept. 

Nov. 

Aug. 

Aug. 

Aug. 

Mar. 

Jan. 

Aug. 

Jan. 


8,  1862 
18,  1861 
16,  1863 
15,  1863 
13,  1862 
21,  1864 

5,  1864 
13,  1862 

5,  1864 


Aug.  13,  1862 

(( 

Feb.  27,  1864 
Jan.  5,  1864 
Aug.  13,  1862 
Jan.  5,  1864 

Aug.  13,  1862 

(( 

Jan.  5,  1864 


Mar.  25,  1864 

Ee-enlisted 

(( 

Sept.  9,  1865 


July  1,  1865 
June  30,  1864 
June  29,  1864 
Dec.  29,  1862 
Br.  Maj.  June  '65 
May  30,  1865 
June  29,  1865 
1st  Lt.  Dec.  4,  '64 

July  13,  1865 
Capt.  Dec.  29,  'io2 
Capt.,  June  1,  '65^ 
Capt.,  July  20, '64 
1st  Lt.,  June,  '64 
Capt..  Apr.  1,  '65 

Sept.  30,  1862 
1st  Lt.,  Feb.  6. '63 

June  29,  1865 
Q.  M.  Serg.,   '65 
Q.  M.  Serg.,    '64 


War  Dept.,  '<q^. 

2d  Lt.,  Dec,   '62 

d.  of  w'^nds,  '63 

Oct.  7,  1864 

Transferred 

June  29,  1865 

Transferred 

2d  Lt.,  Mar.,  '^63 

2d  Lt.,    July,  '64 

June  29,  1865 

Feb.     9,  1864 

2dLt.,  Apr.  1, '65 

k.  Juno  3,  1864 

Jan.  9,  1863 

Re-enlisted 

2d   Lt.,  Feb.,  '65 

June  29,  1865 

Mar.  20,  1S64 

Feb.  27,  1865 

2d  Lt.,  Dec,  '62 

Re-enlisted 
Com.  Serg.,  1862 


MASSACHUSETTS  VOLUNTEERS. 


643 


NAJIES. 

CO. 

MUSTEEED  IN. 

SERVICE      EXPIRED. 

Edward  Moore,              Sergeant, 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

May  29,  3865 

William  I.  Neff,                    " 

K 

(( 

April    1,  1863 

John  H.  Percival,                 " 

K 

Jan.     5,  ISG-t 

June  29,  1865 

Samuel  H.  Potter,                 " 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

Mar.  15,  1863 

Melvin  M.  Snow,                   " 

K 

" 

Serg.  Major.  186.^ 

Stillman  C.  Spaulding,         " 

K 

Jan.     5.  1864 

June  29,  1865 

William  F.  Tufts,                  " 

K 

Aug.  18,  1862 

Re-enlisted 

Grafton  H.  Ward,                  " 

K 

(( 

a 

Charles  P.  Bates,             Corporal, 

K 

" 

April   2,  1864 

Henry  S.  Benson,                  " 

K 

t( 

War  Dept..  '6,> 

Henry  C.  Bixby,                    " 

K 

u 

Dec.  19,  1864 

John  Doherty,                        " 

K 

Jan.     5,  1864 

Julv  15,  186.5. 

Moses  Drown,                        " 

K 

(4 

June  29,  1865. 

Lewis  R.  Dwyer,                   " 

K 

u 

" 

Charles  E.  Fifield,                 " 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

Re-enlisted 

William  L.  Gilman,              " 

K 

a 

d.  of  w'nds,  '63 

Hosea  Hyde,                           " 

K 

a 

Re-enlisted 

Thomas  Kennedy,                  " 

K 

Jan.     5,  1864 

June  29,  1865 

Charles  E.  Madden,              " 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

Re-enlisted 

John  H.  Percival,                  " 

K 

a 

a 

George  P.  Ramsdell,              " 

Jan.     5,  1864 

u 

U                        (;                                   a 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

.June  29,  1865 

George  T.  Sraaliwood,          " 

K 

" 

Dec.  19,  1864 

Stillman  C.  Spaulding,          " 

K 

Aug.  20,  1863 

Re-enlistod 

John  Fell,  Musician, 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

Jan.  19,  1863 

Herman  A.  King, 

K 

(I 

Re-enlisted 

"            "        Musician, 

K 

Feb.  27,  1864 

July  13,  1865 

Orestus  J.  Adams, 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

k.    May,  1864 

George  Baker, 

K 

a 

d.  Sept.,  1862 

Reuben  L.  Butler, 

K 

a 

d.  Dec,   1862 

James  Cahill, 

K 

" 

Re-enlisted 

U                         (4 

K 

Jan.     5,  1864 

June  29,  1865 

Patrick  Callahan, 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

Mar.    9,  1863 

Edward  Carey, 

K 

(I 

Feb.    6,  186;? 

Ferdinand  Champion, 

K 

u 

d.    Jan.,  186a 

Thomas  W.  Clifford, 

K 

u 

d.  Mar.,  1864 

Edward  J.  Coggin, 

K 

11 

Deserted 

Thomas  Costello, 

K 

a 

Re-enlisted 

u                u 

K 

Jan.     5,  1864 

June  2'J,  1865 

Ivory  L.  Cousens, 

K 

Aug.  18,  1862 

Re-enlisted 

Samuel  Cousens, 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

Transferred     ' 

Seth  Cousens, 

K 

1,1. 

Feb.    6,  1863 

William  S.  Cropper, 

K 

a 

Dec.  21,  1862 

Frederick  A.  Cutler, 

K 

(I 

k.  July,  1863 

Albert  C.  Dearborn, 

K 

11 

Re-enlisted 

((                ii 

K 

Jan.     5,  1864 

Transferred 

John  Doherty, 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

Re-enlisted 

Thomas  Dolan, 

K 

a 

Oct.   28,  1863 

Francis  Drake, 

K 

a 

War  Dept.,  '65 

Moses  Drown, 

K 

ii. 

Re-enlisted 

Winthrop  A.  Durgin, 

K 

a 

" 

Michael  Emanuel, 

K 

(I 

(( 

((                      u 

K 

Jan,     4,  1864 

June  29,  1865 

Charles  L.  Fairbanks, 

K 

July  16,  1863 

(4 

644 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


NAMES. 

CO. 

K 

MDSTEBED  IN. 

SEEVICE    ESPrEED, 

William  Fell, 

Aug.  13,  1862 

d.   Jan.,  1863 

John  F.  Franklin, 

K 

a 

Re-enlisted 

(1             (( 

K 

Jan.     5.  1864 

June  29,  1865 

Charles  W.  French, 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

Re-enlisted 

a                       (( 

K 

Jan.     5,  1804 

War  Dept.,  '65 

George  B.  French, 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

Dec.  17,  1864 

Samuel  Freeman, 

K 

a 

Dec.  17,  1862 

John  Friends, 

K 

;i 

Jan.     1,  1863 

Edward  J.  Fuller, 

K 

u 

Re-enlisted 

Joel  H.  Fuller, 

K 

u 

Mar.  28,  1863 

Joseph  A.  Gayett, 

K 

a 

Transferred 

Joseph  Gehling, 

K 

u 

Re-enlisted 

Theodore  Green, 

K 

(I 

May     7,  1863 

Amory  Hall, 

K 

ii. 

Re-enlisted 

a                u 

K 

Jan.     5,  1864 

June  29,  1865 

Henry  A.  Hart, 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

Re-enlisted 

u                   u 

K 

Jan.     5,  1864 

June  29,  1865 

Leopold  H.  Hawkes, 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

k.  July,  1863 

Franklin  Hildrith, 

K 

u 

Re-enlisted 

li                (( 

K 

Jan.     5,  1864 

June  29,  1865 

Franklin  Hill, 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

Dec.    7,  1863 

David  Inglis, 

K 

i; 

Deserted 

Thomas  L.  Jackson, 

K 

u 

k.  July,  1863 

Francis  E.  Jennison, 

K 

(( 

Re-enlisted 

U                               11 

K 

Jan.     5,  1864 

June  29,  1865 

Thomas  Kennedy, 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

Re-enlisted 

Richard  Kennedy, 

K 

(( 

" 

a                       n 

K 

Feb.  27,  1864 

June  29,  1865 

Alhert  D.  Kingsbury, 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

War  Dept.,  '65 

Roger  S.  Kingsbury, 

K 

a 

June  28,  1864 

Lorenzo  j.  Latham, 

K 

u 

Re-enlisted 

<(                 (( 

K 

Jan.     5,  1864 

War  Dept.,  '65 

Charles  H.  Leavitt, 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

d.    Oct.,  1862 

George  E.  Leavitt, 

K 

Aug.  12,  1862 

April  22,  1863 

Charles  B.  McCarthy, 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

Re-enlisted 

((                               u 

K 

Jan.     5,  1864 

d.  of  Av'nds,  '63 

Michael  H.  McGrath, 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

Deserted 

John  D.  Meskell, 

K 

u 

Re-enlisted 

((                      u 

K 

Jan.     5,  1864 

June  29,  1865 

Joseph  M.  Morse, 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

Re-enlisted 

•                   u                           (( 

K 

Jan.     5,  1864 

June  29,  1865 

William  B.  Neff, 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

Re-enlisted 

George  P.  Neill, 

K 

u 

Feb.  17,  1863 

Charles  Newell, 

K 

•' 

Aug.  15,  1862 

George  Nicholson, 

K 

(; 

Feb.    9,  1863 

George  H.  Nichols, 

K 

a 

July    2,  1863 

Stephen  L.  Nichols, 

K 

u 

Re-enlisted 

a                       a 

K 

Jan.     5,  1804 

k.  iMay,  1864 

John  N.  Nichols, 

K 

Aug.  13, 1802 

Re-enlisted 

U                     '( 

K 

Jan.     5,  1864 

June  29,  1865 

Frederick  Pero, 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

Re-enlisted 

a                a 

K 

Jan.     5,  1864 

War  Dept.,  '65 

Joseph  R.  Pratt, 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

d.    Oct.,  1862 

Joshua  V.  Ramsdell, 

K 

u 

Not.  25,  1863 

MASSACHUSETTS  VOLUNTEERS. 


645 


William  H.  Rice, 
Daniel  Sanger, 

Obadiah  Sherman, 

Warren  A.  Skelton, 

Robert  W.  Somerville, 

<(  (( 

Louis  G.  Stone, 
Daniel  Sullivan, 
James  C.  Taylor, 
Edward  H.  Tombs, 
Lucius  F.  Trowbridge, 
John  Varley, 

Charles  Wfird,  Serg.  Major, 
William  H.  Wentworth, 
George  Wilson, 
Jonathan  E.  Woodbridge, 

James  W.  Wright, 
Andrew  S.  Stewart, 

3  years.     23^  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Adin  B.  Underwood,  Colonel, 
"  "  Lieut.  Col., 

"  "  Major, 

George  M.  Walker,  Captain, 
"  "         1st  Lieut., 

. "  "        2d  Lieut., 

3  years,     ^^th  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Daniel  H.  Adams, 
Herbert  Estes, 

3  years.     38//^  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

William  A.  Richardson,  Q.  M.  S., 

3  years.     54//^  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Joseph  E.  Cousins,  Captain, 

"  "  1st  Lieut., 

"  "        2d  Lieut., 

3  years.     55/^  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Burt  G.  Wilder,  Surgeon, 
"  "        Asst.  Surgeon, 

8  years.     57//^  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Frank  Allcott, 


CO. 

K 

MUSTERED     IN. 

SERVICE      EXPIRED. 

Aug.  13,  1862 

'  d.  Jan.,   1863 

K 

u 

Re-enlisted 

K 

Jan.     5,  1864 

k,  June,  1864 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

Re-enlisted 

K 

Jan.     5,  186-t 

June  2!),  1865 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

Feb.  14.  1863 

K 

Aug.  15,  1862 

Re-enlisted. 

K 

Jan.     5,  1864 

June  29,  1865 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

Dec.    6,  1862 

K 

i;            t 

War  Dept..  '65 

K 

Ik 

Feb.  20,  1863 

K 

u 

April  16,  1863 

K 

u 

d.  Dec..  1862 

K 

(( 

Re-enlisted 

K 

Jan.     5,  1865 

June  29,  1865 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

April  11,  1863 

K 

(; 

Mar.  12,  1864 

K 

Aug.  15,  1863 

June  29.  1865 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

Re-enlisted 

K 

Jan.     5,  1864 

July  15,  1865 

K 

Aug.  13,  1862 

Deserted 

M 

July  28,  1864 

d.  Dec,  1864 

April  3,  1863 

Br.  Gen.  Nov.  '63 

July  24,  1862 

Col.  April,'63 

July  11,  1862 

Lt.  Col.  Julv  '62 

June  3,  1863 

Jan.  11,  1864 

Dec.    4,  1862 

June   3,  1863 

July  31,  1862 

Dec.    4,  1862 

I 

Aug.  16,  1862 

June   9,  1865 

K 

Aug.  10, 1862 

i( 

Aug.  25,  1862 

Jan.  31,  1863 

July  17,  1865 

Aug.  20,  1865 

Feb.  22,  1865 

July  17,  1865 

Feb.    4,  1864 

Feb.  22,  1865 

July  11,  1865 

Aug.  29,  1865 

May  22,  1863 

July  11,  1865 

K 

April  6,  1864 

War  Dept.,  '65 

64G 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


NAMES. 

CO. 

K 

MUSTERED     IN. 

SEEVICE     EXPIKED. 

Charles  M.  Gildea, 

April  16,  1864 

July  30,  1865 

3  years.     59M  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Fred.  A.  H.  Andrew,  Musician. 

G 

Mar.    4,  1864 

Disability 

1  year.     6iJ^  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Michael  Coaney, 

H 

Jan.     5,  1865 

July  16,  1865 

Thomas  F.  Culliton,  Sergeant, 

K 

44 

u 

James  L.  Rvan,                 " 

K 

14 

(( 

John  Toal,"                        " 

K 

Jan.     7,  1865 

(4 

John  Coulter,           Corporal, 

K 

Jan.    5,  1865 

(4 

Thomas  J.  J.  Harvey,  " 

K 

'' 

tl 

Dennis  Mahoney,           " 

K 

44 

44 

Cornelius  A.  O'Brien,  " 

K 

44 

July  12,  1865 

Charles  A.  Adams, 

K 

44 

July  16,  1865 

Charles  A.  Grant, 

K 

44 

44 

Dennis  C.  Sullivan, 

K 

Jan.   10,  1865 

(4 

Alfred  C.  Wheat, 

K 

Jan.     5,  1865 

44 

I  year.     62a?  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

Frederick  A.  Andrew, 

A 

Mar.  17,  1865 

May    5,  1865 

Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

Casseus  Barrows, 

April  6,  1864 

Jacob  Beckers, 

44 

Francis  Belcher, 

April  14, 1864 

George  Bott, 

April  16,  1864 

Dwight  W.  Brigham, 

44 

William  C.  Brookings, 

July    9,  1864 

Ralph  M.  Brown, 

April  16,  1864 

'  George  Brunt, 

Sept.  3,  1864 

William  Bryan, 

April  16,  1864 

William  Burns, 

April  10, 1864 

Cornelius  Callahan, 

April  19, 1864 

War  Dept.,  '66 

Patrick  H.  Carten, 

44 

Christopher  Cassabry, 

April   6,  1864 

Jerome  A.  Chatman, 

July  29,  1864 

William  Clark, 

July    9,  1864 

Lewis  B.  Clapp, 

44 

Charles  Coffin, 

April  16,  1864 

Philip  H.  Collins, 

44 

Emery  E.  Cowing, 

Aug.  22,  1864 

John  Donnough, 

April  13,  1864 

Charles  Dow, 

Aug.  31,  1864 

Disability,  '64 

Lewis  Foster, 

Sept.    1,  1864 

Samuel  Foss, 

April  16,  1864 

Lyman  B.  Gallup, 

April  25, 1864 

Isaac  L.  Garrison, 

Aug.  22, 1864 

John  Garritson, 

April  25,  1864 

William  H.  Garlets, 

April  16, 1864 

MASSACHUSETTS  VOLUNTEERS. 


C4; 


KAJIES. 

CO. 

MUSTEKED     IX. 

SERVICE     EXPIEED. 

Orton  G.  Green, 

April  U,  1804 

War  Dept.,  '65 

Harvey  L.  Haskell, 

April  30,  1864 

Patrick  Hoary, 

April   6,  1864 

Burnham  Holmes, 

July    9,  1864 

Herman  Jacobs, 

April  8,  1864 

Horace  L.  Jellerson, 

April  30, 1864 

Orris  S.  Jennings, 

Mar.  30, 1864 

War  Dept.,  '65 

Daniel  Kelley, 

AprU  13,  1864 

Patrick  Kenney, 

Aug.  22,  1864 

Martin  Kerrigan, 

April  11, 1864 

Allen  V.  King, 

April  25, 1864 

Martin  King, 

April  16, 1864 

Timothy  Lane, 

Aug.  24,  1864 

William  H.  Latten, 

April  16, 1864 

James  Lavery, 

Aug.  23,  1864 

Alexander  Masterdon, 

April  16,  1864 

Warren  L.  Maxon, 

u 

George  W.  McCullough, 

11 

William  F.  Morrill, 

April  19,  1864 

Louis  Murray, 

April  16,  1864 

Henry  A.  Parmenter, 

April  19,  1864 

War  Dept.,  '66 

Henry  Pepper, 

April  16,  1864 

Henry  Ramsdale, 

i; 

Joseph  Eollery, 

April  6,  1864 

John  Rose, 

April  16. 1864 

John  Sexton, 

April  25, 1864 

Andrew  Shaw, 

July     9,  1864 

Philip  Shannon, 

April  16,  1864 

Robert  Sillers, 

April  9,  1864 

War  Dept.,  '66 

Augustus  Sorg, 

April  9,  1863 

Alexander  Stewart, 

April  16,  1864 

James  Swan, 

June  27,  1864 

James  H.  Sweetser, 

July    9,  1864 

Jacob  Swishir, 

April  16, 1864 

Ira  A.  E.  Taylor, 

Aug.  31,  1864 

William  Taylor, 

April  25, 1864 

Philip  Thauvarth, 

(( 

William  Tynan, 

April  16,  1864 

Regular  Army. 

ASM  OF  SEBVIOB. 

Francis  Armstrong, 

July  11,  1864 

6th  Infantry 

Stephen  Baker, 

(( 

i( 

Louis  Beck, 

July    1,  1864 

4tli  Artillery 

James  Bradley, 

ii. 

<i 

William  Buckley, 

July  1],  1864 

6th  Infantry 

Thomas  Butler, 

K 

(( 

Edmond  Byron, 

AprillS,  1864 

General  Service 

John  Callett, 

July  11,  1864 

6tli  Infantry 

Joseph  Cameron, 

July  17,  1864 

Ordnance  Corps 

John  Carrall, 

July  11,  1864 

6th  Infantry 

Patrick  Carrigan, 

Aug.  26,  1864 

3d  Artillery 

Edward  Collins, 

u 

(f 

Bernard  Daney, 

July  11,  1864 

6th  Infantry 

648 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


NAMES. 

CO. 

MUSTEKEI)      IX. 

ARM  OF  SERVICE. 

Matthew  Dillingham, 

July  11,  1864 

6th  Infantry 

Jeremiah  Donahue, 

(( 

f  ( 

Cornelius  Dougherty, 

u 

IC 

William  Dougherty, 

(I 

(( 

Henry  Fox, 

u 

(( 

Bernard  Harrington, 

(( 

(( 

John  W.  Keough, 

July    1,  1864 

4th  Artillery 

Charles  J.  Limerick, 

July  11,  1864 

6th  Infantry 

Henry  Lohmeyer, 

July  30,  1864 

Ordnance  Corps 

James  Mason, 

July  11,  1864 

6th  Infantry 

William  Mason, 

u 

(1 

Patrick  MeGee, 

(( 

a 

Timothy  McNulty, 

u 

it 

William  Milligan, 

ii 

ii 

Stanislaus  Palouskie, 

a 

C( 

Marcel  Pez3'godzinski, 

July    1,  1864 

4th  Artillery 

Daniel  Riordan, 

July  28,  1864 

Ordnance  Corps 

Charles  N.  Ruley, 

July  11,  1864 

6th  Infantry 

Raphael  Spitiechi, 

July  18,  1864 

4th  Artillery 

Mortimer  Sullivan, 

July  11,  1864 

6th  Infantry 

John  Tiernay  (Band), 

July  11,  1864 

it 

Manson  B.  Turner, 

Oct.  26,  1864 

June  13,  1865 

Michael  Tyrrell, 

July    1,  1864 

4th  Artillery 

Thomas  Weldon, 

July  11,  1864 

6th  Infantry 

John  White, 

a 

(( 

Daniel  H.  Wielana, 

a 

(( 

Charles  Zeigler, 

Aug.  17,  1864 

Hospital  Steward 

NEWTON  MEN  IN  THE  NAVY,  IN  THE  WAR  OF  THE  REBELLION,  1861-5. 


Ayles  William, 

Bahe  Emanuel, 

Baker  George, 

Barnes  Barnabas, 

Baury  Frederic    F.,  Acting  Master, 

Brackett  George  F., 

Breck  Joseph  B.,  Lieut.  Cora'ding, 

Bryson  Thomas, 

Burke  Michael, 

Clark  Charles  P., 

Curtis  Frederic, 

DufFee  James, 

Evans  Charles  O., 

Faber  James, 

Farwell  Charles  H., 

Gardner  Francis, 

Garfield  Walter  H.,  Acting  Master, 

Hazelton  Isaac  H.,  Asst.  Surgeon, 

Jackson  Marccllus, 

Jackson  Orlando, 

Johnson  Nelson, 


Keyes  Michael, 

O'Donnell  John, 

Purdee  Henry  A., 

Ragan  Jeremiah, 

Roberts  Charles, 

Robinson  John  A., 

Rogers  George, 

Ryan  Edward, 

Sandholzer  Adrian  H., 

Shattuck  Sumner, 

Sheehan  James, 

Stearns  David, 

Sullivan  John, 

Washburn  Alfred,  Acting  Master, 

Welch  John, 

Wetherell  Hiram  B.,  jr.,  Paymaster, 

Whan  Charles, 

Withington  Charles  H., 

Withington  Sumner  S., 

Wright  Patrick. 


DECORATION  DAY.  649 

Newton  has  evermore  cherished  the  memor}-  of  her  heroic  dead, 
celebrating  their  valor  both  as  a  tribute  of  merited  gratitude  and 
affection,  and  as  a  stimulus  to  the  patriotism  of  her  children  and 
citizens.  Year  after  3'ear  the  Feast  of  Decoration  has  been  duly 
observed,  the  young  and  the  old  with  equal  zeal  participating  in  the 
beautiful  ceremony.  A  grant  from  the  public  treasury,  reinforced 
by  the  liberality  of  private  citizens  and  organizations,  has  been 
annually  laid  on  the  altar  of  freedom,  and  processions  and  music, 
flowers  and  commemorative  addresses  have,  year  after  year,  hal- 
lowed the  memory  of  the  dead  and  proved  an  inspiration  to  the 
living.  The  spot  where  the  soldiers'  monument  lifts  itself  into  the 
light  of  heaven  has  always  been,  most  appropriately,  the  central 
point  of  the  interest  on  these  tender  occasions  ;  and  the  survivors 
of  the  deadly  strife,  returned  to  their  friends,  have  been  held  in 
highest  honor.  Gifted  orators  have  enlivened  the  scene  with  their 
eloquence,  and  poetry  has  given  voice  to  the  emotions  of  a  patri- 
otic and  grateful  people. 

Breathe  balmy  airs,  ye  fragrant  flowers, 

O'er  every  silent  sleeper's  head; 
Ye  crystal  dews  and  summer  showers, 

Dress  in  fresh  green  each  lowly  bed. 

Strew  loving  offerings  o'er  the  brave, 

Their  country's  joy,  their  country's  pride; 

For  us  their  precious  lives  they  gave, 
For  freedom's  sacred  cause  they  died. 

Each  cherished  name  its  place  shall  hold, 

Like  stars  that  gem  the  azure  sky ; 
Their  deeds,  on  history's  page  enrolled, 
j^.  Are  sealed  for  immortality. 

Long,  where  on  glory's  fields  they  fell, 

M<ay  freedom's  spotless  banner  wave ; 
And  fragrant  tributes,  grateful,  tell, 

"Where  live  the  free,  where  sleep  the  brave. 


CHAPTER  XLVIII. 

NEWTON   AND   THE   WAR   OF    THE   REBELLION. —  BATTLES     IN    WHICH 

REGIMENTS     CONTAINING-     NEWTON's      SOLDIERS     TOOK     PART. 

BATTLE   OF  LOOKOUT   MOUNTAIN. RECEPTION   AFTER   THE  WAR. 

It  is  easy  to  present  the  names  of  the  men  enhstecl  in  the  ser- 
vice of  the  United  States  during  the  war.  But  what  was  included 
in  that  service,  no  human  language  can  adequatel}'  describe.  The 
enlistment,  the  preparations,  and  the  departure  from  home,  sur- 
rounded by  friends,  and  furnished  with  all  the  appliances  for  com- 
fort which  love  could  invent,  was  the  beginning.  But  afterwards 
came  the  tiresome  marches,  the  days  of  anxious  suspense,  the 
weaiy  watchings  by  night,  the  hunger  and  thirst,  the  piercing  cold, 
the  deadly'  conflict,  the  wounds,  the  mutilated  forms,  and  "the  last 
of  earth,"  often  with  no  friendly  heart  to  sympathize  or  hand  to 
help.  These  were  the  end.  And  not  these  alone.  For  we  must 
acid  the  sufferings  of  the  thousands  who  never  went  to  the  field  of 
strife,  the  wives,  and  mothers,  and  helpless  children,  who  silently 
stood  and  watched  the  daity  bulletins,  and  waited  in  agonizing 
dread  for  the  latest  news  from  the  front,  uncertain  whether  the 
tidings  of  victory  or  the  rumor  of  defeat  would  not  alike  pronounce 
them  widows,  and  childless,  and  orphans.  And  afterwards  came 
the  announcement  that  the  hero  would  return  no  more,  or,  in  place 
of  that  announcement,  the  lifeless  form,  sent  back  to  be  buried, 
the  funereal  pomp,  the  hopeless  woe,  the  desolate  home, —  the 
young  life  smitten  in  the  glory  of  its  prime, —  a  family  bereft  of  its 
head  and  reduced  to  poverty,  or  mourning  its  strong  staff,  broken, 
and  hidden  in  the  grave.  How  many  silent  sleepers  rest  under 
headstones  inscribed  with  the  years  of  early  manhood  !  How  many 
budding  hopes  never  reached  maturity  ! 

This  history  cannot,  if  it  would,  accompany  each  of  the  enlisted 
men  through  all  the  events  of  the  weary  years  of  theu*  service.     A 

650 


REPORTS  OF  REGIMENTS.  651 

siimmaiy  of  the  engagements  of  the  regiments  in  which  the  largest 
number  of  Newton  soldiers  were  enrolled,  is  all  that  can  be  offered. 
What  is  narrated  of  a  few  regiments  is  a  specimen  of  what  might 
be  narrated  of  every  regiment  that  took  the  field.  The  fatigues, 
the  sufferings  and  the  valor  of  one  present  a  pattern  of  the  fatigues, 
the  sufferings  and  the  valor  of  all. 

The  reports  of  the  Colonels  of  regiments,  written  on  the  field, 
and  transmitted  to  the  Adjutant-General  of  Massachusetts,  supply 
the  materials  for  the  information  which  follows.  The  stor}'  of  the 
career  and  fate  of  each  soldier  from  Newton  would  be  of  the 
highest  interest.  This,  however,  the  nature  of  the  service  renders 
it  impossible  for  us  to  give.  But  the  narrative  of  the  regiment  is 
substantially  the  narrative  of  the  individuals  composing  it. 

FIRST   KEGIMENT   OF   INFANTRY. 

The  First  Regiment  of  Infautiy  was  mustered  into  the  service 
of  the  United  States  June  15,  1861,  and  was  mustered  out  May 
25,  1864.     The  regiment  took  part  in  the  following  named  battles  : 

Bull  Run,  Williamsburg,  Fair  Oaks,  Glendale,  and  other  battles 
on  the  Peninsula  ;  Kettle  Run,  Second  Bull  Run,  Chantilly,  Fred- 
ericksburg, Chaucellorsville,  Gettj'sburg,  Locust  Grove,  Wilder- 
ness, Spottsylvania. 

This  was  the  first  three  years'  volunteer  regiment  that  reached 
Washington.  It  passed  through  Baltunore  June  17,  the  anniver- 
sai-y  of  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill.  This  regiment  killed  the  fa- 
mous Stonewall  Jackson. 

SIXTEENTH  REGIMENT  OF  INFANTRY. 

The  Sixteenth  Regiment  of  Infantry  was  mustered  into  the  ser- 
vice of  the  United  States  August  5,  1861 ;  left  the  State  August 
17,  1861,  and  was  mustered  out  July  27,  1864.  It  took  part  in 
the  following  named  engagements  : 

Fair  Oaks,  Glendale,  Malvern  Hill,  Kettle  Run,  Chantilly, 
Fredericksburg,  Chaucellorsville,  Gettysburg,  Locust  Grove,  Wil- 
derness, Spottsylvania,  North  Anna  River,  Coal  Harbor,  Peters- 
burg, Wapping  Heights,  Mine  Run. 

After  the  battle  of  Glendale,  General  Hooker  wrote  to  Governor 
Andrew  the  following  sentence  :  "  There  is  no  doubt  but  at  Glen- 
dale the  Sixteenth  Massachusetts  saved  the  arm}-." 


652  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

TWENTY-FOURTH   REGIMENT   OF   INFANTRY. 

The  Twenty-fourth  Regiment  of  Infantry  was  mustered  into  tho 
service  of  the  United"  States  December  6,  1861,  and  left  the  State 
December  9,  1861,  It  took  part  in  the  following  named  engage- 
ments : 

Roanoke  Island,  Kinston,  Whitehall,  Goldsboro',  Tranter's  Creek, 
Newbern,  James  Island,  Morris  Island,  Fort  "Wagner,  Green  Val- 
ley, Drury's  Bluff,  Richmond  and  Petersburg  Railroad,  Weir  Bot- 
tom, Deep  Run,  Fussell's  Mills,  Siege  of  Petersburg,  Four-mile 
Run  Clmrch,  Darby  Town  Road. 

The  regiment  was  mustered  out  of  service  at  Richmond,  Va., 
January  20,  1866.  In  accepting  the  colors  of  the  regiment  on  its 
return  to  Boston,  Governor  Bullock  said,  "I  count  it  among  the 
remarkable  proofs  of  the  steadfast  and  persistent  patriotism  of 
this  regiment,  that  after  it  had  full}-  tested  the  bitterness  of  war, 
then,  even  then,  four  hundred  and  twent}'  of  its  veterans  re- 
enlisted  to  share  in  the  conclusion  of  the  conflict." 

THIRTY-FIRST   REGIMENT   OF    INFANTRY. 

The  Thirt3'-first  Regiment  of  Infantry  was  mustered  into  the 
service  of  the  United  States  from  the  date  of  its  enrolment  in  the 
latter  part  of  1861  and  beginning  of  1862,  left  the  State  Februar}' 
21,  1862,  and  was  mustered  out,  as  a  regiment,  in  the  latter  part 
of  December,  1864.  It  took  part  in  the  following  named  engage- 
ments : 

Bisland,  Port  Hudson,  Brashear  Cit}-,  Sabine  Cross  Roads,  Cane 
River  Crossing,  Alexandria,  Governor  Moore's  Plantation,  Yellow 
Ba^'ou,  and  in  the  several  actions  during  the  Siege  of  Mobile. 

Through  the  efficiency  of  this  regiment,  the  bands  of  guerillas, 
which  infested  the  country  for  miles  around  New  Orleans,  were 
completely  broken  up,  and  an  end  was  put  to  the  depredations  and 
outrages  which  had  long  disturbed  the  frontier. 

THIRTY-SECOND    REGIMENT    OF    INFANTRY. 

The  Thirty-second  Regiment  of  Infantrj-  was  composed  of  six 
companies  originally  known  as  the  Fort  Warren  Battalion,  and 
was  on  duty  at  that  place.  It  was  sent  to  the  front  in  May,  1862, 
and  subsequently  received  four  new  companies  to  form  its  regi- 
mental organization.  The  regiment  re-enlisted  as  an  organi;;ation, 
and  held  a  place  of  distingnisliod  honor. 


REPORTS  OF  REGIMENTS.  653 

At  Gettysburg  this  reg-imcut  met  witli  a  very  heavy  loss,  and 
also  through  the  struggle  of  that  last  terrible  march  to  Richmond. 
The  Thirt^'-second  had  killed  in  battle  seventy-six ;  died  of 
wounds  or  disease,  one  hundred  and  ninety-four ;  discharged  for 
disabiUty,  three  hundred  and  eighty-four.  Total,  six  hundred  and 
fifty-four.  This  total  does  not  include  the  number  of  men  wounded 
Avho  returned  to  duty,  nor  those,  some  two  hundred  more,  who 
died  in  captivity,  or  b}^  the  roadside,  in  severe  marches,  who  are 
included  in  the  returns  among  the  unaccounted  for,  missing  and 
deserters.  The  number  discharged  at  the  expiration  of  service 
was  1,087.  Total  number  of  men  enlisted,  2,286.  Of  the  thirty- 
seven  commissioned  ofHcers  who  were  included  in  the  final  muster- 
out  of  the  regiment,  all  except  seven  were  promoted  from  the 
ranks. 

This  regiment  had  the  honor  of  receiving  the  flag  of  truce  sent 
by  General  Lee,  when  forced  to  surrender  at  Appomattox  Court 
House.  April  11,  1865,  came  the  formal  surrender,  and  the 
brigade  to  which  the  Thirtj'-second  was  attached  was  ordered  to 
receive  the  arms  of  the  rebel  infantry,  which  dut}'  was  performed 
in  solemn  silence,  and  this  was  the  practical  ending  of  the  war. 

Company  K  of  this  regiment  was  recruited  in  Newton,  with  J. 
Cushing  Edmands,  afterwards  Colonel  and  Brevet-Brigadier-Gen- 
eral ;  Lieutenants  Ambrose  Bancroft,  and  John  F.  Boyd. 

Major  E.  S.  Farnsworth  recruited  the  Companj',  the  late  Gen- 
eral Edmands  assuming  command  after  the  Company  was  formed. 
The  Major's  own  name  was  the  first  on  the  list,  John  F.  Boj'd's 
the  second,  John  Doherty  the  third  —  Doherty  served  his  full 
time,  subsequently  joined  the  navy,  being  assigned  to  the  Piscata- 
qua,  was  one  of  the  crew  of  the  Oneida  when  she  was  sunk  b}^ 
collision  with  the  EngUsh  packet  Bomba}-,  and  saved  his  life  by 
swimming  ashore.  The  fourth  recruit  was  Rev.  William  L.  Gil- 
man,  a  Universalist  minister ;  he  was  wounded  at  Gettysburg,  and 
died  in  the  "  Old  Barn  Hospital." 

The  regiment  took  part  in  the  following  named  engagements  : 

Malvern  Hill,  Gainesville,  Second  Bull  Run,  Chautilly,  Antietam, 
Fredericksburg,  Chancellorsville,  Gettysburg,  Rappahannock  Sta- 
tion, Mine  Run,  Wilderness,  Spottsylvania,  North  Anna,  Tolopo- 
tomy,  Bethesda  Church,  Petersburg,  Weldon  Railroad,  Peeble's 
Farm,  Vaughau  Road,  Dabney's  Mills,  Boj'dtown  Road,  White 
Oak  Road. 


654  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

During  the  battle  of  Antietam,  the  regiment  was  protected  by  its 
position  from  the  fire  of  the  enem}^  and  followed  the  retreating 
rebels  to  the  bank  of  the  Potomac  River.  ,  In  the  action  before 
Fredericksburg,  the  regiment  was  for  the  first  time  thoroughly  under 
fire  and  proved  itself  equal  to  the  commander's  warmest  expecta- 
tions. "Not  an  officer  flinched  a  tithe  of  a  hair  during  thirty 
hours  of  tr3ang  exposure,  commencing  with  a  rush  to  the  front, 
over  a  plain,  under  hot  fire  of  ball  and  shell,  and  the  coolness 
evinced  by  officers  and  men  won  the  applause  it  richly  merited." 

In  the  battle  of  Gettysburg,  the  troops  in  front,  being  very  much 
exposed,  were  obliged  to  fall  back,  bringing  the  Thirtj^-second  to 
the  face  of  the  foe,  who  had  opened  a  very  heavy  fire  of  musketry. 
"  The  regiment  stood  like  a  rock,  and  would  have  held  the  posi- 
tion, notwithstanding  the  impetuous  charges  of  the  rebels,  had  not 
the  troops  on  the  right  been  removed,  leaving  their  flank  exposed." 
Out  of  a  total  of  two  hundred  and  twentj^-nine  taken  into  the  bat- 
tle, eighty-one  were  lost,  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing.  The 
regiment  suffered  intensel}^  from  cold  and  exposure,  and  was  in 
several  battles,  having  at  the  battle  of  Laurel  Hill,  twentj'-one 
men  killed  and  seventj'-five  wounded,  which  was  more  than  one- 
third  of  the  whole  number  engaged.  From  November  19,  1863, 
to  January  1,  1865,  it  participated  in  twenty-one  battles. 

In  the  battle  of  Dabney's  Mills,  the  regiment  lost  seventy-four 
men  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing.  On  the  ninth  of  April,  1865, 
after  a  forced  march,  the  regiment  was  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle 
in  quick  time,  and  a  determined  advance  commenced  under  a  gall- 
ing fire  of  the  enemy's  artillery-.  "  Suddenly,  as  we  neared  the 
enemy's  position,  and  the  grand  charge  was  about  to  be  made,  the 
enemy's  batteries  became  silent,  and  a  white  flag  came  out  from 
the  rebel  line.  Our  lines  halted,  and  stood  breathless,  while  the 
report  ran  from  right  to  left  that  Lee  was  negotiating  a  surrender. 
.  Orders  soon  came  to  hold  our  present  advanced  position, 
quietly,  until  four  o'clock,  P.  M. 

"What  anxious,  eager  hours' were  those  that  followed.  Before 
us,  almost  within  our  grasp,  commanded  by  our  artillery,  and  sur- 
rounded by  our  victorious  army,  lay  the  enemy  that  had  so  many 
times  poured  death  and  destruction  upon  us,  when  it  had  had  us  at 
a  like  disadvantage.  We  almost  hoped  Lee  would  not  surrender. 
Yet  the  thought  that  a  surrender  would  put  an  end  to  our  hard, 
marches,  wounds  and  deaths  outweighed  all  else. 


REPORTS  OF  REGIMENTS.  655 

"  Four  o'clock  came,  aud  with  it  the  intoxicating  news,  '  Lee 
HAS  SURRENDEKED ! '  What  wild  cheers  upon  cheers  thundered 
along  that  bristling  line !  What  triumphant  joy  filled  every 
breast !  Men  rolled  upon  the  ground  —  embraced  each  other  again 
and  again  —  yelled  themselves  hoarse,  and  wept  like  children.  Their 
country  was  saved  —  their  homes  were  near  — •  their  lives  wero 
again  their  own.  Our  brigade  was  detailed  to  receive  the  formal 
surrender  of  the  rebel  arms." 

On  the  29th  of  June,  1865,  the  regiment  was  mustered  out. 

While  Colonel  Edmands  held  the  inferior  rank  of  Major,  on  the 
occasion  of  a  visit  at  his  home  in  Newton,  a  ceremony  occurred 
which  is  worthy  of  record,  in  connection  with  the  history  of  the 
Thirty-second  Regiment.  The  record  is  taken  from  a  Boston 
newspaper. 

A  very  rich  and  elegant  sword  was  presented  yesterday  by  some  of  the 
citizens  of  Newton  to  Major  Joseph  Gushing  Edmands,  of  the  Massachusetts 
Thirty-second.  It  was  accompanied  by  a  very  neat  letter  in  an  elegant  frame, 
and  signed  by  the  Selectmen  of  the  town,  expressing  the  high  public  estima- 
tion of  his  services  and  cliaracter.  A  large  number  of  his  friends  called  upon 
hira  at  his  father's  residence  in  the  evening.  The  whole  affair  was  no 
unmeaning  ceremony,  but  the  hearty  expression  of  the  true,  earnest  and  high 
consideration  inspired  in  his  fellow-citizens  by  a  very  gallant  soldier  and 
faithful  man.  He  leaves  immediately  to  join  his  regiment  in  the  field,  and 
carries  with  him  the  kindest  wishes  of  all  for  future  honors  and  success. 


THIRTY-THIRD    REGIMENT    OF    INFANTRY. 

The  Thirty-tliird  Regiment  of  Infantry  was  mustered  into  the 
service  of  the  United  States,  August  13,  1862  ;  left  the  State 
August  14,  1862,  and  was  mustered  out  June  11,  1865. 

It  took  part  in  the  following  named  engagements  : 

Fredericksburg,  Chancellorsville,  Beverly  Ford,  Gettysburg, 
Lookout  Mountain,  Missionary  Ridge,  and  the  battles  of  General 
Sherman's  Grand  Armj'. 

At  Gettysburg  on  the  second  of  July,  1863,  "  the  Tliirtj^-third, 
supporting  a  battery,  were  exposed  for  hours  to  a  terrific  cross-fire 
of  shot  and  shell  from  the  rebel  batteries,  and  elicited  praise  even 
from  the  regular  army  officers,  for  the  unflinching  steadiness  with 
which  it  maintained  its  position.  Through  the  remainder  of  the 
fight,  it  was  constantly  in  the  front,  and  took  a  prominent  part  iu 
repulsing  the  rebel  attack  on  the  centre." 


Co6  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

A  soldier  in  this  regiment  contributes  the  following  gi'aphic  and 
touching  reminiscence  of  the  battle  of  Lookout  Mountain : 

The  battle  of  "Raccoon  Ridge,"  near  the  base  of  Lookout  Mountain,  was 
fought  in  the  thick  woods,  October  29,  1863,  by  order  of  General  Hooker, 
opening  about  two  o'clock  in  the  morning,  under  the  combined  force  of  the 
Thirty-third  Massachusetts  and  the  Seventy-third  Ohio,  commanded  by 
Colonel,  but  since  (by  brevet)  General,  Underwood,  now  of  the  Boston  cus- 
toms. It  was  a  most  daring  and  desperate  engagement.  Twice  the  Union 
force  was  compelled  to  fall  back  with  severe  loss.  The  advance  was  up  a 
steep  hill,  so  steep  that  the  men  had  to  pull  themselves  up  by  the  bushes, 
dragging  their  guns  after  them,  to  face  a  force  3,000  strong,  and  entrenched  in 
rifle  pits  on  the  summit.  Of  course  the  enemy  was  dislodged,  for  that  was 
what  the  boys  went  up  the  hill  to  do ;  but  not  till  half  their  number  was  either 
killed  or  wounded.  Among  the  former  was  Adjutant  William  P.  Mudge,  of 
Boston,  the  wit  and  light  and  life  of  the  regiment.  The  next  morning,  I  tele- 
graphed the  sad  news  to  his  widowed  mother.  In  a  few  days  I  received  from 
her  a  letter,  requesting  me  to  mark  his  grave,  and  saying,  "I  have  two  other 
sons,  one  is  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  the  other  yet  too  young  to  bear 
arms  ;  but  though  my  heart  is  bleeding,  still,  if  the  cause  of  my  country  re- 
quires, I  am  ready  to  ofler  them  on  her  altars."  Had  old  Sparta  truer  or 
braver  mothers? 

Among  the  wounded,  we  found  Captains  Walker  and  Blasland,  of  South 
Boston,  and  Colonel  Underwood.  The  Colonel's  right  thigh  was  terribly 
shattered  near  his  body,  and  the  surgeon  said  he  could  not  survive,  and  that 
I  had  better  telegraph  his  family  that  he  was  mortally  wounded,  which  I  did. 
Having  gotten  him  into  an  unoccupied  wretched  old  house,  half  a  mile  away, 
entirely  destitute  of  comforts,  faint,  helpless  and  bleeding,  with  scarce  a  ray 
of  hope  to  comfort  his  sad-hearted  comrades,  they  bolstered  him  up  on  a 
wretched  old  bed,  unfit  for  a  dog,  raising  his  limbs  as  high  as  possible  to  sup- 
press the  blood.  When  they  had  done  all  they  could,  I  turned  to  hira  and 
said,  "  Colonel,  this  seems  a  hard  fate,  that  a  fellow  should  leave  all  the  com- 
forts of  a  New  England  home,  and  come  away  down  here  to  be  shot  in  the 
night,  in  the  woods,  by  these  wretched  rebels?"  I  shall  never  forget  his  an- 
swer. Opening  his  languid  eyes,  pale  and  haggard,  he  said,  "Chaplain, 
this  is  what  I  came  for.  I  thought  it  all  over  before  I  enlisted.  I  have  ex- 
pected and  am  prepared  for  such  a  result,  and  if  the  salvation  of  my  country 
calls  for  the  sacrifice  of  my  life,  I  am  ready  to  render  it."  Such  men  deserve 
to  be  embalmed  in  honey  and  fed  on  diamonds. 

This  regiment  was  with  General  Sherman  in  his  grand  advance 
to  Savannah,  Ga. 

FORTY-FOUETH     KEGIMEKT    OF    INFANTRY. 

The  Forty-fourth  Regiment  was  organized  at  Readville,  under 
the  supervision  of  Colonel  Lee,  and  mustered  into  the  service  of 
the  United  States  for  nine  months,  September  12,  1862  ;  left  the 


REPORTS  OF  REGIMENTS.  657 

State  October  22,  and  arrived  in  Newbern,  North  Carolina,  Octo- 
ber 26.     Mustered  out  June  16,^1803. 

The  regiment  toolj  part  in  the  following  engagements : 

AVilliamston,  Kinston,  Whitehall  Bridge,  Goklsboro',  Washing- 
ton, N.  C.  In  the  vicinity  of  Tarboro', "  they  were  under  fire  in  the 
dark,  in  the  middle  of  a  stream.  The  enem}',  concealed  by  a  wooded 
bank,  fired  into  them  for  some  time.  The}'  behaved  to  the  entire 
satisfaction  of  their  colonel,  and  General  Stevenson  said,  they  be- 
haved as  well  as  men  could."  "  The  only  time  the  whole  regiment 
was  under  fire  that  amounted  to  any  thing,  was  at  Whitehall.  It 
would  have  been  impossiblo  for  any  regiment  to  do  better  than 
they  did.  He  ordered  them  into  position,  and  they  obeyed  with 
perfect  coolness,  although  under  fire ;  not  a  single  man  hung 
back." 

In  the  Goklsboro'  expedition,  the  Forty-fourth  Regiment  was 
under  fire  at  the  skirmish  near  Kinston,  and  the  next  day,  some 
fifteen  miles  beyond  that  town,  at  Whitehall  Bridge.  Colonel  Lee 
•writes, —  "  ThejMu arched  across  a  high  field,  parallel  to  the  river 
Neuse,  under  fire  of  artillery ;  two  men  were  killed,  but  the  men 
did  not  falter  nor  check  ;  but  filed  down  into  a  lower  field  and  across 
it  imder  fire  of  musketry,  and  took  position  behind  a  rail  fence  on 
the  river  bank  ;  men  all  cool  and  obedient.  .  .  .  We  retired 
about  two  P.  ]\I.,  and  I  was  proud  of  the  officers  and  men." 

The  regiment  formed  part  of  the  garrison  which  successfully 
defended  Washington,  N.  C,  against  a  body  of  from  twelve  to 
fifteen  thousand  rebel  troops.  The  commanding  officer  bears  tes- 
timony that  the  soldiers  of  the  regiment  "  always  tried  to  do  their 
duty  faithfull}',  and  they  generally  succeeded." 

On  their  return  from  the  seat  of  war,  a  reception  was  given  at 
Newton  Corner  to  Compau}^  B,  of  the  Forty-fourth  Regiment, 
highly  complimentary  to  the  men,  and  honorary  to  the  town.  The 
weather  of  the  afternoon  was  perfect,  and  every  thing  conspired  to 
the  success  of  the  occasion.  We  give  the  account  of  it,  partly  iu 
the  words  of  the  Boston  Journal^  and  partly  in  a  condensed  form. 

One  of  the  most  charming  and  hearty  demonstrations  which  it 
has  yet  been  our  duty  to  record  in  connection  with  the  movements 
of  our  citizen  soldiery,  occurred  at  the  village  of  Newton  Corner 
yesterday,  the  occasion  being  the  welcome  home  of  Co.  B,  of  the 
Forty-fourth  Regiment,  by  the  citizens  of  the  town.  The  stores 
were  closed,  the  pubUc  schools  were  dismissed,  and  every  body 
42 


G58  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON.    . 

seemed  to  vie  with  those  about  him  in  doing  whatever  could  be 
devised,  for  the  pleasure  of  the  parties  to  be  welcomed. 

At  two  o'clock,  P.  M.,  a  procession  was  formed  under  the 
direction  of  William  Otis  Edmands,  Esq.,  chief  marshal,  consist- 
ing of  the  National  Brass  Band,  of  Newton,  the  Nonantum  Drill 
Club,  Nonantum  Rifle  Corps,  Independent  Zouaves  (boys) ,  Com- 
pany B,  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  and  ex-Triton  Engine  Compa- 
ny. On  the  route,  the  procession  was  joined  b}^  the  Selectmen  and 
other  officers  of  the  town,  the  engineers  of  the  Fire  Department, 
teachers  of  the  Public  Schools,  and  many  of  the  most  respected 
citizens.  Floral  and  other  decorations  were  displayed  from  the 
buildings  along  the  route  of  the  procession. 

A  pavilion  had  been  erected  on  the  ground  near  the  Public  Li- 
brary, for  the  public  exercises.  The  assembly  was  called  to  order 
by  the  Hon.  J.  Wiley  Edmands,  who,  after  prayer  by  Rev.  J.  W. 
Wellman,  briefly  recounted  the  history  of  the  returning  corps,  say- 
ing "  that  they  had  never  yet  disgraced  their  flag  or  their  native 
town,"  and  closing  with  a  call  for  ''  three  times  three,"  for  the  gal- 
lant command  in  whose  honor  the  day  was  kept.  The  cheers  were 
given  with  emphasis. 

The  President  then  introduced  the  Hon.  David  H.  Mason,  who 
had  been  selected  by  the  Committee  of  Arrangements  to  express- 
the  sense  of  the  town  relative  to  the  retm-n  of  its  soldiers.  Mr. 
Mason,  addressing  Captain  Griswold  and  the  soldiers,  said, — 

"  You  have  just  returned  from  the  seat  of  war,  and  I  am  here,  on  behalf 
of  your  fellow-citizens,  your  friends  and  neighbors,  wives  and  sweethearts,  ta 
bid  you  a  hearty  welcome  to  your  homes.  Y'ou  have  proved  yourselves 
MEN,  tried  your  courage  and  patriotism,  finished  every  work  appointed  you 
to  do,  and  the  judgment  is  rendered,  '  Well  done,  faithful  soldiers,'  you  shall 
wear  the  honors  of  the  sons  of  liberty  in  our  ancient  town.  You  have  shown 
by  actual  experiment  what  has  been  so  long  denied,  that  a  free,  independent 
and  educated  citizen  of  this  Commonwealth,  in  the  full  enjoyment  of  his  equal 
rights,  in  the  full  blast  of  sovereignty,  can  put  off  his  power  and  dignity,  bow 
his  neck  to  the  yoke  of  military  law,  leave  his  palace  home,  and  cheerfully 
enter  upon  and  endure  the  dangers  and  hardships  of  military  service,  in  any 
capacity  or  place,  performing  the  most  menial  service,  perseveringly  and  con- 
tinually, in  or  out  of  season,  without  murmuring  or  complaint,  perilling  every 
thing  for  the  sake  of  liberty  protected  by  law.  And  you  have  also  sliown  liow 
the  same  citizen  soldier,  following  the  example  of  our  sainted  Washington, 
when  his  work  is  all  accomplished  and  his  duties  done,  can  lay  aside  the  arms 
and  weapons  of  savage  war,  beat  his  sword  into  a  ploughshare  and  his  spear 
into  a  pruning-hook,  and  can  gracefully  ascend,  to  adorn  his  accustomed 
place  in  the  highest  circle  of  social  and  civil  life. 


•  EEPORTS  OF  REGIMENTS.  659 

"  Such  a  spectacle  as  this  has  never  been  so  realized  as  in  New  England. 
In  such  a  land  of  churches  and  schools,  simply  a  welcome  home  to  returning' 
soldiers  is  more  of  a  triumph  than  the  victorious  march  of  a  Roman  general." 
Mr.  Mason  here  described  tlie  origin  and  purpose  of  the  Rebellion,  and  the 
materials  of  which  the  two  contending  armies  are  composed,  saying  in  respect 
to  the  men  of  the  North,  "  ftiat  for  pluck  and  courage,  strengtli  of  mind  and 
will,  for  clear  and  comprehensive  common  sense,  the  world  has  furnished  no 
equal  since  the  morning  of  the  first  day."  He  complimented  Colonel  Lee,  of 
the  Forty-fourth,  in  flattering  terms,  and  the  officers  and  men  of  Company  B, 
and  also  made  appropriate  reference  to  other  citizens  of  Newton,  still  remain- 
ing at  the  seat  of  war. 

Captain  Griswold  modestly  responded  in  behalf  of  his  company. 
Remarks  were  made  by  Colonel  Lee,  Hon.  Thomas  Rice,  chairman 
of  the  Board  of  Selectmen,  George  W.  Briggs,  Esq.,  and  Lieuten- 
ant Kenrick,  of  Company  B. 

After  the  public  speaking,  a  collation  was  served  in  Eliot  Hall, 
prepared  by  the  ladies.  The  company  went  to  the  war  with  ninet}^- 
five  men,  and  returned  with  cightj-'eight.  But  one  death  occnrred, 
and  that  was  by  disease. 

FORTY-FIFTH    REGIMENT    OF    INFANTRY. 

The  Fort3^-fifth  Regiment  was  raised  in  the  autumn  of  1862, 
and  there  were  numbered  among  its  soldiers  citizens  of  more  than 
two  hundred  cities  and  towns  in  the  Commonwealth.  Twenty- 
seven  of  the  number  were  Newton  men.  Their  enlistment  was  for 
nine  months.  The  regiment  left  the  State  November  5,  and  arrived 
in  Newbern,  N.  C,  November  14. 

The  regiment  formed  a  portion  of  the  force  in  the  expedition  to 
Goldsboro',  and  participated  in  the  battle  of  Kinston,  where  it  was 
hotly  engaged,  and  suifered  severe  loss.  The  soldiers  behavetl 
with  the  greatest  steadiness  and  gallantr}-,  and,  though  exposed  to 
a  galling  cross-fire,  advanced  resolutely  thi'ough  a  dense  wood  and 
swamp  upon  the  enemj^,  who  were  unable  to  withstand  their  attack. 
The  regiment  also  suflTered  losses  at  the  battle  of  Whitehall,  and 
was  engaged  in  a  brisk  skirmish  on  the  railroad  near  Kinston. 

The  regiment  was  mustered  out  of  service  July  8,  1863. 

FIRST  REGIMENT    OF    CAVALRY. 

The  First  Regiment  of  Massachusetts  Cavalry  went  into  camp 
at  Readville,  Mass.,  September  9  and  16,  1861.     The  first  bat- 


660  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

talion  proceeded  to  Annapolis,  Md.,  December  25,  the  second 
December  27,  and  the  remainder,  December  29.  Twenty-seven 
Newton  men  were  enUsted  in  the  regiment,  which  was  mustered 
out  of  service  June  26,  1865.  It  took  part  in  the  following  named 
engagements : 

Poolesville,  South  Mountain,  Antietam,  Fredericksburg,  Chan- 
cellorsville,  Brandy  Station,  Aldie,  Upperville,  Gettysburg,  Wil- 
liamsport,  Culpepper,  Auburn,  Todd's  Tavern,  Fortifications  of 
Richmond,  Vaughan  Road,  St.  Mary's  Church,  Cold  Harbor,  Belle- 
field. 

Besides  these  engagements,  during  the  capture  of  Petersburg 
this  regiment  was  employed  in  picket  duty  in  rear  of  the  Ninth 
Army  corps.  At  the  termination  of  the  service  the  commanding 
officer  bore  testimony  to  "  the  valuable  services  rendered  by  the 
regiment,  and  the  good  conduct  by  which  the}'^  had  been  uniformly 
distinguished." 

THIRD  REGIMENT  OF  CAVALRY. 

The  TMrd  Regiment  of  Cavalry,  including  nine  Newton  men, 
was  mustered  into  service  November  1,  1862,  and  left  the  State 
November  15,  1862.  It  was  mustered  out  September  28,  1865. 
Originally  entering  the  service  as  the  Fortj^-first  Regiment  of  In- 
fantr}^,  it  was  changed  to  a  Cavalry  Organization  June  17,  1863, 
and  three  unattached  companies  of  cavalry  were  consolidated  with 
it  and  became  a  part  of  the  organization. 

The  regiment  took  part  in  the  following  engagements  : 

Irish  Bend,  Henderson  Hill,  Cane  River,  Port  Hudson,  Sabine 
Cross  Roads,  Muddy  Bayou,  Piney  Woods,  Red  River  Campaign, 
Opequan,  Fisher's  Hill,  Snag  Point,  Winchester,  Cedar  Creek  and 
others. 

During  its  three  years  of  service,  this  regiment  marched  fifteen 
thousand  miles,  and  was  in  more  than  thirty  engagements,  in  all 
of  which  it  bore  an  honorable  part.  In  the  course  of  its  long  and 
arduous  service,  it  received  high  commendations  for  good  discipline 
and  gallantry  in  action  from  the  eminent  commanders  under  whom 
it  had  the  honor  to  serve. 

FOURTH   REGIMENT    OF    CAVALRY. 

The  Fourth  Regiment  of  Cavalry,  embracing  nine  Newton  men, 
participated  in  the  battles  at  Gainesville,  Florida,  Drur^^'s  Bluff, 


KEPORTS  OF  REGIMENTS.  6G1 

Picolata  Road,  Mauuiug,  Dingle^-'s  Mills,  Swift  Creek,  Camden, 
Waterbuiy,  Deep  Creek,  High  Bridge  and  in  several  of  the  engage- 
ments in  front  of  Petersburg  and  Kichmond.  In  the  engagement 
at  High  Bridge,  in  which  this  regiment  took  part,  *'  so  fierce  were 
the  charges  and  so  determined  the  fighting,  that  General  Lee 
received  the  impression  that  they  must  be  supported  by  a  large 
part  of  the  army,  and  tliat  his  retreat  was  cut  off.  When  Lee  dis- 
covered his  mistake,  and  that  the  fighting  force  in  his  front  was 
only  a  small  detachment  of  cavalry  and  infantry,  a  retreat  directl}' 
south  was  no  longer  practicable  ;  he  was  obliged  to  make  a  detour 
by  Appomattox  Court  House."  The  importance  of  this  fight  and 
its  influence  on  the  final  result  has  never  been  appreciated. 

The  regiment  was  mustered  out  of  service  November  14,  1865. 

FIFTH   REGIMENT   OF   CAVALRY. 

The  Fifth  Regiment  of  Cavalry,  including  eighty-one  Newton 
men,  was  composed  mainly  of  colored  men,  and  was  mustered  into 
service  at  various  dates,  from  January  to  May,  1864.  It  was  mus- 
tered out  October  31,  1865.  These  troops  took  part  in  the  engage- 
ments at  Bailor's  Farm  and  Virginia.  The  men  did  much  heavy 
work,  and  at  one  period  many  of  them  were  on  the  sick  list,  in 
consequence  of  exposure  and  over-exertion. 

SIXTY-FIRST   REGIMENT    OF   INFANTRY. 

The  Sixty-first  Regiment,  containing  twelve  Newton  men,  was 
recruited  as  a  one  year  regiment.  Five  companies  left  the  State 
October  7,  1864,  and  the  remainder,  as  soon  as  they  reached  the 
maximum  number.  Five  companies  were  mustered  out  June  4, 
1865,  and  the  residue,  July  16,  1865.  The  regiment  took  part  in 
the  engagements  before  Petersburg,  and  was  distinguished  by  its 
bravery  and  patient  endurance  of  hardship.  On  reaching  Peters- 
burg, the  privates  connected  with  the  regiment  were  the  first  at 
the  ofl3ce  of  the  local  newspaper,  the  Petersburg  Express,  for  the 
purpose  of  issuing  a  Union  paper.  But,  failing  to  break  in  the 
door,  they  left  the  office,  and  another  party,  more  successful,  printed 
the  first  copy  of  Grant's  Petersburg  Progress.  The  Baj'  State 
flag  was  the  first  to  float  from  the  Court  House. 

Besides  the  Newton  men  included  in  the  Regiments  of  Massa- 
chusetts, others,  who  wei'c  natives  or  residents  of  the  town,  found 
their  way  into  the  service  of  their  countr}^  in  connection  with  regi- 


G62  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

ments  recruited  in  other  States  of  the  Union,  Of  the  names  of 
such,  with  shght  exceptions,  we  have  no  record.  But  their  patri- 
otism and  valor  were  not  without  results.  The  whole  number  of 
enlisted  men  in  Massachusetts  regiments  and  batteries,  during  the 
war,  was  106,330.  The  total  number  of  deaths,  from  all  causes, 
was  12,534.  Of  these,  7,434  died  of  disease  and  in  rebel  prisons  ; 
5,100  were  killed,  or  died  of  wounds ;  showing  that  2,334  more 
died  of  disease  or  in  rebel  prisons,  than  were  killed  in  battle  or 
died  of  wounds ;  but  all,  alike,  died  for  their  countr3\  And  of 
these  heroic  men  of  Massachusetts,  Newton  furnished  her  fuU 
share. 


CHAPTER  XLIX. 

PUBLIC   LIBRARIES   IN    NEWTON. —  WEST   PARISH    SOCIAL    LIBRARY. 

ADELPHIAN   LIBRARY. —  WEST     NEWTON    ATHENiEUM. NEWTON 

BOOK   CLUB. —  NEWTON   LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION. NEWTON   FREE 

LIBRARY. —  NEWTON    CENTRE     LIBRARY   ASSOCIATION. NEWTON 

LOWER  FALLS  FREE    LIBRARY. NORTH  VILLAGE    FREE  LIBRARY. 

West  Parish  Social  Library. —  A  library  was  organized  in  the 
West  Parish  in  Newton  in  1798.  The  proprietors  associated  them- 
selves together  into  a  Society  called  "  The  Social  Library  Society 
in  the  West  Parish  in  Newton,"  and  subscribed  a  Constitution  of 
eleven  articles.  This  Constitution  was  printed  in  a  pamphlet  of 
eight  pages, —  with  a  catalogue  of  the  books  in  the  Library,  the 
latter  numbering  one  hundred  and  sixty-five  volumes,  and  covering 
only  two  pages.  The  first  article  of  the  Constitution  was  as 
follows : 

That  a  Library  be  formed,  of  the  value  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  at 
least ;  that  it  be  divided  into  a  number  of  equal  rights ;  that  each  single 
right  be  of  the  value  of  three  dollars  ;  that  each  proprietor  shall  pay  annually 
twenty-five  cents  upon  each  of  his  rights,  to  be  laid  out  in  making  additions 
to  the  Library  and  defraying  other  necessary  expenses  ;  that  the  Library  lie 
composed  of  such  books  as  are  the  best  "  calculated  to  raise  the  genius  and 
mend  the  heart;"  and  that  all  books  which  tend  to  promote  infidelity  and 
immorality  be  excluded. 

The  Librarian  was  required  "  to  be  possessed,  in  his  own  right, 
of  an  estate  of  at  least  double  the  value  of  all  the  books  which 
the  Library  may  contain." 

Most  of  the  articles  have  reference  to  the  internal  economj'  of 
the  Library  and  the  duties  of  the  officers.  Article  seven  provides 
that  books  may  be  taken  from  the  Library*  the  second  Monday  of 
«very  month,  in  the  proportion  of  one  folio  or  quarto  volume,  or  two 

663 


CG4  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

volumes,  if  of  smaller  size,  for  each  right.  Books  to  be  returned 
in  one  month ;  but  a  reader  was  permitted  to  exchange  his  book  or 
books  within  the  month,  if  the  librarian  could  attend  to  it.  No 
proprietor  was  permitted  to  allow  any  book  to  be  read  outside  of 
his  own  family.  Many  of  the  works  on  the  catalogue  were  of  ster- 
ling value,  suited  to  communicate  information,  to  enlarge  the  mind, 
to  stimulate  the  genius,  and  to  train  the  intellect  and  the  heart. 
But  in  modern  days  such  a  library  would  find  few  readers.  It  is 
easy  to  see  how  such  reading  made  such  men.  And  such  a  selec- 
tion of  books,  at  the  period  when  French  infidelit}'  was  let  loose 
upon  the  world,  and  the  young  were  read}'  to  be  carried  away  by 
the  flippant  folly  of  the  age,  is  very  refreshing. 

In  history,  the  Librar}^  contained  Adams'  Flowers  of  Ancient  and 
Modern  Histor}',  Belknap's  History  of  New  Hampshire,  Cooper's 
History  of  France,  Cooper's  History  of  North  and  South  America, 
Goldsmith's  History  of  England,  Goldsmith's  History  of  Rome, 
Hutchinson's  History  of  Massachusetts,  Plutarch's  Lives,  Rollin's 
Ancient  History,  .Robertson's  History  of  Greece,  Robertson's  His- 
tory of  India,  Ramsay's  American  Revolution,  Sullivan's  History 
of  the  District  of  Maine,  Smith's  History  of  New  York,  Williams' 
History  of  Vermont ;  in  travels,  Anacharsis'  Travels  in  Greece, 
Cook's  Voyages,  Carver's  Travels,  Embass}^  to  China,  Keafe's 
Pelew  Islands,  Moore's  Travels,  Morse's  Geography  ;  in  theolog}-, 
Addison's  Evidences,  Blair's  Sermons,  Baxter's  Saints'  Rest,  But- 
ler's Analogy,  Doddridge  on  Regeneration,  Edwards  on  the  Affec- 
tions, Edwards'  History  of  Redemption,  Hunter's  »Sacred  Biogra- 
phy, Life  of  Watts  and  Doddridge,  Mason  on  Self  Knowledge, 
Newton  on  the  Prophecies,  Paley's  Evidences,  Sterne's  Sermons, 
Taylor's  Life  of  Christ,  Whitefield's  Sermons,  Zimmerman  on  Sol- 
itude ;  in  politics,  Burlamaqui  on  Natural  and  Political  Law,  Con- 
stitution of  the  several  States,  Laws  of  Massachusetts,  Presidents' 
Speeches ;  in  literature.  Beauties  of  Poetry*,  Cowper's  Poems, 
Franklin's  Works,  Johnson's  Lives  of  the  Poets,  Rasselas,  Beau- 
ties of  Johnson,  Paradise  Lost,  Beauties  of  Pope,  Spectator, 
Thomson's  Seasons,  Trumbull's  McFingal,  Telemachus,  Vicar  of 
Wakefield,  Watts'  LjtIc  Poems,  Young's  Night  Thoughts. 

ADKLPHIAN    LIBRARY. 

The  Adelphian  Library,  so  named  by  the  suggestion  of  Rev. 
James  Bates,  colleague    Pastor   with  Dr.  Homer,    was    formed,. 


WEST  NEWTON  ATHENiEUM.  GG5 

sa5-s  Mr.  Rice,  iQ  182G,  [according  to  Dr.  Gilbert,  182  7;  Seth 
Davis,  Esq.,  saj's,  about  1830].  The  Hon.  William  Jackson 
and  others,  b}'  begging,  buying  and  giving,  procured  quite  a 
valuable  library.  Mr.  Davis  furnished  lumber,  and  Mr.  Rufus 
Pratt  made  a  book-case  (all  a  gratuity),  and  it  was  placed  in 
the  entrance  room  to  Mr.  Davis'  Academy.  Mr.  Davis  was  the 
Librarian,  till  he  sold  out  his  academy*  in  1839.  About  1832 
or  1833,  it  was  arranged  that  the  books,  in  part,  should  be  kept, 
and  occasionally  exchanged,  in  both  parishes,  the  East  and  the 
West.  Mr.  Rice  was  the  librarian  in  the  East  parish.  Mr. 
Davis  says,  "  I  think  there  was  but  one  exchange  of  books, —  about 
1834."  Mr.  Rice,  speaking  of  the  eastern  branch  of  the  library, 
says, —  "The  Temperance  Societ}',  formed  in  Newton  in  1826,  be- 
lieving if  the  people  staid  at  home  and  saved  their  money,  they 
would  need  books  to  read,  collected,  by  begging  and  buying,  a 
large  library  called  the  Adelphian  Library.  This  library  was 
kept  for  a  number  of  years  in  the  vestry  of  Dr.  Homer's  Society, 
and  the  books  were  very  generally  read."  When  Mr.  Davis  sold 
his  academy,  the  books  of  the  Adelphian  Library  of  West  New- 
ton were  removed  to  the  vestry  of  the  Second  Congregational 
church  (West  Newton) .  It  was  proposed  to  donate  or  sell  the 
books  of  the  Library  of  1798  to  the  Adelphian  Library.  But  Mr. 
Samuel  F.  Dix,  the  custodian,  and  some  others,  objected  to  the 
arrangement,  for  Avant  of  authority  from  the  originators  of  the 
Libraiy  of  1798,  of  whom  some  were  dead,  others  had  removed, 
and  a  new  generation  had  come  into  their  places.  Mr.  Davis  says, 
"  I  understand  that  ultimately,  during  the  fourth  decade  of  this 
century,  the  Librar}'  of  1798,  together  with  the  Adelphian,  became 
merged  with  the  Athenaeum." 

WEST   NEWTON   ATHEN^UM. 

A.  Library  Association  was  formed  in  West  Newton,  in  Decem- 
ber, 1849,  styled  "  The  West  Newton  Athenaeum."  Among  its 
founders  were  Hon.  Horace  Mann,  William  B.  Fowle,  Cyru* 
Pierce,  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Clarke,  D.  D.,  Dr.  J.  H.  Brown  and  J. 
W.  Plymptou,  the  latter  of  whom  made,  at  one  time,  a  donation  of 
$1,000  to  the  Library.  The  Institution,  as  originally  established, 
contemplated  the  promotion  of  liberal  culture  and  social  improve- 
ment, as  well  as  a  Library  Association.  The  property  of  the  Li- 
brary was  held  in  shares,  of  the  par  value  of  ten  dollars  eaclu 


<3G6  HISTOKY  OF  NEWTOX. 

The  Library  has  increased  to  several  thousand  volumes,  and  the 
design  is  to  make  it,  ultimately,  free  to  all. 

NEWTON   BOOK   CLUB NEWTON  LITERARY  ASSOCIATION. 

In  January,  1848,  a  few  gentlemen  met  at  the  house  of  the  first 
pastor  of  the  Eliot  church,  Rev.  William  S.  Leavitt,  to  take  into 
consideration  the  matter  of  forming  a  Book  Club,  for  the  difi'asion 
of  general  literature  and  mutual  improvement  in  the  community. 

Twelve  gentlemen  were  present  at  this  first  meeting,  and,  after 
due  deliberation,  it  was  determined  to  form  an  association  to  be 
called  the  "Newton  Book  Club."  Twenty-six  subscribers  were 
obtained,  and  regulations  adopted. 

One  article  provided  that  the  library  should  be  under  the  direc- 
tion of  five  members,  chosen  annually,  etc.  Another  article  pro- 
vided for  the  good  care  of  the  books,  "  as  they  are  intended  Lo  form 
a  permanent  library  for  the  benefit  of  the  village." 

During  the  first  year,  one  hundred  and  eleven  books  were  pur- 
chased for  the  use  of  the  Club,  and  its  prosperity  showed  the  ne- 
cessity of  a  permanent  library.  Consequently,  at  its  first  annual 
meeting  the  initiatory  steps  were  taken,  and  a  Corporation  formed, 
entitled  the  "  Newton  Literray  Association." 

A  number  of  new  and  standard  books  were  purchased,  and 
about  this  time  the  old  library  at  Newton  Centre  was  donated  to 
the  Association,  and  a  catalogue  printed. 

In  January,  1851,  a  vote  was  introduced  to  open  the  doors  to 
all  paying  for  the  privilege.  Two  hundred  new  and  valuable 
books  were  added  by  purchase  this  3'ear,  and  the  library  was  or- 
dered to  be  open  a  part  of  two  days  in  every  week.     In  February, 

1851,  the  catalogue,  with  a  printed  supplement,  was  distributed  to 
every  house  in  the  village.     At  the  annual  meeting  in  January, 

1852,  the  Constitution  was  amended,  opening  the  library  to  all, 
under  certain  conditions.  This  was  another  step  for  the  public 
benefit.  In  October,  1852,  a  course  of  public  lectures  was  agreed 
upon,  to  be  delivered  during  the  ensuing  winter  for  the  benefit  of 
the  library. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Newton  Literary  Association,* — held  at  the 
house  of  Hon.  D.  K.  Hitchcock,  on  Tuesday  evening,  July  21, 


*This  Association,  sometimes  called  the  "  Newton  Debating  Society,"  was  formed 
December  8,  UoG,  and  held  its  meetings  weekly,  first  in  the  American  Hall,  and  after- 
wards, for  about  four  years,  at  the  house  of  Dr.  Hitchcock. 


FREE  PUBLIC  LIBRARY.  667 

1865,  the  following  statement  was  presented  by  a  committee  ap- 
l)oiatccl  for  the  purpose,  concerning  the  original  suggestion  and 
first  movements  towards  the  establishment  of  a  Free  Public  Li- 
braiy  in  Newton.  The  statement  is  important  in  the  history'  of 
the  Newton  Free  Library. 

STATEMENT. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Newton  Literary  Association,  held  at  the 
house  of  Hon.  D.  K.  Hitchcock,  March  2,  1865,  the  subject  of  a 
Free  Public  Library  was  first  introduced  by  Dr.  Hitchcock,  who 
urged  the  matter  upon  the  attention  of  the  Association,  and  offered 
the  following  Resolutions,  which  were  unanimously  adopted  : 

"Whereas,  the  ancient  and  highly  favored  town  of  Newton,  with  all  its 
wealth  and  enterprise  and  rapidly  increasing  population,  is  remarkable  alike 
for  its  intelligence,  public  spirit  and  benevolence, 

And,  whereas,  the  best  interests  and  claims  of  the  people  have,  in  one  par- 
ticular, at  least,  been  overlooked, —  Therefore, 

Resolved,  that  the  town  should  be  famished  with  a  Free  Pdbho  Libkary. 

Resolved,  that  in  view  of  the  great  advantages  enjoyed  in  other  places,  hav- 
ing free  access  to  large  and  well  endowed  libraries,  it  is  very  desirable  that 
the  necessary  measures  should  be  taken  to  bring  this  subject  to  the  notice  of 
our  citizens,  in  order  that  they  may  enjoy  the  pleasure  and  the  privilege  of 
establishing  a  Public  Library  which  will  be  worthy  of  the  town. 

Resolved,  that  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  to  nominate  a  Standing 
Committee  on  the  Newton  Fkee  Public  Library. 

H.  D.  Bassett,  Henry  Fuller  and  "William  Guild  were  constituted 
such  committee. 

At  a  subsequent  meeting  of  the  Association,  held  March  16, 
1865,  the  following  named  gentlemen  were  constituted  a  Standing 
Committee  on  the  Free  Public  Library,  to  wit :  Dr.  D.  K.  Hitch- 
cock, Dr.  H.  Bigelow,  G.  AV.  Bacon,  George  Alden,  George  H. 
Jones,  George  C.  Lord,  H.  M.  Hagar,  M.  M.  Chick,  George  H. 
Quincy,  Rev.  W.  G.  W.  Lewis,  Charles  W.  Pierce,  George  Lin- 
der,  A.  G.  Brown,  H.  Lemon,  L.  S.  Holman  and  Orrin  Whipple. 

Subsequently,  on  the  20th  of  March,  1865,  Dr.  D.  K.  Hitch- 
cock made  a  subscription  of  One  Hundred  Dollars  towards  the  en- 
dowment of  a  Free  Public  Library  in  Newton,  and  paid  the 
same  into  the  hands  of  H.  D.  Bassett,  then  President  of  the  Asso- 
ciation, as  the  first  subscription  towards  the  object,  and  subject  to 


668  HISTORY  OF  XEWTOX. 

call,  ou  demand,  by  the  Treasurer,  on  completion  of  sach  organi- 
zation as  is  necessary  for  the  safety  and  accomplishment  of  the  en- 
terprise. 

Subsequent!}',  a  meeting  of  the  Standing  Committee  was  held  at 
the  house  of  Dr.  Hitchcock,  March  22,  1865,  at  which  were  present 
Dr.  b.  K.  Hitchcock,  Dr.  Henry  Bigelow,  Rev.  W.  G.  W.  Lewis, 
George  II.  Quiucy,  George  C.  Lord,  George  Alden,  M.  M.  Chick, 
L.  S.  Ilolraau  and  A.  G.  Brown ;  Dr.  Hitchcock,  Chairman ;  A. 
G.  Brown,  Secretary;  and  after  discussion,  D.  K.  Hitchcock, 
Henry  Bigelow  and  George  C.  Lord  were  appointed  a  committee 
to  confer  with  certain  gentlemen  of  property  and  standing,  to  enlist 
their  support  and  influence  in  this  enterprise. 

Messrs.  Lewis,  Alden  and  George  II.  Jones  were  appointed 
a  committee  to  report  a  plan  of  organization ;  and  Messrs. 
Hitchcock,  Lewis  and  G.  W.  Bacon  were  appointed  a  committee 
to  take  measures  to  have  a  grand  public  meeting,  to  bring  the  en- 
terprise to  the  notice,  and  secure  the  co-operation,  of  all  classes,  in 
regard  to  the  Librar}'. 

In  accordance  with  this  action,  a  public  meeting  was  called  b}^ 
the  following  notice,  which  was  circulated  extensively  in  the  town  : 

NEWTON    FREE    PUBLIC    LIBRARY. 

The  Newton  Literary  Association  beg  to  aanounce  that  a  meeting  will  be 
held  in  Eliot  Hall,  Newton  Corner,  on  Fast  Day  evening,  13th  instant,  at 
seven  o'clock,  to  consult  in  regard  to  endowing  a  Free  Public  Library  for 
the  town  of  Newton. 

Hon.  Alexander  H.  Bullock,  Judge  Eussell,  and  other  distinguished  gen- 
tlemen will  address  the  meeting. 

The  committee  have  invited  the  following  persons  to  act  as  officers  of  the 
meeting : 

PKESIDENT. 

[To  be  chosen  at  the  meeting.] 

VICE-PRESIDENTS. 

Newton  Upper  Falls. —  E.  J.  Collins,  Frederic  Barden,  Willard  Marcy, 
F.  A.  Collins,  Otis  Pettee. 

Newton  Lower  Falls. —  Thomas  Rice,  jr.,  Isaac  Hagar,  Vaughn  Jones. 

Newton  Centre. — Gardner  Colby,  James  F.  C.  Hyde,  M.  S.  Rice,  George 
C.  Rand,  D.  H.  Mason,  George  S.  Dexter. 

AuBURNDALE. —  Johu  S.  Abbott,  G.  W.  Briggs,  H.  B.  Williams,  J.  E. 
"Woodbridge,  J.  Willard  Rice,  Professor  Gushing,  Cephas  Brigham. 


FREE  PUBLIC  LIBRAIIY.  C69 

West  Newton.  — E.  H.  Eldredge,  S.  F.  Dix,  William  E.  Sheldon,  Addi- 
son Macxillar,  J.  W.  Plympton. 

Newtonville. —  William  Claflin,  Joseph  Walker,  T.  D.  Adams,  W.  D. 
Coolidge,  John  L.  Roberts,  A.  H.  Ward,  Dustin  Lancey. 

Newton  Corner. —  John  S.  Farlow,  J.  N.  Bacon,  John  C.  Potter,  George 
H.  Jones,  Henry  Bigelow,  Orrin  Whipple,  George  C.  Lord,  George  Linder, 
H.  D.  Bassett,  John  C.  Chaffin,  Alonzo  Lilly,  William  Guild,  D.  B.  Jewett, 
Henry  Claflin,  George  Alden,  Benjamin  Sewell,  John  Q.  Henry,  Samuel 
Chism,  Henry  Fuller,  George  Hyde,  George  H.  Quincy,  James  F.  Claflin, 
Albert  G.  Brown. 

David  K.  Hitchcock,  "| 
George  W.  Bacon,       y  Committee. 
W.  G.  W.  Lewis,  J 

April  10,  1865. 


In  accordance  with  this  Notice,  a  meeting  was  held,  which  was 
•called  to  order  by  H.  D.  Bassett,  Pi-esident  of  the  Association. 
Hon.  D.  K.  Hitchcock  was  chosen  President,  and  the  meeting  was 
addressed  b}'  Dr,  Hitchcock,  His  Excellency  Governor  A.  H. 
Bullock,  Hon.  Thomas  Russell,  Rev.  J.  W.  "Wellman,  George  H. 
Jones,  Esq.,  Rev.  Mr.  Lewis  and  others. 

The  following  were  the  remai-ks  of  Dr.  Hitchcock : 

The  object  of  our  meeting  is  to  secure  a  Free  Public  Library  for  this  town. 
I  need  not  speak  in  detail  of  the  advantages  and  blessings  which  such  an  in- 
stitution would  give ;  for  that  would  be  a  reflection  upon  your  intelligence 
and  public  spirit.  But  this  I  do  state, —  and  you  will  cheerfully  bear  witness 
to  the  truthfulness  of  the  remark, —  that,  as  a  people  possessing  great  wealth 
and  enterprise,  we  have  overlooked  one  of  the  greatest  blessings,  which 
should  have  long  since  been  secured.  This  is  an  age  of  progress.  We  have 
new  facilities  and  improvements  which  our  ancestors  never  enjoyed.  We 
find  them  in  the  shops  of  our  industrious  mechanics.  The  anvil  and  the 
loom,  the  plow  and  the  reaper,  the  rail-car  and  the  telegraph,  the  silent  riv- 
ulet, the  majestic  river,  the  ebbing  and  flowing  tide,  are  employed  to  aid  our 
artisans  and  to  turn  the  wheels  of  our  manufactories.  Fire  and  steam  are 
harnessed  to  our  carriages,  and  are  indispensable  to  our  artisans,  while  light- 
ning is  held  in  subjection  to  our  will,  transmitting  and  printing  our  thoughts 
with  the  same  ease  as  the  cunning  fingers  of  the  accomplished  organist  in 
yonder  church  command  the  various  tones  of  musical  expression. 

On  looking  over  the  records  of  the  Mayor  and  Aldermen  of  the  city  of 
Boston,  we  find,  that  August  5,  1850,  the  City  Government  passed  a  vote  of 
thanks  to  the  Hon.  John  P.  Bigelow,  for  his  contribution  of  one  thousand 
dt)llars  for  the  purpose  of  founding  a  Free  Public  Library.  That  auspicious 
beginning,  nobly  seconded  by  the  contributions  of  the  late  Abbott  Lawrence, 
of  happy  memory, —  the  gifts  of  the  eloquent  Everett,  and  the  noble  endow- 
ment of  Joshua  Bates,  besides  other  donations  from  generous  and  approving 


070  HISTORY  or  NEWTON. 

friends,  has  given  to  the  Metropolis  of  New  England  a  magnificent  Library^ 
as  free  as  the  air  we  breathe,  notwithstanding  fifteen  years  have  not  passed, 
since  the  first  money  was  paid. 

The  principal  cities,  and  in  some  instances,  a  few  of  our  small  towns,  have 
established  Free  Libraries ;  and  wherever  that  has  been  done,  it  has  been 
found,  that  a  taste  for  reading  has  been  increased.  Works  of  science,  travels 
and  histories,  essays,  i^oetry  and  choice  romances  have  superseded  the  nov- 
ellettes  with  which  we  have  been  flooded,  whilst  it  has  rendered  those  places 
more  valuable,  always  attracting  the  attention  of  those  who  appreciate  such 
superior  advantages. 

If  we  have  neglected  to  secure  a  Eree  Public  Library  for  this  ancient  and 
illustrious  town,  let  us  hasten  to  do  our  duty.  The  demand  for  good  books, 
the  pursuit  of  knowledge,  the  claims  of  the  young  earnestly  appeal  to  us,  to 
provide  for  their  intellectual  wants. 

The  committee  for  procuring  a  Free  Public  Library  have  had  the  great- 
est solicitude  as  to  its  success.  They  were  willing  to  be  hewers  of  wood, 
drawers  of  water,  or  serve  in  any  capacity.  And  the  Chair  is  especially 
gratified  in  being  able  to  say  that  this  good  work  meets  with  the  most  cor- 
dial approbation  of  the  whole  town.  All  are  willing  to  unite  in  securing  its 
endowment,  regarding  the  present  moment  as  just  the  time  when  w& 
should  commence.  Our  national  struggles  are  about  ended.  Peace,  blessed 
peace  is  once  more  to  return,  when  we  shall  beat  our  swords  into  plough- 
shares and  our  spears  into  pruning-hooks.  Let  us  emulate  each  other  in  our 
peace  offerings. 

After  this,  the  matter  was  taken  in  hand  by  the  citizens,  and 
carried  forward  to  the  desired  consummation. 

The  Statement  preceding  was  adopted  as  the  judgment  of  the 
Association,  and  it  was 

Voted,  that  the  same,  with  the  proceedings  of  this  meeting  relating  there- 
to, signed  by  the  President  and  Secretary,  be  furnished  to  the  proper  com- 
mittee, to  be  inclosed  in  the  box  to  be  placed  in  the  corner-stone  of  the  new 
Library  Building. 

Attest,  RALPH  W.  HOLMAN,  President. 

Albert  G.  Brown,  Secretary. 

In  1868  the  library-  of  the  Newton  Literary  Association  num- 
bered 1,700  vohimes.  This  Association  was  subsequent!}'  absorbed 
into  "The  Newton  Free  PubHc  Librar3\"  The  following  notes 
indicate  the  progress  of  the  organization  until  it  became  a  compo- 
nent part  of  the  Newton  Free  Library',  which  was  its  successor. 

The  3'ear  1864  opened  very  favorabl}'.  The  receipts  for  the 
year  1863  showed  an  increase  of  nearl}'  300  per  cent,  on  the  pre- 
vious year.  The  number  of  books  loaned  dming  the  year  was- 
3,028. 


NEWTON  FKEE  LIBEARY.  G71 

The  Librarian  reported,  at  the  annual  meeting  held  in  January-, 
18G5,  that  sixty-foui-  volumes  had  been  added  to  the  library  during 
the  past  year,  and  4,816  books  loaned.  Receipts  during  the  3'ear, 
$395.64. 

At  the  annual  meeting  in  January,  ISGG,  it  appeared  by  the  Sec- 
retary and  Treasurer's  book  that  fort}-  new  members  had  boon 
added,  and  5,069  volumes  loaned  during  the  past  3'ear. 

Suitable  resolutions  were  passed  at  this  meeting  on  the  death  of 
Dr.  Henry  Bigclow,  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Library,  as  well 
as  one  of  its  most  active  and  ardent  supporters.  The  intellectual 
growth  of  the  people  was  his  characteristic  desire ;  and  his  in- 
fluence was  present  wherever  this  was  the  aim. 

The  matter  of  raising  funds  to  increase  the  Library  and  procure 
a  building  for  its  use,  was  discussed.  A  proposition  was  offered, 
also,  to  remove  the  Library  to  one  of  the  vacant  rooms  in  the  new 
school-house  at  Newton  Corner  ;  but  on  account  of  the  remoteness 
of  the  latter  from  the  centre  of  business,  it  was  judged  best  not  to 
remove  the  books,  but  to  await  the  erection  of  a  new  building  in  a 
central  situation,  to  accommodate  the  mass  of  the  people. 

The  erection  of  a  new  building  for  a  Free  Librar^^  and  Reading 
Room  had  now  become  imperative,  and  direct  steps  tending  towards 
such  an  enterprise  were  thought  necessary. 

On  the  2Gth  of  March  of  this  j'ear  a  special  meeting  of  the 
Association  was  called  for  the  purpose  of  considering  the  subject 
of  a  new  building,  and  a  Free  Librar}'.  This  subject  had  been 
before  the  Association,  under  different  forms,  for  fifteen  years ; 
but  for  various  reasons,  the  chief  of  which  was  that  it  was  thought 
the  town  was  hardly  large  enough  to  undertake  such  an  enterprise, 
it  had  been,  from  time  to  time,  postponed. 

It  was  now  thought  by  the  Association  that  they  would  be  derelict 
in  dut}-,  should  they  refuse  to  move  at  once  in  the  matter.  The  citi- 
zens were  looking  to  them  as  the  natural  guardians  in  trust  for  the 
free  circulation  of  works  of  literature  among  the  people,  so  that 
those  unable  to  have  libraries  at  their  own  homes,  and  especialh* 
the  young  men,  might  enjoy  equal  advantages,  in  that  regard,  with 
the  most  favored. 

In  June,  1866,  Mr,  Joel  H.  Hills  obtained  a  subscription  of 
thirty-three  hundred  dollars,  with  which  to  purchase  a  lot  of  land 
to  be  offered  as  a  gift  to  the  Newton  Library  Association,  on  which 
to  erect  a  Library  Building  ;  and,  if  declined  by  that  Association, 


672 


HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 


to  offer  the  same  to  auy  other  organization,  which  would  guarantee 
the  erection  of  such  a  structure.  The  following  are  the  names  of 
the  subscribers : 


D.  li.  Emerson, 
J.  C.  Chaffin, 
Albert  Brackett, 
Joel  H.  Hills, 
Joseph  N.  Bacon, 
Fred.  Davis, 


George  H.  Jones, 
Wra.  O.  Edmands, 
H.  D.  Bassett, 
J.  W.  "Wellman, 
I.  T.  Burr, 
Francis  Skinner, 


G.  D.  Oilman, 
Louisa  S.  Brown, 
A.  B.  Underwood, 
Aaron  F.  Gay, 
James  French. 


The  land  purchased,  about  20,500  feet,  is  situated  on  Centre 
Street,  formerly  the  property  of  Captain  William  Thomas,  and  is 
the  same  lot  on  which  the  Library-  Building  of  the  Newton  Free 
Library  is  now  located. 

The  following  statement,  compiled  from  the  subscription  book 
of  the  Newton  Free  Library,  shows  the  number  of  contributors, 
and  the  amounts  paid  from  June,  1866,  to  Jauuar}'  1,  1876.  In 
case  of  several  subscriptions  by  one  individual,  the  full  amount  is 
entered,  with  the  exception  of  subscriptions  to  the  Land  Fund, 
which  is  given  in  full. 


One 

gave, 

$17,000.00 

Two          gave 

$125  each 

$    250.00 

One 

(( 

6,500.00 

Thirty          " 

100     " 

3,000.00 

Two 

(( 

$2,500  each. 

5,000.00 

Three 

75     " 

225.00 

Two 

<( 

2,000     " 

4,000.00 

Thirty-six,  " 

50     " 

1,800.00 

One 

a 

1,  GOO.  00 

Two 

30     " 

CO.OO 

One 

i( 

1,500.00 

Forty           " 

25     " 

1,000.00 

Four 

" 

$1,250  each 

5,000.00 

Twelve        " 

20     " 

240.00 

One 

(( 

1,100.00 

Four            " 

15     " 

60.00 

One 

<( 

1,000.00 

One  hundred  and  tliirty-two 

One 

(  c 

800.00 

gave  $10  eac 

h, 

1,320.00 

One 

(( 

750.00 

One  gave 

5.00 

One 

I'our 

Three 

One 

One 

One 

Five 

it 
a 
a 

a 

$500  each, 
400     " 

700  00 

2,000.00 

1,200.00 

375.00 

350.00 

300.00 

1,250.00 

Three  hundred   and   five 

gave 
By  proceeds  from  lectures 

and  other  sources, 
By  sundry  persons  for  pur- 

$60,535.00 
1,420.77 

<i 

$250  each, 

chase  of  land. 

3,320.00 

Seven 

a 

200     " 

1,400.00 

Total, 

$65,275.77 

Five 

« 

150     " 

750.00 

The  late  J.  Wiley  Edmands,  Esq.,  in  1870,  made  a  special  gift 
to  the  Newton  Free  Librar}-  of  $5,000,  for  the  purchase  of  books, 
to  be  paid  in  five  annual  instalments. 


NEWTON  FREE  LIBRARY.  G73 

September  20, 18G6,  the  subscribers  to  this  fund  met  aud  organ- 
ized, and  chose  a  Board  of  Trustees.  The  Trustees  were  empow- 
ered to  collect  the  amounts  subscribed  to  the  fund,  to  have  the 
property  transferred  to  them,  to  receive  the  deeds  of  the  same,  and 
to  hold  the  property  for  the  proprietors,  to  be  for  the  use  and 
purposes  of  the  subscribei's,  as  set  forth  in  said  subscription  paper. 
It  was  also  voted  "  that  the  Trustees  take  the  initiative  in  any 
measure  that  will  promote  the  interests  of  a  Free  Public  Librarj^ 
in  this  place,  and  in  the  erection  of  a  suitable  building  on  the  land 
purchased  bj'  the  subscribers  to  the  fund."  In  accordance  with 
the  authorit}-  thus  given  them,  the  Trustees  collected  the  subscrip- 
tions, and  received  the  title  to  the  land.  In  1867,  the  Trustees  re- 
ported to  the  subscribers  their  action,  and  the  condition  of  the 
enterprise,  which  was  unanimously'  endorsed  by  vote  of  the  sub- 
scribers. 

It  was  also  voted  "  that  the  Trustees  have  full  powers  to  treat 
with  anj"  existing  Library  Association  at  Newton  Corner  for  the 
receiving  of  the  gift  of  the  land  from  the  subscribers,  on  the  con- 
dition expressed  in  the  indenture ;  or,  to  initiate  proceedings,  by 
calling  public  meetings,  procuring  subscriptions,  or  otherwise,  for 
the  formation  of  a  new  Library  Association  to  receive  said  gifts 
on  said  conditions  ;  to  receive  in  trust,  if  they  deem  it  best,  any 
transfer  of  stock  or  property  from  any  existing  Library  Associa- 
tion ;  to  procure  an}^  legislation  they  may  think  necessary,  or  take 
an}' other  action  which  they  may  judge  best  adapted  to  carry  out 
the  purposes  of  the  subscribers  ;  and,  that  they  report  their  action 
in  the  premises  to  the  subscribers,  at  a  meeting  to  be  called  bj' 
them  at  such  time  as  they  may  deem  most  expedient  for  the  enter- 
prise." 

Under  the  powers  thus  conferred  upon  the  Trustees,  they  com- 
menced theu-  labors.  In  January,  1868,  they  reported  to  the  sub- 
scribers the  gift  of  Sl5,000  bj'  the  Hon.  J.  Wiley  Edmands  upon 
certain  conditions,  as  follows  : 

"First,  that  a  like  sum  of  §15,000  shall  be  fully  secm-ed  by  the 
Trustees  previous  to  the  first  day  of  March  next;  second,  that  a 
building  shall  be  erected  under  the  general  supervision  of  the  pres- 
ent Trustees,  or  their  successors  in  office,  and  in  accordance  with 
plans  which  shall  be  satisfactory  to  him ;  third,  that  when  com- 
pleted, it  shall  be  organized  under  tlie  name  of  the  Newton  Fkee 
Library,  with  a  Board  of  Control,  consisting  of  eleven  Managers, 
43 


G74  HISTORY  OF  NEWTOX. 

three  of  whom  shall  be  the  present  Board  of  Trustees,  or  their  suc- 
cessors, the  remaining  number  to  be  elected  from  the  contributors 
to  the  above  specified  amount ;  fourth,  that  all  contributors  of  SlO. 
and  upwards,  shall  have  aright  to  vote  ;  fifth,  that  these  conditions 
shall  be  fully  entered  in  the  subscription  book." 

In  accordance  with  a  vote  of  the  subscribers,  at  a  meeting  held 
April  1,  18G7,  the  Trustees  made  a  tender  of  the  land,  under  cer- 
tain conditions,  to  the  Newton  Library  Association.  The  condi- 
tions were,  1.  That  the  Library  Building,  to  be  erected,  should  be 
of  brick  or  stone,  two  stories  high.  2.  That  it  should  be  completed 
on  or  before  June  28,  1871.  3.  That  it  should  cost  not  less  than 
ten  thousand  dollars  ($10,000). 

The  "  Newton  Library  Association  "  declined  to  accept  this  gift  ^ 
but,  in  accordance  with  a  communication  received  from  the  Trustees- 
of  the  Library  Land  Fund  Association,  dated  November  21,  1867, 
voted,  "  that  the  Association  will  transfer  all  its  books  and  other 
property  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Library  Laud  Fund,  when  any 
Association  shall  accept  of  the  lot  of  land  named  in  the  commu- 
nication of  the  Trustees,  and  guarantee  to  erect  such  a  building  as. 
is  therein  mentioned,  to  be  held  in  trust  by  said  Trustees  until  the 
completion  of  the  said  building,  when  they  shall  transfer  the  same 
to  the  new  Association,  provided  it  shall  be  maintained  as  a  Free- 
Library,  and  be  located  in  that  part  of  this  town  now  called  New- 
ton Corner." 

At  a  meeting  of  the  subscribers,  held  January  6,  1868,  the  Trus- 
tees were  empowered  to  raise  fifteen  thousand  dollars  ($15,000)  in 
addition  to  a  gift  of  a  like  sum,  to  proceed  to  erect  such  a  build- 
ing as  shall  be,  in  their  judgment,  in  accordance  with  the  perma- 
nent and  effective  establishment  of  such  an  institution ;  and  they 
were  authorized,  when  the}-  should  have  received  the  full  amount 
of  thirty  thousand  dollars,  to  convc}-  the  land  to  an  association  to 
be  called  the  Newton  Free  Library.  It  was  also  voted  "  that  the 
Trustees  procure  an  act  of  Incorporation." 

B}"  energetic  and  persistent  etfort,  public  meetings,  courses  of 
lectures  and  private  labor,  the  sum  of  $36,683  was  obtained,  and 
in  June,  1868,  the  present  Library-  building  was  commenced. 
Ground  was  broken  June  10,  1868.  Tlie  corner-stone  was  laid 
August  13,  1868,  and  there  were  deposited  in  it,  for  the  inspection 
of  posterity,  the  Town  and  School  Reports  for  1868,  copies  of  the 
Newton  Journal,  Boston  papers  of  the  day,  the  American  Alma- 


NEWTON  FREE  LIBRARY.  675 

nac,  specimeus  of  coins,  bank-notes  and  currency  in  use,  the  his- 
tory of  the  Newton  Free  Library-,  and  the  several  reports  of  public 
meetings.  Also,  a  copy  of  the  Subscription  Book,  engrossed  on 
parchment,  giving  the  names  and  amounts  subscribed. 

On  this  occasion,  the  principal  address  was  by  the  Rev.  E.  J. 
Young.  An  original  hymn,  by  Rev.  I.  N.  Tarbox,  was  sung. 
The  ceremony  of  laying  the  stone  was  performed  b}'  J.  Wiley  Ed- 
mands,  Esq.  Pra3-er  by  Rev.  J.  W.  Wellman.  The  hymn 
"America"  was  sung,  followed  by  the  Benediction,  by  Rev.  C.  S. 
Rogers. 

The  rough  stone  for  the  walls  was  taken  from  the  quarry  of  S. 
II.  Gooch,  Esq.,  Newton  Centre  ;  the  split  and  cut  stone  for  trim- 
mings, from  Ilallowell,  Me.  The  Newton  Library  Association 
delivered  its  property  to  the  Trustees  and  Managers,  in  compli- 
ance with  its  vote  of  January  6, 1868,  and  the  same  was  received  by 
the  Newton  Free  Library,  in  accordance  therewith. 

NEWTON    FREE    LIBRARY. 

The  Newton  Free  Library  was  organized  September  29,  1869, 
with  a  President,  Secretary,  Treasurer,  and  a  Board  of  eleven 
Managers.  The  first  Board  of  Managers  was  composed  of  the 
following  names :  George  H.  Jones,  John  C.  Chaffln,  Isaac  T. 
Burr,  J.  Wiley  Edmands,  George  W.  Bacon,  John  S.  Farlow,. 
A.  B.  Underwood,  Joel  H.  Hills,  George  S.  Bulleus,  George  S. 
Harwood  and  Abuer  I.  Beuyon.  The  Librarj-  building  was  dedi- 
cated June  17,  1870.  An  awning  spread  in  front  of  the  edifice^ 
furnished  an  audience-hall  accommodating  from  1,500  to  2,000^ 
persons  ;  and  on  this  historic  day,  sacred  to  patriotism,  and  now,. 
also,  sacred  to  letters,  the  people  of  Newton,  from  the  talent  of 
their  own  citizens,  celebrated  this  literary  feast.  An  address  of 
welcome  and  congratulation  was  offered  by  Governor  Claiiiu ; 
report  of  the  Trustees,  by  the  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Mana- 
gers, George  H.  Jones,  Esq.,  including  a  presentation  speech,  in 
which  the  free  use  of  the  Library  was  formally  given  to  the  to^vu  ; 
the  principal  address  of  the  occasion  hy  Rev.  J.  W.  Wellman, 
D.  D.  ;  an  appropriate  poem  by  Rev.  S.  F.  Smith,  D.  D.,  and  an  ad- 
dress by  Hon.  Thomas  L.  Rice,  accepting  the  donation  in  behalf  of 
the  citizens.  The  Library  Hall  had  been  beautifully  decorated 
\nth.  pictures  and  flowers,  and  was  visited,  during  the  afternoon 
and   evening,  by  a  large  number  of  persons.     The  cost  of  the 


676  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

building  and  fixtures,  including  land,  was  $36,695.20.  At  the 
commencement  of  the  enterprise,  about  $7,000  was  expended  for 
books,  and  $500  for  the  Reading  Room.  Hon.  J.  Wiley  Edmands, 
having  contributed,  unsolicited,  the  largest  amount  of  any  indi- 
vidual towards  the  building  on  Centre  Street,  besides  other  liberal 
donations, —  in  his  honor  the  principal  room  in  the  edfice  is  called 
"  Edmands  Hall."  The  Library  was  opened  with  7,084  volumes. 
The  clock  in  Edmands  Hall  is  the  gift  of  N.  P.  Coburn,  Esq. 

On  the  third  of  November,  1875,  at  an  adjourned  meeting  of 
the  stockholders  of  the  Newton  Free  Library,  a  vote  was  passed, 
empowering  the  Managers  to  tender  the  Library  to  the  city  of 
Newton.  A  committee,  consisting  of  Messrs.  J.  Wiley  Edmands, 
J.  S.  Farlow  and  E.  W.  Converse,  Esqs.,  was  appointed  b}^  the 
Board  with  full  powers  to  consummate  the  transfer  of  the  franchise 
and  property  of  the  Corporation  to  the  cit}-.  After  due  consider- 
ation, the  donation  was  accepted  by  the  Mayor,  Aldermen  and 
Common  Council,  on  behalf  of  the  city,  and  the  Legislature  of 
Massachusetts  passed  an  Act,  necessary  in  the  premises,  authoriz- 
ing the  transfer.  This  Act,  by  an  agreeable  coincidence,  received 
the  signature  of  approval  of  the  Governor  of  the  Commonwealth 
then  occupying  the  Chair  of  State,  the  Hon.  Alexander  H.  Rice,  a 
native-born  citizen  of  Newton,  and  who  had  received  his  early  edu- 
cation in  her  schools. 

In  accordance  with  arrangements  made  by  the  Joint  Special 
Committee  of  the  Cit}'  Council  and  the  Trustees  of  the  Newton 
Free  Librar}-,  the  formal  transfer  of  the  Library,  with  its  building 
and  other  property,  real  and  personal,  from  the  care  of  its  Board 
of  Trustees  to  that  of  the  Cit^'  Government  was  made  on  the  even- 
ing of  March  16,  1876.  There  were  present  his  Honor,  Mayor 
Speare,  and  members  of  the  Board  of  Aldermen,  Common  Coun- 
cil and  School  Committee,  with  officers  of  the  City  Government, 
clergymen  of  the  city,  and  others,  interested  in  the  business  which 
had  called  them  together. 

Hon.  J.  Wiley  Edmands,  President  of  the  Board  of  Trustees, 
occupied  the  chair ;  and,  upon  his  invitation,  the  services  of  the 
occasion  were  introduced  with  prayer  by  Rev.  S.  M.  Freeland. 

The  title-deeds  of  the  property,  and  the  keys  of  the  building, 
were  then  tendered  to  the  city,  through  its  chief  magistrate,  b}' 
Mr.  Edmands,  the  most  liberal  donor  to  the  funds  of  the  Library, 
— who  made  the  transfer  in  an  appropriate  address. 


NEWTON  FREE  LIBRARY.  677 

Mr.  Edmands  in  presenting  the  keys  and  title-deeds  of  the  prop- 
erty' to  the  Mayor,  as  the  representative  of  the  city,  said, — 

Its  books  have  not  been  gathered  at  hap-hazard,  to  give  fictitious  impor- 
tance to  its  catalogue  by  the  numbers  on  its  slielves,  but  have  all  been 
selected  with  much  care  and  discrimination,  making  up  an  assortment  of 
miscellaneous  works,  equal,  to  say  the  least,  in  point  of  merit  and  profitable 
reading,  to  the  average  collections  of  our  public  libraries. 

Early  in  the  history  of  the  Library,  the  enterprise  lost  the  character  of  an 
experiment.  Its  ready  appreciation  by  the  community  gave  evidence  that  it 
had  not  been  started  too  soon.  It  found  friends  to  come  to  its  support,  when 
money  was  needed  to  continue  it;  audits  steady  growth  has  confirmed  the 
most  sanguine  hopes  and  expectations  of  those  who  joined  in  establishing  it. 
They  well  knew,  that,  however  fortunate  they  might  be  in  pecuniary  re- 
sources, the  degree  of  popular  favor  which  the  Library  should  secure  would 
constitute  the  measure  of  its  usefulness.  There  has  been  no  disappointment 
in  this  respect ;  and  the  rapid  growth  and  present  prosperous  condition  of 
the  Library  is  due  to  its  appreciation  by  the  public. 

During  the  past  four  years  (those  of  its  full  operation),  the  number  of 
books  has  increased  over  thirty  per  cent.,  and  the  circulation,  forty-one  per 
cent. — the  number  on  the  shelves  at  this  time  being  11,289. 

Since  the  close  of  the  official  year,  September  30,  when  the  Annual  Re- 
port of  the  Managers  was  published,  its  progress  has  been  greater  than  at  any 
former  period.  The  circulation  of  the  five  months  ending  the  first  day  of 
the  present  month  is  32,298  volumes,  being  an  excess  of  11,8G2  over  the  same 
months  of  last  year.  This  increase  illustrates  the  growing  disposition  of  the 
community  to  avail  themselves  of  the  advantages  of  the  Library,  and  is 
significant  of  what  will,  before  long,  be  required,  in  enlarged  accommoda- 
tions, to  meet  the  wants  of  our  rapidly  increasing  population. 

A  fitting  response  was  made  by  the  Maj'or,  Hon.  Alden  Speare. 
The  following  extracts  from  his  address  present  important  and  in- 
teresting statistics : 

The  city  of  Newton  gratefully  accepts  this  most  princely  gift,  which  it  has 
ever  been  the  good  fortune  of  any  city  in  the  Commonwealth  to  receive. 

We  accept,  not  only  this  beautiful  and  substantial  building, —  fitly  repre- 
senting the  lasting  remembrance  in  which  you  and  your  associates  will  be 
held  by  the  citizens  of  Newton  in  all  coming  time, —  but  also,  the  results 
of  ten  years  of  earnest  thought  and  honest  labor.  All  this  you  have  freely 
given,  asking,  expecting,  and  receiving  no  other  reward  than  a  conscious- 
uess  that  you  have  tried  to  use  properly  the  talents  God  has  given  you, 
whether  those  talents  have  been  the  money  you  have  contributed,  or  days 
and  nights  devoted  to  the  advancement  of  the  interests  of  the  Library. 

Newton  accepts  this,  another,  its  last,  its  best  school-house, —  a  school- 
house  which  shall  furnish  opportunities  for  culture  to  all  its  inhabitants,  from 
the  pupil  in  our  primary  schools  to  the  graduate  of  the  highest  university  of 
this  or  any  land. 


G78  IIlSTOIiY  OF  NEWTOX. 

If  our  children  are  properly  instructed  at  home  and  in  our  public  schools, 
the  desire  is  aroused  for  a  wider  range  of  knowledge  and  breadth  of  culture, 
which  libraries  alone  can  supply. 

There  are  over  eleven  thousand  carefully  selected  volumes  in  this  Library, 
about  one-third  as  many  as  there  are  in  the  circulating  department  of  the 
Boston  Free  Library,  exclusive  of  its  branches,  and  three  times  as  many,  in 
l)roportion  to  the  number  of  inhabitants  to  be  accommodated.  You  also 
have  attained  an  average  weekly  circulation  of  over  eleven  hundred  volumes  ; 
and,  tiirough  agencies  established  in  the  various  wards,  the  books  are  easily 
accessible  to  all  our  citizens. 

The  Mayor  afterwards,  in  the  following  words,  introduced  the 
Hon.  J.  F.  C.  Hyde,  the  first  Mayor  of  Newton,  as  follows : 

We  are  favored  with  the  presence  of  the  gentleman  who  first  had  the  honor 
of  suggesting  that  which  we  to-night  have  had  the  pleasure  of  consummating. 
I  need  not  introduce  to  you,  but  I  have  the  honor  of  presenting  to  you,  the 
Hon.  James  F.  C.  Hyde. 

Mr.  H3-de  said, — 

It  gives  me  pleasure  to  be  present  to-night  to  witness  the  consummation 
of  a  thing  so  desirable  as  the  formal  transfer  of  this  Library  to  the  city.  I 
had  the  honor  to  suggest,  in  my  address  last  year,  that  such  an  arrangement 
would  be  a  wise  and  proper  thing,  and  expressed  the  hope  that  measures 
might  be  taken  to  place  this  Library  in  the  charge  and  under  the  direction 
of  the  city. 

Before  the  year  closed,  some  action  was  taken  in  this  direction.  The 
Mayor,  my  successor,  approving  the  measure,  seconded  the  suggestion  pre- 
viously made  ;  and,  soon  after  the  inauguration  of  the  new  government,  appli- 
cation was  made  to  the  General  Court,  and  the  necessary  authority  obtained ; 
and  we  are  here  to-night  to  witness  the  formal  and  legal  transfer  of  all  the 
property  of  the  Newton  Free  Library,  as  a  free  gift,  to  the  city  of  Newton, 
subject  only  to  such  proper  provisions  as  the  nature  of  the  gift  demands. 
Henceforth,  these  doors  are  to  swing  open  widely  and  freely  to  all, —  as  well 
to  him  who  pays  but  two  dollars  tax,  as  to  him  who  pays  two  thousand.  Here 
rich  and  poor,  young  and  old,  all,  from  every  part  of  the  city,  may  come  and 
enjoy  the  advantage  of  the  thousands  of  volumes  that  till  these  shelves.  In 
the  long  roll  of  years  yet  uncounted,  who  can  tell  what  blessings  may  come 
to  this  and  succeeding  generations  from  a  wise  and  proper  use  of  these  books? 
No  city  or  town,  so  far  as  1  now  remember,  has  ever  received  such  Vi.  princely 
gift.  Some  cities  have  had  a  sura  pledged,  if  the  city  would  raise  an  equal 
amount ;  but  liere,  all  is  freely  given.  A  large,  convenient,  and  most  sub- 
stantial building,  well  adapted  to  the  uses  for  which  it  was  designed,  with 
more  than  eleven  thousand  volumes,  selected  with  the  greatest  care  by  those 
who  inaugurated  this  noble  enterprise,  are  now  to  be  transferred  to  the  city 
as  a  free  gift. 


NEWTOX  FREE  LIBRARY.  679 

J.  S.  Farlow,  Esq.,  said, — 

•  I  shall  never  forget,  and  I  do  not  think  any  of  those  who  were  present  will 
ever  forget,  the  meetings  hold  in  the  early  days  of  this  enterprise.  Tiie 
doubts  and  misgivings  felt,  more  or  less,  by  all,  as  to  their  ability  to  raise  a 
sum  sufficiently  large  to  procure  what  every  one  present  at  those  meetings 
admitted  to  be  a  necessity  of  the  town  ;  viz.,  a  good  library  building,  library, 
and  reading-room,  that  should  be  free  to  the  whole  town ;  and  whether,  if  such 
■were  established,  could  or  would  their  use  and  benefits  be  availed  of  and  appre- 
ciated by  the  whole  town,  composed,  as  it  was, of  so  many  scattered  villages. 
Fortunately  for  us,  sir,  these  doubts  and  fears,  and  many  others  that  arose 
from  time  to  time,  were  dispelled  and  overcome.  A  favorable  opportunity 
offered  to  obtain  this  eligible  site ;  and  a  few  brave  spirits  at  once  subscribed 
the  means  and  secured  it. 

Matters  rested  thus  for  a  while,  until  the  offer  of  a  munificent  conditional 
donation  was  made  by  our  friend  here  on  my  riglit  [Mr.  Edmands].  This 
gave  renewed  vitality  to  the  project.  The  offer  was  gratefully  accepted,  and 
promptly  responded  to,  by  contributions  more  than  sufficient  to  fulfil  the  con- 
ditions of  our  friend's  gift,  and  to  an  amount  large  enough  to  cover  the  esti- 
mated cost  of  the  building  and  library.  Before  the  building  was  completely 
finished,  however,  it  was  found  that  in  this,  as  is  very  often  the  case  with 
o'Jier  undertakings,  the  actual  had  exceeded  the  estimated  cost ;  and  those 
•engaged  in  it  learned,  very  much  to  their  disappointment,  that  they  were 
likely  to  have  a  completed  building  without  complete  means  for  meeting  its 
cost.  This  was  somewhat  embarrassing,  to  be  sure.  But  in  no  wise  discour- 
iiged,  and  acting  upon  the  idea 

"  That  those  would  now  give 
Who  had  not  given  before, 
And  those  who  had  always  given 
Would  give  the  more," 

they  started  a  new  subscription,  and  succeeded  in  obtaining  the  needed  funds. 
The  building  proceeded  on  to  completion;  tlie  library  and  reading-room  were 
supplied  with  the  requisite  books,  periodicals  and  newspapers ;  the  corpora- 
tion was  duly  organized  under  legislative  charter ;  by-laws,  rules,  and  regu- 
lations were  enacted ;  and  the  library  and  reading-room  thrown  open  free  to 
the  whole  town. 

Here,  then,  was  an  apparent  fruition  of  the  hopes  of  those  who  initiated 
and  carried  through  the  enterprise ;  not  really  so,  however,  in  the  opinion  of 
the  Managers.  They  realized  that  the  work  could  not  be  considered  com- 
plete, until  suitable  provision  had  been  made  for  its  maintenance  and  improve- 
ment, for  a  terra  long  enough  to  demonstrate  the  correctness  of  their  early 
decision,  that  a  free  library  was  a  necessity  of  the  town.  The  longest  term 
of  service  for  which  any  of  the  Managers  were  elected  was  five  years.  For 
such  a  period,  at  least,  the  Managers  felt  it  incumbent  on  them  to  provide  at 
once  the  necessary  funds.  The  field  of  contribution  had,  it  was  thought, 
been  pretty  well  reaped  on  the  first  application,  and,  to  all  appearance,  been 
closely  gleaned  on  the  second.     What  hope  could  there  be  in  attempting  a 


680  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

third?  Discussions  in  repeated  meetings  of  the  Managers  afTorded  no  solu- 
tion of  the  difficulty.  Reports  of  sub-committees,  appointed  to  consider  and 
devise,  if  jjossible,  some  course  likely  to  prove  successful,  failed  to  present 
any.  Matters  seemed  far  from  encouraging.  But  at  one  of  the  meetings, 
the  President  drew  from  his  pocket  a  letter,  which,  he  said,  had  been  ad- 
dressed to  him  by  a  secret,  anonymous  friend  of  the  Library.  The  letter 
contained  a  gift  of  four  thousand  dollars  to  the  Library.  The  turning-point 
was  reached.  The  reading  of  the  letter  electrified  all  present ;  liberal  sub- 
scriptions followed,  and  in  a  few  days  the  whole  amount  required  was  ob- 
tained. It  was  some  time  before  even  the  Managers  knew  who  this  secret 
friend  was ;  and,  to  this  day,  few  in  Newton  know  to  whom  they  are  indebted 
for  this  timely  gift.  We  owe  a  great  deal  to  all  who,  by  their  labors  and  con- 
tributions, have  aided  in  achieving  this  work;  but  to  three  men,  pre-emi- 
nently, belong  the  honor  and  credit  of  its  accomplishment.  The  first  is  the 
Hon.  J.  Wiley  Edmands,  whose  munificent  donation  gave  vitality  to  the 
work  at  the  outset,  and  whose  continuous  labors  have  so  materially  aided  us 
throughout.  The  second  is  George  H.  Jones,  Esq.,  whose  unremitting  zeal, 
clear  judgment,  and  unswerving  fidelity  did  so  much  to  make  success  sure. 
The  third  on  this  roll  of  honor,  is  the  anonymous  friend  of  whom  I  have 
spoken,  John  C.  Chaffin,  Esq.  A  liberal  open  donor  before,  his  secret  gift 
at  a  critical  time  clinched  the  nail  of  success  so  well  driven  by  the  others. 

The  work  is  completed.  Let  it  speak  for  itself.  The  Managers  now  present 
this  Newton  Free  Library  to  you  in  the  very  flood  tide  of  its  prosperity. 
They  ask  of  you  and  your  associates  of  the  City  Council,  and  of  your  succes- 
sors in  office,  the  generous  support  such  an  institution  deserves. 

In  the  address  of  George  H.  Jones,  Esq.,  a  copj'  of  which  was 
furnished  to  the  city  authorities,  though  he  was  unable  to  be  pres- 
ent at  the  public  proceedings,  we  find  this  additional  information : 

The  citizens  of  Newton  have  ever  recognized  that  public  benefits  require 
public  benevolence,  and  that  the  giving  must  precede  the  enjoyment  of  the 
benefit.  This  was  eminently  true  in  the  case  of  our  Library.  Once  and 
again  large  sums  were  called  for,  and  in  both  instances  more  was  given  than 
asked;  and  while,  in  most  cases  of  the  kind,  many  subscriptions  fail  of  col- 
lection, we  only  lost  on  collections  one  hundred  and  ten  dollars  on  about 
sixty-five  thousand.  This  amount  was  given  by  about  three  hundred  per- 
sons, in  sums  from  five  dollars  to  sixteen  thousand ;  and  who  shall  say  that 
many  of  the  small  subscriptions  were  not  as  costly  as  the  larger  ones,  to  the 
donors? 

In  allusion  to  the  Hon.  J.  Wile}'  Edmands,  who  made  the  ad- 
dress transferring  the  Library  to  the  city,  Mr.  Jones  remarked 
that  his  name  [Mr.  Edmands'] ,  but  for  his  choice,  would  have 
been  given  to  the  Library'. 

The  Library,  having,  by  these  proceedings,  become  the  property 
of  the  city  and  one  of  its  permanent  institutions,  a  code  of  by- 


NEWTON  FREE  LIBRARY.  .       681 

laws  was  adopted,  providing,  besides  other  regulations,  that  a 
Board  of  Trustees  should  have  charge  of  all  the  affairs  of  the  Li- 
brary and  its  branches.  Tlvis  Board  was  to  consist  of  seven  mem- 
bers, to  be  elected  by  the  City  Council, —  one  each  from  the  Board 
of  Aldennen  and  the  Common  Council,  "  to  serve  for  their  elected 
terms  of  office,"  and  five  members  chosen  at  large,  to  serve  from 
one  to  five  j^ears.  The  fii'st  Board  of  Trustees  was  elected  as 
follows : 

From  the  Board  of  Aldermen, 
William  W.  Keith,  Esq. 
From  the  Common  Cmtncil, 
William  I.  Goodrich. 
At  Large, 
Hon.  J.  Wiley  Edmands  (for  five  years). 
John  S.  Farlow,  Esq.  (for  four  years). 
Rev.  Bradford  K.  Pierce,  D.  D.  (for  three  years). 
Hon.  JuLins  L.  Clarke  (for  two  years). 
Hon.  James  F.  C.  Hyde  (for  one  year). 

At  their  first  meeting,  the  Board  of  Trustees  duly  organized  as 
follows : 

J.   Wiley  Edmands,  President. 
Frederick  Jackson,  Secretary. 

The  President,  ex  officio^  and  Messrs.  Farlow,  Pierce  and  Clarke, 
Committee  on  Library. 

The  President,  ex  officio,  and  Messrs.  Hyde,  Keith  and  Goodrich,  Com- 
mittee on  Building. 

The  Board  also  elected  Fredericli  Jackson,  Superintendent; 
Hannah  James,  Librarian ;  and  Caroline  B.  Jackson,  Assistant 
Librarian. 

A  pamphlet  of  forty-four  pages,  octavo,  was  printed  by  authorit}' 
of  the  City  Council,  containing  a  complete  account  of  tlie  Pro- 
ceedings and  Addresses  on  this  interesting  occasion. 

The  pubUc  library  in  1877,  received  a  valuable  gift  from  William 
B.  Fowle,  Esq.,  consisting  of  a  large  foho  volame  of  Photographic 
Views  of  the  principal  cathedrals  and  other  religious  estalihshments 
in  France.  There  are  nearly  eighty  of  these  pictm-es  in  all,  meas- 
ming  fourteen  by  seventeen  inches,  in  the  most  substantial  bind- 
ing. There  are  also  in  this  collection  beautiful  views  of  the 
chateaux,  and   also  of  the   ruins  of  the  Roman  amphitheatre,  at 


€82  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Nismes,  and  other  interesting  ruins.  The  exceeding  clearness  of 
these  photographs  brings  out  in  great  distinctness  the  wonderful  and 
curious  carvings  on  the  old  cathedrals.  The  size  of  the  views 
enables  one  to  scrutinize  closely  every  detail  of  carving.  This  is 
undoubtedly  one  of  the  most  valuable  gifts,  in  this  form,  the  Librarj* 
has  yet  received.  A  large  engraved  view  of  the  United  States 
Senate,  showing  Henry  Clay,  James  Buchanan,  Daniel  Webster, 
and  many  others,  mostly  unlcnowu  to  this  generation,  but  undoubt- 
edl\'  famous  thirty  years  ago,  accompanied  this  gift. 

Mrs.  Lydia  M.  Jewett,  of  Newton,  also  gave  for  the  use  of  the 
Library  a  beautiful  copy  of  "  The  Transfiguration,"  from  the  Vati- 
can, in  Rome,  and  in  her  will  bequeathed  to  the  Library  five 
thousand  dollars. 

KEWTON    CENTRE    LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION. 

The  Newton  Centre  Library  Association  was  organized  in  1859, 
by  various  individuals  in  Newton  Centre.  It  was  a  joint  stock 
company,  the  value  of  the  shares  being  ten  dollars  each.  Annual 
and  other  subscriptions  were  also  permitted.  The  number  of  vol- 
umes in  the  Library-,  in  1872,  was  1,450.  Funds  for  the  purchase 
of  new  books  were  not  furnished  to  a  sufficient  amount  to  meet  the 
demands  of  the  public  and  to  maintain  the  interest  of  the  subscri- 
bers, and  at  length,  for  a  considerable  time,  few  books  were  taken 
out  by  readers.  The  collection  of  books  contained  many  valuable 
publications,  and  in  June,  1873,  hj  vote  of  the  Proprietors,  they 
were  donated  to  the  Newton  Free  Library. 

NEVP^TON     LOWER    FALLS    FREE    LIHRARY. 

The  Newton  Lower  Falls  Free  Library  was  established  January 
1,  18G'J,  for  the  free  use  of  all  persons  residing  at  the  Lower  Falls 
and  in  the  vicinity.  The  Library  was  commenced  and  supported 
b}'  voluntar}^  contributions.  The  gift  of  one  dollar,  or  one  accepted 
volume,  entitled  any  donor  to  membership  in  the  Library  Associa- 
tion. The  catalogue,  in  1871,  contained  the  titles  of  1,365  volumes. 

NORTH  VILLAGE  FREE  LIBRARY. 

The  North  Village  Free  Library,  in  1871,  reported  a  collection  of 
four  hundred  volumes. 


CHAPTER  L. 

NEWTON. ELIOT    CONGREGATIONAL    CHURCH. METHODIST   CHURCH. 

CHANNING     CHURCH. BAPTIST      CHURCH. —  GRACE     CHURCH. 

CHURCH    OF     OUR   LADY     HELP     OF    CHRISTIANS. —  NEWTON   AND 
WATERTOWN    UNIVERSALIST    SOCIETY. 

In  previous  chapters,  many  items  have  been  presented  relating 
to  the  northeasterly  part  of  Newton,  near  which  manj'  of  the  early 
settlers  found  their  home,  the  Jacksons,  Parks,  Hydes,  Fullers, 
and  others,  and  which  has  borne  successively  the  names  of  Angler's 
Corner,  Newton  Corner  and  Newton.  As  this  was  the  beginning 
of  the  town,  so  here  commenced  that  wonderful  growth  of  later 
times,  which  has  rendered  this  section  one  of  the  most  populous, 
wealthy  and  beautiful  parts  of  the  Garden  City.  The  entire 
change  has  been  the  fruit  of  the  last  forty  years.  In  the  year  1842, 
in  all  this  territory  there  was  little  or  nothing  to  win  the  notice  of 
a  stranger,  or  to  invite  attention  to  the  place  as  holding  out  prom- 
ise of  an  attractive  home.  The  railroad  station,  at  that  date,  was 
one-half  of  a  small  wooden  building,  of  a  single  story,  the  other 
half  being  occupied  as  a  harness-maker's  shop  ;  and  twelve  or  fif- 
teen passengers,  waiting  for  trains  on  the  Boston  and  Worcester 
raih'oad,  would  have  filled  it  to  repletion.  A  store  or  two,  a  black- 
smith's shop,  and  four  or  five  dwellings  within  sight  from  the  sta- 
tion, were  all  that  the  village  could  boast.  How  striking  the  con- 
trast to  him  who  walks  or  rides  at  the  present  day  thi'ough  the 
beautiful  streets,  and  survey's  the  elegant  avenues,  the  delightful 
homes,  the  charming  gardens,  the  spacious  school-houses,  the  five 
churches,  mostly  wealthy  and  benevolent,  and  supporting  their 
regular  pastors,  the  blocks  of  sumptuous  stores,  the  convenient 
halls,  the  ample  railroad  station,  the  tasteful  bank,  the  costh' 
public  library,  and  the  air  of  business,  thrift  and  enterprise,  which 
prevails  everj^'where !     The  few  farmers,  plodding  about  their  sober 

683 


684  HISTOKY  OF  NEWTON. 

toil,  have  been  replaced  by  rich  and  prosperous  merchants  and 
professional  men,  and  b}'  industrious  and  successful  artisans  ;  and 
the  ancient  farm-houses,  scattered  at  distant  intervals  in  the  valley 
or  along  the  hill-sides,  by  luxurious  dwellings,  adorned  with  art- 
treasures  from  all  lands.  The  only  arteries  of  travel,  a  generation 
since,  were  the  road  from  Watertown  to  Dedham,  from  north  to 
south,  and  the  road  from  West  Newton  to  Roxbury,  from  west  to 
east,  intersecting,  as  now,  near  the  Nonantum  house  ;  and  still,  for 
many  a  year,  not  a  street  lamp  dispelled  the  darkness  in  which  the 
casual  traveller  was  enveloped  by  night.  More  than  two  centuries 
elapsed,  from  the  earliest  settlement,  before  the  sagacit}^  of  mod- 
ern enterprise  discovered  these  fair  domains  ;  and  it  is  within  the 
memory  of  the  present  generation  that  speculation  had  scarcely' 
forced  the  price  of  land  fronting  on  the  main  avenue  between  New- 
ton and  Newton  Centre  up  to  the  rate  of  one  thousand  dollars  per 
acre. 

The  convenience  of  access  by  railroad  and  the  proximit}'  of  the 
city  of  Boston,  rendering  it  possible  for  men  of  business  to  retire 
at  evening  to  a  peaceful  suburban  home  and  to  return  to  theu' 
labor  in  the  morning,  were  the  first  elements  of  the  growth  of  New- 
ton. And  one  of  the  first  fruits,  as  well  as  demands  of  the  rising 
village,  was  the  erection  of  a  church.  True  to  the  principles  of 
her  origin,  Newton  began  this  new  gathering  around  the  old  nucleus 
of  two  hundred  j'ears  before,  by  inviting  this  later  generation,  lilce 
the  earliest,  to  cluster  together  around  the  house  of  God. 

ELIOT  CONGREGATIONAL  CHURCH,  NEWTON. 

As  early  as  the  spring  of  1845,  many  of  the  new  residents  of 
Newton  began  to  find  it  too  serious  a  tax  to  attend  religious  ser- 
vices at  a  distance  of  two  miles  or  more  from  their  homes,  and 
many  were  so  situated  that  they  were  wholly  destitute  of  religious 
privileges.  Under  these  circumstances,  several  leading  members 
of  the  Fu'st  church,  in  conjunction  with  others,  proposed  to  form 
a  new  organization.  Deacon  William  Jackson  and  family,  descend- 
ants of  the  founders  of  the  First  church  in  Newton,  a  hundred 
and  eighty-one  j^ears  before,  were  among  the  most  efficient  pro- 
moters of  the  Second.  The  names  of  the  thirty-seven  members 
uniting  in  the  formation  of  this  new  church  were  as  follows, — ■ 
thirty-one  being  from  the  First  church  in  Newton : 


ELIOT  CHURCH. 


685 


Joseph  Bacon, 
Beulah  Bacon, 
Joseph  N.  Bacon, 
Sarah  A .  W.  Bacon, 
Rev.  James  M.  Bacon, 
Julia  Bridges, 
Andrew  B.  Cobb, 
Lydia  M.  Cobb, 
Esther  Cook, 
Hannah  W.  Fuller, 
Joseph  ^Y.  Goddard, 
Mary  Goddard, 
Louisa  J.  Hall, 
Eliza  Hodijden, 
Europe  Houghton, 
Adeline  Houghton, 
William  Jackson, 
Mary  Jackson, 
Lucretia  Jackson, 


Caroline  B.  Jackson, 
Mary  B.  Jackson, 
Ellen  B.  Jackson, 
Joshua  Jennison, 
Charles  Jewett, 
Lucy  A.  Jewett, 
Beulah  C.  Pulsifer, 
Mary  B.  Randall, 
Sylvia  A.  Russell, 
Abigail  Spear, 
Eliza  C.  Stevens, 
Anna  Trowbridge, 
James  N.  Trowbridge, 
Harriet  \V.  Trowbridge, 
Otis  Trowbridge, 
Elizabeth  F.  Trowbridge, 
William  W.  Trowbridge, 
Mary  Whitmore. 


In  the  words  of  the  pastor  of  the  First  church,  "The  measure 
was  eminently  wise,  and  useful  to  both  parties.  In  a  meeting  of 
the  church  for  free  conversation  on  the  subject,  there  was  differ- 
ence of  opinion  ;  but  the  free  and  fraternal  manner  in  which  the 
case  was  managed  was  such  that,  notwithstanding  the  separation, 
the  cordial  fellowship  of  the  parties  remained  unimpaired." 

The  corner-stone  of  the  church  edifice  was  laid  March  19, 1845, 
with  religious  services,  in  which  the  Rev.  John  R.  Adams,  of 
Brighton,  Rev.  John  Whitney,  of  Waltham,  Rev.  Lyman  Gilbert, 
of  West  Newton,  Rev.  William  Bushnell,  of  Newton  Centre,  and 
Rev.  J.  C.  Lovejoy,  of  Cambridgeport,  participated. 

The  meeting-house  was  dedicated,  and  the  church  recognized  at 
the  same  time,  by  an  Ecclesiastical  Council,  Jul}^  1,  1845.  Conse- 
crating Prayer,  by  Rev.  C.  Marsh ;  Fellowship  of  the  churches 
by  Rev.  William  Bushnell ;  Dedication  Sermon  by  Rev.  E.  N. 
Kirk ;  Prayer  of  Dedication  bj'  Rev.  J.  C.  Lovejoy. 

On  the  4th  of  November,  1845,  Mr.  William  S.  Leavitt  was  in- 
vited to  become  pastor,  and,  having  accepted  the  invitation,  he 
was  ordained  December  3,  1845.  The  Invocation  and  reading  the 
Scriptures  was  by  the  Rev.  E.  N.  Kirk ;  prayer  by  Rev.  W.  Bush- 
nell ;  sermon  by  Rev.  Edward  Beecher ;  prayer  of  ordination  by 
Rev.  S.  Allien ;  charge  to  the  pastor  by  Rev.  Jacob  Ide ;  right 
hand  of  fellowship  by  Rev.  L.  Gilbert ;  address  to  the  people  hy 


686  HISTOllY  OF  NEWTON. 

Rev.  G.  W.  Blagden  ;  concluding  praj^er  by  Rev.  Joshua  Leavitt,. 
the  father  of  the  pastor. 

In  the  spring  of  1849,  the  house  of  worship,  being  found  insuffi- 
cient to  accommodate  tlie  rapidh'  increasing  congregation,  was  en- 
larged by  the  addition  of  twent3--eight  pews,  making  the  whole 
number  of  pews  ninety-two.  The  building,  after  this  improve- 
ment, was  re-opened  for  public  worship  May  13,  1849. 

Mr.  Leavitt  remained  pastor  of  the  church  till  November  8, 1853, 
when  he  was  dismissed,  after  a  ministry  of  nearly  eight  years. 

After  this,  the  church  remained  without  a  pastor  until  October 
25,  1854,  when  the  Rev.  Lj'man  Cutler,  formerly  of  Pepperell, 
was  installed  pastor.  On  account  of  failing  health,  he  was  able 
to  preach  only  once  a  day  for  eight  successive  Sabbaths.  He  then 
asked  for  a  suspension  of  his  labors  for  three  months,  which  was 
granted;  but  he  continued  to  decline,  and  died  April  28,  1855, 
just  six  months  after  his  installation.  Mr.  Cutler  was  born  in 
Massachusetts,  graduated  at  Dartmouth  College  1847,  and  Ando- 
ver  Theological  Seminary  1850.  He  was  ordained  January  22, 
1851,  and  served  as  pastor  at  Pepperell,  Mass.,  two  years.  From 
this  place  he  removed  to  Newton,  where  he  finished  his  short  min- 
istry, and  died  at  the  early  age  of  twenty-eight,  greatly  lamented. 
He  was  buried  in  the  old  cemetery  of  Newton  on  Centre  Street. 

The  church  remained  mthout  a  pastor  till  June  11,  1856,  when 
Rev.  Joshua  WjTiian  Wellman  was  installed  pastor.  Mr.  Well- 
man  graduated  at  Dartmouth  College  1846,  and  was  a  classmate 
of  his  predecessor,  Mr.  Cutler,  in  the  Theological  Seminar}-,  Au- 
dover.  He  was  ordained  in  Derry,  N.  H.,  June  18,  1851,  where 
he  was  pastor  five  years,  and  removed  from  that  place  to  Newton. 

During  the  winter  and  spring  of  1859,  the  enlarging  of  the 
church  edifice  began  to  be  discussed.  In  view  of  the  growth  of 
the  community,  the  lack  of  adequate  church  accommodations  in 
the  village,  and  the  rapid  increase  of  the  congregation,  the  Society 
voted  to  dispose  of  their  house  of  worship,  and  erect  a  new  and 
larger  one  on  the  same  spot.  Accordingl}-,  the  old  house  was  sold 
and  removed  a  short  distance  northerly,  and  changed  into  a  com- 
modious public  hall,  and  afterwards  burned.  The  new  and  ele- 
gant house,  which  was  erected  on  the  original  site,*  was  com- 


*  The  lot  of  land  on  whicli  the  first  edifice  was  l)uilt  was  a  gift  from  Jolin  H.  Rich- 
ardson, Esq.,  of  Watertown.  In  18(30,  when  the  new  church  was  erected,  the  lot  was- 
enlarged  by  the  purchase  of  about  18,000  square  feet  additional. 


ELIOT  CHURCH.  PS  7 

menced  about  the  first  of  Jauuaiy,  1860,  and  the  corner-stone  laid 
with  appropriate  ceremonies,  on  the  annual  State  Fast  Day,  April 
5,  1860.  The  house,  having  been  completed,  was  dedicated  the 
next  State  Fast  Day,  April  4,  1861.  The  clock  on  the  tower  cost 
not  far  from  four  hundred  dollars,  and  was  paid  for  by  the  sub- 
scriptions of  citizens  of  Newton  Corner.  The  cliurch  bell  was  also 
obtained  by  private  subscriptions  in  the  village.  The  cost  of  the 
new  edifice  was  $42,500.  At  the  dedication,  the  introductory  ser- 
vices were  performed  by  Rev.  Henry  J.  Patrick,  West  Newton, 
and  Rev.  Stephen  R.  Dennen,  Watertown.  Sermon  by  Rev.  J.  W. 
Wellmau,  from  Rev.  V:  9,  "And  they  sung  a  new  song,  saying. 
Thou  art  worthy  to  take  the  book  and  to  open  the  seals  thereof ;. 
for  thou  wast  slain,  and  hast  redeemed  us  to  God  by  thy  blood  out 
of  every  kindred,  and  tongue,  and  people,  and  nation."  Dedica- 
tor}' praj'er  by  Rev.  Daniel  L.  Furber,  Newton  Centre. 

The  pastorate  of  Mr.  Wellman  included  the  exciting  period  of 
the  civil  war.  Presiding  over  a  church  and  congregation  eminently 
patriotic  in  spirit,  he  had  abundant  opportunity  to  show  how  much 
a  Christian  minister  could  do,  at  such  a  time,  to  encourage  the  de- 
sponding, to  comfort  the  bereaved,  and  to  help  forward  the  cause 
of  justice  and  Jiuman  libert}'.  So  far  as  can  be  ascertained,  the 
number  of  men  from  the  Eliot  church  and  Society,  who  enlisted  in 
the  war,  was  twenty-seven. 

Mr.  ^yellman  resigned  his  office  as  pastor  September  27,  1873^ 
and  removed  to  a  similar  service  in  the  town  of  Maiden. 

The  fourth  pastor  of  the  church  was  the  Rev.  S.  M.  Freeland,. 
formerly  pastor  of  the  Woodward  Avenue  Congregational  church, 
Detroit,  Mich.  Mr.  Freeland  was  installed  May  11,  187.5.  At 
the  public  service,  the  sermon  was  by  Rev.  W.  M.  Barbour,  D.D.^ 
of  Bangor  Theological  Seminary ;  prayer  of  installation  by  Rev. 
John  DeWitt,  of  the  Central  church,  Boston  ;  charge  to  the  pastor 
by  Rev.  D.  L.  Furber,  Newton  Centre ;  hand  of  fellowship  by 
Rev.  H.  J.  Patrick,  West  Newton ;  charge  to  the  people  by  Rev. 
E.  B.  Webb,  Shawmut  church,  Boston. 

In  March,  1876,  the  church  passed  the  following  vote  :  "Those 
(deacons)  to  be  chosen  after  this  date  shall  be  elected  for  a  term 
not  exceeding  six  years  ;  and  deacons  thus  elected  shall  be  ineligi- 
ble, for  one  year  after  the  expiration  of  then-  term  of  office."  The 
last  two  of  the  following  list  of  deacons  are  accordingly  elected  for 
five  and  six  3-ears  respectively' . 


688 


HISTORY  OP  KEWTON. 


Otis  Trowbridge, 
Ebenezer  Woodward, 
R.  V.  C.  Emerson, 
John  Warner, 
Joseph  N.  Bacon, 
W.  Otis  Trowbridge, 
Charles  E.  Eddy,  jr., 


DEACONS 

chosen  Feb.  12,  1847,  deceased  Jan.  20,  1862. 

"      Feb.   12,  1847 

"      Sept.  14,  1860 

■"      Sept.  14,  1860 

"      April  25,  1862 

"      April  21,  1876 

"      April  28,  1876 


PASTORS. 

ORDAINED  OB  INSTALLED. 

DISMISSED. 

William  S.  Leavitt, 
Lyman  Cutler, 
Joshua  Wyman  Wellman, 
S.  M.  Freeland, 
Wolcott  Calkins, 

0.  Dec.     3,  1875 
i.  Oct.    25,  1854 
i.  June  11,  1856 
i.  May   11,  1875 
i.  Feb.      5,  1880 

Dis,  Nov.  8,   1853 
Died  April  28,  1855 
Dis.  Sept.  27,  1873 
Dis.  Sept.  17,  1878 

Number  uniting  in  the  organization  of  the  church, 

Admitted  while  Mr.  Leavitt  was  pastor. 

Between  the  pastorates  of  Mr.  Leavitt  and  Mr.  Cutler, 

During  the  pastorate  of  Mr.  Cutler, 

Between  the  pastorates  of  Mr.  Cutler  and  Mr.  Wellman, 

During  the  pastorate  of  Mr.  Wellman, 

Between  the  pastorates  of  Mr.  Wellman  and  Mr.  Freeland, 

During  the  pastorate  of  Mr.  Freeland, 


37 

115 

6 

12 

4 

663 

18 

111 


Total,   866 
CHANNING   CHUKCH    (UNITARIAN). 

The  Channing  church,  Newton  Corner,  was  commenced  by  a  few 
persons,  of  the  Unitarian  faith,  who  first  held  meetings  in  Union 
Hall,  and  were  supplied  with  preaching  b}'  the  late  Rev.  Convers 
Francis,  D.  D.,  Professor  in  the  Cambridge  Di\anity  School.  The 
Society  was  formed  September  2,  1851.  The  Sabbath  School  was 
estabUshed  in  April,  1852.  The  late  Dr.  Henry  Bigelow  was  the 
efficient  and  beloved  Superintendent.  The  Lord's  Supper  was  ad- 
ministered for  the  first  time  January  2,  1853,  by  Rev.  Joseph  C. 
Smith.  The  following  evening,  Rev.  Joseph  C.  Smith,  Calvin 
Baile}^  and  Samuel  G.  Simpkins  were  appointed  a  committee  "  to 
prepare  a  form  of  union,  expressive  of  common  faith  and  fellow- 
ship." 

Jauuar}-  10,  the  committee  presented  a  Declaration  of  Faith  and 
union,  and  on  the  third  of  February,  the  following  Declaration  and 
Covenant  were  adopted : 


CHANNING  CHURCH. 


689 


"We  whose  names  are  subscribed,  recognizing  the  value  and  importance 
of  united  thought  and  action  in  the  study  and  practice  of  Christian  truth,  and 
also  of  sympathy  and  communion  in  the  formation  of  the  Christian  character 
and  the  work  of  the  Christian  life, —  do  therefore  unite  together  in  the  fol- 
lowing declaration  of  our  faith  and  purpose  : 

"  Our  faith  is  in  Jesus,  as  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God. 

"  And  we  hereby  form  ourselves  into  a  church  of  his  disciples,  that  we 
may  co-operate  together  in  the  study  and  practice  of  Christianity. 

"  And  we  furthermore  unite  in  the  following  covenant  with  each  other,  as 
an  expression  of  this  faith  and  fellowship,  and  as  a  form  to  be  used  in  the 
reception  of  those  who  wish  to  unite  with  us  as  a  church." 


COVENANT. 

"  My  friend  and  brother, — You  present  yourself  here,  wishing  to  profess 
your  faith  in  Jesus,  as  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  and  to  unite  with  this 
Christian  church.     I  ask  therefore — 

"  Do  you  believe  that  Jesus  is  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God? 

"  And  is  it  your  heart's  desire  and  present  wish  to  become  a  faithful  disci- 
ple of  our  Lord  and  Saviour? 

"We  then  receive  you  gladly  into  our  number.  We  welcome  you  to  the 
communion  of  Christian  hearts.  We  earnestly  desire  to  sympathize  with  you, 
and  will  endeavor  to  watch  over  and  support  you  in  the  trials  of  life  and  the 
work  of  duty.  And  we  engage  to  unite  with  you  in  the  diligent  use  of 
Christian  ordinances,  and  to  yield  obedience  to  all  truth  which  shall  be 
made  known  to  us  as  our  duty, —  the  Lord  assisting  us  by  his  Spirit  and 
grace.  And,  may  God,  our  Father,  grant  that  this  union,  formed  oa  earth, 
may  be  continued  in  heaven,  and  fit  us  for  the  fellowship  of  the  saints  in 
light.     Amen." 

Any  persons,  wishing  to  unite  with  this  church,  shall  signify  their  desire  to 
the  Pastor,  and  all  the  members  shall  be  ready  at  all  times  to  act  as  the 
medium  of  such  communications.  And  they  shall  become  members  by 
publicly  adopting  the  church  covenant. 


Calvin  Bailey, 
Catharine  Bailey, 
Susan  I.  Bailey, 
Hartley  Lord, 
Sarah  E.  Lord, 
Andrew  Cole, 
Catharine  H.  Coffin, 
Gilman  Brackctt, 
Henry  Bigelow, 


Matilda  A.  Bigelow, 
Darwin  E.  Jewett, 
Caroline  M.  Jewett, 
Anne  C.  Mower, 
Sarah  C.  Thomas, 
Harriet  Nickerson, 
Olivia  M.  Norris, 
Marion  S.  Lord, 
Joseph  C.  Smith, 


Margaret  A.  Smith, 
Samuel  G.  Simpkins, 
Frederic  W.  Capen, 
Lucretia  W.  Allen, 
Lois  Pierce, 
Abraham  Hews, 
Jane  R.  Thompson, 
Elizabeth  Cole, 
Harriet  Wis  wall. 


Rev.  Joseph  C.  Smith  was  the  first  minister  of  the  Society.     He 
was  engaged,  year  after  year,  for  four  j^ears,  though  he  was  never 
installed  as  pastor.    Mr.  Smith  was  born  in  Waltham,  July  18, 1819, 
44 


690  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

graduated  at  Bowdoin  College  in  1838,  studied  theology  two  years 
at  the  Institution  in  Andover,  commenced  preaching  in  the  spring 
of  1842,  and  was  ordained  an  evangelist  at  Portland,  Me.,  Octo- 
ber 11,  1842.  He  was  installed  pastor  at  Groton,  Mass.,  July  12, 
1843,  where  he  labored  eight  years,  leaving  Groton  in  August, 
1851.  After  seven  months  of  travel,  he  visited  Newton,  and 
preached  to  the  recentl}'  gathered  Societ}-,  until  he  was  compelled 
by  declining  health  to  retire  from  public  duty. 

February  24,  1856,  he  preached  at  the  closing  service  in  the 
Union  Hall,  from  the  text,  "  It  is  good  for  us  to  be  here."  Feb- 
ruary 28,  four  days  later,  he  preached  at  the  dedication  of  the  edifice 
which  had  been  erected  for  the  Society  at  the  expense  of  twelve 
gentlemen,  who  were  members  of  it.  His  text  was,  "  But  I  say 
unto  you,  in  this  place  is  one  greater  than  the  temple."  Mr. 
Smith's  last  sermon  was  preached  January  '2o,  1857,  from  the 
text,  "  Where  is  thy  flock  which  was  given  thee, —  thy  beautiful 
flock?"  This  sermon  was  the  only  one  he  printed.  He  was  akeady 
the  victim  of  consimiption.  Hoping  to  obtain  benefit  from  a  sea. 
voyage,  he  sailed  for  the  Sandwich  Islands  February  4,  1857,  and 
died  at  Honolulu,  December  2d,  1857.  His  remains  were  brought 
back  to  Newton,  and  buried,  with  those  of  his  wife  and  children, 
in  the  new  cemeter}',  July  24,  1858. 

He  had  an  affectionate  nature,  a  bright  mind,  with  well  supplied, 
stores  of  information,  a  cordial  disposition  and  pla3'ful  wit.  He 
manifested  no  preference  for  the  culture  of  any  specialtj',  but 
seemed  to  have  read  almost  every  thing.  His  preaching  was  prac- 
tical, and  alwa^ys  acceptable. 

A  sermon  on  his  life  and  character  was  preached  March  28,  1858,. 
b}^  Rev.  Henry  A.  Miles,  and  afterwards  printed. 

Rev.  Edward  James  Young,  the  second  pastor,  was  ordained 
June  18,  1857.  Mr.  Young  was  grandson  of  Alexander  Young, 
Esq.,  many  3'ears  the  publisher  of  the  New  England  Palludtum, 
a  semi-weekl}^  journal  in  Boston,  and  son  of  the  late  Rev.  Alexan- 
der Young,  pastor  of  the  New  South  church  in  Boston.  A  '"  State- 
ment of  Christian  Faith,"  prepared  by  jNIr.  Young,  was  adopted 
March  5,  1859,  and  printed,  as  a  summary  of  the  belief  of  the 
church.     The  following  note  is  prefixed : 

This  "  Statement  of  Faith"  is  printed  in  accordance  with  a  vote  of  the 
Chauning  church,  but  witli  no  desire  to  impose  it  upon  others,  or  to  make  it 
a  condition  of  aduiission  to  the  church. 


NEWTON  BAPTIST  CHURCH.  691 

Ma3'  30,  18G0,  the  meetiug-house  was  struck  by  lightuing.  The 
fluid,  passing  iato  the  ground,  did  but  sUght  injury  to  the  buildhig. 

During  the  war  of  the  Rebellion  sixteen  of  this  Society  entered 
the  army,  four  of  whom  died  in  consequence  of  the  wounds  they 
received. 

In  the  summer  of  1867,  the  church  edifice  was  cut  in  two,  and 
the  rear  end  moved  back.  By  this  enlargement,  the  number  of 
pews  was  increased  to  ninet^^-six.  "Worship  was  first  held  in  the 
church,  after  the  enlargement,  October  20,  1867.  May  4,  1868, 
there  were  one  hundred  and  eleven  communicants,  about  one-third 
of  the  congregation. 

March  15,  1869,  Mr.  Young  resigned  his  pastorate,  after  twelve 
years'  service,  to  become  Professor  in  Harvard  Universit}-.  His 
farewell  discourse,  preached  March  21,  was  printed.  Text,  Acts 
XX:  32. 

May  4,  1870,  Rev.  Eli  Fay  was  installed  pastor.  He  resigned 
his  office  the  first  Sabbath  in  INIarch,  1873.  He  was  afterwards 
pastor  in  Taunton,  and  thence  went  to  England,  and  took  charge 
of  a  church  there. 

Rev.  George  Washington  Hosmer,  D.  D.,  was  installed  pastor 
November  14,  1873,  being  within  two  weeks  of  threescore  and  tea 
years  of  age.  He  graduated  at  Harvard  University,  1826,  was 
ordained  in  Northfield,  June  10,  1830,  installed  at  Buffalo,  N.  Y., 
October  16,  1836,  and  inaugurated  President  of  Antioch  College,. 
Yellow  Springs,  Ohio,  in  June,  1867.  Dr.  Hosmer  resigned  in 
1879,  and  was  succeeded  bv  Rev.  Francis  B.  Hornbrooke. 


PASTORS. 

Joseph  C.  Smith, 
Edward  J.  Young, 
Eli  Fay, 

George  W.  Hosmer, 
Francis  E.  Hornbrooke. 


BEACONS. 

Calvin  Bailey, 
Andrew  Cole, 
Henry  Claflin, 
Williana  D.  Coolidge, 
Samuel  G.  Simpkins. 


NEWTON    BAPTIST    CHURCH. 

Public  worship  was  first  held  b}^  several  Baptist  church  members 
in  Middlesex  Hall,  Centre  Street,  April  10,  1859.  This  was  the 
beginning  of  the  fourth  Baptist  church  in  Newton.  The  first  ser- 
mon was  by  Rev.  W.  L.  Brown,  of  Watertown,  in  the  morning. 
Rev.  Mr.  Horton,  who  was  killed  at  New  Orleans  (see  p.  573),, 
preached  in  the  afternoon. 


692  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

April  1,  1860,  the  meetings  were  removed  into  Union  Hall.  At 
a  meeting  of  persons  in  favor  of  establishing  a  Baptist  church 
and  Society  in  this  part  of  Newton,  held  April  10,  1860,  the 
following  votes  were  passed : 

Voted,  that  we,  members  of  various  Baptist  churches  residing  in  Newton 
Corner,  feel  that,  in  the  providence  of  God,  the  time  has  now  arrived  for  us 
to  go  forward  and  form  ourselves  into  a  Baptist  church. 

Voted,  that  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed  to  prepare,  and  report  at  a 
future  meeting,  a  Declaration  of  Articles  of  Faith  and  Practice. 

The  Articles  of  Faith  ami  Covenant  customary  in  Baptist 
churches  were  reported  and  adopted  at  subsequent  meetings,  held 
by  adjournment,  and  on  the  7th  of  June,  1860,  the  following  pre- 
amble and  resolution  passed  unanimously : 

Whereas,  through  the  blessing  of  God,  we  have  been  enabled  to  maintain 
public  worship  during  the  past  year,  with  the  prospect  of  additional  encour- 
agement for  the  year  to  come, —  and  whereas  a  sufficient  number  of  brethren 
and  sisters,  with  the  distinct  knowledge  and  approval  of  the  churches  to 
which  they  belong,  have  obtained  letters  of  dismission  for  the  purpose  of 
entering  into  anew  church  relation  in  this  place, —  therefore, 

Resolved.,  that  we  now  form  ourselves  into  a  distinct  body,  to  be  known  as 
the  "  Newton  Corner  Baptist  Church." 

The  oriffinal  members  of  the  church  were  as  follows : 


Rev.  Gilbert  Robbins, 
Abraham  Kimball, 
William  D.  Thayer, 
Henry  H.  Kimball, 
Horatio  N.  Hyde, 
George  H.  Quincy, 
James  S.  Watson, 
Charles  A.  Ellis, 
William  Slocomb, 
John  F.  Smallwood. 
Mrs.  L.  L.  Robbins, 
Mrs.  Eliza  lOmball, 
Mrs.  Ruth  G.  Thayer, 


Mrs.  Helen  M.  Kimball, 
Mrs.  Olivia  W.  Hyde. 
Mrs.  Mary  H.  Watson, 
Mrs.  Sarah  D.  Slocomb, 
Mrs.  Sarah  F.  Porter, 
Mrs.  Caroline  E.  Sweetser. 
Mrs.  Mehitable  H.  Rugg, 
Miss  Anna  W.  Watson, 
Mrs.  Martha  Fiske, 
Mrs.  E.  H.  Harris, 
Mrs.  Mehitable  F.  Stimpson, 
Miss  Elizabeth  Bridges, 
Mrs.  Adeline  Tibbetts. 


The  public  exercises  connected  with  the  recognition  of  the 
church  were  held  July  12,  1860.  Rev.  O.  S.  Stearns,  D.  D., 
preached  the  sermon,  Rev.  A.  S.  Train,  D.  D.,  offered  prayer, 
and  Rev.  R.  H.  Neale,  D.  D.,  gave  the  fellowship  of  the  churches. 

June  30,  1860,  Rev.  Gilbert  Robbins,  who  had  preached  several 


NEWTON  BAPTIST  CHURCH.  693 

Sabbaths  previously,  was  invited  to  the  pastorate.  lie  resigned 
late  in  the  year  1861.  Rev.  Jeremiah  Chaplin,  U.  D.,  the  second 
pastor,  commenced  his  services  April  20,  1862,  and  remained  in 
office  till  October  1,  1863.  Rev.  J.  Tucker  became  pastor  Janu- 
ary 2,  1866,  and  resigned  October  1,  1870.  The  last  pastor  was 
Rev.  Thomas  S.  Samson,  who  entered  on  the  duties  of  his  office 
May  1,  1873,  and  resigned  May  1,  1880. 

A  beautiful  communion  service  was  given  to  the  church  by  two 
of  the  members,  Messrs.  Quincy    and  Harwood,  in  April,  1865. 

The  following  summary  was  entered  on  the  Records  April  14, 
1874,  giving  a  view  of  the  statistics  of  the  church  to  that  date. 

Received  by  baptism,  78  ;  by  letter,  157 ;  by  experience,  5  ; 
total,  240.  Members  April  14,  1874,  146.  The  largest  number 
added  in  any  one  year  (1874)  was  29.  .  .  .  Members  January  1, 
1879,  162. 

The  church  edifice  at  the  corner  of  Washington  and  Hovey 
Streets  was  dedicated  March  29,  1864.  When,  in  1862  or  1863, 
the  workmen  were  excavating  for  the  foundation,  the  remains  of 
five  Indians  and  several  ancient  copper  coins  were  found,  about 
two  feet  below  the  surface,  which  indicated  that  the  spot  might  have 
been  used  anciently  for  an  Indian  burying  ground.  The  lower  jaw 
of  one  of  the  Indians  was  found  in  perfect  preservation,  with  the 
full  number  of  teeth,  the  enamel  being  nearly  intact. 

The  late  J.  W.  Bailey,  Esq.,  communicates  the  facts  concerning 
the  Indian  and  other  relics,  as  follows  : 

The  ground  •where  the  remains  were  found,  for  about  six  feet  in  length  and 
one  foot  in  width  and  depth,  was  of  a  bhick,  loamy  color,  while  around  the 
same,  it  was  a  yellow,  sandy  soil.  The  jawbone  referred  to  was  a  curiosity 
in  itself,  containing  a  full  number  of  teeth  and  double  all  rounds  the  front  as 
well  as  the  back  ones.  I  took  it  to  two  or  three  dentists,  who  never  saw  the 
like,  and  pronounced  it  wonderful.  This  was  the  lower  jaw,  and  I  had  it 
sawed  in  two  parts,  and  put  it  into  the  box  under  the  corner-stone  of  the 
church.  The  coins  were  given  awa;y  to  the  boys,  as  the  Irishmen  who  dug 
the  cellar  and  found  them  did  not  know  their  value.  Two  of  them  I  traced 
to  a  boy,  and  oflPered  him  ten  cents  for  them,  which  he  readily  accepted ; — one, 
I  think,  was  of  the  date  of  1720  or  1729, — the  period  of  George  I.,  of  Eng- 
land. The  tail  appeared  like  a  9,  and  was  indistinct.  Of  the  other,  I  could 
not  distinguish  the  date,  it  being  very  much  corroded.  There  were  also  one 
or  two  arrow  heads,  which  I  was  unable  to  get  hold  of,  notwithstanding  much 
inquiry  among  the  men  and  boys.  The  jawbone  and  coins  will  be  found  iu 
the  box  in  after  years,  by  another  generation,  under  the  corner-stone  of  tho 
Baptist  church. 


694 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


On  the  opposite  corner  of  Hove}-  Street,  in  friendly  proximit}^, 
stood  the  first  edifice  of  Grace  (Episcopal)  church,  a  wooden 
structure. 

The  land  on  which  the  Baptist  church  is  erected  (13, .500  square 
feet)  was  purchased  for  $1,G20.     The  church  edifice  cost  $8,700. 


PASTORS. 

ACCESSION. 

UESIGXED.        1                DEACONS. 

■C^ilbert  Rcbbins, 
Jeremiah  Chaplin,  D.  D. 
J.  Tucker,  Jr., 
Thomas  S.  Samson, 

June  30,  1860 
April  20,  1862 
Oct.    31,  1865 
May      1,  1873 

18G1 

Oct.  1,  1863 
Oct.  1,  1870 
May  ],  1880 

Horatio  N.  Hyde, 
Abraham  Kimball, 
S.  C.  Howes, 
Eben  Jones, 
James  H.  Earle. 

GRACE  CHURCH,  NEWTON. 

The  first  services  of  the  Episcopal  church  in  the  part  of  the 
town  then  known  as  Newton  Corner  were  held  in  the  old  Union 
Hall,  May  20,  1855.  The  Parish  was  organized  in  the  parlor  of 
Mr.  Stephen  Perry,  whose  house  stood,  and  still  stands,  on  the 
corner  of  Galen  and  Williams  Streets,  just  across  the  limits  of 
Newton,  in  Watertown.  Mrs.  Perry  died  in  January-,  1878.  The 
officiating  clergj-man  was  Rev.  T.  F.  Fales,  of  Waltham.  During 
the  following  summer,  the  services  were  continued  on  Sundays  by 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Fales  and  other  clergymen,  and  on  the  27th  of  Sep- 
tember, 1855,  an  Episcopal  Parish  was  formally  organized.  The 
following  were  the  first  Parish  officers  : 

WARDENS. 

George  Linder,  Edward  P.  Bancroft. 

CLERK. 

William  S.  Perry. 


VESTRY-MEN. 


Stephen  Perry, 
Thomas  Smallwood, 
Nicholas  Johnson, 
James  E.  Butts, 


George  A.  Hicks, 
Isaac  G.  Braman, 
James  Gourlie. 


The  first  call  to  a  clergyman  to  become  rector  of  the  new  Parish 
was  extended  to  the  Rev.  T.  F.  Fales,  but  he  declined  it.  The 
office  was  then  offered  to  Rev.  John  Singleton  Copley  Greene,  M.  D. 

The  history  of  Mr.  Greene  is  an  interesting  one.  He  was  the 
son  of  the  late  Gardiner  Greene,  of  Boston,  graduated  at  Harvard 


GRACE    CHURCH,    NEWTON. 


■GRACE  CHURCH.  G95 

University  in  1828,  and  proceeded  at  once  to  the  study  of  medi- 
cine, receiving  the  degree  of  M.  D.  in  1831.  He  inherited  wealth, 
and  for  several  years  lived  an  aimless  life.  By  the  death  of  his 
first  wife,  his  mind  was  directed  to  the  subject  of  personal  religion, 
and  he  formed  the  resolution  to  be  at  last  of  some  use  in  the  world. 
He  became  a  zealous  Christian,  driving  into  Boston  every  Sabbath 
from  the  Governor  Gore  mansion  in  Waltham,  which  he  owned 
and  occupied,  that  he  might  take  part  as  a  teacher  in  a  Sunday 
School.  When  the  Episcopal  church  in  Waltham  was  organized, 
he  became  its  most  generous  benefactor.  He  aided  in  building  the 
church  edifice,  bought  a  rectory  and  gave  it  to  the  Parish,  and  by 
X^ersonal  effort  as  well  as  by  the  liberal  use  of  his  property,  he  did 
iill  in  his  power  to  advance  the  cause  of  religion. 

In  course  of  time,  he  married  again.  But  affliction  again  over- 
took him,  and  his  second  wife  was  called  away  by  death.  This 
second  great  sorrow,  however,  was  the  means  of  leading  him  to 
consecrate  himself  to  the  work  of  the  ministr}'.  With  great  energ}', 
he  undertook  the  study  of  theology  in  And  over,  Mass.,  and 
a'eceived  ordination  at  the  hands  of  Bishop  Eastburn  in  1855.  He 
began  his  rectorship  iu  Newton  in  January,  1856.  and  his  liberality 
was  shown  here,  even  more  conspicuoush'  than  it  had  been  in  con- 
jiection  with  the  Episcopal  Parish  in  Waltham.  He  aided  in  the 
2Durchase  of  land  on  the  corner  of  AVashington  and  Hovey  Streets, 
opposite  the  Baptist  church,  for  the  Parish  buildings,  gave  liber- 
ally towards  the  erection  of  the  chapel,  and  built  the  school-house 
and  rector}'  at  his  own  expense. 

The  corner-stone  of  the  chapel  was  laid  on  Friday  afternoon. 
May  28,  1858,  by  Bishop  Eastburn,  who  delivered  an  address  on 
the  occasion.  On  the  silver  plate,  placed  under  the  corner-stone, 
was  this  inscription : 

TO  GOD,  THE  FATHER,   SON  AND  HOLY  GHOST,  AVE  CONSECRATE  THIS  EDIFICE  — 

TO  THE  INCREASE  OF  CHRISTIAN  FAITH  AND  CHARITY. 

IN  THE  YEAR  OF  SALVATION  1858. 

The  church  was  Gothic  in  style,  and  designed  to  accommodate 
an  audience  of  225.     The  cost  was  about  $4,000. 

At  the  commencement,  the  number  of  persons  attending  the 
Episcopal  service  was  small ;  ])ut  many  additions  were  made,  chieflj' 
from  among  English  people  residing  at  the  North  Village.  Mr. 
•Greene   continued   in   charge   of  the   Parish   nearly   nine  years, 


^396  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

resigning  in  1864,  and  removing  to  Lougwood.  His  health  failed 
rapidly,  and  he  never  resumed  parish  work.  He  officiated  occa- 
sionally at  different  churches,  but  the  pastorate  of  Grace  church, 
Newton,  was  his  first  and  onl}^  one.  He  is  remembered  verj^ 
gratefnlly  by  the  many  whom  he  influenced  for  good,  and  b}-  the 
many  poor  whom  his  benefactions  relieved.  He  is  said  to  have 
been  a  man  of  very  rigid  principles,  and  seemed  intensely  eager 
to  make  amends  in  his  latter  days  for  his  early  misspent  years. 
He  used  often  to  say  that  he  wanted  to  serve  God,  as  vigorously 
as  he  had  once  served  his  own  pleasures. 

The  second  rector  of  the  Parish  was  Rev.  P.  H.  Steenstra,  who 
began  his  ministry  in  November,  1864,  and  remained  in  office 
till  July  1,  1869,  when  he  resigned,  and  became  Professor  in  the 
Episcopal  Theological  School  at  Cambridge. 

The  third  rector  was  Rev.  Henry  Mayer,  who  entered  upon  his 
work  in  August,  1870.  During  his  rectorship,  the  project  of  erect- 
ing a  new  church  edifice  was  very  earnestl}'  considered.  The 
parish  had  grown  in  numbers  and  in  means,  and  the  chapel  on 
Washington  Street  was  over-crowded.  A  temporary  expedient  for 
seating  more  people  had  been  devised,  by  building  a  galler}' 
across  the  rear  end  of  the  chapel.  But  it  was  soon  evident  that  a 
larger  structure  was  needed  by  the  rapidl}'  increasing  congrega- 
tion. Many  came  from  other  places,  who  had  been  connected 
with  Episcopal  churches,  and  brought  with  them  life  and  energy 
to  the  parish  in  Newton. 

The  first  intention  was  to  place  the  new  church  on  the  lot  at 
the  corner  of  Washington  and  Hove}-  Streets  ;  but  afterwards  a 
new  and  better  location  was  sought.  The  large  strip  of  ground 
between  Vernon  and  Church  Streets,  containing  134,000  feet  was 
purchased.  Eldredge  Street  was  not  then-  cut  through ;  but  the 
street  was  at  once  laid  out,  and  the  ground  to  the  east  of  it, 
graded.  The  southeastern  corner  was  designated  as  the  place  for 
the  church,  chapel  and  rectory.  The  northeastern  part  was  sold, 
to  a  point  within  one  hundred  feet  of  the  new  church.  Plans  for 
the  church  were  drawn  by  Mr.  A,  R.  Esty,  architect,  and  the 
corner-stone  was  laid  September  4,  1872, —  the  same  which  had 
been  laid  originally  under  the  chapel  in  Washington  Street. 

Rev.  Mr.  Mayer  resigned  his  rectorship  in  March,  1872,  and 
was  succeeded  by  the  fourth  rector.  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Jenckes,  jr.,  in 
July,  1872.      Mr.  Jenckes  remained  in  office  till  September  2,. 


GRACE  CHURCH.  697 

1874,  when  he  resigned,  and  became  rector  of  the  Cathedral 
church  in  Davenport,  Iowa.  Rev.  William  Stevens  Perry,  a 
member  of  this  church  and  a  graduate  of  Harvard  University  in 
the  class  of  1854,  became  Bishop  of  the  Episcopal  church  of 
Iowa,  and  also  a  resident  of  Davenport. 

Work  upon  the  new  church  was  pushed  forward  as  rapidly  as  was 
consistent  with  the  solidity  and  elaborateness  of  the  structure. 
The  cost  of  the  building,  including  the  land,  was  about  $105,000. 
Worship  continued  to  beheld  in  the  chapel  till  August,  1873.  The 
new  church  was  first  used  on  Advent  Sunday,  December,  1873, 
parts  of  it  being  unfinished,  which  have  since  been  completed. 
The  old  wooden  structure,  having  stood  unused  for  a  time,  was 
sold,  and  removed  to  Watertown. 

The  organ,  the  windows,  the  pulpit  and  other  parts  of  the  fur- 
niture are  memorials  of  deceased  members  of  the  parish.  Promi- 
nent among  those  thus  commemorated  are  the  Rev.  Mr,  Greene, 
Mr.  George  Linder,  Mr.  E.  P.  Bancroft,  Mr.  William  Linder, 
Mrs.  Greene  and  Mrs.  Mayer.  Near  the  tower  is  a  window  com- 
memorating a  joung  soldier,  who  left  his  home  to  fight  his  coun- 
try's battles.  It  was  placed  there  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Neff,  in  mem- 
ory* of  their  son,  and  is  a  perpetual  reminder  of  the  sufferings 
occasioned  by  the  civil  war,  and  a  lesson  of  patriotism,  renewed 
every  Sabbath  day. 

The  seating  capacity  of  the  church  is  about  seven  hundred  ;  but  so 
wide  are  the  aisles,  that  an  additional  number  of  a  hundred  and  fifty 
movable  seats  can  be  put  in. 

The  chime  of  bells  in  the  tower  of  this  church  is  named  "  the 
Eldredge  chime,"  in  honor  of  the  donor,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Trull 
Eldredge,  who  presented  the  mone}'  for  the  purpose  on  Christmas 
day.  December  25,  1872.  Several  other  donations  wei'c  made  at 
the  same  time,  by  leading  members  of  the  Society-,  for  the  new  edi- 
fice, among  which  were  "  donations  for  a  valuable  church  organ, 
and  several  sums  of  mouc}-."  Soon  after  the  donation  was  given 
for  the  chime  of  bells,  a  committee,  consisting  of  Rev.  J.  S. 
Jenckcs,  Gen.  A.  B.  Underwood,  Messrs.  llenrj-M.  Bates  and  Wil- 
liam S.  Gardner,  were  appointed  to  take  the  matter  in  charge. 
About  June  1,  1873,  the  contract  was  awarded  to  Messrs.  Blake 
and  Co.,  experienced  bell-founders,  and  the  casting  of  the  bells 
was  completed  in  July.  The  bells,  with  the  framework  on  which 
the}-  rest,  weigh  about  8,500  pounds.     The  whole  work  cost  $4,400. 


698  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

The  elevation  of  the  bells  above  the  ground  is  about  sixt}-  feet. 
The  weight  of  the  largest  h-Al  is  2,140  pounds  ;  and  of  the  small- 
est, 295  pounds ;  and  of  the  whole  nine,  8,296  pounds.  The  fol- 
lowing are  the  bells,  according  to  their  size,  beginning  with  the 
largest,  with  their  inscriptions  : 

E  (natural). — donor's  bell. 

Mrs.  Elizabeth  Trull  Eldredge  gave  rae  and  eight  companions  to  Grace 
Church  Parish,  Newton,  upon  the  completion  of  the  new  church,  September, 
1873. 

" This  also  that  she  hath  done  shall  be  spoken  of  for  a  memorial  of 

her." — Mark  xiv  :  9. 

P   (sharp). HOLY  BAPTISM  BELL. 

"  Baptism  doth  also  now  save  us  —  not  the  putting  away  of  tlie  filth  of  the 
flesh,  but  the  answer  of  a  good  conscience  toward  God." —  1  Peter  iii :  21. 

G  (sharp). —  CHRISTMAS  BELL. 

"For  unto  you  is  born  this  day,  in  the  city  of  David,  a  Saviour,  which  is 
Christ  the  Lord." — Luke  ii :  11. 

A. —  HOLY    COMMUNION   BELL. 

"  This  do  in  remembrance  of  me." — Luke  xxii :  19. 

B. —  rector's  bell. 
"  And  how  shall  they  hear  without  a  preacher?  " — Rom.  x  :  14. 

C  (SHARP). —  EASTER   BELL.  ' 

"  The  Lord  is  risen  indeed!  " —  Luke  xxiv  :  34. 

D. MARRIAGE    BELL. 

"  What  therefore  God  hath  joined  together,  let  not  man  put  asunder. "- 
Mark  x :  9. 

1)  (sharp). —  BURIAL  BELL. 

*'  The  Lord  gave,  and  tlie  Lord  hath  taken  away;  blessed  be  the  name  ol 
the  Lord  I  " — Job  i :  21. 

E    (octave), —  children's    BELL. 

"  Except  ye  be  converted  and  become  as  little  children,  ye  shall  not  entei 
into  the  kingdom  of  heaven." — Matt,  xviii :  3. 

The  bells  are  of  remarkable  purity  of  tone,  and  specially  inter 
esting,  because  they  are  the  first  chime  introduced  into  the  cit\'  of 
Newton. 

The  fifth  rector  of  the  cliureh  was  the  Rev.  George  W.  Shinn, 
who  entered  upon  his  duties  January  1,  1875.  Mr.  Shinu  is  the 
author  of  tlie  following  works  : 


METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH. 


699 


1.  A  Manual  of  Instruction  in  Church  History. 

2.  A  Manual  of  Instruction  for  Candidates  for  Confirmation  and  for  Young 
"Communicants. 

3.  Grace  Church  :  its  Architecture  and  Adornments  ;  or,  the  Silent  Voices 
that  spealt  of  Christ  and  his  Salvation. 

4.  A  Manual  of  Instruction  on  the  Collects,  Epistles  and  Gospels  for  the 
Christian  Year. 

5.  A  Manual  of  Instruction  on  the  Prayer  Book. 
{].     Stories  for  the  Happy  Days  of  Christmas  Time. 

Rev.  W.  D.  O.  Dot}',  while  a  student  for  the  ministry  in  1866, 
was  .superinteudent  of  the  iSunday  School.  He  became  afterwards 
rector  of  Christ  church,  Rochester,  N.  Y. 

METHODIST    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH,    NEWTON. 

Meetings  for  consultation  with  reference  to  the  organization  of 
&  jNIethodist  church  at  Newton  Corner  were  held  early  in  Decem- 
ber, 18G3.  Union  Hall  was  hired  as  a  place  for  meetings  about 
Februar}'  1,  1864,  and  Dr.  Cobleigh,  then  editor  of  Zion's  Herald, 
was  the  first  preacher.  The  church  was  recognized  in  April  by  the 
Conference,  the  first  service  being  held  April  17,  1864.  The  So- 
ciety was  organized  April  21,  1864. 

The  following  were  the  constituent  members  : 

John  Eisk,  Mary  A.  Skinner, 

Martha  A.  Gay,  Henry  Thrall, 

Aaron  F.  Gay,  .  Minerva  Thrall, 

Edward  W.  Gay,  F.  M.  Trowbridge, 

Ezra  M.  Mosher,  Abbie  A.  Trowbridge, 

Olivia  Mosher,  Abram  Thomas, 

Mary  A.  Mosher,  Arethusa  Thomas, 

Thurston  Priest,  Mehitable  Cromack, 

Mary  A.  Priest,  Jedediah  Paine, 

James  Skinner,  "Winnett  Paine. 

The  land  on  which  the  church  and  parsonage  are  erected  em- 
braces nearly  two  acres.  The  cost  of  the  church,  exclusive  of  the 
land  was  about  $9,000.  It  was  dedicated  September  iQ,  1867; 
the  dedication  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  W.  F.  Warren, 
D.  D.  The  land  was  originally  low  and  wet,  but  the  whole  tract, 
at  a  later  date,  was  filled. 

The  following  have  been  the  pastors  of  the  church : 


.7.  C  Cromack, 
C.  S.  llogers, 
Sylvester  F.  Jones, 
A.  A.  Wright, 


Fred.  Wood, 

W.  E.  Huntington, 

S.  Jackson. 

W.  S.  Studley. 


700  HISTOKY  or  NEWTON. 

CHURCH   OF   "  OUR   LADY   HELP    OF   CHRISTIANS." 

The  Roman  Catholic  church  of  Newton  (corner  of  Adams  and 
Washington  Streets) ,  called  church  of  "  Our  Lady  Help  of  Chris- 
tians," was  commenced  November  1,  1872.  The  corner-stone 
was  laid  August  31,  1873.  The  first  service  was  held  in  the  base- 
ment November  1,  1874. 

The  Roman  Catholic  population  of  Newton,  Newton  Centre, 
and  Newtonville  formed  a  part  of  the  parish  of  Watertown,  until 
August  1,  1878.  Rev.  M.  M.  Green  then  took  charge  of  the 
Roman  Catholic  population  of  Newton,  which  became  a  parish, 
distinct  from  that  of  Watertown,  and  under  his  ministry  the  new 
church  was  erected.  The  church  is  an  imposing  structure,  built 
of  brick,  with  granite  trimmings,  and  situated  conspicuously  in  an 
ample  lot,  which  will  admit  of  grading  and  indefinite  ornamenta- 
tion. It  is  to  be  hoped  that  such  improvement  will  not  be  long 
dela^'ed.  No  expense  which  is  laid  out  in  making  the  churches 
and  public  buildings  of  a  city  attractive  is  wasted.  To  elevate 
the  taste  is,  indirectly,  to  educate  the  people  up  to  a  higher  stand- 
ard. The  beautiful  surroundings  of  a  church  exercise  an  impor- 
tant influence  in  leading  the  worshippers  to  love  their  church,  and 
awaken  in  them  a  more  fervent  devotion. 

NEWTON   AND   WATERTOWN   UNIVERSALIST   SOCIETY. 

The  "  Newton  and  Watertown  Universalist  Societ}*  "  was  incor- 
porated by  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  the  Commonwealth,  approved 
March  3,  1827.  The  corporators  were  Elijah  Adams,  Ezra  Fuller, 
Elias  Jenison,  Stephen  W.  Trowbridge  and  Thomas  Hastings.  Steps 
were  immediately  taken  to  erect  a  meeting-house  ;  and  for  this  pur- 
pose, laud  was  purchased  of  Nathaniel  R.  Whitue}'.  The  frame 
of  the  meeting-house  was  raised  May  21,  1827,  and  the  house  was 
dedicated  August  15th  of  the  same  year.  The  Rev.  Russell 
Streeter  was  at  that  time  connected  with  the  Society,  and  contin- 
ued to  be  so  until  1829.  The  next  settled  pastor  was  Rev.  Wil- 
iam  S.  Balch,  followed  by  Rev.  P.  R.  Russell,  Charles  L.  Cook, 
Stephen  Cutler,  John  Nichols,  John  Allen,  E.  Partridge,  Heniy 
C.  Vose,  C.  R.  Moore,  L.  Rice,  O.  H.  Tillotson. 

The  church  was  formed  March  16,  1828,  and  the  sacrament  of 
the  Communion  was  first  administered  the  first  Sabbath  in  April, 
1828.     The  church  was  publicly  recognized  August  23  ;  the  sermon 


UNIVERSALIST  SOCIETY, 


701 


oil  the  occasion  was  by  the  late  Rev.    Thomas   Whittemore,    of 
Cambridgcport. 

Elijah  Adams  and  Ezra  Fuller  were  the  first  Deacons,  and  the 
following  were  the  original  members  of  the  church : 


Russell  Streeter, 
Faustina  Streeter, 
Miles  Sprague, 
William  Stone, 


of  Watertown. 


►  of  Newton. 


Mary  Fuller, 
Charles  Fuller, 
Ruth  Durant, 
Francis  Walker, 
Sally  Walker, 
Anna  Fisher, 
Stephen  Trowbridge, 
*  afterwards  Deacon, 

Sarah  E.  Trowbridge, 
Mary  Thompson, 

Among  the  last  pastors  of  the  Society  were  Rev.  Asa  Country- 
man and  Rev.  E.  Partridge.  The  latter  supplied  the  pulpit  occa- 
sionally, after  stated  preaching  was  discontinued,  and  until  the 
dissolution  of  the  Society  in  1866  (?).  The  property  was  sold, 
and  the  church  building,  denuded  of  its  tower,  is  now,  in  the  same 
location,  occupied  as  a  school-house.  The  bell  was  sold  to  the 
Second  Baptist  Society  in  Newton  (Upper  Falls) ,  and  is  now  in 
the  tower  of  their  church  edifice. 

The  communion  service,  used  by  the  "  Newton  and  Watertown 
Universalist  Societ}',"  was  "  a  set  of  silver  plate,  formerly  the 
property  of  the  First  Universalist  church  of  Boston,*  and  one  of  the 
cups  was  brought  from  England  by  Rev.  John  Murray."  It  is  now 
in  the  hands  of  the  present  Universalist  Society  at  Newtonville. 


*The  First  Universalist  Church  in  Boston  was  at  the  comer  of  Hanover  and  North 
Bennett  Streets,  on  land  now  occupied  by  the  church  of  the  Baptist  Bethel  for  Sea- 
men. Here  John  Murray  preached,  the  first  minister  of  the  Universalist  faith  in  this 
country. 


CHAPTER  LI. 

THE   NEWTONS    OF    LATER    GROWTH. AUBURNDALE. EVANGELICAL. 

CONGREGATIONAL    CHURCH. CENTENARY    METHODIST. CHURCH 

OF    THE    MESSIAH. ST.    BERNARD'S,    WEST   NEWTON. NEWTON- 

VILLE, CENTRAL     CONGREGATIONAL      CHURCH. SWEDENBOR— 

GIAN. UNIVERSALIST.  METHODIST        EPISCOPAL.  NEWTON 

HIGHLANDS. CONGREGATIONAL    SOCIETY. CHESTNUT    HILL. 

UNITARIAN    CHAPEL. 

Dr.  Gilbert  gives  the  following  item  in  regard  to  the  first 
impulse  which  started  into  life  the  village  of  Auburndale. 

Referring  to  the  old  house  in  that  part  of  the  town,  once  owned, 
together  with  the  farm,  by  Mr.  John  Pigeon,  and  afterwards  b}'  his 
son,  Mr.  Henry  Pigeon,  the  father  of  Charles  du  Marisque  Pigeon 
(Harvard  University,  1818,  Andover  Theological  Seminary,  1821, 
died  1872),  which  farm  afterwards  became  the  "Poor  Farm,"  Dr. 
Gilbert  writes, — 

The  Pigeon  house  had  become  the  home  of  the  poor,  before  I  saw  it.  The 
inmates  ranged  from  twenty-two  to  twenty-eight  in  number.  Of  these,  three 
or  four  were  insane.  Several  were  victims  of  intemperance.  Rev.  Charles 
du  M.  Pigeon  used  to  refer  to  it  as  his  fathers  home.  On  one  of  my  horse- 
back rides  to  Newton  Centre,  I  stopped  at  his  boarding-place  [the  Boarding 
House  of  the  Female  Academy],  and  met  him  on  the  doorsteps.  In  some 
conversation,  I  incidentally  said  to  him,  that  if  a  man  had  a  little  money  to 
inTest,  he  might  do  well  to  purchase  land  at  Hull's  Crossing,  since,  Newton- 
ville.  It  could  be  bought  very  cheap,  and  must  eventually  be  valuable.  He 
said  he  did  not  like  to  see  ministers  engaged  in  speculation,  but  he  must  do 
something. 

Some  days  afterwards,  he  called  at  my  house,  and  said  my  suggestion  had 
set  him  to  thinking ;  and  that  he  had  also  been  up  to  his  father's  old  t^irm, 
and  examined  the  situation.  He  loved  the  old  spot.  Might  it  be  made  the 
nucleus   of  a  thriving  village?      He   asked   if  I   thought  the   Boston   and 

702 


AUBURNDALE.  703 

Worcester  Railroad  Corporation  could  be  induced  to  give  them  a  Depot?  I 
replied,  "Yes,  get  six  men,  who  are  desirous  of  going  to  Boston  every  day, 
and  you  can  have  a  Depot  at  once." 

It  was  done  ;  and  the  filial  attachment  of  Mr.  Pigeon  for  his  old 
home,  and  the  suggestion  of  Dr.  Gilbert  in  reference  to  another 
place  two  miles  distant,  form  the  origin  and  starting-point  of  the 
flourishing  and  beautiful  homes  and  schools  and  churches  of 
Auburndale.  It  is  said  that  in  1800,  within  the  present  limits  of 
Auburndale,  extending  to  Weston  bridge,  there  were  onl}^  seven 
houses.  The  farms  and  forests  have  given  place  to  elegant  resi- 
dences. The  lonely  roads  have  become  charming  avenues,  bor- 
dered with  gardens.  The  distant  dwelUngs,  scarce!}^  visible 
among  the  woods,  have  been  displaced  by  the  hand  of  taste  and 
culture,  and  princely  abodes  have  sprung  to  life  on  every  side.  In- 
stead of  the  monotone  of  weary  toil,  the  sound  of  gay  young 
voices  echoes  from  the  halls  of  learning ;  and  the  paths  once  so 
rarely  trodden  by  strangers,  are  enlivened  by  the  annual  pageant 
of  a  commencement  festivity.  In  so  short  a  time,  how  wonderful 
has  been  the  change  ! 

The  old  Whittemore  tavern  in  Auburndale  was  situated  near  the 
bridge  at  Woodland  Avenue,  in  later  times  the  property  of  Messrs. 
W.  P.  and  B.  Bourne.  This  building  was,  at  the  time  of  the  Con- 
cord fight,  in  1775,  over  a  half  century  old, —  having  been  a 
tavern  in  1724.  Doubtless  the  rustics,  on  that  eventful  da}', 
called  at  this  ancient  hostelrie,  to  give  or  receive  intelligence  of 
the  battle, —  the  sound  of  the  guns  of  which  could  be  plainl}^ 
heard.  Here,  the  interested  neighbors  discussed  the  day's  events, 
and  here,  perchance,  some  of  the  victorious  heroes  showed  how 
fields  were  won,  and  laid  plans  that  have  since  made  history. 

The  village  of  Auburndale,  with  its  tasteful  streets  and  homes, 
"beautiful  for  situation"  and  a  tranquil  rest,  has,  from  the  begin- 
ning, been  the  home  of  a  population  distinguished  for  virtue,  cul- 
ture, iutelhgence  and  we«,lth.  The  early  planting  of  the  Lasell 
Female  Seminar}'  in  a  conspicuous  position  among  its  dwellings, 
has  had  a  most  benign  influence  on  the  character  of  the  popula- 
tion, and  on  the  development  of  the  village  for  all  time  to  come. 
There  could  not  be  found  a  more  striking  illustration  of  the  silent 
influence  of  a  higher  institution  of  learning  to  elevate  a  commu- 
nity. Every  square  yard  of  land  has  been  advanced  in  value  by 
tlio  presence  of  this  noted  and  prosperous  Seminary. 


704 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


EVANGELICAL   CONGREGATIONAL   CHURCH. 

A  number  of  the  residents  of  Auburndale,  most  of  them  pre- 
viously attendants  upon  the  religious  services  of  the  Congregational 
church  at  West  Newton,  took  the  appropriate  steps,  during  the 
latter  part  of  October  and  the  early  part  of  November,  1850, 
towards  the  organization  of  a  new  church.  This  organization 
took  the  name  of  "The  Evangelical  Cougregational  Church  of 
Aubui'ndale."  The  constituent  members  were  as  follows  (Novem- 
ber 14,  1850)  : 


Benajah  Cross, 

Mrs.  Anna  G.  Cross, 

J.  J.  Walworth, 

Mrs.  Elizabeth  C.  Walworth, 

William  Whittlesey, 

Mrs.  Abby  M.  Whittlesey, 

Miss  Harriet  M.  Whittlesey, 

Joshua  Washburn, 

Mrs.  Sylvia  Washburn, 

Samuel  Wells, 

Mrs.  Martha  A.  Wells, 

Fitz  Henry  Weld, 

Mrs.  Angelina  B.  Weld, 

Miss  Joanna  Weston, 

Mrs.  Hannah  H.  Whitney, 

Charles  C.  Burr, 

Joseph  L.  Partridge, 


Mrs.  Zibia  N.  Partridge, 

Henry  Mills, 

Mrs.  Catharine  B.  Mills, 

Miss  Maria  N.  Mills, 

Mrs.  Mary  G.  Pigeon, 

Eev.  J.  E.  Woodbridge, 

Mrs.  Catharine  S.  Woodbridge, 

Rev.  I.  R.  Worcester, 

Mrs.  Mary  S.  Worcester, 

Mrs.  Mary  T.  Bradbury, 

Andrew  Kitchen, 

Mrs.  Harriet  S.  Kitchen, 

Rev.  Sewall  Harding, 

Mrs.  Eliza  W.  Harding, 

Miss  Eliza  M.  Harding, 

William  G.  Harding, 

Andrew  Washburn. 


The  hall  in  the  village,  where  religious  services  were  fii'st  held, 
served  the  church  for  several  years.  Subsequently,  it  was  occu- 
pied by  the  Episcopal  congregation,  and,  on  the  discontinuance  of 
theu"  services,  it  became  the  place  of  worship  for  the  Methodist 
church  of  Auburndale,  until  it  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  July,  1865. 

Believing  that  it  must  soon  be  necessary  to  secure  a  building  of 
their  own,  the  Societj^  June  15,  1853,  authorized  the  purchase  of 
a  lot  upon  which  to  erect  a  church  edifice.  Three  years  later, 
active  measures  were  instituted  for  carrying  out  this  intention  ;  and 
the  Society  voted,  September  10,  1856,  to  erect  a  building  accord- 
ing to  a  plan  furnished  by  Mr.  Charles  E.  Parker.  This  building 
was  completed  and  furnished,  at  a  cost  of  about  $12,000.  The 
services  of  dedication  were  held,  Juh*  1,  1857. 

During  a  violent  storm,  on  the  night  of  March  24,  1862,  the 
graceful   spire   was   blown   down   upon   the   roof,    causing  gi-eat 


CONGREGATIONAL  CHURCH,   ACBURNDAI-E. 


CENTENARY  METHODIST  CHURCH.  705 

damage  to  the  main  body  of  the  edifice.  The  house  was  repaired, 
and  the  spire  rebuilt,  at  an  expense  of  $1,600.  While  thus  tempo- 
rarily excluded  from  then-  usual  place  of  worship,  the  hall  of  the 
Lasell  Female  Seminary  was  placed  at  their  service,  by  Mr. 
George  W.  Briggs,  the  Principal. 

After  the  organization  of  the  church,  religious  services  were 
conducted  for  two  years  by  the  late  Revs.  Sewall  Harding  and 
J.  E.  Woodbridge,  resident  clergymen.  Subsequently,  the  Rev. 
Melancthon  G-.  Wheeler,  who  had  occasionally  officiated,  was  en- 
gaged to  supply  the  pulpit  for  one  year. 

June  20,  1856,  Rev.  Edward  W.  Clark,  having  fulfilled  an 
engagement  of  several  months'  continuance  with  the  Society,  was 
invited  to  become  pastor.  The  call  was  accepted  ;  but  his  instal- 
lation was  postponed  till  the  dedication  of  the  new  church,  and 
the  services  appertaining  to  both  occasions  took  place  July  1, 
1857.  Mr.  Clark  continued  pastor  till  June  20,  1861,  when,  in 
accordance  with  his  own  request  and  the  consent  of  the  church,  he 
was  dismissed. 

The  services  of  the  Rev.  James  Means,  then  residing  in  Auburn- 
.dale,  were  engaged,  soon  after  the  dismission  of  Mr.  Clark,  and 
he  occupied  the  pulpit  nearly  one  year. 

Subsequently,  the  church  remained  without  pastor  or  stated 
suppl}''  several  months.  A  call  was  extended,  January  12,  1864, 
to  Rev.  A.  H.  Carrier,  of  Erie,  Pa.  The  call  was  accepted,  and 
Mr.  Carrier  was  installed  February  10.  His  resignation  took 
place  October  7,  1866.  The  next  pastor  was  the  Rev.  Calvin 
Cutler,  of  New  Ipswich,  N.  H.,  who  was  installed  in  1867. 


PASTOES. 

Edward  W.  Clark, 
Augustus  H.  Carrier, 
Calvin  Cutler. 


DEACONS. 

Henry  Mills, 
Joseph  li.  Partridge, 
Samuel  Barrett, 
Charles  C.  Burr, 
Charles  W.  Robinson. 


Joseph  L.  Partridge,  Charles  C.  Burr. 

CENTENARY   METHODIST   CHUKCH. 

Prayer  meetings,  the  germ  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church 

in  Auburndale,  were  commenced  in  August,  1860,  in  the  house  of 

Mr.  John  Mero ;    and   afterwards   transferred   to   an    unoccupied 

school-house.     They  were  held  weekl}-,  Mr.  John  Deavall  being 

45 


706  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

the  leader,  and  Mrs.  Deavall,  his  wife,  both  of  Weston,  and  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Anthony  Holbrook,  of  "Waltham,  being  the  principal 
helpers.  The  first  meeting  in  the  school-house  was  led  by  Father 
Jennison,  of  Natick. 

The  first  sermon  by  a  Methodist  preacher  was  by  Rev.  George 
W.  Mansfield,  November*18,  1860.  Text,— Malachi  III :  10  — 
"  Bring  ye  all  the  tithes  into  the  storehouse,"  etc..  The  audience 
numbered  about  one  hundred.  The  Lord's  Supper  was  first 
administered  December  1,  1860,  by  Rev.  L.  P.  Frost,  of  Wal- 
tham, who  supplied  the  pulpit  four  weeks. 

The  Sabbath  School  was  organized  with  eighteen  members, 
Januar}'  27,  1861.  Superintendent,  Rev.  J.  Skinner.  Rev.  J. 
Emory  Round,  the  first  regular  preacher,  commenced  his  labors  in 
April,  1862.  The  church  was  organized  May  25,  1862,  composed 
of  twelve  members : 


John  Deavall, 
Anthony  Holbrook, 
George  L.  Bourne, 
M^ry  E.  Jackson, 
Dorcas  McGuire, 
Hannah  Deavall, 


Charlotte  J.  Holbrook, 
Priscilla  Bourne, 
Ellen  Thompson, 
Charles  C.  Ricker, 
and  two  others. 


The  fii'st  Board  of  Trustees,  organized  July  29,  1862,  was  com- 
posed of  the  following  names :  Rev.  A.  D.  Sargeant,  Presiding 
Elder,  John  Deavall,  George  L.  Bourne,  J.  E.  Round,  Secretary,. 
Anthony  Holbrook,  Treasurer. 

Mr.  Round  enlisted  as  a  soldier  in  the  Union  army  in  the  war 
of  the  Rebellion,  September  7,  1862.  His  place  was  filled  by 
Rev.  Solomon  Chapin  till  May  3,  1863,  when  Rev.  Heur}'  V. 
Degen  became  pastor  for  a  year,  followed  b}'  Rev.  B.  Otheman, 
April  10,  1864.  Owing  to  sickness,  Mr.  Otheman  remained  but 
three  months.  The  pulpit  was  supplied  by  Rev.  Messrs.  C.  W. 
Gushing,  Townsend  and  James  till  April  30,  1865.  Then,  lay 
brethren  from  Boston  and  Cambridge  supplied  till  Jul}^  1865, 
when  the  Hall,  where  the  services  were  held,  was  destroyed  by  fire. 

A  lot  of  land  was  secured  on  Central  Street,  not  then  laid  out, 
—  thi'ough  the  liberality  of  Anthony  Holbrook,  the  oldest  member 
of  the  church,  and  the  corner-stone  of  the  present  chapel  was  laid 
December  25,  1866  ;  the  chapel  was  dedicated  May  25,  1867.  The 
pulpit  was  supphcd  mostly  b^^  Rev.  C.  W.  Cushing  till  April,. 
1872.  when  Rev.  J.  R.  Cushing  took  charge  of  the  church. 


CHURCH  OF  THE  MESSIAH.  707 

The  following  have  been  the  incumbents  since  that  date : 

Rev.  Daniel  Steele,  .  .  -  -  -  1873-75 

Rev.  J.  M.  Avann,  .  .  .  -  .       1875-7G 

Rev.  William  McDonald,  ....  187G-77 

Rev.  Andrew  McKeown,  D.  D.,       -  -  -  -       1877-80 

The  total  number  of  communicants  in  1878  was  128  ;  members 
of  the  Sabbath  School,  121.  Value  of  the  chapel  and  land^ 
$12,000.  The  Director  of  the  Music  and  organist  is  Dr.  Eben. 
Tourjee,  Professor  in  the  New  England  Conservatory  of  Music. 

CHURCH   OF    THE    MESSIAH,    WEST   NEWTOX    AND    AUBCRNDALE. 

Previous  to  the  3'ear  1858,  religious  worship,  according  to  the 
ritual  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  was  held  in  Auburndale  for  some 
time  in  a  Hall,  which  stood  at  the  corner  of  Auburn  and  Lexington 
Streets.  The  Hall  was  afterwards  destroyed  by  fire.  Rev.  N.  Gr. 
Allen  was  the  Rector.  The  books  now  used  in  the  chapel  of  Lasell 
Seminary  in  Auburndale  were  in  use  in  this  old  Society. 

After  a  protracted  suspension,  religious  services  were  again 
inaugurated  and  first  held  in  Village  Hall,  West  Newton,  Sabl)ath 
evening,  July  16,  1871,  and  were  continued,  thereafter,  either  in 
said  Hall  or  in  the  Unitarian  church. 

A  call  for  the  first  meeting  of  persons  desirous  of  forming  an 
Episcopal  church  at  West  Newton  appears  as  the  first  item  in  the 
church  Records  ;  this  call  was  signed  by 


Julius  Pelton, 
Garfield  Learned, 
G.  W.  Rice, 
W.  Garrett, 
W.  D.  Meek, 


J.  H.  Williams, 
W.  E.  Elder, 
L.  F.  Warren, 
J.  E.  Larkin, 
Jeremiah  Allen. 


The  meeting  thus  called  was  held  at  the  bouse  of  Jeremiah 
Allen,  Friday,  September  8,  1871.  Dr.  Renton  was  elected  Mod- 
erator ;  Julius  Pelton,  Clerk  ;  Jeremiah  Allen,  Treasurer  and  Col- 
lector ;  G.  W.  Rice  and  W.  D.  Meek,  respectively.  Senior  and 
Junior  Wardens  ;  eight  Vestry -men  were  also  chosen,  and  a  com- 
mittee, composed  of  G.  W.  Rice,  A.  G.  Brown  and  J.  Pelton,  to 
draft  a  Constitution  and  By-laws.  This  Instrument  avus  ro[)orted 
and  adopted  November  6,  1871. 

Februarj-  15,  1872,  Village  Hall,  West  Newton,  was  hired  as  a 
place  of  worship,  and  July  15th  following.  Rev.  C.  S.  Lester  was- 
elected   Rector.     His  resignation  was  accepted  March    4,   1873- 


708  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Eev.  H.  W.  Fa^'  became  Rector  soon  after  September  24,  1873, 
and  resigned  January  11,  1875.  Rev.  Francis  W.  Smitli,  of  St. 
Albans,  Vt.,  was  invited  to  be  Rector  February  10,  1875  ;  he  ac- 
cepted the  office  Ma}'  3,  1875,  and  resigned  October  29,  1877,  and 
removed  to  Woodstock,  Vt. 

April  16,  1877,  a  vote  was  passed  changing  the  name  of  the 
Parish  from  the  "  Church  of  the  Messiah  of  West  Newton,"  to 
"Church  of  the  Messiah  of  West  Newton  and  Aubui-ndale." 

February  11,  1877,  Evening  Prayers  and  Sermon  were  fli'st  held 
in  the  chapel  of  Lasell  Seminar}-.  From  that  date,  morning  ser- 
vice was  held  in  Village  Hall,  West  Newton,  and  evening  service 
in  the  chapel  in  Lasell  Seminary  every  Sabbath,  till  September 
10,  1877,  when  the  morning  service  at  Village  Hall  was  discon- 
tinued. Rev.  G.  W.  Shinn,  of  Grace  church,  Newton,  ministered 
to  the  church  till  March,  1878.  From  that  date,  Rev.  Henry 
Macka}',  of  Newton  Lower  Falls,  and  Rev.  Thomas  Cole,  of 
Brighton,  officiated  on  alternate  Sundays. 

The  average  attendance  at  the  present  time  is  about  eighty. 

In  the  spring  of  1880,  land  having  been  procured  for  the  pur- 
pose, the  erection  of  a  church  was  commenced,  from  plans  drawn 
by  Charles  E.  Parker,  Esq.  The  old  Rowe  Street  Baptist  chm-ch, 
in  Boston,  having  been  demolished,  to  make  room  for  a  structure 
for  business  purposes,  the  materials  were  purchased  to  be  recon- 
structed into  an  edifice  for  the  Church  of  the  Messiah.  The  beau- 
tiful brown  freestone,  so  well  fitted  to  church  architecture,  serves, 
therefore,  a  second  term,  in  this  new  location,  as  the  material  of 
a  house  of  worship  for  a  new  congregation. 

ST.  Bernard's  church  (roman  catholic),  west  newton. 

The  corner-stone  of  the  church  was  placed  in  position  Novem- 
ber 12,  1871,  by  the  late  Vicar  General  of  the  diocese,  Rev.  P. 
F.  Lyndon,  in  the  presence  of  a  large  concourse  of  people.  The 
late  Rev.  Bernard  Flood  was  the  pastor ;  through  whose  untiring 
energ}',  seconded  by  a  liberal  and  generous  people,  the  church, 
within  a  few  years,  was  brought  to  a  speed}-  completion  ;  and  the 
Catholics  of  West  Newton  could  boast  of  having  as  nice  a  brick 
church  of  its  size  as  there  is  in  the  arch-diocese.  The  chm'ch  was 
dedicated  about  the  year  1874  ;  the  Bishop  of  Springfield  preached 
the  sermon.  The  cost  was  about  $38,000.  It  seats,  on  the  floor, 
six  hundred  and  fifty.     The  gallery  wiU  accommodate  two  hundred. 


CENTRAL   CONGREGATIONAL  CHURCH.  709 

Rev.  M.  T.  McManus  has  been  pastor  since  May,  1876.  Under 
him  all  the  debt  has  been  wiped  off;  so  that  the  people  worship 
God  in  an  unmortgaged  church. 

NEWTONVILLE. 

The  part  of  Newton  known  as  Newton ville,  was  originall}'  part 
of  "the  Fuller  Farm,"  and  noted  chiefly,  in  early  times,  as  the 
residence  of  Judge  Fuller,  whose  house  occupied  the  land,  since 
owned  b}-  Ex-Governor  Claflin.  Judge  Fuller  was  succeeded  in 
this  home  b}^  his  son-in-law.  General  WiUiam  Hull.  In  1842,  the 
village  showed,  as  3'et,  no  signs  of  the  growth  it  was  destined  to 
attain.  In  that  year,  John  Bullough,  the  occupant  of  the  old  mill 
on  Walnut  Street, —  the  same  estate  formerly  known  as  the  prop- 
erty of  ^nsign  John  Spring, —  had  a  small  building  at  the  Rail- 
road crossing,  for  the  temporary  deposit  of  bags  of  grain  and  meal, 
received  or  to  be  sent  away  by  railroad.  The  station  was  denom- 
inated a  "flag-station," — and  passengers,  wishing  to  take  the  cars, 
in  either  direction,  were  admonished  to  pick  up  and  wave  the 
little  flag,  to  be  found  always  lying  on  the  short  platform,  as  a  sig- 
nal to  the  approaching  engineer,  of  their  wish  to  ride.  Soon  after- 
wards, the  desire  to  secure  suburban  residences,  which  had  begun 
to  move  in  the  direction  of  Newton  Corner,  extended  itself  west- 
ward, and  Newtonville  began  its  prosperous  career.  Its  churches, 
its  High  School  and  Grammar  School,  its  second  and  comely  rail- 
road station,  built  in  1880,  its  beautiful  homes  and  its  distinguished 
citizens  have  made  it  a  worth}'  portion  of  the  Garden  City. 

CENTRAL   CONGREGATIONAL   CHURCH,    NEWTONVILLE. 

On  Wednesda}' evening,  December  11,  1867,  several  residents 
of  the  village  of  Newtonville,  who  were  members  of  various  Con- 
gregational churches,  met  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Nathaniel  D.  Vose 
for  social  conference  and  prayer.  At  this  meeting,  another  was 
appointed  for  the  succeeding  week,  and  thus  was  instituted  the 
regular  weekly  meeting  for  prayer  and  conference  which  was  main- 
tained thenceforward.  Out  of  this  meeting  grew  the  establishment 
of  the  religious  Societ}-,  the  purchase  of  a  house  of  worship,  the 
Sabbath  School,  the  organized  church  and  the  settlement  of  a 
pastor. 

The  chapel  on  the  corner  of  Washington  and  Court  Streets, 
Newton^dlle,  at  fii-st  occupied  b}-  the  Methodist  Society  of  that 
Village,  was  purchased  by  members  of  the  Society,  and  provision 


710 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


was  made  for  a  pulpit  supply.  The  edifice  was  opened  for  regular 
Sabbath  services,  under  the  auspices  of  tlie  new  Society,  April  8, 
1868, —  Rev.  H.  J.  Patrick,  of  West  Newton,  preached  in  the  fore- 
noon, and  Rev.  J.  W.  Wellman,  of  Newton,  in  the  evening. 

The  church  was  organized  b}'  public  services  Septembers,  1868, 
and  at  the  same  time  Rev.  Joseph  B.  Clark,  formerly  pastor  at 
Yarmouth,  Mass.,  having  been  previously  invited,  was  installed 
pastor.  Mr.  Clark  graduated  at  Amherst  College  in  1858,  Ando- 
ver  Theological  Seminar^',  1861,  and  was  ordained  at  Yarmouth 
September  10,  1861. 

The  constituent  members  of  the  church  were  the  following : 


RoUiii  M.  Baldwin, 

Maria  S.  Baldwin  (Mrs.  R.  M.), 

Nathan  B.  Chamberlain, 

SarahH.F.Chamberlain(Mrs.  N.  B.), 

Joseph  B.  Clark, 

Carrie  M.  Clark  (Mrs.  J.  B.). 

Harriet  B.  Clark  (Mrs.), 

Hattie  S.  Clark  (Mrs.  L.  E.  Caswell), 

Mary  F.  Clark, 

Mary  H.  Coffin  (Mrs.), 

Clara  S.  Cormcrais, 

Helen  R.  Cormerais, 

Henry  J.  Darling, 

Phebe  A.  Darling  (Mrs.  H.  J.), 

John  De  Huff, 

Ellen  A.  De  Huff  (Mrs.  J.), 

Rebecca  F.  Goodale, 

Eliza  A.  Goodale, 


George  I.  Goodwin, 

Harriet  J.  Goodwin  (Mrs.  G.  I.), 

William  A.  Goodwin,  * 

Annie  G.  Goodwin  (Mrs.  W.  A.), 

D.  Wayland  Jones, 

Josephine  D.  B.  Jones  (Mrs.  D.  W.), 

Amanda  M.  Littlefield, 

John  M.  Perry, 

Mary  Q.  Perry  (Mrs.  J.  A.), 

Kutie  C.  Picket  (Mrs.), 

Almira  Russell  (Mrs.), 

Lydia  Sisson  (Mrs.  S.), 

S.  Amanda  Sisson, 

Hannah  Vose  (Mrs.), 

Nathaniel  D.  Vose, 

Mary  S.  Vose  (Mrs.  N.  D.), 

Roswell  Wilson, 

Mary  D.  Wilson  (Mrs.  R.). 


At  the  public  exercises  for  the  recognition  of  the  church,  the 
charge  to  the  church  was  by  Rev.  Daniel  L.  Furber,  of  Newton 
Centre,  and  the  hand  of  fellowship  by  Rev.  H.  J.  Patrick,  of 
West  Newton.  At  the  installation  service,  the  sermon  was  by 
Rev.  Alexander  McKenzie,  of  Cambridge  ;  charge  by  Rev.  J.  W. 
Wellman,  of  Newton  Corner ;  right  hand  of  fellowship  by  Rev.  E. 
E.  Strong,  of  Waltham,  and  address  to  the  people  by  Rev.  H.  J. 
Patrick,  of  West  Newton. 

The  pastorship  of  Mr.  Clark  continued  till  July  1,  1872.  Ad- 
mitted to  the  church  during  his  ministry-,  eighty-six. 

The  second  pastor  was  Rev.  James  R.  Dauforth,  who  was  in- 
stalled January  2,  1873.  The  sermon  on  this  occasion  was  by 
Rev.  Z.  Edd}',  D.  D.     Prayer  of  installation  by  Rev.  S.  R.  Dennin, 


SWEDENBORGIAX  CHURCH. 


711 


of  Watertown ;  charge  by  Rev.  E.  E.  Strong,  of  Waltham ;  hand 
of  fellowship,  by  Rev.  H.  J.  Patrick,  West  Newton.  Mr.  Dan- 
forth  resigned  his  pastorate  March  17,  1874,  and  was  followed  by 
Rev.  E.  Frank  Howe,  wiio  was  installed  December  6,  1876. 

At  the  public  installation  of  Mr.  Howe,  the  sermon  was  by  Rev. 
J.  L.  Withrow,  D.  D.,  and  Reverends  T.  C.  Biscoe,  J.  B.  Clark, 
S.  M.  Freeland  and  L.  T.  Townsend,  D.  D.,  also  officiated. 

The  original  cost  of  the  church  edifice  was  SG,500.  It  was  en- 
larged in  1869  and  again  in  1875, —  the  additions  costing  about  an 
equal  sum.  The  seating  capacity  of  the  church  is  about  six  hun- 
dred and  fifty.  After  the  second  enlargement,  the  church  was  re- 
dedicated  November  6,  1875.     Sermon  by  Rev.  J.  B.  Clark. 

In  the  spring  of  1878,  through  the  exertions  of  the  pastor, 
$12,000  was  pledged  towards  the  liquidation  of  the  debt  upon  the 
church,  and  a  Union  Service  was  held  in  the  church  April  18,  1880, 
in  celebration  of  the  accomplishment  of  this  object. 


PASTORS. 

INSTALLED. 

DISMISSED. 

Joseph  B.  Clark, 
James  R.  Danforth, 
E.  Frank  Howe, 

Sept.  8,  1868 
Jan.    2,  1873 
Dec.  6,  1876 

Sept.  5,  1872 
April  5,  1874 

DEACOKS. 

ELECTED. 

William  A.  Goodwin, 

Sept. 

17, 

1868. 

D.  Wayland  Jones,  M.  D., 

Sept. 

17, 

1868,  and  Jan.  13,  1873. 

William  F.  Slocum, 

Jan. 

12, 

1871,  and  Jan.  5,  1875. 

Henry  C.  Hayden, 

Jan. 

26, 

1877. 

Charles  E.  Chester, 

u 

Edward  W.  Greene, 

(( 

SABBATH  SCHOOL  SUPERINTENDENTS. 


Henry  J.  Darling, 
Henry  C.  Hayden, 
Joseph  Byers, 
Winfield  S.  Slocum, 


from  Jan.  18,  1869,  to  Jan.  20,  1871. 
20,  1871,     ■  "       12,  1874. 
12,  1874,       "       — ,  1875. 
"         11,  1875, 


SWEDENBORGIAN   CHURCH. 


The  first  New-Church  family  in  Newtonville  was  that  of  Mr. 
T)avis   Howard,  who  removed  from  Boston  in  June,  1846. 


712  HISTORY  OF  NEWTOK 

Mr.  T.  H.  Carter  followed  Mr.  Howard  from  Boston  in  just  one 
3'ear.  At  first,  both  families  attended  church  in  Boston  ;  but  as 
the  distance  was  inconveniently  great,  Mr.  Robert  Curtis,  who 
boarded  with  Mrs.  Howard,  began  to  read  services  at  her  house, 
and  at  the  same  time  opened  a  Sunday  School.  Both  these  exer- 
cises were  afterwards  continued  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Carter,  which 
was hospitabl}^  open,  for  many  ^ears,  for  the  use  of  the  church. 

As  the  number  of  New-Church  families  in  the  neighborhood  in- 
creased, a  hall  in  the  village  was  obtained  for  their  meetings,  and 
also  occasional  preaching  by  New-Church  ministers.  Mr.  S.  A. 
Schoff  and  Mr.  Joseph  Andrews  served  successivel3'  as  readers. 

In  October,  1857,  Mr.  John  "Worcester  was  invited  to  preach 
regularly  in  the  haU ;  but  no  Society  was  formed,  as  most  of  the 
worshippers  were  much  attached  to  their  old  home  in  the  Boston 
Society.  This  arrangement  continued  for  eleven  and  a  half  years, 
the  services  being  held  during  that  time  successively  in  four  ditfer- 
ent  halls. 

In  the  winter  of  1868-9,  the  chapel  now  occupied  by  the  Society, 
on  Highland  Avenue,  was  built,  on  land  given  b}'  Mr.  T.  H.  Car- 
ter. The  chapel  will  seat  about  two  hundred  and  seventy-five 
persons,  and  was  dedicated  April  11,  1869,  by  Rev.  Thomas  Wor- 
cester, President  of  the  Massachusetts  Association ;  who,  at  the 
same  time,  instituted  a  Society,  consisting  of  twenty-nine  members. 

Among  the  original  members  were  Messrs.  T.  H.  Carter,  H.  L. 
Ke3-es,  R.  M.  Pulsifer,  Edwin  Field,  S.  I.  Kellogg,  F.  N.  Palmer, 
The  Societ}"  numbered  in  February,  1878,  sixty-three  members. 

December  26,  1869,  Rev.  John  Worcester  was  installed  as  pas- 
tor of  the  Societ}'  ;  the  services  being  conducted  hj  the  Rev. 
Thomas  Worcester.     Mr.  Worcester  has  been  the  only  pastor. 

UNIVEKSALIST    SOCIETY. 

The  Universalist  Society  of  Newtonville  was  the  outgrowth  of 
a  missionary  movement  made  in  1870.  The  first  to  be  identified 
with  the  movement  were  several  persons  who  had  been  connected 
with  the  "  Newton  and  Watertown  Universalist  Societ}-,"  and  the 
"Waltham  Universalist  Society,"  viz.,  WiUiam  Page,  E.  F. 
Tainter,  E.  S.  Farnsworth,  and  others,  who  had  been  members  of 
neighboring  churches,  E.  T.  Trofittcr,  Eben  Higgins,  II.  M.  Small. 
Mrs.  Mary  T.  Goddard  added  her  influence  and  generous  support.. 
The  Society  was  prosperous  from  the  beginning. 


UNIVERSALISX   CHURCH,    NEWTONVILLE. 


METHODIST  CHURCH,  NEWTON VILLE.  713 

* 

The  first  meeting  was  held  in  the  small  hall  over  Williams'  Drug 
Store,  in  Newtonville  Square.  Hev.  T.  B,  Tha^-er,  D.  D., 
preached  the  first  sermon,  in  February,  1871.  In  the  following 
spring,  the  Soeiet}'  removed  into  Tremont  Hall.  The  legal  organ- 
ization of  the  Societ}'  was  effected  oarl}^  in  April,  1871,  and  a  vote 
was  passed  Jul}'  22,  1872,  to  purchase  land  on  Washington  Park, 
Newtonville,  for  the  erection  of  a  church  edifice.  The  corner- 
stone was  laid  October  22,  1872,  and  the  building  was  dedicated 
June  26,  1873.  The  church  is  of  stone,  in  the  Elizabethan  Gothic 
style  of  architectm'e,  sixty  feet  bj'  fort}',  and  capable  of  accom- 
modating about  three  hundred  hearers.  The  cost  was  about  $20,- 
000.  The  interior  is  finished  in  ash  and  black  walnut;  the  organ 
was  built  by  Hutchins,  Plaisted  &  Co. 

Rev.  J.  Coleman  Adams,  the  first  pastor,  took  charge  of  the 
Society  in  September,  1872,  and  was  ordained  December  19,  1872. 
The  ordaining  prayer  was  offered  by  the  father  of  the  pastor,  and 
the  charge  to  the  candidate  was  by  Rev.  A.  A.  Miner,  D.  D.,  of 
Boston.  In  1880  Mr.  Adams  resigned  his  charge,  and  removed 
to  Lynn. 

The  church  was  organized  in  February,  1873,  with  thirteen 
members. 

The  first  Deacons  were  Elijah  F,  Taiuter  and  Edward  T.  Tro- 
fitter ;  afterwards,  Henry  Ross.  The  creed  of  the  church  is  the 
Confession  of  Faith  of  the  Universalist  church,  known  as  "  the 
Winchester  Confession,"  and  to  this  all  candidates  are  expected  to 
assent.     It  is  as  follows  : 

We  believe  that  the  Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments  con- 
tain a  revelation  of  the  character  of  God,  and  the  duty,  interest  and  final 
destination  of  mankind. 

We  believe  that  tliere  is  one  God,  whose  nature  is  love,  revealed  in  one 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  by  one  Holy  Spirit  of  grace,  who  will  finally  restore  the 
whole  family  of  mankind  to  holiness  and  happiness. 

We  believe  that  holiness  and  true  happiness  are  inseparably  connected,  and 
that  believers  ought  to  be  careful  to  maintain  order  and  practise  good  works  ; 
for  these  things  are  good  and  profitable  unto  men. 

The  church,  in  1878,  numbered  sixty,  and  the  congregation  about 
one  hundred  and  fifty. 

METHODIST    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH. 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  church  at  Newtonville  grew  out  of  a 
Methodist  class  formed  in  the  year  1857,  composed  of  members 


714 


HISTOEY  OF  NEWTON. 


of  that  faith,  previously  belonging  in  Watertown.  Class-meetings 
were  continued  with  more  or  less  regularity  until  the  spring  of 
18G0,  when  the  question  of  forming  a  Methodist  church  at  New- 
tonville  began  to  be  agitated.  On  the  24th  of  March,  18G0,  the 
first  public  meeting  of  the  Society  on  the  Sabbath  was  held  in  the 
piano-forte  wareroom  of  Mr.  Amasa  Dexter.  Rev.  George  M. 
Steele  preached  at  the  services  in  the  da}-,  and  Rev.  William  Pen- 
tecost in  the  evening. 

The  public  services  were  removed  from  the  wareroom  to  Tre- 
mont  Hall,  and  Rev.  G.  W.  Mansfield  appointed  by  the  Confer- 
ence pastor  of  the  Society,  April  14,  1860.  The  chapel  on  the 
corner  of  Washington  and  Court  Streets,  now  (enlarged)  the 
meeting-house  of  the  Central  Congregational  church  and  Society, 
was  built  hj  Hon.  William  Claflin  and  Mr.  Dustin  Lancey,  was  hired 
by  the  Society,  and  dedicated  to  Divine  worship  in  April,  1860. 

The  church  was  formed  May  17,  1860,  and  composed  of  the  fol- 
lowing names, —  twenty-four  in  all: 


Amasa  Dexter, 
Eliza  T.  Dexter, 
Avery  P.  Ellis, 
Marcus  T.  Ileywood, 
Helen  E.  Heywood, 
Dustin  Lancey, 
Louise  Lancey, 
George  S.  Maynard, 


Ellen  M.  Maynard, 
Freeborn  G.  Smith, 
Kachel  P.  Smith, 
Mary  Smith, 
Hannah  White, 
Eliza  Wing, 
Caroline  Wing, 
Elizabeth  Beecher, 


George  T.  Denton, 
Lucy  A.  Denton, 
Livie  O.  Mansfield, 
Lucinda  D.  Richardson, 
Ira  Dexter, 
Ruth  Dexter, 
Robert  Porter, 
Nancy  A.  Porter. 


Two  of  the  3'^oung  men  of  the  church  were  in  the  Union  armj- 
in  the  war  of  1861-5.  At  the  close  of  the  first  3'ear,  the  church 
numbered  thirtj'-six.  The  Sabbath  School  was  organized  April 
21,  1860,  with  fifty-three  members.  The  first  Superintendent  was 
Mr.  Freeborn  G.  Smith. 

Another  religious  Society  in  the  village,  which  had  commenced 
the  brick  church,  near  the  Railroad  Station,  and  completed  the  out- 
side, having  become  weakened  by  removal  of  members,  were  desi- 
rous of  selling  theu"  church  edifice  which  they  were  unable  to  hold. 
It  was  purchased  by  a  number  of  citizens  of  the  village,  forming 
what  was  known  as  the  Newton ville  Lyceum,  and  after  its  occu- 
pation for  a  short  time  by  a  Unitarian  Society''  was  purchased  b}^ 
the  Methodist  Society  for  about  $6,000,  and,  having  been  finished 
by  its  new  owners,  was  dedicated  in  August,  1863. 


METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH,  NEWTONVILLE. 


C.  L.  Eastman, 

1808-9 

Wm.  L.  Lockwood,  1876 

John  D.  King, 

1870 

L.  R.  Thayer,            1877 

J.  S.  VVheedon, 

1871 

Elias  Hodge,             1878 

Frederick  Woods, 

1872-3-4 

T,  W.  Bishop.          1879 

John  Smith, 

1875 

NEWTON  HIGHLANDS.  715 


The  followiug  ministers  have  been  stationed  here : 

Oeo.  W.  Mansfield,  1860-1 
Z.  A.  Mudgc,  18C2 

ilenry  Uaker,  18C3-4 

George  Prentice,      1865-C 
W.  M.  Ayers,  1867 


NEWTON    HIGHLANDS. 

The  part  of  Newton  called  Newton  Highlands  is  the  latest, 
and  one  of  the  most  remarkable,  centres  of  thrift  and  population 
in  the  city,  and  its  growth  is  due,  mainly,  to  the  railroad  facilities 
which  it  enjoys.  Previousl}'-  to  the  planting  of  a  depot  within  its 
limits,  it  was  known  only  as  the  home  of  a  small  number  of  fami- 
lies, living  on  a  few  unpretending  farms.  On  account  of  the 
intersection  of  roads,  it  was  a  good  place  for  tavern-keepers  to 
catch  the  pati'onage  of  travellers  from  various  quarters,  and 
Bacon's  tavern, —  later,  the  home  of  Deacon  Asa  Cook, —  and 
Mitchell's  tavern, —  afterwards  kept  by  Mancy  Thornton,  at  the 
junction  of  Centre  and  Boylston  Streets,  on  the  west  side, —  were, 
for  a  long  time,  places  of  note.  These,  with  a  wheelwright's  and 
a  blacksmith's  shop,  included  all  the  business  of  Newton  High- 
lands. The  raih'oad  station  was  at  first  denominated  Oak  Hill ; 
then,  for  a  short  time,  Newton  Dale ;  and  finally,  as  the  village 
grew  in  business  and  population,  it  assumed  its  present  name. 
Gentlemen  of  taste  and  enterprise,  among  whom  is  Hon.  J.  F.  C. 
Hyde,  the  first  Mayor  of  the  city  of  Newton,  have  given  it  an 
impulse  in  the  right  direction,  and  since  about  the  year  1870,  it  has 
acquired  a  church,  a  school-house,  stores  and  shops,  and  all  the 
means  requisite  to  make  it  one  of  the  most  desu'able  wards  of  the 
city. 

NEWTON   HIGHLANDS   CONGREGATIONAL   SOCIETY. 

The  persons  most  active  in  the  movement  which  led  to  a  church 
organization  in  the  part  of  Newton  called  Newton  Highlands  were 
Messrs.  James  F.  C.  Hyde,  S.  N.  Woodward,  John  Stearns, 
Ephraim  Grover  and  H.  O.  Lamson.  Meetings  were  first  held  in 
Farnhara's  Hall  in  November,  1871.  A  church  and  chapel  were 
erected  in  1872,  and  after  nearl}- a  year,  the  meetings  were  removed 
from  the  hall  into  the  chapel.  The  interior  of  the  church  was  fin- 
ished and  the  edifice  dedicated  in  1875.  The  land  on  which  the 
building  stands  was  given  for  the   purpose  by  Moses  Crafts,  Esq. 


716 


HISTOEY  OF  NEWTON. 


The  house  was  built  by  subscription,  and  cost  about  $16,000. 
There  are  no  pew-proprietors  ;  all  the  property  is  in  the  hands  of 
the  Society,  and  the  current  expenses  are  paid  by  the  voluntar^^  con- 
tributions and  pledges  of  those  attending  worship,  in  weekly 
amounts. 

The  church  was  organized  June  13,  1872,  and  consisted  of  the 
following  original  members, —  of  whom  twenty-three  were  dis- 
missed from  the  First  church : 


James  F.  C.  Hyde, 
Emily  W.  Hyde, 
Clarice  S.  Hyde, 
Samuel  N.  Woodward, 
Mary  A.  Woodward, 
Emily  Woodward, 
Harriet  Woodward, 
Minnie  L.  Woodward, 
F.  N.  Woodward, 
Catharine  Murdock, 


Ephraim  Grover, 
Caroline  Grover, 
Sarah  Butters, 
Isaac  Smith, 
Adaline  C.  Smith, 
Anna  S.  Whittemore, 
Grace  W.  Allen, 
John  Stearns, 
Mary  E.  Stearns, 
Mary  A.  P.  Blethen, 


Ellen  A.  Eagle, 
George  Sanderson, 
Sarah  M.  Sanderson, 
Charles  C.  Stearns, 
H.  Addie  Stearns, 
Clara  F.  Stearns, 
Julia  A.  S.  Josselyn. 

Total,  27 


On  the  9th  of  July,  1872,  by  invitation  of  the  First  church, 
Newton  Centre,  the  public  ceremonies  connected  with  the  organi- 
zation and  recognition  were  held  in  the  church  which  had  hitherto 
been  the  home  of  most  of  the  members.  Rev.  D.  L.  Furber 
preached  on  the  occasion ;  Rev.  Joseph  B.  Clark  offered  the 
prayer  of  recognition  and  consecration ;  Rev.  Calvin  Cutler  gave 
the  right  hand  of  fellowship ;  Rev.  H.  J.  Patrick  the  address  to 
the  church. 

July  15,  1872,  a  call  was  extended  to  Mr.  S.  H.  Dana  to  become 
the  pastor  of  the  church,  and,  the  call  having  been  accepted,  he 
was  ordained  October  9,  1871.  Sermon  by  Rev.  Dr.  Hutton,  of 
New  York  ;  ordaining  prayer  by  Rev.  D.  L.  Furber ;  charge  to  the 
pastor  by  Rev.  Calvin  Cutler ;  right  hand  of  fellowship  by  Rev. 
Edw.  y.  Hincks,  of  Portland,  Me.  ;  address  to  the  people  bj"  Rev. 
H.  J.  Patrick. 

Mr.  Dana  continued  pastor  till  May,  1877,  when  he  resigned. 
The  second  pastor  was  Rev.  George  Gardner  Phipps,  for  the  pre- 
ceding ten  years  pastor  of  the  church  at  Wellesley.  Mr.  Phipps 
graduated  at  Amherst  College  in  1862  and  Andover  Theological 
Seminary  in  1865.  At  his  installation,  April  4,  1878,  at  Newton 
Highlands,  Rev.  Dr.  Withrow,  of  Boston,  preached  the  sermon ; 
Rev.  Dr.  Furber  offered  the  installing  prayer ;  Rev.  E.  F.  Hovve 


CHESTNUT  HILL.  717 

gave  the  right  hand  of  fellowsliip,  and  Rev.  F.  N.  Peloubet,  of 
Natick,  the  charge. 

The  whole  number  of  members  in  February',  1878,  was  fift^'-six. 


James  F.  C.  Hyde,  elected  June  24,  1872. 

Samuel  N.  Woodward,        "  "  Resigned  April  20, 1876. 

Albert  F,  Hay  ward,  "       April  20,  1877. 

CHESTNUT    HILL. 

The  part  of  Newton  called  Chestnut  Hill  is  on  very  elevated 
ground,  and  from  many  parts  affords  a  landscape  of  unsurpassed 
beaut3^  Some  of  the  land  is  said  to  be  as  high  as  the  top  of  Park 
Street  steeple  in  Boston,  and  the  views  to  the  south  and  southeast 
reach  far  down  into  the  harbor.  The  Lee  estate,  so  called,  for- 
merly owned  by  five  brothers  of  that  name,  has  been  cherished 
and  adorned  with  taste  and  care,  and,  though  remote  from  the 
more  thickly  settled  parts  of  the  city,  is  a  pleasant  Paradise,  and  has 
a  railroad  station  and  a  post-office,  a  church  and  school.  The  num- 
ber of  houses  included  in  this  part  of  the  town  does  not  exceed 
fifteen  or  twent}-,  and  the  population  numbers  not  over  ninety  or 
one  hundred.  The  earlier  name  of  Hammond,  and  the  later 
names  of  Judge  Lowell,  Colonel  Francis  L.  Lee,  Leverett  Salton- 
stall,  Henr}'  Lee  and  Dr.  Slade  are  impressed  on  this  attractive 
territory  of  Newton. 

Chestnut  Hill  chapel,  with  the  small  school-house  attached,  was 
given  by  the  late  Thomas  Lee,  Esq.,  to  the  families  residing  at 
Chestnut  Hill.  The  propert}'  was  placed  in  the  care  of  Trustees, 
with  authority  to  sell  it  and  devote  the  proceeds  to  charitj^,  when 
it  should  be  no  longer  employed  for  religious  or  educational  pur- 
poses. The  Societ}'  was  organized  in  1861.  The  chapel  was 
dedicated  to  Christian  worship  October  2,  1861.  The  first  pastor 
was  Rev.  WilUam  Augustus  Whitwell,  who  graduated  at  Harvard 
University  in  1824,  and  continued  pastor  from  the  commencement 
of  worship  in  the  chapel  at  Chestnut  Hill  until  his  death  in  1865. 
He  was  succeeded  b}^  Rev.  Artemas  Bowers  Muzzey  (Harvard 
Universit}-,  1824),  a  college  classmate  with  JVIr.  Whitwell.  The 
present  pastor  (1880)  is  Rev.  John  Albert  Buckingham,  who 
graduated  from  the  Cambridge  Theological  School  in  1839. 


CHAPTER  LII. 

HIGHER   EDUCATION. — ^  MRS.    ROWSON'S    FEMALE   ACADEMY. FULLEK 

ACADEMY. —  ACADEMY   AT   NEWTON    CENTRE. LASELL    FEMALE 

SEMINARY. WEST    NEWTON    ENGLISH     AND   CLASSICAL   SCHOOL. 

Newton  gained  prominence  at  an  early  period  for  its  private 
schools  for  common  or  higher  education.  Among  them  were  the 
private  grammar  school  of  Judge  Fuller,  previous  to  1760  ;  the 
home  school  of  Mr.  Charles  Pelham,  kept  in  his  own  house  for- 
merly Rev.  John  Cotton's,  corner  of  Centre  and  Cabot  Streets,  in 
1765;  Master  Davis'  excellent  academy  at  West  Newton, —  in- 
augurating a  broader  sj^stem  of  education, —  begun  in  the  earl}' 
part  of  the  present  century',  and  subsequently  continued  b}''  his 
accomplished  daughter.  Miss  Harriet  L.  Davis,  until  failing  health 
compelled  her  to  relinquish  it  about  1848  ;  the  school  of  Master 
Rice  at  Newton  Centre,  where  several  men  of  note  obtained  the 
rudiments  of  their  education ;  Moses  Burbank's  school,  kept  in 
the  basement  of  the  First  Baptist  church,  in  Newton  Centre, 
between  1845  and  1850,  where  one  of  his  pupils  was  William  F. 
Bartlett,  afterwards  the  distinguished  General  Bartlett ;  Mr.  Weld's 
school  in  Auburndale ;  Dr.  Charles  Siedhof's  school,  at  Newton 
Centre,  first  kept  in  one  of  the  Professor's  houses  on  Institution 
Hill,  and  afterwards  in  the  old  house  (renovated)  a  little  south  of 
the  Baptist  Pond  (Mr.  Jepson's),  Preston  Cottage  and  Hillside 
school  near  Newton  Corner,  and  others,  of  which  we  find  no  record. 
The  following  items  gleaned  from  various  sources  have  a  historical 
interest. 

MRS.    ROWSON's    female   ACADEMY. 

Mrs.  Susannah  Rowson  commenced  a  private  school  for  girls  in 
Newton,  according  to  Mr.  Davis,  in  1804-8  ;  the  late  Mrs.  Pres- 
ton, two  of  whose  sisters,  Anna  and  Vesta  Kenrick,  attended  the 

718 


MRS.  ROAVSON'S  SCHOOL.  719 

school,  put  the  date  of  its  oommeucement  at  1800.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Rowsou  and  one  son  lived  in  the  brick  part  of  the  Nonantuin 
House,  and  remained  in  Newton  about  twelve  j-ears.  This  school 
is  said  to  have  been  the  first  Female  Seminary  in  the  United  States, 
or,  certainlj',  among  the  first.  The  daughters  of  some  of  the  most 
distinguished  families  in  the  countr}'  were  sent  here.  Among  them, 
at  one  period,  were  two  daughters  of  Governor  Claiborne,  of 
South  Carolina,  and  three  j'oung  ladies  from  the  West  India 
Islands.  Mrs.  Rowson  was  the  sole  manager  of  the  school,  and 
had  two  or  three  assistants.  All  the  useful  and  ornamental 
branches  were  taught.  Mrs.  Rowsou,  who  was  very  particular 
in  attending  to  the  manners  of  her  pupils,  was  herself  very  digni- 
fied in  manner,  and  highly  cultivated.  In  a  history  of  the  town 
of  Hull,  Mass.,  we  find  the  following  notices  of  this  ladj'. 

At  the  breaking  out  of  the  Revolution,  the  people  of  Hull,  whose 
exposed  situation  b}^  sea  made  them  an  easy  prc}^  to  the  foe,  were 
required  by  the  authorities  to  abandon  the  town,*  which  they  did, 
leaving  as  its  soUtary  occupant  a  retired  English  naval  oiBcer,  a 
warm  tory,  Lieutenant  Ilaswell.  His  gifted  daughter,  who  was 
known  in  literature  as  Mrs.  Susannah  Rowson,  became  one  of  the 
most  noted  women  of  her  dcLy.  She  is  said  to  have  been  both  brilliant 
and  versatile,  a  popular  authoress,  actress,  poet  and  editor.  She 
wrote  novels,  entitled  "  Rebecca,  or  the  Fille  de  Chambre,"  "  The 
Inquisitor,"  "  Victoria,"  etc. ;  the  well-known  romance  entitled, 
"Charlotte  Temple,"  and  the  once  popular  songs,  "America,  Com- 
merce and  Freedom,"  and  "  When  Rising  from  Ocean,"  the  latter  the 
precursor  of  the  "  Star  Spangled  Banner,"  and  sung  to  the  same 
tune.  The  house  in  Hull  in  which  she  lived  is  still  standing,  next 
northwest  of  the  "  Nantasket  House,"  so  called,  at  the  foot  of 
Telegraph  Hill.  It  was  occupied  fift}-  ^-ears  before  by  Zachariah 
Whitman  (H.  U.  1668),  the  first  minister  of  the  town  of  Hull, 
who  died  there  in  1725-6,  after  a  pastorate  of  half  a  centur}-. 
Besides  her  novels,  some  of  which  enjoj-ed  considerable  popularit}-, 
Mrs.  Rowson  also  i)ublished  a  Geographj",  and  a  volume  of  Poems  ; 
one  of  them,  a  dirge  on  the  death  of  Washington. 


*  In  1774,  however,  the  town  of  Hull  passed  a  unauiraous  resolution,  approving  of 
armed  resistance  to  British  aggression,  and,  when  Boston  was  evacuated,  helped  to 
hurry  the  invaders  from  the  harbor  by  a  battery  on  ■ychat  is  now  knovrn  as  Telegraph. 
HiU.  In  the  civil  war  of  1861-5,  Hull  contributed  a  contingent  of  24,  of  whom  three 
were  lost.  This  is  said  to  have  been  a  greater  quota  and  a  greater  loss,  proportionally,, 
than  that  of  any  town  in  the  Commonwealth. 


720  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Mrs.  Rowson  used  to  attend  the  First  church  in  Newton,  with 
her  scholars.  She  once  took  her  whole  school  on  a  picknicking 
excursion  to  Newton  Lower  Falls,  and  the  festivities  of  the  day 
were  said  to  be  nearly  equal  to  those  which  might  be  expected  to 
attend  a  visit  of  the  President  of  the  United  States. 

On  leaving  Newton,  Mrs.  Rowson  established  a  similar  school  in 
Roxbury.     At  one  time  she  resided  in  Hollis  Street,  Boston. 

The  following  is  an  advertisement  of  Mrs.  Rowson's  school, 
taken  from  the  Columbian  Centinel,  April  15,  1807  • 

YOUNG   ladies'    ACADEMY,    NEWTON. 

Mrs.  Rowson  and  Mrs.  Haswell  beg  leave  to  inform  their  friends  that  their 
spring  quarter  will  commence  in  April,  and  that  every  accommodation  is  pro- 
vided for  the  comfort  of  their  pupils,  and  every  attention  will  be  paid  to  their 
manners,  morals  and  improvement.  The  drawing  will  be  taught,  the  ensu- 
ing season,  in  a  new  and  superior  style,  Mrs.  Rowson  having  received  instruc- 
tions lately  for  that  purpose  from  a  professed  master  of  the  art.  Terms,  as 
usual.     Music  by  Mr.  G.  GraupneF.     Dancing  by  Mr.  G.  Shaffer. 

FULLER    ACADEMY. 

As  it  is  elsewhere  stated,  Judge  Abraham  Fuller  (d.  1794)  left 
in  his  will  a  bequest  of  £300,  "  for  the  purpose  of  laying  the  foun- 
dation of  an  academy  in  Newton."  On  the  olst  of  March,  1800, 
Dr.  John  King,  Major  Timothy  Jackson  and  Captain  John  Kenrick 
were  appointed  to  consult  with  the  Hon.  William  Hull,  relative 
to  a  donation  left  by  his  father-in-law,  the  Hon.  Abraham  Fuller, 
toward  the  establishment  of  an  academy. 

And  again,  January  4,  1801,  Captain  William  Hammond,  Major 
Ebenezer  Cheney,  Captain  Edmund  Trowbridge,  Timothy  Jackson 
and  Colonel  Thomas  Cushing  were  appointed  and  "  instructed  to 
devise  such  a  plan  as  they  shall  think  proper,  in  connection  with 
the  Hon.  William  Hull,  relative  to  the  establishment  of  an  Acad- 
emy within  the  town." 

The  affairs  of  General  Hull  were  very  much  embarrassed,  and 
the  payment  of  the  legacy  was  delayed.  In  his  interviews  with 
these  committees,  General  Hull  acknowledged  the  justice  of  the 
claim  of  the  town,  and  his  purpose  to  pay  in  full,  as  soon  as  he 
should  be  able,  the  amount  of  the  bequest.  But  he  died,  and  left 
the  business  still  unsettled.  After  his  death,  his  daughter,  Mrs. 
Hiclanau,  as  one  of  the  heirs,  being  applied  to,  still  conceded  the 
claim  of  the  town,  and  expressed  her  purpose  to  pa}'  the  same, 
relying  on  an  unsettled  claim  of  her  father,  General  Hull,  on  the 


FULLER  ACADEMY.  721 

General  Government  for  the  means  of  doing  it.  She  also  prom- 
ised, should  the  money  fail  of  being  paid  at  Washington,  to  con- 
vey to  the  town,  in  lieu  of  it,  a  certain  piece  of  land  which  she  had 
set  apart  for  tliat  intent. 

The  following  copy  of  a  letter  of  Seth  Davis,  Esq.,  dated  "West 
Newton,  March  24,  1878,  gives  some  additional  information. 

I  cannot  find  any  record  of  Mrs.  Hickman's  Deed  of  land  to  the  town, 
neither  can  I  find  any  such  Deed  at  the  City  Hall,  among  its  Deeds  there ; 
but  I  find  on  the  Book  of  Records  of  the  doings  of  the  town,  that  in  1832,  it 
accepted  the  proposition  of  Mrs.  Hickman,  relative  to  Judge  Fuller's  bequest 
to  the  town.  I  well  remember  measuring  off  a  piece  of  land,  originally  be- 
longing to  the  Hull  estate,  which  I  understood  was  to  be  deeded  to  the  town 
by  Mrs.  Hickman  on  account  of  Judge  Fuller's  bequest.  But  in  consequence 
of  the  paucity  of  records  relative  to  the  same,  it  is  now  difficult  to  know  how 
the  transaction  was  consummated ;  but  I  think  some  other  method  than  deed- 
ing the  land  was  adopted. 

But  the  undertaking  of  establishing  the  Academy  was  abortive.  The  town 
did  not  keep  the  school  [which  occupied  the  building  erected  for  that  pur- 
pose, and  which  afterwards  became  successively  the  Normal  School,  and  then 
the  school  of  Nathaniel  T.  Allen,  Esq.]  more  than  a  year  and  a  half.*  The 
edifice  was  unoccupied  about  two  years,  more  or  less.  Being  more  capacious 
than  my  brick  Academy,  I  hired  it,  and  hired  assistants,  and  occupied  it 
about  two  years,  at  .$80  per  annum. 

The  Fuller  Academy  was  sold  with  the  land,  two  or  three  years  after  it  was 
built,  to  the  father  of  J.  N.  Bacon,  Esq.,  of  Newton,  for  .$1,G00. 

The  building  was  purchased  for  the  use  of  the  Normal  School 
through  the  agency  of  Hon.  Horace  Mann, —  Hon.  Josiah  Quincy 
generousl}'  furnishing  the  requisite  funds. f  It  is  now  the  prop- 
art}'  of  Mr.  Nathaniel  T,  Allen. 


*  Fuller  Academy  building  was  raised  in  the  autumn  of  1832,  and  opened  as  a 
school  in  the  spring  of  1833.  The  first  and  only  teacher  was  a  Mr.  Perkins,  who  con- 
tinued in  service  about  two  years. 

t  The  following  interesting  anecdote  is  related,  in  regard  to  the  purchasing  of  the 
Fuller  Academy  building  for  the  use  of  the  First  Normal  School  for  Young  Ladies. 
While  the  Hon.  Horace  Mann  \va^  Secretary  of  the  Massachusetts  Board  of  Educa- 
tion, it  became  necessary  to  remove  the  school  from  Lexington,  where  it  was  origi- 
nally established.  While  the  (luestion  of  a  new  location  was  pending,  Horace  Mann 
one  day  rushed  into  the  office  of  Hon.  Josiah  Quincy,  jr.,  and  in  his  vivid  and  im- 
pulsive manner,  with  a  spice  of  genuine  wit.  exclaimed,  "  A  chance  for  the  highest 
seat  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven  for  only  fifteen  hundred  dollars!"  "  That's  cheap 
enough,"  returned  Mr.  Quincy;  "  how  is  it?"  "  Why,  we've  got  to  move  from  Lexing- 
ton. There  isn't  room  enough;  and  I've  found  a  building,— the  Fuller  Academy  of 
Newton,—  which  can  be  had  for  that  sum."  Mr.  Qumcy  at  once  drew  his  check  for 
the  amount  and  gave  it  to  Mr.  Mann.  After  a  few  years,  when  the  location  of  the 
school  was  offered  to  the  town  in  Eastern  Massachusetts  offering  the  largest  sum 
4G 


722  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 


ACADEMY   AT    NEWTON    CENTRE. 

September  14,  1830,  several  persons  interested  in  providing  in 
Newton  Centre  a  place  of  higher  education  than  was  furnished  b}' 
the  public  schools,  held  a  meeting  for  consultation  at  the  house 
of  Mr.  Josiah  Stedman  (afterwards  Mr.  Thomas  Edmauds'). 
Rev.  Joseph  Grafton  was  chosen  Moderator,  Deacon  Elijah  F. 
Woodward,  Secretary,  and  Messrs.  William  Jackson,  Josiah  Sted- 
man and  Artemas  Ward,  a  committee  to  report  on  the  expedienc}^ 
of  establishing  an  Academy  in  Newton  Centre. 

The  second  meeting  was  held  October  15,  at  the  house  of  Mr. 
Stedman,  and  the  committee  reported  in  favor  of  establishing  an 
Academy  as  above,  and,  October  22,  one  week  later,  Messrs. 
WilUam  Jackson,  Artemas  Ward,  Nathan  Pettee,  Josiah  Stedman 
and  Elijah  F.  Woodward  were  appointed  to  select  a  suitable  loca- 
tion. On  the  10th  of  November,  William  Jackson,  Josiah  Sted- 
man, Samuel  Hyde,  Ehjah  F.  Woodward  and  J.  B.  H.  Fuller  were 
appointed  a  Building  Committee.  The  building  cost  one  thousand 
dollars, —  the  successful  contractor  securing  to  himself  the  job  by 
offering  to  do  the  work  for  one  dollar  less  than  any  other  bid  that 
should  be  handed  in.  The  land  procured  for  the  location  of  the- 
Academy  was  on  Centre  Street,  and  the  Academy  building  was 
the  same  structure,  which  has  been  latterh'  for  many  years  a  pri- 
vate residence.  The  land  was  purchased  of  that  friend  of  educa- 
tion, Marshall  S.  Rice,  Esq.,  for  the  trifling  sum  of  fifty  dollars. 
The  Academy  and  Boarding-house  were  built  with  money  raised 
by  shares  of  twenty  dollars  each. 

On  the  15th  of  November,  1830,  the  Proprietors  held  a  meeting 
at  which  they  adopted  a  Constitution,  and  elected  the  following 
Board  of  Officers : 

Josiah   Stedman,  President, 
William  Jackson,    Secretary, 
Luther  Paul,  Treasurfr. 


towards  its  expenses  and  support,  Framingham  made  a  higher  bid  than  New- 
ton, and  the  institution  was  removed  thither.  The  estate,  standing  in  the  name  of 
Horace  Mann  and  being  really  his  property,  by  the  gift  of  his  friend,  Mr.  Quincy,  was 
sold  by  Mr.  Mann  to  Mr.  Allen.  It  was  remarked,  at  a  later  period,  that  Mr.  Mann  "  paid 
this  sum  more  than  twice  over  "  by  his  labors,  self-denials  and  services  as  President 
of  Antioch  College.  It  was  not  a  gift  enjoyed  without  a  consideration ;  the  considera- 
tion was  persistent  hard  work  in  the  cause  of  education,  with  limited  facilities,  end- 
ing in  the  frequent  fate  of  public  benefactors,  excessive  toil,  a  frame  too  early  woiu 
out,  and  a  premature  grave. 


NEWTON  FEMALE  ACADEMY.  723 


Rer.  Joseph  Grafton, 
Rev.  Henry  J.  Ripley, 
Rev.  James  Bates, 


Mr.  Matthias  Collins, 
Col.  Nathaniel  Brackett, 
Mr.  John  Kingsbury, 


The  Academy  was  built  in  1830. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  March  9,  1831,  Miss  Leach  was 
appointed  the  first  Preceptress,  to  receive  a  salary  of  $250,  for  six 
months,  or,  if  she  should  remain  in  service  for  a  3'ear,  $350  for  one 
year.  The  price  of  tuition  was  fixed  at  five  dollars  per  quarter, 
the  first  term  to  commence  April  27,  the  second,  August  8,  1831. 

The  project  was  a  prosperous  one,  and  scholars  came,  not  only 
from  the  vicinity  and  the  other  villages  of  Newton,  but  also  from 
out  of  town.  Additional  land  was  purchased  north  of  the  Acad- 
emy Building,  and  a  Boarding-house  erected  in  1831  for  the 
accommodation  of  scholars,  and  put  under  the  charge  of  JMr. 
Goddard.  The  same  year  an  Act  of  Incorporation  was  obtained 
from  the  Legislature  of  Massachusetts,  and  accepted  March  5, 
1831.  The  proprietors,  under  this  Act,  took  the  name  of  the 
"Newton  Female  Academy." 

October  18,  1831,  the  follpwing  oflicers  were  elected: 

William  Jackson,  President, 
Elijah  F.  Woodward,  Secretary, 
Luther  Paul,  Treasurer. 


DIRECTORS. 


Josiah  Stedman, 
Rev.  Henry  J.  Ripley, 
Mr.  Matthias  Collins, 


Marshall  S.  Rice,  Esq., 
Samuel  Hyde, 
Jonas  Wilder. 


Marshall   S.  Rice,  Esq.,  Auditor. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  held  November  15,  1831,  "  Voted, 
that  the  school  continue  the  y(;ar  round, —  four  terms, —  with  a 
vacation  of  one  week  at  the  close  of  each  term." 

The  number  of  pupils  from  other  parts  of  Newton  had  now  in- 
creased to  such  an  extent,  as  to  suggest  the  necessity  of  additional 
accommodation  for  those  who  could  not  return  to  their  homes  at 
the  noonday  recess  ;  and,  at  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  held  April 
23,  1832,  it  was  "Voted,  that  day  scholars  at  the  Academy  be 
furnished  with  dinner  at  the  Boarding-house,  if  they  wish  it,  at  ten 
cents  each,  per  day." 


724  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

The  Preceptress  in  1832  was  Miss  Wall,  and  the  school  year  was 
divided  into  three  terms, —  summer,  eighteen  weeks;  fall,  twelve 
weeks;  winter,  sixteen  weeks.  In  the  year  1833,  Miss  Hall  was 
Preceptress,  and  the  widow  of  Edmund  Trowbridge  kept  the 
Boarding-house . 

The  next  teacher  was  Mr.  Elbridge  Hosmer,  who  became  Pre- 
ceptor in  1834.  He  managed  both  the  Boarding-house  and  the 
Academ}^  till  January  16,  1836,  when  he  purchased  the  whole 
property  for  $3,500,  and,  during  the  winter  and  spring,  enlarged  the 
Boarding-house  by  several  additional  rooms. 

After  a  single  year,  Mr.  Ebenezer  Woodward  purchased  the 
property  of  Mr.  Hosmer,  March  20,  1837.  Mr.  Woodward  kept 
a  very  successful  school  for  six  and  a  half  3^ears,  and  then  sold  the 
property  to  Mr.  Bartholomew  Wood,  a  graduate  of  Dartmouth 
College,  who,  after  maintaining  the  school  for  a  season,  again  sold 
to  the  Rev.  John  B.  Hague,  February  28,  1848.  Under  Mr, 
Hague  the  school  was  of  a  very  high  character,  and  Mr.  Hague 
was  a  very  able  and  enthusiastic  teacher.  After  a  little  more  than 
two  years,  Mr.  Hague  sold  the  estate  to  the  Rev.  E.  H.  Barstow, 
May  1,  1851.  The  school  now  became  an  institution  for  bo3's  and 
young  men.  Mr.  Barstow's  health,  after  a  time,  failed,  and  he  was 
forced  to  relinquish  active  labors,  after  having  maintained  the 
school  about  nine  years.  He  retired  to  Haverhill,  N.  H.,  where 
he  died  in  1862. 

The  Academy  Building  was  sold  to  Mr.  Andrew  Weir,  and 
changed  into  a  dwelling-house.  The  Boarding-house  was  sold,  in 
1866,  for  a  Home  for  Destitute  Girls, —  of  which  the  "  Home  for 
Orphan  and  Destitute  Girls  "  is  the  successor, —  and  occupied  by 
that  institution  till  June  14,  1868,  when  it  was  destroyed  by  fire. 

LASELL    FEMALE    SEMINARY,    AUBURNDALE. 

Lasell  Seminary  for  Young  AVomeu  had  its  origin  in  the  public 
spirit  and  private  beneficence  of  Edward  Lasell,  Professor  of 
Chemistry  in  Williams  College  from  1833  to  1852.  In  the  infancy 
of  the  village  of  Auburndale,  he  was  a  frequent  visitor  in  the 
family  of  one  of  the  original  residents,  where  the  estabUshment  of 
a  Female  Seminary  of  high  grade  was  often  discussed.  As  a 
fruit  of  these  conversations.  Professor  Lasell  purchased  an  admi- 
rable site,  formerly  the  property  of  Mr.  Samuel  Larned,  embracing 
six  and  a  half  acres  of  ground  capable  of  high  improvement  and 


^T77~Tiliil^     ^Ifil 


LAS  ELL  FEMALE  SEMINARY.  725 

adornment,  antl  a  building  was  erected,  which  was  thrown  open 
for  pupils  in  the  autumn  of  I80I.  Josiah  Lasell,  Esq.,  a  brother, 
and  George  W.  Briggs,  Esq.,  a  brother-in-law  of  Professor  Lasell, 
became  asssociated  with  him,  and  seven  additional  teachers,  dis- 
tinguished in  their  several  departments,  were  employed. 

In  January,  1852,  Professor  Edward  Lasell  died,  and  Messrs. 
Briggs  and  Josiah  Lasell  took  the  control  of  the  Institution ;  but 
after  a  time,  Mr.  Lasell  withdrew,  leaving  the  school  to  the  man- 
agement of  Mr.  Briggs,  through  whose  energy,  enthusiasm  and 
liberal  spirit,  the  Institution  attained  a  high  rank  and  most  desira- 
ble reputation,  as  one  of  the  most  efficient  institutions  for  female 
education  in  New  England. 

In  the  spring  of  18G4  the  property  was  purchased  by  Rev. 
Charles  W.  Gushing,  who  took  charge  of  the  school  in  September 
following.  In  1873,  the  propert}'  was  again  sold  to  ten  proprie- 
tors, members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  to  be  continued, 
as  in  the  years  preceding,  as  a  Female  School.  In  1874,  the  ten 
proprietors  increased  theh  number  to  twenty,  in  whom,  as  Trustees, 
the  property'  was  thenceforth  vested.  The  building  was  newly 
fitted  and  furnished,  and  Professor  Charles  C.  Bragdon  was  called 
to  take  the  charge  of  the  school,  under  the  immediate  auspices  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  church.  In  1878,  every  room  designed 
for  pupils  was  occupied. 

The  number  of  teachers  at  present  (1878)  is  fifteen,  some  of 
whom  are  residents  in  the  building,  and  others  come  dail}-  from 
Boston. 

The  number  who  have  attended  the  school,  for  longer  or  shorter 
periods,  during  its  existence  of  twenty-seven  years,  is  1,620.  Of 
these,  one  hundred  and  sixty  have  graduated  with  the  honors  of 
the  Institution.  The  average  annual  attendance  has  been  about 
sixty ;  at  present,  seventy-five.  Its  alumnte  are  in  every  habita- 
ble part  of  the  globe.  Fifteen  are  teachers  in  positions  of  high 
rank  and  responsibilit}- ;  several  have  become  known  as  artists  and 
authors  ;  and  most  of  those  who  are  still  living  are  filling  various 
spheres  of  usefulness  and  honor  in  the  fields  appropriate  to  their 
sex. 

A  valuable  chalybeate  spring  has  been  found  to  exist  on  the 
grounds  of  the  Institution,  the  waters  of  which  have  been  pro- 
nounced by  eminent  physicians,  of  unsurpassed  efficacy  in  allevi- 
ating nephritic  diseases. 


726  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

WEST    NEWTON   ENGLISH   AND    CLASSICAL    SCHOOL. 

The  West  Newton  English  and  Classical  School  was  an  out- 
growth of  the  Normal  School  s3-stem  in  Massachusetts.  In  1848 
the  first  Normal  School  in  America,  and  the  first  for  young  women 
in  the  world,  was  removed  from  Lexington,  where  it  had  been  first 
established,  to  West  Newton.  At  its  head  was  the  veteran 
teacher.  Rev.  Cyrus  Pierce,  commonly  known  as  "Father  Pierce." 
Through  his  influence,  and  that  of  the  Hon.  Horace  Mann,  then  a 
resident  of  West  Newton,  a  union  was  formed  between  the  State 
Normal  School  and  the  school  district  of  West  Newton,  then  in- 
cluding the  neighboring  village  of  Auburndale.  The  object  of 
the  union  was  the  formation  of  a  Model  School,  so  called,  where 
the  most  improved  methods  of  instruction  should  be  adopted,  and 
the  best  talent  employed,  to  show,  by  example,  what  a  true  school 
should  be. 

This  was  the  first  yearly  public  school  in  Newton.  The  pupils 
were,  in  part,  the  children  of  the  district,  and  in  part  those  who 
came  from  other  districts,  towns  and  states.  The  school  building 
stood  on  the  ground  of  the  original  Fuller  Academy. 

The  salary  paid  the  Principal  by  the  town  was  $300  per  year, 
the  balance  being  paid  by  the  pupils  from  abroad.  The  Assistants 
were  the  young  ladies  of  the  Normal  School,  who  spent,  in  turn, 
three  weeks  in  observing  and  teaching,  under  the  eye  of  the  Prin- 
cipal, Mr.  Nathaniel  T.  Allen. 

Under  his  charge,  the  popularity  of  the  school  was  such  as  to 
attract  large  numbers  of  visitors  continually  from  Boston  and 
from  other  States  of  the  Union,  and  the  applications  for  admission 
to  the  school  increased  so  much  that  in  one  j'ear  a  hundred  and 
fifty  applicants  were  turned  away.  On  the  removal  of  the  Normal 
School  to  Framingham,  Mass.,  the  Model  School  was  relinquished, 
Mr.  Allen  declining  to  accompany  the  former,  as  was  desired. 

Prominent  educators  (among  whom  were  Hon.  Horace  Mann, 
first  Secretary  of  the  Massachusetts  Board  of  Education ;  Rev. 
Cyrus  Pierce,  and  Rev.  Samuel  J.  Maj-,  the  first  and  second  Prin- 
cipals of  the  Normal  School ;  Dr.  Samuel  G.  Howe,  Superintend- 
ent of  the  Blind  Asylum,  Boston  ;  Rev.  Theodore  Parker,  of  Bos- 
ton ;  Hon.  Charles  Sumner,  Hon.  George  B.  Emerson,  and 
Thomas  Hill,  Ex-President  of  Harvard  College)  united  in  urging 
Mr.  Allen  to  open  a  private  school  for  both  sexes. 


WEST  NEWTOX  CLASSICAL  SCHOOL.  727 

The  school-buildiug  and  grounds  hitherto  occupied  b}'  the  Nor- 
mal School  were  purchased,  and  the  school  opened,  in  1854,  by  Mr. 
Nathaniel  T,  Allen,  in  connection  with  Rev.  Cyrus  Pierce.  In 
1855  an  Act  of  Incorporation  was  secured  from  the  Legislature. 
The  incorporators  were  Nathaniel  T.  Allen,  George  E.  Allen  and 
James  T.  Allen,  three  brothers. 

Dr.  William  A.  Alcott's  book  on  "  The  Laws  of  Health "  was 
first  delivered  in  the  form  of  lectures  to  this  school.  Here  also 
Dr.  Die  Lewis  gave  his  first  lectures,  and  taught  his  first  class  in 
Free  Gymnastics  in  Massachusetts.  He  was  connected  with  the 
school  eight  j'ears.  Several  of  the  pupils,  under  the  supervision 
of  some  one  of  the  teachers,  have  travelled  in  Europe  eight  years 
out  of  sixteen,  attending  to  special  branches  of  study.  During 
the  period  extending  from  1848  to  1870,  seventj'-five  students  from 
foreign  countries  attended  the  school ;  two  hundred  and  fifty  from 
other  States ;  eight  hundred  from  other  towns  in  the  Common- 
wealth ;  two  hundred  from  other  parts  of  the  town  of  Newton ; 
and  two  hundred  from  West  Newton.  Teachers,  from  1854  to 
1876,  in  the  English  department,  seventeen ;  classical  department, 
eight ;  modern  languages,  eleven ;  drawing  and  painting,  eight ; 
music,  eight ;  primary  department,  five  ;  Kindergarten,  five  ;  phy- 
sical culture,  two ;  tutor,  one  ;  dancing,  six.     Total,  seventy-one. 


CHAPTER  LIU. 

NEWTON   A   ClXr. —  PARKS   AND   PLAT   GROUNDS. WATER  WORKS. 

PASSAGE     OP      THE      BOSTON     CONDUITS     THROUGH     NEWTON. 

LAKE   COCHITUATE   CONDUIT. SUDBURY  RIVER   CONDUIT. 

In  the  Warrant  for  the  Town  Meeting  to  be  held  April  7, 
1873,  was  recorded  the  following  article  :  "To  see  if  the  town  will 
instruct  the  Selectmen  to  apply  to  the  General  Court  for  a  City 
Charter,  or  for  annexation  to  Boston,  or  for  a  division  of  the  town, 
or  any  thing  relative  thereto." 

In  reference  to  this  article,  the  following  action  was  taken, — 
General  A.  B.  Underwood  was  Moderator;  J.  F.  C.  Hyde,  Esq., 
offered  the  following,  viz. : 

Voted,  that  the  Selectmen,  with  a  committee  of  seven,  to  be  appointed 
by  the  Chair,  be  instructed  to  petition  the  General  Court  now  in  session,  for 
a  City  Charter  for  Newton. 

The  whole  subject  was  then  freely  and  fully  discussed  by  Messrs. 
J.  F.  C.  Hyde,  Rev.  William  Tyler,  William  S.  Gardner,  Ira  D. 
Van  Duzee,  Ezra  D.  Winslow,  Walter  Allen,  Messrs.  Pierce, 
White  and  others, —  some  favored  a  city  charter  for  Newton ; 
others  advocated  remaining  under  a  Town  Government  longer; 
and  one  or  two  favored  a  union  with  Boston.  Mr.  H^'de  pre- 
sented interesting  statistics  from  other  cities,  showing  their  valua- 
tion, rate  of  taxation,  success  under  city  governments,  etc. 

After  an  abortive  motion,  which  was  mainly  designed  to  delaj'- 
action,  the  motion  of  Mr.  Hyde  was  put  and  carried. 

The  following  were  appointed  a  committee,  to  be  joined  with  the 
Selectmen,  to  petition  the  General  Court  for  a  city  charter : 
J.  F.  C.  Hyde,  C.  Robinson,  jr.,  C.  E.  Ranlett,  R.  M.  Pulsifer, 
E.  F.  Waters,  J.  B.  Goodrich,  Willard  Marcy. 

On  the  26th  day  of  September,  1873,  a  warrant  was  issued  for 
a  town  meeting,  to  be  held  on  Monda}',  October  13,  1873,  warn- 

728 


PUBLIC  PARKS.  729 

ing  and  notifying  the  inhabitants  "  to  bring  in  their  votes  to  the 
Selectmen,  '  Yes '  or  '  No,'  on  the  acceptance  of  chapter  32G  of  the 
General  Laws  and  Resolves  passed  b}'  the  last  session  of  the  Leg- 
islature of  Massachusetts,  entitled,  *  An  Act  to  establish  the  City 
of  Newton.'  The  polls  will  be  opened  at  fifteen  minutes  past 
eight  o'clock  in  the  forenoon,  and  be  closed  at  fifteen  minutes  past 
five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon." 

The  importance  of  the  action  of  this  meeting  will  justify  a  ver- 
batim report  of  it  from  the  Record, —  as  follows  : 

At  a  legal  Town  Meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newton,  held  in  their  Town 
Hall,  October  13,  1873,— 

At  seven  minutes  past  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.,  the  meeting  was  called  to  order 
by  the  Chairman  of  the  Selectmen,  and  the  Clerk  read  the  warrant  for  the 
Town  Meeting  and  the  action  upon  it. 

At  fifteen  minutes  past  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.,  the  Chairman  of  the  Select- 
men called  for  ballots,  "Yes"  or  "No,"  on  the  acceptance  of  chapter  326 
of  the  General  Laws  and  Resolves  passed  by  the  last  session  of  the  Legisla- 
ture of  Massachusetts,  entitled  "An  Act  to  establish  the  City  of  Newton," — 
using  the  check  lists. 

At  5.15  o'clock  P.  M.,  the  balloting  was  closed. 

The  ballots  were  assorted  and  counted  by  the  Selectmen,  and  declared  by 
their  Chairman,  as  follows,  viz.  : 

"  No" — three  hundred  and  ninety-one  ballots  (391). 

"  Yes  " — twelve  hundred  and  twenty-four  ballots  (1,224). 

After  the  above  det.'laration  was  made,  voted  to  dissolve  the  meeting. 

On  the  fourth  of  November  following  was  held  the  annual  meet- 
mg  for  the  fall  elections  (Governor  of  the  Commonwealth,  etc.). 
After  all  the  returns  had  been  made  out,  signed  and  sealed, —  and 
after  the  voting-lists  and  votes  had  been  sealed  up  in  envelopes, 
endorsed,  and  delivered  to  the  Town  Clerk,  Mr.  William  R.  Ward- 
well  moved  that  this  Meeting,  the  last  Town  Meeting  in  the  Toimi 
of  Neioton^  be  dissolved,  and  the  motion  was  carried  unanimously. 

The  following  is  the  closing  record  of  the  Town  Clerk : 

The  Town  Meeting  held  November  4,  1S73,  above  recorded,  was  the  last 
Town  Meeting  held  in  the  Town  of  Newton.  Newton  becomes  a  City 
January  5,  1874.  . 

Marshall  S.  Rice, 

Town  Clerk  of  the  Town  of  Newton. 

PUULIC  PARKS. 
Among  the  latest  acts  of  the  town,  before  Newton  became  a 
city,  was  a  proposal  looking  to  the  establishment  of  Public  Pai'ks 


730  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

and  Vlny  Grounds.  The  Records  contain  the  following  report  of 
a  committee,  appointed  to  consider  and  report  on  this  subject. 
The  report  shows  an  enlightened  and  enterprising  spirit.  But 
before  the  town  was  prepared  to  take  definite  action,  the  whole 
matter  was  left  to  be  determined  by  the  incoming  city  organi- 
zation. 

March  10,  1873. — The  committee  appointed  at  the  town  meeting  held  at 
"West  Newton,  March,  1872,  to  take  into  consideration  the  subject  of  Parks 
and  Play  Grounds  for  the  town,  have  attended  to  the  duty  assigned  them,  and 
beg  leave  to  report. 

After  a  careful  consideration  of  the  present  and  prospective  necessities  of 
the  town  in  respect  to  the  matter  of  Parks  and  Play  Grounds,  your  commit- 
tee have  come  to  the  conclusion  that  the  town  should  now  secure  suitable 
lots  of  land  near  the  centre  of  the  town  for  a  Park  of  a  size  sufficiently  large 
to  accommodate  the  inhabitants  of  all  the  villages ;  also,  that  lots  of  land  for 
one  or  more  small  Parks  in  each  of  the  villages  be  procured,  of  a  size  suita- 
ble for  Play  Grounds. 

The  rapid  growth  of  our  town  in  population  is  rendering  it  more  and  more 
difficult,  every  succeeding  year,  to  secure  suitable  lots  for  these  purposes  at 
moderate  cost;  your  committee  would  therefore  advise  prompt  action,  and 
recommend  that  a  committee  be  appointed  with  directions  to  secure  by  bond- 
ing or  refusals,  as  far  as  possible,  land  sufficient  for  the  purposes  herein  indi- 
cated, and  report  thereon  at  the  next  town  meeting. 

J.  S.  Farlow, 
Edward  P.  Bond, 
William  Claflin, 
Charles  C.  Burr, 
Frederic  Barden, 
Henry  Ross, 


Com7nittee, 


NEWTON   WATER   WORKS. 

In  April,  1871,  at  a  regular  town  meeting,  the  town  resolved 
"that  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  by  the  Moderator  to 
investigate  the  best  method  of  supplying  the  town  with  water,  and 
to  report  at  a  subsequent  town  meeting." 

The  committee,  consisting  of  Messrs.  J.  D.  Towle,  George  H. 
Jones  and  L.  G.  Pratt,  reported,  at  a  town  meeting  held  Novem- 
ber 13,  1871,  in  favor  of  taking  water  from  Charles  River;  and, 
in  accordance  with  the  recommendation  contained  in  the  report, 
the  same  gentlemen  were  appointed  a  committee  to  apply  to  the 
Legislature  for  an  Act  giving  the  town  full  power  to  carry  the 
report  into  effect. 

The  result  of  this  action  was  the  enactment  by  the  Legislature 
of  chapter  344  of  the  Laws  of  1872,  authorizing   the    town   of 


imii  ^^{  /:fiiiiiE.:.:.  ts 


NEWTON  WATER  WORKS.  731 

Newton  to  take  "  from  Charles  River,  at  any  convenient  point  on 
the  same  within  said  town,  sufficient  water  for  the  use  of  said 
town  and  inhabitants,  not  exceeding  one  and  a  half  million  gallons 
daily,  for  the  extinguishment  of  fires,  domestic,  and  other  pur- 
poses."    This  Act  was  accepted  by  vote  of  the  town  May  27,  1872. 

Much  difference  of  opinion  existed  as  to  the  expediency  of 
engaging  in  a  work  of  so  great  magnitude.  The  town  occupied 
an  extent  of  territory  large  in  proportion  to  its  population ;  the 
need  of  a  water  supply  was  not  equall}-  urgent  in  all  the  villages  ; 
the  town  expenses  had  increased  with  great  rapidity,  and  manj% 
who  were  willing  to  incur  the  expense  estimated  for  the  introduc- 
tion of  water,  feared  that  the  result  might  be  one  too  common  in 
public  affairs,  where  the  estimates  were  but  a  portion  of  the  cost. 
Added  to  all  this,  there  was  difference  of  opinion  as  to  the  source 
from  which  water  should  be  supplied.  The  Act  of  1872,  chapter 
177,  gave  to  Newton  a  possible  opportunity  to  share  in  the  sup- 
ply which  passed  through  its  territor}-  on  the  way  to  the  reservoirs 
of  Boston.  Some  believed  that,  the  ponds  and  streams  within  the 
town  limits  might  be  used  to  better  advantage  than  the  water  of 
Charles  River. 

To  meet  the  views  of  the  latter,  an  order  was  passed  in  the 
City  Council  February  3,  1874,  instructing  the  Mayor  "to  peti- 
tion the  Legislature  for  authority  to  the  city  of  Newton  to  take 
water  from  Hammond's  pond,  WiswaU's  pond,  BuUough's  pond, 
and  Cold  Spring  brook,  all  in  Newton,  for  fire  and  other  pur- 
poses ;"  and,  this  petition  meeting  the  views  of  the  General  Court, 
the  Act,  chapter  125  of  the  Laws  of  1874,  authorized  the  city  of 
Newton  to  take  and  hold  the  water  of  the  ponds  and  brook  above 
mentioned,  "  and  the  waters  which  flow  into  the  same,  together 
with  any  water  rights  connected  therewith."  This  Act  was 
accepted  by  vote  of  the  City  Council,  October  20,  1875. 

In  order  to  obtain  an  expression  of  the  popular  opinion  con- 
cerning the  introduction  of  water,  the  citizens  were  called  upon  in 
1874  to  vote  "  Yes  "  or  "  No  "  on  the  question,  "  Shall  the  City  of 
Newton  be  supplied  with  water  for  tire  and  domestic  purposes,  at 
an  expense  not  exceeding  six  hundred  thousand  dollars,  in  accord- 
ance with  the  special  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  1872,  chapter  304, 
authorizing  the  same  ? "  The  vote  was  talcen  by  ballot,  Decem- 
ber 1,  1874,  and  resulted  in  yeas  928,  nays  443.  This  decisive 
expression  helped  towards  definite  results. 


732  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

December  9,  1874,  the  Cit}^  Couacil  adopted  au  order  that  liis^ 
Honor  the  Ma3'or  nominate,  for  confirmation  by  the  City  Council, 
three  suitable  persons,  citizens  of  Newton,  who  shall  be  called 
Water  Commissioners.  The}'  shall  be  charged  with  the  dut}'  of 
examining  the  various  sources  from  which  Newton  may  be  sup- 
plied with  water  for  fire  and  domestic  purposes,  and  of  reporting 
to  the.  Cit}'  Council,  with  as  little  delay  as  possible,  the  best 
method  of  obtaining  such  supply,  and  the  cost  of  the  same. 

The  Commissioners  were  promptly  appointed  and  confirmed, 
viz.,  Royal  M.  Pulsifer,  Francis  J.  Parker  and  Robert  R.  Bishop. 
In  May,  1875,  they  made  their  report  to  the  City  Council,  recom- 
mending as  a  source  "  a  well  at  a  point  on  Charles  River  above 
Pettee's  works  at  the  Upper  Falls ;"  advising  the  use  of  a  reser- 
voir for  distribution,  and  estimating  the  cost  at  not  over  $850,000. 

The  order  constituting  the  Board  of  "Water  Commissioners  was 
passed  June  2,  1875,  and  on  the  7th  of  June  the  Commissioners, 
the  same  as  above,  were  chosen  by  the  City  Council.  Their  first 
formal  meeting  was  held  June  16.  The  Board  was  organized  by 
the  choice  of  Roj'al  M.  Pulsifer,  chairman,  and  Moses  Clark,  jr., 
clerk. 

On  the  12th  of  Jul}',  1875,  it  was  voted  to  purchase  the  Reser- 
voir site  on  Wabau  Hill.  On  the  25th  of  October,  work  on  the 
pump-well  was  commenced,  and  October  28th  the  first  pipe  was 
laid  on  Washington  Street,  near  Woodland  Avenue. 

On  the  7th  of  January,  18 7G,  the  Commissioners  voted  tO' 
request  the  City  Council  to  ask  of  the  Legislature  authorit}'  tO' 
take  land  in  the  town  of  Needham,  for  the  Water  Works.  In  com- 
pliance with  the  petition,  chapter  54  of  the  Laws  of  1876  was 
enacted,  by  which  the  city  of  Newton  was  authorized  "  to  take 
and  hold,  by  purchase  or  otherwise,  any  lands  within  the  town  of 
Needham,  ftot  more  than  one  thousand  yards  distant  from  Charles 
River,  and  l^'ing  between  Kenrick's  Bridge,  so  caUed,  and  the 
new  bridge  near  Newton  Upper  Falls  (on  Needham  Avenue) ,  and 
to  convey  water  from  the  same  to  and  into  said  City." 

The  design  for  the  exterior  of  the  engine,  boiler  and  coal -house 
was  prepared  hy  Charles  E.  Parker,  Esq.,  of  Newton,  architect, 
the  interior  arrangements  having  been  determined  by  the  engineer. 

The  work  of  pipe-laj'ing  was  discontinued  for  the  season,  early 
in  December,  1875,  and  recommenced  April  3,  1876.  On  the 
occasion   of  the   inspection   of  the   Water   Works   by   the   City 


NEWTON  WATER  WORKS.  733 

'Government,  November  13,  1<S7G,  the  filter-basin  was  in  use,  the 
great  pumping -engine  in  operation,  the  Waban  Hill  reservoir  one- 
third  fuU,  and  the  h3-drants  supplied  with  water  along  fortj'-eight 
miles  of  street  mains.  At  the  close  of  the  working  season,  496 
services  had  been  laid  for  the  supply  of  the  citizens. 

Water  was  first  pumped  into  the  reservoir  October  30,  1876. 
The  water  is  conveyed  through  the  sti'eets  of  Newton  aud  to  the 
reservoir  in  cast-iron  pipes,  of  which  about  fifty-two  miles  have 
been  laid.  The  principal  and  most  direct  line  to  the  reservoir  is 
a  twent^'-inch  pipe,  in  Needham  Street,  Centre  Street  and  Ward 
Street.  Newton  Highlands  and  Newton  Centre  are  on  this  line. 
A  secondary  line,  of  sixteen-inch  and  twelve-inch  pipe,  goes  through 
Oak  Street  extension.  Chestnut,  Woodward,  Beacon,  Washington, 
Church  and  Centre  Streets,  uniting  with  the  twenty-inch  line  at 
the  west  end  of  AVard  Street.  This  line  passes  through  Newton 
Upper  Falls,  West  Newton,  Newtonville  and  Wards  one  and  seven. 
Newton  Lower  Falls  and  Chestnut  Hill  are  supplied  through  eight- 
inch  lines,  from  the  twelve-inch  and  twenty-inch  mains  respectivel}'. 

In  Woodward  Street,  the  pipe  of  the  Newton  Water  Works  passes 
•over  the  Cochituate  aqueduct,  which  required  a  new  grading  of  the 
street  for  about  five  hundred  and  fifty  feet. 

In  the  construction  of  the  Sudbury  River  conduit  of  the  Boston 
Water  Works,  the  Boston  Water  Board  built  culverts  under  the 
work  at  street-crossings,  except  where  the  street  grade  is  far 
above  the  conduit,  so  that  the  Newton  water  pipes  and  sewei-s  may 
pass  under  without  interference.  The  Newton  pipes  are  laid 
through  such  culverts  in  Chestnut  and  Bo3^1ston  Streets  at  Newton 
Upper  Falls,  and  in  Pleasant  and  Sumner  Streets,  Newton  Cen- 
tre. A  self-supporting  box  was  made  for  carrying  the  four-inch 
pipe  over  the  railroad  bridge  in  Hammond  Street,  Chestnut  Hill, 
and  the  pipe  was  further  protected  from  frost  by  coverings  of 
liair,  felt  and  tarred  paper. 

The  first  service  pipes  were  laid  in  October,  1876.  The  number 
of  water  takers  in  1878  was  about  1,600. 

The  cost  of  the  Newton  Water  Works  to  November  1,  1877, 
was  as  follows  :  Pumping  Station  and  appendages,  $126,653.16  ; 
Reservoir  and  appendages,  $93,991.23  ;  Distribution,  $487,153.06  ; 
Service  Pipes,  laying,  etc.,  $29,096.16  ;  Engineering  Department, 
^2,704.46  ;  General  Account,  maintenance,  etc.,  $20',044.  Total, 
^759,642.07.     Amount  to  cover  liabilities  and  not  included  in  the 


734  HISTORY  OF  NEWTOX. 

above  account,  $6,515.15.  Total  cost  of  works,  $766,157.22. 
The  amount  of  the  appropriations  was  $850,000  ;  the  unexpended 
balance,  $83,842.78. 

The  cost  of  maintaining  and  operating  the  works  was  estimated 
bj'  the  Commissioners  at  from  $10,000  to  $12,000  per  annum,  in- 
ckiding  ordinary  repairs.  The  whole  number  of  applications  for 
water-service  to  November  1,  1877,  was  1,528  ;  the  whole  number 
of  service  pipes  laid  was  1,468  ;  the  average  yearly  rate  per  service 
was  $13.32,  indicating,  at  that  date,  an  income  of  $16,139.40  per 
annum,  exclusive  of  that  from  hydrant  service.  Including  the 
latter,  the  gross  earnings  from  the  works  were  estimated  by  the 
Commissioners  at  $21,000  per  annum. 

PASSAGE   OF   THE    BOSTON   CONDUITS    THROUGH   NEWTON. 

Lake  Cochituate  Conduit. — The  conduit  of  the  Boston  Water 
WorlvS  from  Lake  Cochituate  passes  through  the  whole  extent  of 
Newton  from  west  to  east,  from  Charles  River,  near  the  Upper 
Falls,  to  the  Chestnut  Hill  Reservoir.  The  conduit  is  about  eigh- 
teen miles  in  length,  and  enters  Newton  at  the  Upper  Falls,  a  Uttle 
below  the  village.  The  ground  for  this  aqueduct  was  broken 
August  20,  1846,  and  water  was  introduced  into  the  city  of  Boston 
with  imposing  ceremonies  October  25,  1848. 

The  Newton  tunnel  is  excavated  through  porphyritic  rock  of 
extreme  hardness,  and  is  2,410  feet  in  length.  The  shaft  on  the 
Harbach  property  (Ward  Street) ,  between  the  houses  of  the  late 
Mr.  N.  Richards  Harbach  and  Mr.  John  W.  Harbach,  was  sunk 
to  a  depth  of  a  little  over  eighty  feet.  Several  specimens  of 
copper  were  found  in  this  shaft. 

The  Chestnut  Hill  Reservoir,  at  the  time  of  its  construction,  was 
situated  in  the  towns  of  Newton  and  Brighton ;  but  by  a  subse- 
quent cession  of  territor}^,  it  is  now  within  the  limits  of  Boston. 
Beacon  Street,  which  formerl^^  ran  directly  across  the  valley,  was 
turned  from  its  course,  to  allow  the  building  of  the  reservoir. 
The  reservoir  is  in  two  parts,  called  the  Lawrence  Basin  and  the 
Bradlee  Basin  ;  together  thej'  are  two  miles  and  a  half  in  circum- 
ference. The  laud  bought  bj'  the  city  of  Boston  for  this  structure 
was  two  hundred  and  twelve  and  a  half  acres. 

vSeveral  large  claims  for  damages  having  been  made  b}'  persons 
living  in  the  vicinity-  of  the  tunnel  in  Newton,  on  the  ground  that 
they  were  deprived  of  water  in  their  wells  in  consequence  of  the 


SUDBURY  RIVER  CONDUIT.  735, 

construction  of  the  tunnel,  it  was  determined  to  construct  an 
aqueduct  in  Newton  to  furnish  these  parties  with  a  sufBcient  sup- 
;/iy  of  water,  and  a  Compau}'  was  formed  called  the  Newton  Aque- 
duct Compan3^  with  a  capital  stock  of  $10,000, —  all  of  which 
ultimatel}^  came  to  be  held  in  trust  for  the  city  of  Boston.  The 
Company-was  organized  October  29,  1849,  and  purchased  landfor- 
merh'  the  property  of  Mr.  John  Ward,  not  man}'  yards  east  of  the 
line  of  the  tunnel.  A  house  was  erected,  which  served  for  the  use 
of  some  of  the  emploj'ees,  and  a  reservoir  formed  beneath  the  sur- 
face, at  a  sufficient  elevation,  from  which  a  four-inch  iron  pipe  was. 
laid  through  the  streets ;  from  this  main,  branches  were  taken, 
leading  to  five  cisterns  on  different  farms, —  the  cisterns  holding 
three  hundred  gallons  each.  On  the  22d  of  October,  1851,  the. 
estate  on  which  this  reservoir  was  constructed,  called  the  Hyde 
Place,  from  the  name  of  a  former  owner,  was  sold,  with  the  nec- 
essar}^  conditions  and  restrictions,  so  that  the  water  rights  of  the- 
neighboring  estates  should  still  be  secure. 

The  Chestnut  Hill  Reservoir  of  the  Boston  Water  Works  has  for 
its  site  a  natural  basin,  at  a  distance  of  about  five  and  a  half  miles 
from  Boston  State  House.  The  spot  is  a  lovely  one.  There  are 
cultivated  hills  around  the  basin,  from  which  fine  views  may  bs' 
had  of  its  winding  and  graceful  lines,  and  its  sparkling  sheets  of 
water.  The  driveway,  beginning  at  the  imposing  arch  at  the 
entrance,  is  some  thirt}'  feet  above  the  surface  of  the  water  ;  but  it 
gradually  drops,  as  it  winds  around,  until  by  the  time  the  Lawrence 
Basin  is  reached,  the  roadway  is  nearly  on  a  level  with  the  reser- 
voir. The  scenery  is  pleasantly  diversified  with  glimpses  of  the 
deep  blue  water,  and  groves  of  trees  and  plots  of  green  grass. 
Should  the  Boston  Public  Park  be  extended  in  this  dh-ection,  the 
Chestnut  Hill  Park  will  be  a  fitting  culmination  of  a  landscape, 
beautiful  and  tasteful  in  nature  and  art.  And  lying,  as  it  ever 
will,  on  the  borders  of  Newton,  it  will  continue  to  be,  as  it  ha& 
already  become,  for  its  proximity  and  its  elegance,  a  perpetual, 
benediction, —  the  favorite  drive  of  the  denizens  of  both  Newton 
and  Boston, 

Sudbury  River  Conduit. —  The  following  account  of  that  part 
of  the  Sudbury  River  conduit  which  is  included  within  the  bounds, 
of  Newton  was  prepared  by  Mr.  F.  H.  Barrett,  engineer  of  the. 
Water  Works.  The  paper  is  an  admirable  one  for  its  conciseness,, 
accuracy  and  completeness. 


736  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

The  "  SudburyEiver  Conduit,  "bringing  the  "Additional  Supply  of  "Water  " 
to  Boston,  is  about  fifteen  and  eight-tenths  miles  long,  from  Farm  Pond  in 
Framingham  to  the  Chestnut  Hill  lleservoir.  It  enters  Newton  in  the  Upper 
Falls,  passes  through  that  village  to  the  north  of  Newton  Highlands,  and 
through  Newton  Centre  to  the  Reservoir. 

The  principal  features  of  this  work  in  Newton  are  the  bridge  over  Charles 
River  in  the  Upper  Falls,  and  the  tunnels  near  the  crossing  of  Pleasant  Street, 
and  under  Chestnut  Hill. 

Tiie  bridge  is  five  hundred  feet  in  length,  and  consists  of  seven  arches, — 
five  of  thirty-seven  feet  span ;  one,  over  Ellis  Street,  of  thirty-eight  feet ;  and 
the  large  arch,  over  the  river.  It  is  constructed  mainly  of  solid  granite 
masonry, —  the  interior  of  the  upper  portion,  beneath  the  conduit,  being  brick 
and  concrete,  with  facilities  for  draining  away  any  leakage  from  the  conduit. 

The  large  arch,  spanning  the  river,  is  the  second  in  size  on  this  Continent 
and  one  of  the  largest  stone  arches  in  the  world.  It  is  segmental  in  form, 
one  hundred  and  thirty  feet  in  span,  with  a  radius  of  sixty-nine  feet.  The 
crown  is  fifty-one  feet  above  the  usual  surface  of  the  water,  and  the  top  of 
the  bridge  about  seventy  feet  above  the  same.  The  key-stone  is  five  feet  in 
depth,  the  archstones  increasing  to  six  feet  at  the  base,  forming  a  very  heavy 
arch, —  the  pressure  upon  the  foundation  being  about  2,900  tons,  or  about 
sixteen  and  one-half  tons  to  the  square  foot.  The  foundations  of  the  entire 
bridge  are  in  the  solid  rock. 

The  timber  framework  upon  which  the  arch  was  built  rested  upon  five 
points  of  support  in  the  bed  of  the  river,  and  demanded  about  110,000  feet  of 
spruce,  oak  and  hard  pine  timber  in  its  construction.  The  entire  settling  of 
this  framework,  caused  by  the  weight  of  the  archstones  during  construction, 
was  only  about  two  inches. 

To  one  standing  beneath  it,  the  arch  has  a  very  slender  and  beautiful  ap- 
pearance, being  only  eighteen  feet  in  width  at  the  crown.  There  is  a  re- 
markable echo  in  this  arch,  the  human  voice  being  rapidly  repeated  upwards 
of  fifteen  times,  and  a  pistol-shot  twenty-five  times.  A  shout,  of  moderate 
intensity,  is  reverberated  back  with  so  many  and  so  distinct  repetitions,  that 
all  the  neighboring  woods  seem  to  be  full  of  wild  Indians,  rushing  down 
from  the  hills,  and  with  their  terrible  war-whoop  ready  to  dash  into  view, 
and  anniiiilate  all  traces  of  the  surrounding  civilization. 

The  scenery  along  the  river  at  this  point  is  romantic,  and  the  bridge,  very 
successfully  designed  to  be  architecturally  symmetrical  and  pleasing,  adds  a 
striking  and  beautiful  feature,  attracting  many  visitors.  It  was  built  during 
187G  and  1877. 

Through  the  estates  of  Messrs.  Davis  and  Coffin,  near  Pleasant  Street, 
Newton  Centre,  a  tunnel  was  driven,  five  hundred  feet  in  length.  Much  diffi- 
culty was  encountered  in  excavating  tliis  tunnel, —  the  material  being  quick- 
sand, coarse  running  sand  and  rock,  making  necessary  heavy  timber  supports, 
inside  of  which  is  buUt  an  arch  of  brick  masonry  twelve  inches  in  thick- 
ness. 

The  "  Beacon  Street  Tunnel,"  so  called  from  its  proximity  to  Beacon 
Street,  throughout  its  entire  length  is  cut  through  the  solid  rock  of  the  Chestnut 


SUDBURY  RIVER  CONDUIT.  737' 

Hill  ridge,  from  near  Newton  Centre  to  the  Chestnut  Hill  Reservoir.  It  is 
4,635  feet  in  length,  and  the  rock  through  which  it  is  driven  is  usually  hard 
conglomerate.  But  near  the  westerly  end,  a  large  bed  of  slate  was  en- 
countered, and  <a  thousand  feet  from  the  easterly  end,  a  mass  of  disintegrat- 
ing conglomerate,  requiring  about  two  hundred  feet  of  brick  arching.  The 
remainder  of  the  tunnel  is  left  as  excavated,  a  floor  of  concrete  being  laid  on 
the  bottom.  Many  small  seams  of  soft  rock  and  clay  were  found,  through 
which  a  large  amount  of  water  enters  the  tunnel.  At  one  place,  considerable 
quantities  of  iron  and  copper  pyrites  were  found. 

One  shaft  was  sunk,  on  the  land  of  the  late  Hon.  F.  M.  Johnson,  about 
fifty-five  feet  in  depth,  to  the  bottom  of  the  tunnel.  Excavation  was  carried 
on  from  each  end  of  the  tunnel  and  from  this  shaft,  east  and  west.  The  most 
approved  machinery  for  the  purpose  was  used.  A  temporary  building  was 
erected  near  the  shaft,  in  which  were  set  up  three  boilers ;  an  engine  of  one 
hundred  and  twenty-five  horse  power,  running  three  pairs  of  air  compressers  ; 
the  hoisting  engine  for  the  elevators  in  the  shaft;  the  pumps  for  drawing  the 
water  from  the  bottom  of  the  shaft,  and  the  machine  shops  for  repairs.  Iron 
pipes  from  the  compressers  ran  down  the  shaft  and  over  the  summit  of  the  hill 
each  way,  furnisliing  power  for  running  the  drilling  machines  which  perfo- 
rated the  rock  rapidly.  Very  powerful  explosives  were  used,  and  the  debris 
drawn  out  on  small  cars  by  horses  or  mules.  At  the  shaft  and  at  the  ends 
were  the  machines  for  supplying  fresh  air  to  the  workmen.  The  work  was 
begun  in  September,  1873;  tunnelling  began  about  the  first  of  the  year  1(S74, 
and  the  two  divisions  met  in  July,  1875.  The  work  of  the  tunnel  was  finished 
in  November,  1875. 

The  works  around  the  Chestnut  Hill  Reservoir,  although  now  mainly  within 
the  corporate  limits  of  Boston,  claim  a  place  in  a  description  of  Newton,  as 
a  large  part  of  the  Reservoir  was  formerly  within  the  town  line. 

The  new  works  end  in  a  gate-house  near  the  corner  of  Beacon  Street  and 
Chestnut  Hill  Road,  from  which  large  pipes  connect  with  each  of  the  basins 
of  the  Reservoir,  with  the  old  aqueduct,  and  with  the  supply  pipes  below  the 
Reservoir. 

The  beauties  of  the  Reservoir  and  its  drive  are  well  known.     They  cover 
about  one  hundred  and  twenty-three  acres  of  water  surface,  and  the  driveway 
around  them  is  about  two  miles  and  three-quarters  in  length. 
47 


CHAPTER  LIV. 

Newton's  centennial  1776-1876. 

Newton,  both  as  a  town  and  a  city,  has  from  time  to  time  hon- 
ored its  historical  and  patriotic  anniversaries  with  fitting  celebra- 
tions. The  anniversary  of  American  independence  has  been 
recognized  by  public  demonstrations,  now  in  one  village  and  now 
in  another,  calling  forth  and  nurturing  the  patriotic  spirit  of  the 
people.  On  the  birthday  of  Washington,  especially  during  the 
period  of  the  civil  war,  celebrations,  and  speeches,  and  gatherings 
of  citizens  testified  to  their  love  of  country  and  their  gratitude  for 
the  blessings  of  a  free  government,  and  helped  to  strengthen  their 
attachment  to  its  institutions,  and  their  determination  to  sustain 
them.  And  the  celebration  of  "Newton's  Centennial,"  June  17, 
1876,  stands  out  with  special  prominence  among  these  patriotic 
occasions.  It  was  the  one  hundredth  anniversar}''  of  the  daj"^  more 
fully  described  in  the  history  of  Newton  in  the  Revolution,  when, 
in  the  bus}^  season  of  the  year,  the  people,  in  town  meeting  as- 
sembled, John  Woodward  being  Moderator,  voted  to  sustain  with 
their  lives  and  fortunes  the  Declaration  of  American  Indepen- 
dence, should  it  be  passed  by  the  American  Congress.  That  day, 
though  a  century  had  passed  away,  was  not  to  be  forgotten,  nor  its 
memory  to  miss  due  honor.  The  ceremonial  was  one  of  so  much 
importance  that  it  is  well  to  present  some  of  the  details,  as  they 
were  printed  in  the  Newton  Journal,  and  afterwards  published  in 
an  elegant  volume  by  the  Cit}'  Government. 

Saturday,  June  17,  1S7G,  was  a  marked  occasion  in  the  history  of  Newton. 
Throughout  the  city,  various  historical  points  were  marked  with  appropriate 
inscriptions,  —  the  old  church  at  tlie  Centre,  the  graves  of  the  earliest  pastor 
of  the  cliurch;  of  General  Hull  and  his  faithful  servant  Tillo,  the  last  slave 
in  Newton ;  the  old  General  Hull  mansion ;  Angler's  Corner,  etc.  Within, 
Eliot  Hall  was  appropriately  decorated,  with  flags  and  mottoes,  among  which 
were  the  following: 

738 


NEWT02J'S  CENTENNIAL.  739 

"  Headquarters,  March  20,  1780. 
*'  To  Col.  Joseph  Ward:    The  favorable  sentiments  of  a  good  man,  and  one 
who  has  executed  diligently  and  performed  faithfully  the  duties  of  his  station,, 
cannot  fail  of  being  agreeable. 

'•GEORGE  WASHINGTON." 

In  the  rear  of  the  platform  in  the  Hall,  was  a  picture  of  Bunker  Hill 
Monument,  and  above  it.  the  motto:  "New  Town  (Cambridge),  1G31. 
Nonantum  —  Cambridge  Village,  1654:."  "New  Town  —  set  off  from  Cam- 
bridge— 1688."  "First  public  school  about  1700."  "  Newton,  1776."  At 
regular  intervals  in  the  festoons  of  bunting  along  the  front  of  the  gallery 
were  the  names  of  the  first  settlers, —  Richardson,  Stone,  Kenrick,  Cheney, 
Fuller,  Ward,  Roger  Sherman,  Woodward,  Hammond,  Hyde,  Wiswall,  Jack- 
son. A  fine  portrait  of  Peter  Hammond,  one  of  the  first  settlers,  born  April 
6,  1776,  had  a  conspicuous  place  on  the  platform. 

In  front  was  a  crayon  portrait  of  Colonel  Joseph  Ward,  presented  to  the 
city  by  several  citizens.  (See  page  742.)  Also,  an  ancient  drawing  of  a 
scene  at  the  famous  liberty  tree,  in  Washington  Street,  opposite  Essex  Street, 
Boston.  Oliver,  an  English  tory,  is  hanging  in  effigy,  with  the  patriots  rejoic- 
ing around.  The  sword  of  Colonel  Michael  Jackson,  one  of  Newton's  lead- 
ing men  of  the  days  of  the  Revolution,  was  conspicuously  displayed.  On 
the  platform,  honored  guests  of  the  city,  were  three  grandchildren  of  Col. 
Joseph  Ward.  Governor  Rice,  on  his  arrival  at  the  hall,  under  escort  of  the 
Claflin  Guard,  Captain  F.  N.  Brown,  and  accompanied  by  Colonels  Kingsbury, 
Lyman,  Tower,  Rice  and  Berry,  of  his  stafl",  was  enthusiastically  received  by 
the  vast  audience.  Several  of  the  descendants  of  the  old  settlers  were 
dressed  in  the  costume  of  a  hundred  years  ago.  The  Charles  Ward  Posi 
turned  out  in  honor  of  the  occasion. 

Thirteen  descendants  of  the  original  families  of  Newton,  sang  at  this  cele- 
bration :  Mrs.  J.  S.  Potter,  Mrs.  J.  B.  Goodrich,  Miss  Mary  Woodward', 
Mrs.  E.  P.  Wright,  Miss  Lucretia  Fuller,  Miss  Clarice  S.  Hyde,  Mr.  Francis 
Murdock,  Mr.  George  S.  Trowbridge,  Mr.  J.  E.  Trowbridge,  Mr.  W.  O. 
Trowbridge,  Miss  Cornelia  W.  Jackson,  Miss  Louisa  Smaliwood,  Miss  Char- 
lotte W.  Hyde.  The  first  four  are  great-great-grandchildren  of  Captain 
John  Woodward. 

Thirty-nine  pupils  of  the  Newton  Higii  School  represented  the  thirty-nine 
States,  under  the  lead  of  Mr.  George  S.  Trowbridge.  In  the  galleries  of  the 
hall  were  the  female  descendants  of  the  old  settlers. 

Rev.  Mr.  Meriara  was  Pastor  of  the  First  church  during  the  Revolutionary 
war,  and  Dr.  Homer  at  the  close.  A  granddaughter  of  Mr.  Meriam,  the 
widow  Preston,  was  then  living  on  Nonantum  Hill.  It  is  highly  probable 
that  Rev.  Mr.  Meriara  opened  the  famous  town  meeting  with  prayer. 

After  music  by  the  Newton  Band,  the  choir  and  audience  sang  the  hymn, 
to  the  tune  of  Old  Hundred,  commencing  — 

"  O  God  beneath  Thy  guiding  hand 
Our  exiled  fathers  crossed  the  sea." 

Invocation  by  Rev.  W.'  E..  Huntington,  of  the  Methodist  church,  Newton. 
'  Hail  Columbia"  was  sung  by  the  school  children,  the  audience  joining  in 


740  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

the  chorus.  Eichberg's  "  To  thee  O  country  "  followed.  Prayer  by  Rev. 
Dr.  D.  L.  Furber,  of  the  First  church,  where  the  meeting  in  favor  of  Inde- 
pendence was  held. 

Introductory  remarks  of  the  Mayor,  Hon.  Alden  Speare : 

••On  the  17th  of  May,  1776,  on  motion  of  Patrick  Henry,  the  House  of 
Burgesses  of  Virginia  voted  to  instruct  their  delegates  in  Congress  to  pro- 
pose to  that  body  to  declare  the  colonies  independent  of  Great  Britain. 

"On  the  7th  of  June,  in  accordance  with  this  vote,  Richard  Henry  Lee, 
of  Virginia,  in  Continental  Congress,  made  the  motion  as  directed,  which 
motion  was  seconded  and  ably  supported  by  John  Adams,  of  Massachusetts. 
After  three  days'  debate,  it  was  referred  to  a  committee,  with  the  under- 
standing that  they  should  report  near  the  first  of  July,  when  the  debate 
should  be  renewed  and  the  question  decided. 

'•  On  the  17th  of  June,  the  citizens  of  Newton  assembled  in  town  meeting. 
Captain  John  Woodward  was  chosen  moderator.  The  second  article  of  the 
warrant  read  as  follows  :  '  That  in  case  the  Honorable  Continental  Congress 
should,  for  the  safety  of  the  American  Colonies,  declare  them  independent 
of  the  kingdom  of  Great  Britain,  whether  the  inhabitants  of  this  town  will 
solemnly  engage  with  their  lives  and  fortunes  to  support  them  in  the  measure.' 

"  After  debate,  the  question  was  put,  and  the  vote  passed,  UNANiMonsLT,  in 

the  AFFIRMATIVE. 

"  Noble  and  memorable  as  was  this  vote,  Newton  did  not  stoji  with  resolves. 
On  the  5th  of  July,  again  in  town  meeting,^  no  telegraph  then  to  electrify 
them  with  the  account  of  the  momentous  event  of  yesterday, — the  signing 
of  the  Declaration  of  Independence  by  every  member  of  the  Continental 
Congress,  save  one  —  it  was  voted  to  pay  £6  Gs.  8d.  to  each  man  '  who  passeth 
muster  and  goeth  into  Newton's  quota,  in  the  expedition  to  Canada.' 

"'Voted,  to  authorize  the  Treasurer  to  borrow  the  money  to  pay  the 
bounty,'  and  '  Voted,  that  the  money  the  Treasurer  shall  borrow  to  pay  the 
bounty  of  the  soldiers  aforesaid  shall  be  assessed  on  the  polls  and  estates 
in  Newton,  and  paid  into  the  town  treasury  by  the  first  of  January  next.' 
Thus  they  assumed  all  the  burdens  of  their  times,  and  bequeathed  only  the 
blessings  and  benefits  which  should  follow. 

"  It  is  said  of  the  Athenians,  when  the  Republic  was  established  under  the 
wise  laws  of  Solon,  '  Once  more  freemen,  the  Athenians  were  once  more 
warriors.' 

"The  citizens  of  Newton,  that  they  might  become  and  remain  freemen, 
have  ever  been  warriors  when  the  exigency  of  the  times  has  demanded, 
whether  to  defend  themselves  or  their  neighbors,  from  the  attacks  of  the  red 
men  of  the  forest,  from  the  encroachments  of  king  George,  or  the  slave 
power  of  the  South ;  and  we  to-day  rejoice  that  the  prayer  we  once  heard 
otfered  among  the  mountains  of  Pennsylvania  has  been  fully  answered, —  that 
the  Lord  would  hasten  the  day  when  the  last  link  of  the  last  chain  of  the 
last  slave  on  this  continent  should  be  broken. 

"For  this, —  for  the  largest  liberty  consistent  with  the  rights  of  all, — for 
the  material  prosperity  wliich  has  been  vouchsafed  to  us,  whereby  we  have 
been  transformed  from  thirteen  feeble  colonies,  comprising  but  a  portion  of 


'r^y. 


NEWTON'S  CENTENNIAL.  741 

the  eastern  border  of  our  present  domain,  now  extending  from  the  St.  Law- 
rence to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific,  including 
thirty-eight  States  and  nine  Territories, —  the  valuation  at  that  time  probably 
less  than  six  hundred  million  dollars,  now  more  than  fifteen  billion;  then 
containing  less  than  three  million  inhabitants,  including  five  hundred  thou- 
sand slaves,  now  more  than  forty  million,  and  not  a  slave  in  the  land  where 
float  the  stars  and  stripes, —  for  the  religious  liberty,  enabling  each  to  serve 
God  according  to  the  dictates  of  his  own  conscience,  with  no  State  church  to 
be  sustained  by  taxation, — for  the  opportunities  of  education  and  culture, 
whereby  every  son  and  daughter  of  America  maj',  and  in  most  of  the  States 
must,  obtain  a  f.iir  education, —  for  the  wonderful  results  of  labor  and  inven- 
tive genius,  as  evidenced  in  the  reaper,  tiie  power  printing-press,  the  steam- 
boat, the  railroad,  the  telegraph,  and  the  more  than  177,000  patent  inven- 
tions,—  for  all  these,  and  the  more  that  we  have  not  mentioned,  we  to-night 
would  be  proudly  grateful. 

'•  As  land  silently  tades  from  the  vision  of  the  departing  mariner,  so  fades 
from  memory  the  history  of  the  noble  deeds  and  sacrifices  of  those  who  even 
with  their  lives  liave  secured  to  us  the  inestimable  blessing  of  liberty  and 
its  consequent  happiness.  Of  those  who  took  part  in  that  ever  memorable 
town  meeting,  June  17,  177G,  not  one  remains.  But  we  have  assembled  to 
receive  instruction  from  the  lives  of  those  who  contributed  to  make  this  city, 
this  State  and  this  nation  what  they  are  to-day;  and  our  teacliers  are  sons  of 
Newton,  who,  while  they  have  often  been  called  to  positions  of  honor  and 
responsibility,  have  equally  honored  their  constituency  by  the  fidelity  with 
which  tliey  have  fulfilled  the  trusts  confided  to  them." 

Governor  Alexander  H.  Rice  said:  "  I  often  go  back  in  memory  to  the 
picturesque  beauty  of  this  ancient  town,  now  expanded  into  a  thriving  and 
prosperous  city,  and  its  hills  and  valleys,  and  forests,  fields  and  meadows, 
with  the  winding  river  and  the  hum  of  industry  tiiat  sang  by  its  side.  I  love 
to  linger  on  the  scenes  familiar  to  my  boyhood,  the  school-house  on  the  hill ; 
then,  I  remember  the  flourishing  Academy,  over  which  you,  my  reverend 
instructor  (turning  to  the  venerable  Seth  Davis  seated  upon  the  platform), 
presided,  who  filled  my  mind  with  wonder  and  admiration  of  those  grand  con- 
stellations, those  systems  which,  intertwining  with  other  orbits  in  ceaseless 
sway  and  motion,  eternally  travel  through  the  whole  universe  of  God.  And 
now,  after  all  these  intervening  years,  with  their  varied  experiences  in  this 
and  other  lands,  in  all  the  vicissitudes  of  an  active  and  busy  life,  with  all  its 
trials  and  its  efforts,  duties,  aspirations,  perhaps  with  its  disappointments, 
perhaps  with  some  of  its  successes,  I  come  back  to  you  in  all  the  freshness 
of  my  earlier  devotion,  and  bring  to  your  municipal  altar  fresh  otFerings  of 
affection. 

"  I  think  it  is  well  for  us  to  preserve  these  anniversary  occasions  ;  they  are 
great  teachers,  standing  like  sentinels  along  the  ages,  speaking  out  to  us,  in 
those  instinctive  feelings  we  all  possess,  of  reverence  for  our  noble  fathers, 
and  love  and  patriotism  for  the  country  and  liberty  they  gave  us.  I  do  not 
know  who  wrote  the  resolution ;  perhaps  his  identity  has  not  been  preserved ; 


742  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

but  if  VOX!  do  know  tlie  name,  j^ou  should  erect  a  bronze  statue  to  his  memory 
in  some  conspicuous  place,  and  I  should  be  glad  to  lend  my  personal  assist- 
ance to  the  erection  of  such  a  memorial.  Massachusetts  was  a  hundred  and 
fifty  years  old,  before  we  had  a  United  States  of  America ;  she  had,  a  hun- 
dred and  fifty  years  ago,  a  Government  perfect  in  its  judicial,  administrative 
and  executive  departments.  There  was  a  recognized  Government  in  New 
England,  when  few  of  the  other  States  were  known,  and  her  good  qualities 
found  for  her  a  high  place  in  the  estimation  of  European  nations. 

■'The  people  of  that  age  were  Englishmen,  who  never  dreamed  of  indepen- 
dence ;  not  until  the  folly  of  the  English  king  tried  to  trample  out  the  English 
manhood  of  the  State,  did  they  rise  to  insurrection  ;  and  then,  with  a  keen 
sense  of  the  bitter  and  imwarranted  despotism  of  a  frivolous  English  mon- 
arch burning  within  them,  their  manhood  rose  in  revolt,  and  they  threw  off 
the  yoke  of  Great  Britain  and  established  an  independent  nation,  whicli  has 
since  risen,  like  a  mountain  out  of  the  sea,  lofty  and  grand  as  our  own  granite 
hills."  Governor  Rice  spoke  of  the  rapid  growth  of  this  Republic  in  all  that 
makes  a  great  nation,  during  these  one  hundred  years,  and  alluded  to  the  fact 
that  in  1776,  Massachusetts,  which  now  has  over  sixteen  hundred  thousand 
inhabitants,  then  contained,  together  with  Maine,  only  about  three  hundred 
thousand. 

"  There  is  no  other  Commonwealth  in  all  this  wide  republic,"  he  continued, 
"  which  boasts  of  such  an  ancestry  as  ours.  IIow  recreant,  then,  should  we  be 
to  the  names  and  deeds  of  that  ancestry,  if  we  neglected  to  observe  the  recur- 
ring anniversaries  of  its  imperishable  acts.  Citizens  of  my  native  town, 
which  I  love  with  all  the  warmth  and  outflow  of  my  heart.  I  hope  you  will 
preserve  her  honor,  bright  and  untarnished.  I  hope  you  will  remain  as  you 
are,  ready  for  any  and  every  exigency  of  Commonwealth  or  country,  for  every 
thing  that  adds  to  the  honor  and  glory  of  God  and  man.  I  hope  you  will  be 
as  3'our  fathers  were  —  first,  foremost,  perpetual." 

The  Battle  Ilymu  of  the  Republic,  by  Mrs.  Julia  Ward  Howe, 
was  sung,  the  audience  joining  in  the  chorus. 

PIou.  J.  F.  C.  Hyde,  first  Mayor  of  Newton,  delivered  the  His- 
torical Address,  admirably  sketching  the  historj'  of  the  town,  with 
special  reference  to  its  patriotic  spirit. 

Part  of  J.  G.  Whittier's  Centennial  H3'mn  was  sung,  and  a 
historical  poem  was  read  by  Rev.  I.  N.  Tarbox,  of  West  Newton. 

Another  interesting  ceremony  remained.  A  portrait  Qf  Colonel 
Joseph  Ward,  whose  name  was  honorably  associated  with  the 
Revolutionar}-  history  of  Newton,  was  to  be  presented  to  the  cit}'. 
The  presentation  was  accompanied  by  an  address  b}"  Mr.  William 
C  Bates. 

The  Mayor  accepted  the  portrait  in  behalf  of  the  cit}^  promis- 
ing to  cherish  it  as  a  valuable  memento  of  an  honored  and  dis- 
tinsuished  citizen  of  Newton. 


NEWTON'S  CENTENNIAL.  743 

"  America"  was  sung,  and  the  benediction  was  pronounced  b}' 
Rev.  Henry  Mackay. 

Had  we  sufficient  space,  how  instructive  would  be  a  review  of 
the  changes  which  have  taken  place  in  Newton,  and  in  New  Eng- 
land, in  the  space  of  a  century !  How  marvellous  are  the  im- 
provements in  every  department, —  in  art,  in  science,  in  trade,  in 
manufactures,  in  education,  in  the  modes  of  living !  A  hundred 
years  ago,  Newton  was  a  farming  town ;  its  unpretending  citizens 
cultivating  a  few  acres,  from  which  they  won  b^Mucessaut  industry' 
their  plain  and  scanty  living ;  its  3'oung  men  in  the  war,  fighting 
for  the  blessing  of  libert3^,  to  be  left  as  a  rich  legacy  to  their  chil- 
dren ;  its  wives  and  daughters,  in  calico  and  homespun,  with 
slender  opportunities  of  education,  generally  enjo3'ing  few  of  the 
elegances  of  life  ;  without  music,  without  literary  lectures,  generally, 
without  books,  and  having  little  to  cultivate  their  minds,  and  to 
vary  and  adorn  their  lives,  be^'ond  the  sermons  of  the  Sabbath 
day  and  the  preparatory^  lecture,  and  the  neighborhood  gossip 
that  graced  an  afternoon  tea-drinking,  extending  from  about  one 
o'clock,  P.  M.,  till  early  milking-time  ;  the  tea  even,  with  its 
exhilarating  influence,  being  cut  off  in  the  days  of  "  cruel  war,"  or 
substituted  b}'  sage  and  wild  herbs.  Most  of  the  roads  were  only 
crooked  pathwaj-s,  winding  from  house  to  house ;  the  school- 
houses,  when  at  last  they  came,  only  diminutive  red  buildings,  six- 
teen feet  square,  standing,  unfenced,  bj''  the  sand}'  roadside,  and 
furnished  only  with  long  plank  forms  and  seats,  with  a  low  bench 
for  the  little  ones,  and  a  raised  platform  for  the  school-damc  or 
the  master  ;  the  churches,  ill-constructed,  with  most  uncomfortable 
square  pews,  or  long  straight-backed  slips,  or  benches  with  no 
back  at  all,  and  guiltless  of  the  warmth  of  a  stove  in  winter ; 
the  pulpit,  perched  far  up  towards  the  ceiling,  the  sounding-board 
overhead,  and  the  deacons'  seat  in  front,  with  the  inevitable  hour- 
glass, which  measured  the  long  hour  of  the  minister's  sermon,  and 
perhaps  required  to  be  turned  before  he  had  finished  ;  instead  of 
an  organ,  the  pitch-pipe,  to  guide  to  the  kej'-note  in  the  singers' 
seats ;  the  little  corner  gallerj',  remotest  from  the  minister,  and 
above  the  lower  gallery-,  set  apart  for  the  few  colored  people,  as  if 
they  needed,  less  than  their  white  brethren,  to  understand  the  gos- 
pel, or,  as  if  it  were  not  fitting  for  them  to  approach  very  near  the 
holy  place  ;  instead  of  the  Sabbath  School,  the  afternoon  catechiz- 
ing, once  in  a  month  or  two  months ;  instead  of  a  cultivated  and 


744  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

intellectual  assembl}'  on  the  Sabbath,  attending  to  the  preaching 
because  it  met  their  intellectual  and  spiritual  wants,  and  who  came 
because  they  loved  to  come,  a  compulsory  gathering,  needing  the 
"  tithing  man  "  to  circulate  among  them  during  "  sermon-time,"  to 
keep  the  bojs  in  order,  and  with  his  long  rod  rapping  on  the  head 
the  men  who  had  fallen  asleep,  in  order  to  wake  them,  and  turn- 
ing the  rod,  with  the  feather  on  the  opposite  end  tickling  the  noses 
of  the  women  and  girls,  for  the  same  important  purpose.  Instead 
of  hourly  communication  with  the  neighboring  cit}^,  then  only  an 
unpretending  town,  there  was  not  even  a  stage-coach,  till  some 
time  after  the  war,  and  to  some  parts  of  Newton,  as  late  as  1845, 
a  stage-coach  only  once  a  day.  Instead  of  the  morning  and  even- 
ing newspaper,  or  a  choice  among  several,  of  different  political 
complections,  every  day,  there  was  only  a  Columbian  Centinel,  or 
a  New  England  Palladium  once  a  week.  Without  steamboat, 
railroad  or  telegraph,  then  m3-steries  undreamed  of,  and  of  which 
the  latter  brings  us  tidings  from  Europe  every  evening,  the  latest 
foreign  news  was  generally  three  or  four  months  old  ;  and  the  East 
Indies,  from  which  the  merchant  could  not  possibly  get  an  answer 
to  his  letter  in  less  than  eight  or  nine  months,  now  within  speak- 
ing distance,  and  we  can  communicate  •wdth  Calcutta  in  a  day. 
Instead  of  the  steam  fire-engine,  there  was  nothing  in  the  town  till 
1812  (when  the  first  hand-engine  was  introduced,  a  private  specu- 
lation, into  Newton  Lower  Falls),  beyond  a  common  water-pail  or 
teakettle,  and  the  requirement  that  every  house  should  have  a  lad- 
der by  which  to  ascend  the  roof  in  order  to  extinguish  a  confla- 
gration. Instead  of  beaut}^,  fragrance  and  flowers,  the  people  en- 
dured a  perpetual  conflict  with  poverty,  and  toil,  and  dread  of  the 
incursions  of  wild  beasts. 

One  hundred  years  ago,  not  a  pound  of  coal,  nor  a  cubic  foot  of  illumi- 
nating gas  had  been  burned  in  this  country.  No  iron  stoves  were  used,  and 
no  contrivance  employed  to  economize  heat,  until  Dr.  Franklin  invented  the 
iron-framed  fireplace,  which  still  bears  his  name.  All  the  cooking  and. 
warming,  in  town  and  country,  were  done  with  the  aid  of  fire  kindled  in  a  brick 
oven  or  on  the  hearth.  Pine  knots  or  tallow  candles  furnished  the  light  for 
the  long  winter  nights,  and  sanded  floors  supplied  the  place  of  rugs  and 
carpets.  The  water  used  for  houseliold  purposes  was  drawn  from  deep  wells 
by  the  creaking  sweep.  No  form  of  pump  was  used,  generally,  if  at  all, 
until  after  the  commencement  of  the  present  century.  There  were  no  fric- 
tion matches  in  those  early  days,  by  the  aid  of  which  a  fire  could  be 
easily  kindled  ;  and  if  the  fire  went  out  upon  the  hearth  over  night,  and  the: 


NEWTON'S  CENTENNIAL.  745 

tinder  was  damp,  so  that  the  sparks  would  not  catch,  the  alternative  was  pre- 
sented of  sitting  in  the  cohl,  or  of  wandering  through  the  snow  a  mile  or  sOv 
to  borrow  of  a  neighbor.  Only  one  room  in  any  house  was  warm,  unless  some 
member  of  the  family  was  ill.  In  all  the  rest,  the  temperature  was  at  zero- 
many  nights  in  the  winter. 

We  do  well  to  celebrate  the  centennial  anniversaries  of  this 
period.  They  are  occasions  which  stimulate  the  heart.  They 
awaken  S3'mpathy  with  our  fathers  in  their  early  privations  and 
self-denials.  Thej'  inspire  gratitude  to  God.  They  are  full  of 
instruction.  They  teach  us  how  civilization  and  culture  grow, 
graduall}',  from  age  to  age ;  how  each  age,  and  invention  and  im- 
provement is  the  growth  of  the  improvements  and  inventions  of 
the  ages  that  went  before  it.  The}-  stimulate  faith,  and  courage ^ 
and  patience.  They  admonish  us  to  labor  and  endure,  in  hope. 
Should  the  next  century  bring  such  advancement  to  Newton,  and 
to  New  England,  and  to  these  United  States,  as  that  which  has 
just  ended,  improvement  added  to  improvement,  invention  added 
to  invention,  advancement  added  to  advancement,  what  will 
America,  what  will  New  England  be?  We  stand  on  the  ridge 
between  the  centuries,  and  exclaim,  as,  from  our  present  stand- 
point, we  look  back  and  survey-  the  past,  in  the  words  first  sent 
over  the  telegraph  wires  in  this  country, — "  What  hath  God 
wrought!  "  And,  as  we  turn  and  survey  the  future,  what  better 
can  we  do  than  with  adoring  admiration  to  wait  for  the  develop- 
ments, whose  possibilities  outrun  and  outnumber  all  our  power  of 
conception  ? 

The  following  were  the  eloquent  words  with  which  Mr.  Hyde 
closed  his  Centennial  address  : 

A  hundred  years  have  passed  since  our  fathers  met  in  their  little  town  meet- 
ing, in  the  small  meeting-liouse  (where  now  stands  Dr.  Furber's  church),  and 
consecrated  themselves  and  their  fortunes  to  the  cause  of  freedom  and  their 
country.  Then,  a  straggling  town,  now,  a  considerable  city,  then,  only  a 
single  church,  now,  more  than  twenty ;  then,  here  and  there  a  highway,  or 
rather,  a  lane,  now,  with  its  hundred  and  twenty  or  more  miles  of  excellent 
streets ;  then,  its  small  school-houses  with  short  terms  and  rudimental  teach- 
ing, now,  school-houses  of  magnificent  proportions,  with  schools  almost  with- 
out number,  of  all  grades,  to  say  nothing  of  the  private  academies  and  higher 
institutions  of  learning  within  our  limits.  Then,  only  a  few  farms  with  their 
quaint  looking  farm-houses ;  now,  beautiful  villages,  with  stately  blocks  of 
buildings,  palatial  residences,  well-kept  villas  and  cosy  cottages,  showing  taste 
and  culture  on  every  hand. 


746  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Then,  the  quiet  almost  of  the  forest,  broken  only  by  the  song  of  birds  and 
hum  of  insects,  now,  the  rush  and  noise  of  heavy  engines,  and  railroad  trains, 
•whirling  along  with  the  speed  of  the  wind.  Then,  no  electric  telegraph  to 
flash  its  message  from  continent  to  continent,  and  thus  "  put  a  girdle  round 
about  the  earth  in  forty  minutes;"  no  ocean  steamers,  crossing  the  broad 
Atlantic  and  bringing  the  nations  of  the  earth  into  more  intimate  relations ; 
no  missionaries  on  foreign  shores,  preaching  Christ  to  dying  men ;  no  city 
library,  with  its  rich  stores,  gathered  from  all  ages  and  nations.  How  great 
the  change  in  a  single  century  ! 

The  sun  shines  upon  no  spot  on  earth  more  highly  cherished  than  our  dear 
old  birthplace,  Newton,  with  its  glorious  record  and  rich  memories,  the  gal- 
lant deeds  of  its  heroes  and  martyrs,  its  faithful  ministers  of  Christ,  its 
churches  and  schools,  its  academies  and  colleges,  its  long  line  of  noble  Chris- 
tian men  and  women,  whose  records,  though  possibly  unwritten,  are  not  un- 
known, its  pure  record  of  religion,  temperance  and  morality, —  surely,  as  we 
contemplate  the  past  and  consider  the  present,  let  the  recollection  be  a  con- 
stant incentive  to  us  and  our  children, — that  we  may  pr6ve  worthy  of  the 
lineage  we  bear  and  the  goodly  heritage  we  enjoy. 


CHAPTER  LV. 

INSTITUTIONS    AND    SOCIETIES. HOME    FOR    ORPHAN    A1S[D     DESTITUTE 

GIRLS. HOME  FOR  BOYS  AT  PINE  FARM. HOME  FOR  MIS- 
SIONARIES' CHILDREN  (congregational). HOME  FOR  MIS- 
SIONARIES'    CHILDREN     (baptist)  . WEST     NEWTON    LYCEUM. 

NEWTON    SUNDAY  SCHOOL  UNION. MUSICAL  SOCIETIES. OTHER 

ASSOCIATIONS. 

The  Home  for  Orphau  and  Destitute  Girls  grew  out  of  an  ear- 
lier institution,  called  "  The  Home  for  Girls."  The  latter,  like 
"  The  Home  for  Boys,"  under  the  supervision  of  the  Boston  Chil- 
dren's Aid  Society,  was  designed  originally  for  a  class  of  children 
not  only  without  parents,  but  also  criminal.  A  number  of  girls 
from  twelve  to  sixteen  years  of  age,  having  been  committed  to 
jail  for  crime,  and  the  number  being  evidently  on  the  increase,  the 
question  arose  among  several  benevolent  individuals,  "Can  any 
thing  be  done  for  their  reformation?  "  In  answer  to  the  question, 
the  proposal  was  suggested  that  a  home  should  be  provided  some- 
where in  the  rural  districts  outside  of  Boston,  with  a  Christian 
lady  at  its  head,  and  a  Board  of  Managers  who  should  direct  its 
affairs.  A  house  was  purchased,  bj^the  donation  of  several  liberal 
contributors,  for  the  purpose  specified,  at  a  cost  of  about  $10,000. 
The  house  was  on  the  east  side  of  Centre  Street,  nearly  opposite 
the  former  residence  of  the  late  Dr.  Homer,  and  the  more  recent 
mansion  of  Ex-Mayor  Speare.  It  had  been  erected  origiuall}'  as 
the  seat  of  a  boarding  school,*  and  was  therefore  well  adapted  to 
its  present  uses.  The  house  contained  the  needful  rooms  below 
for  farail}'  convenience,  and  twenty-four  chambers,  neatly,  but 
plainly,  furnished,  at  an  expense  of  about  thirty'  dollars   each. 

*  Tbis  was  the  Institution  taught  successively  by  Mr.  Elbridge  Hosmer,  Deacon 
Ebeuezer  Woodward,  Rev.  John  B.  Hague,  Deacon  B.  Wood  and  Rev.  E.  H.  Daistow. 

747 


748  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

The  contributors  uuitiug  in  this  effort  belonged  to  five  different 
rehgious  denominations.  The  House  was  dedicated  to  its  new  use 
on  Christmas  Day,  1866.  The  first  inmate,  received  November  12, 
1866,  was  a  j'oung  girl  twelve  j'ears  of  age,  who  had  been  in  jail 
seven  weeks  for  stealing  lift}"  dollars.  Eight  or  ten  others  had 
been  admitted,  previous  to  the  public  dedication.  Accessions  were 
made  week  after  week,  till  the  number  had  increased  to  thirt3% 
The  first  and  only  matron  was  Mrs.  Rebecca  R.  Pomroy,  well 
known  for  her  faithful  and  efficient  services  in  the  war  of  the 
Rebellion,  and  to  whose  admirable  supervision,  the  Institution,  in 
its  various  changes,  owes  both  its  spirit  and  form.  The  Home 
had  no  permanent  funds,  and,  like  its  successor,  "  The  Home  for 
Orphan  and  Destitute  Girls,"  depended  wholly  on  the  contribu- 
tions of  the  benevolent. 

On  the  afternoon  of  Sunday,  June  14,  1868,  the  building  occu- 
pied by  the  Home  was  set  on  fire  by  one  of  the  inmates,  and 
totally  destroyed.  The  child  who  was  the  author  of  this  calamity 
was  transferred  to  a  State  Reformatory  Institution.  The  late 
Gardner  Colby,  Esq.,  generously  opened  his  house  to  the  entire 
famil}'  for  the  night,  and  the  following  day  a  house  was  oflfered  for 
the  temporary'  occupation  of  the  Home,  on  Pelham  Street.  On  the 
10th  of  November,  1868,  the  estate  of  the  late  Ephraim  Jackson, 
southeast  of  Newton  Theological  Institution,  was  purchased  for 
the  Home  for  $7,400,  and  tne  barn  on  the  premises  fitted  up  for  a 
school-house. 

The  number  of  girls  of  the  class  for  which  the  Home  was  origi- 
nally designed, —  the  children  of  vice,  needing  reformation, —  being 
too  small  to  warrant  the  support  of  such  an  Institution  longer,  the 
Board  of  Managers,  at  a  meeting  held  in  1872,  voted  to  relinquish 
the  work.  Places  were  found  for  the  older  girls  then  in  the  Insti- 
tution, to  which  the}'  were  transferred,  and  the  younger  were  sent  to 
their  homes.  Four  little  orphan  girls  remained,  and  the  question 
arose,  Who  would  care  for  them? 

The  suggestion  was  made  by  some  of  the  ladies  that  au 
Orphans'  Home  should  be  estabUshed  in  Newton,  an  Institution 
exclusively  Newton's,  and  depending  on  the  benevolent  of  New- 
ton for  its  support.  The  suggestion  was  cordially  received,  and 
the  four  poor  children  above  referred  to,  the  residue  of  the  former  4* 
Home,  became  the  nucleus  of  the  new  Institution.  In  November, 
1872,  the  Home  was  established  on  Church  Street,  Newton  Corner, 


HOME  FOR  BOYS.  749 

in  a  house  owned  b^'  P.  C.  Jones,  Esq.  The  number  increased, 
and  the  house  proved  too  small  to  accommodate  all  who  needed 
its  shelter.  Then,  the  former  Episcopal  parsonage  or  rector}'  was 
purchased  by  William  Morton,  Esq.,  of  Newton  Centre,  and 
rented  for  an  Orphans'  Home,  where  the  Institution  has  remained 
till  the  present  time,  and  always  continued  under  the  charge  of 
!ilrs.  Pomro}-. 

This  charity  is  one  that  appeals  to  the  best  feelings  of  all  classes 
of  societ}'.  Besides  the  good  it  has  done  to  those  for  whose  sake 
it  was  established,  it  has  proved  a  graceful  means  of  cultivating 
the  benevolent  instincts  of  the«children  of  all  the  villages  of  New- 
ton, and  others,  who  have  taken  pleasm'e  in  raising  funds  and 
contributing  other  means  for  its  support. 

The  following  were  the  officers  of  the  Home  (1878)  : 

DIRECTORS. 

Mrs.  Daniel  L.  Furber,  Miss  Mary  C.  Shannon, 

Nathaniel  T.  Allen,  Esq. 

SUPERINTENDENT. 

Mrs.  Rebecca  R.  Pomroy. 

The  Institution  is  independent  of,  and  receives  no  assistance 
from,  the  Boston  Children's  Aid  Society,  by  which  the  original 
Home  for  Girls  was  founded,  and  which  latter  sustains  the  "Pine 
Farm  School  for  Boys."  at  West  Newton.  That  Society-,  several 
years  ago,  ceased  to  receive  girls  as  inmates,  and  confines  its  charity 
to  boys  alone. 

HOME    FOR    BOYS    AT    PINE    FARM. 

The  Home  for  Boys,  under  the  charge  of  the  Boston  Children's 
Aid  Society,  is  situated  at  the  corner  of  Homer  and  Chestnut 
Streets,  West  Newton.  It  was  estabUshed  in  1864.  The  inmates 
of  the  Home  are  bo^'s  who  have  been  brought  before  the  police 
courts,  or  are  otherwise  in  need  of  reformatory  care,  having  been 
thrown  upon  the  streets  of  the  city,  and  early  learned  lessons  of 
vice  and  sin.  The  boys  are  mainly  such  as  are  recommended  by 
Mr.  Rufus  R.  Cook,  the  general  agent  of  the  Society,  who  for 
many  years  devoted  himself  to  missionaiy  work  among  friendless 
children.  The  entu'c  family  averages  about  thirty',  and  as  many 
more  leave  for  good  places  ever}'  year.  The  Institution  embraces 
the  characteristics  of  an  asylum,  a  home,  and  a  school.  The  boj's 


750  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

receive  in  school  the  elements  of  knowledge,  of  which,  owing  to 
their  early  surroundings,  they  were  deprived  ;  and  on  the  farm,  the 
property  of  the  Society,  they  are  initiated  into  habits  of  industry 
and  thrift,  which  will  be  of  incalculable  benefit  to  them  in  keep- 
ing them  out  of  the  way  of  temptation  and  preparing  them  for  a 
useful  life.     The  school  is  denominated  the  "  Pine  Farm  School." 

The  farm  of  twenty  acres  at  West  Newton  was  purchased  in  the  winter  of 
1864,  by  donations  contributed  specially  for  the  purpose.  The  Society  was 
incorporated,  in  order  that  it  might  have  legal  guardianship  of  claildren,  so  as 
to  bind  them  out  or  put  them  in  permanent  homes.  The  purchase  of  the 
farm  was  considered,  at  first,  only  an  experiment,  but  it  has  proved  an  entire 
success.  The  farm  is  very  pleasantly  situated,  about  a  mile  from  the  West 
Newton  depot.  The  house  (the  old  Murdock  place)  was  a  very  old,  but  sub- 
stantially built,  farm-house,  in  whicli  some  alterations  were  made,  and  a 
wing  added,  so  that  the  accommodations  are  ample  for  the  older  members  of 
the  household,  and  the  thirty  boys  who  constitute  the  members  of  the  family. 

Miss  Lydia  Stone  was  the  first  matron  of  the  Home,  and  her  admirable 
personal  qualities  peculiarly  fitted  her  for  the  place.  Mr.  Howe,  the  first 
Superintendent,  took  the  care  of  the  farm,  employing  the  boys  in  out-door 
work.  The  cooking  and  house  work  were  done  by  Mrs.  Howe  and  Miss 
Stone,  with  the  help  of  the  boys.  The  boys  make  their  own  beds,  scrub  the 
floors,  and  wash  the  dishes.  Two  of  them  help  each  day  in  the  kitchen, 
taking  a  week  in  turn,  and  the  older  boys  do  most  of  the  ironing.  They  all 
work  upon  the  farm.  The  first  year  of  the  school,  one  hundred  and  eighty 
bushels  of  potatoes  were  raised  by  them,  and  one  year  they  harvested  one 
hundred  and  eighty  bushels  of  carrots,  besides  large  quantities  of  beets,  tur- 
nips, onions,  cabbages,  etc.  In  winter,  as  there  is  no  work  upon  the  farm, 
the  boys  knit  an  hour  each  evening. 

On  the  26th  of  June,  1864,  the  house  which  had  been  purchased 
for  the  Home  being  ready  for  use,  a  service  of  dedication  was  held 
in  a  grove,  on  the  place.  The  enterprise  commenced  with  one  or 
two  boys,  and  additions  were  made  till  the  house  was  full.  On 
Sabbath  mornings  the  boys  attend  the  West  Parish  Congregational 
church,  and  in  the  afternoons,  the  Sabbath  School  of  the  same 
chmxh.  The  week-day  school  has  two  sessions,  of  five  hours  in 
all.  At  the  end  of  two  years,  seventy-eight  bo3'S  had  been  re- 
ceived, of  whom  fifty-two  were  admitted  the  first  3^ear.  In  June, 
1872,  the  number  who  had  been  inmates  of  the  Home  up  to  that 
date  was  one  hundred  and  ninet^'-eight, —  all  under  twelve  years 
of  age.  The  boys  remain  at  the  Home  from  six  months  to  two 
and  even  three  years,  their  stay  depending  on  theii-  susceptibility 
to  good  influences. 


MISSIONARIES'  CHILDREN.  751 

The  second  and  present  Superintendent  of  the  Home  is  Mr.  C. 
H.  Washburne,  who,  with  Mrs.  Washburne,  takes  a  deep  interest 
in  the  Institution,  and  is  admirably  adapted  to  the  position.  Dur- 
ing the  year  ending  June,  1872,  sixteen  of  the  boys  professed  to 
have  become  truly  rehgious,  and  twelve  of  them  were  admitted 
members  of  the  Second  Congregational  church.  In  1874,  Mr. 
George  S.  Trowbridge  became  a  teacher  of  music  in  the  Institu- 
tion, giving  the  boj'S  lessons  in  singing.  He  also  interested  him- 
self to  have  the  boj's  learn  to  print.  A  press,  tj'pe  and  stock  have 
been  procured,  and  the  bo^'S  now  print  songs  for  use  in  the  school, 
programmes,  and  the  Annual  Reports  of  the  Societ}',  besides  some 
outside  work. 

The  old  barn  on  the  farm,  which  had  been  recently  repaired  at 
an  expense  of  $250,  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  1877.  A  new  one 
has  taken  its  place. 

HOME     FOR    missionaries'    CHILDREN     (CONGREGATIONAL). 

An  institution  has  existed  several  years  in  Auburndale,  and  still 
exists  at  the  date  of  this  publication,  which  merits  notice  in  this 
History.  Mrs.  Eliza  H.  Walker,  widow  of  Rev.  Augustus  Walker, 
a  missionar}-  twelve  or  fourteen  years  in  Diarbekir,  in  Eastern 
Turkey',  soon  after  his  sudden  death  by  cholera  in  1866,  returned 
to  this  countiT  with  her  four  little  children.  She  took  up  her  resi- 
dence in  Auburndale,  in  a  house  built  for  her  by  her  father,  the  late 
Rev.  Sewall  Harding.  Here  she  has  established  a  Home  for  the 
children  of  missionaries.  It  is  not  in  any  sense  a  public  institution  ; 
but  a  private  Christian  famil}-,  enlarged  by  the  accession  of  chil- 
dren, sent  to  this  country  for  education  and  home  culture  under 
the  influences  of  civilized  society,  by  their  parents  who  are  still 
missionaries  among  the  heathen.  Mrs.  Wallcer  commenced  this 
Home  in  1868,  receiving  into  her  family-  two  children  of  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Snow,  of  the  Micronesian  mission  of  the  American  Board. 
Two  Christian  ladies  in  New  York  became  i-espousible  for  the 
board  of  these  children  at  a  very  moderate  rate.  In  a  short  time, 
two  sisters  from  India  were  added,  and  then  a  boy  from  Fuchau, 
in  China.  Friends  offered  assistance,  and  the  institution  grew. 
In  1875,  Mrs.  Walker  had  under  her  charge  thirteen  missionaiy 
children,  fi'om  Turkey,  India,  China,  Africa,  Micronesia  and  Japan. 
The  children  attend  the  public  schools  of  Newton.  One,  the  fii'st 
received,  having  completed  her  course  in  the  schools,  became  a. 


752  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

pupil  in  Wellesley  College.  With  but  one  servant  in  the  family, 
consisting  of  from  eighteen  to  twenty-five  persons,  it  is  obvious 
that  much  labor  is  required,  in  which  the  children  take  part,  and 
are  thus  taught  self-reliance,  industr}-^  and  economy.  Each  of  the 
children  is  allowed  a  small  sura  annually  b}'  the  regulations  of  the 
American  Board,  and  if  there  be  any  deficit,  it  is  made  up  by  the 
benevolence  of  others  and  by  self-denial.  Besides  the  members  of 
the  Home,  other  missionary  children,  from  various  places,  become 
visitors  during  their  vacations,  when  no  other  friend  invites  them. 

HOME    FOR    missionaries'    CHILDREN    (bAPTISt)  . 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Woman's  Baptist  Mission  Society 
held  in  Boston,  Ma}^,  1880,  a  discussion  arose  in  regaixl  to  the 
establishment  in  this  country  of  a  Home  for  missionaries'  children. 
Missionaries  having  children  whom  they  bring  to  this  country  for 
care  and  education,  and  who  have  not  personal  friends  or  kindred 
to  assume  the  responsibility  of  such  a  charge,  are  often  detained 
from  their  fields  of  labor  among  the  heathen,  owing  to  the  diffi- 
culty of  making  satisfactory  arrangements  for  them.  It  was 
judged  that  a  Home  could  be  provided  a,nd  furnished,  to  meet  such 
cases,  with  a  matron  of  approved  character,  to  bestow  upon  the 
children  loving  care, —  where  they  might  attend  the  public  schools, 
and  enjo}'  all  the  benefits  of  living  in  a  Christian  communit}'.  The 
parents  should  be  allowed  to  do  as  much  for  the  children  as  their 
circumstances  would  permit,  and  to  cherish  the  feeling  that  they 
had  not  placed  them  in  an  eleemosynary  institution,  or  released 
themselves  from  the  care  and  responsibilit}'  of  their  offspring.  A 
matron,  at  once.  Provide ntiall}',  offered  her  services,  approved  in 
all  respects,  Mrs.  McKiule}',  the  widow  of  a  Baptist  minister ; 
and  two  children  of  the  Rev.  S.  B.  Partridge,  a  missionary  from 
Swatow,  China,  formed  the  beginning  of  this  new  and  admirable 
Christian  experiment.  A  house  was  hired  for  the  purpose  in  New- 
ton Centre,  May  1,  1880, —  the  furnished  home  of  Rev.  8.  F. 
Smith,  on  Centre  Street,  who  was  expecting  to  be  absent  from  the 
United  States  for  a  season,  and  found  nothing  more  agreeable, 
during  his  absence,  than  such  a  use  of  his  homestead, —  out  of 
which  a  missionary  son  had  gone  to  Burmah  in  1863,  in  which 
two  children  of  the  latter  had  found  a  home  for  five  3ears,  and 
where  many  missionaries,  from  Dr.  Judson  to  the  latest  times,  had 
enjoyed  rest  and  welcome  and  Christian  hospitality. 


"WEST  XEWTOX  LYCEUM.  753 


WEST    NEAVTON    LYCEDM. 

The  West  Newton  Athenaeum  Monday  evening  meetings,  for 
lectures  and  discussions,  are  the  outgrowth  and  continuation  of 
certain  meetings  developed  at  the  same  time  and  b}^  the  same  men 
who  organized  the  Athenaeum  in  1848  and  '50.  Joseph  W.  Plimp- 
ton, Charles  T.  Savage,  Joseph  S.  Clarke,  Dr.  J.  II.  Stephenson, 
"William  P.  Houghton,  William  B.  Fowle,  sen.,  Horace  Mann, 
Nathan  Crafts,  and  others,  were  most  active  in  its  organization. 
"William  B.  Fowle,  sen.,  was  its  first  President,  Joseph  S.  Clarke, 
D.  D.,  was  its  first  Secretar}-,  C.  T.  Savage  was  its  Treasurer, 
Nathaniel  T.  Allen  was  its  first  Librarian. 

During  the  first  years  of  its  existence  Rev.  Mr.  Clarke  was 
mainly  instrumental  in  inaugurating  a  series  of  public  meetings 
held  Monday  evenings,  immediately  after  the  weekly  delivery  of 
books  in  the  old  Town  Hall,  under  the  "Model  School"  rooms, 
now  the  City  Hall.  A  member,  previously  appointed,  was  expected 
to  give  his  opinion  of  a  certain  author  and  his  productions,  followed 
by  a  discussion  on  the  same.  Soon,  this  course  was  broadened 
and  lectures  were  delivered  in  connection  with  the  weekly  meetings. 
The  prominent  object  of  the  founders  of  the  Athenaeum  was,  from 
the  first,  to  enlighten  and  improve  the  people  and  to  sustain  the 
Athenaeum  library'.  Year  after  year  a  subscription  was  obtained 
from  the  citizens  for  a  series  of  lectures.  The  nominal  price  paid 
each  lecturer  was  ten  dollars  ;  but  it  was  expected  of  the  lecture 
committee  to  obtain  as  many  free  lectures  as  possible,  which  would 
add  as  many  times  ten  dollars  to  the  library  fund.  Charles  and 
George  Sumner,  Thomas  Starr  King,  Theodore  Parker,  John  Pier- 
pont,  E.  P.  Whipple,  Rev.  A.  L.  Stone,  of  Park  Street  church,  of 
Boston,  Thomas  Hills,  D.  D.,  and  others  from  abroad,  and  Rev. 
"William  Knapp,  and  Messrs.  "W^iUiam  B.  Fowle,  sen..  Marshal 
Couant,  Cyrus  Pierce,  Joseph  S.  Clarke,  Dr.  "William  A.  Alcott, 
Eben  S.  Stearns,  Horace  Mann  and  others,  home  talent,  lectured, 
very  many  of  them  generously-  making  no  charge  for  the  same. 
Discussions  were  interspersed  with  the  lectures,  both  of  which 
were  free  to  all,  from  the  first. 

The  questions  discussed  were  such  as  occupied  the  attention  of 
the  public  at  the  time,  avoiding  only  such  as  had  a  theological  hue, 
which  it  was  feared  might  deter  many  from  attendance.  Such  ques- 
tions as,  "  The  American  Colonization  Society,"  "  The  Fugitive 
48 


754  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Slave  Law,"  "  The  Under-ground  Raili'oad,"  "  The  Higher  Law," 
etc.,  were  vigorously  discussed,  even  the  Fugitive  Slave  Law  find- 
ing some  earnest  advocates.  Through  these  discussions,  the  title 
of  "The  Incendiaries  and  Radicals  of  West  Newton"  was  earned, 
which  was  then  deemed  of  as  much  reproach,  as  now,  of  honor. 
The  first  of  the  above  questions  wag  earnestlj'  discussed  during 
six  consecutive  Monday  evenings. 

The  late  George  W.  Briggs,  of  Lasell  Seminary,  and  Ebenezer 
Bradbury,  were  very  constant  in  theu*  attendance.  John  Ajtcs, 
George  E.  Allen,  Henry  Lambert,  the  talented  Dr.  J.  H.  Brown 
and  C3TUS  (Father)  Pierce  never  hesitated  to  advocate  the  highest 
morality  and  the  sacred  rights  of  man. 

It  now  seems  incredible  that  any  New  Englanders  could  be 
found  who  would  vindicate  the  radical  side  of  the  above  questions  ; 
yet  even  in  West  Newton  those  were  vigorousl}'  hissed,  who  stated 
their  determination  to  aid  any  panting  fugitive  from  slavery. 

In  1861,  the  subject  of  "  The  right  of  Secession  "  was  earnestly 
discussed,  through  several  evenings,  both  the  afl3rmative  and  nega- 
tive finding  advocates. 

During  all  these  3'ears,  the  meetings,  with  the  lectures,  were 
arranged  for  by  the  Athenaeum  management.  Its  president  was 
their  presiding  officer,  its  treasurer,  the  treasurer  of  these  meetings. 

About  1860  or  '61,  it  was  thought  best,  through  courtesy,  to 
unite  with  other  citizens,  not  stockholders  of  the  Athemeum,  in 
arranging  for  the  meetings  ;  but  the  call  for  the  preliminary  meet- 
ing, for  the  purpose  of  oi'ganizing  for  the  series,  was  made  by  the 
officers  of  the  Athenaeum,  and  the  meetings  were  held  in  the  Eng- 
lish and  Classical  school  building. 

After  the  war  broke  out, — with  its  engrossing  duties,  the  meetings 
were  discontinued  for  two  or  three  winters.  The  people,  however, 
demanded  their  revival,  and  through  the  efforts  of  Messrs.  Van 
Duzee,  Sheldon,  Tarbox,  Bond,  and  other  later  citizens,  with 
those  older  who  remain,  they  have  been  conducted  to  the  present 
time  with  but  slight  modification,  and  with  remarkable  success, —  a 
positive  force  of  great  influence  in  educating  the  community  on 
nearly  all  topics  which  have  agitated  the  countrj-,  State,  city  or 
village. 

NEWTON    SUNDAY   SCHOOL   UNION. 

The  Newton  Sunday  School  Union  was  organized  December  18, 
1838.     It  originated  in  a  desire  to  advance  by  a  union  of  efibrU 


SUNDAY  SCHOOL  UNION.  7oo 

the  cause  of  Suuclav  School  instruction,  and  by  frequent  meetings 
for  praj-er,  and  the  discussion  of  practical  questions  relating  to 
their  work,  to  qualify'  the  Superintendents  and  teachei'S  for  success- 
ful labor. 

The  officers,  originall}',  were  a  President,  Vice-President,  Sec- 
retary, Treasurer,  and  a  Board  of  Directors, —  one  from  each 
school.     The  first  officers  were, — 

Hon.  William  Jackson,  President, 
Wiley  G.  Eaton,  Vice-President. 
Sanford  Leach,  Secretary. 
Elijah  F.  Woodward,  Treasurer. 
Joel  Fuller,  Otis  Trowbridge,  Ebenezer  D.  White,  Marshall  S.  Rice,  A. 
F.  Burbank,  Walter  C.  Curtis,  Directors. 

Six  schools  were  at  first  represented  in  its  membership.  The  first 
anniversary  was  held  Jul}^  4,  1839,  in  a  grove  at  Newton  Upper 
Falls ;  a  large  number  were  present ;  a  procession  of  children, 
and  a  collation  in  the  grove  for  all.  Addresses  by  Mr.  Bannister, 
of  Aul)urndalc ;  to  the  scholars,  by  Mr.  Eaton,  of  Newton  Theo- 
logical Seminary ;  to  teachers,  b}'  Rev.  Mr.  Babcock,  of  Dedham ; 
to  parents,  by  Rev.  Professor  Sears.  The  second  anniversary  was 
in  a  grove  in  Newton  Centre,  Jul}'  4,  1840.  Between  2,000  and 
3,000  persons  were  present,  and  from  1,300  to  1,500  children 
walked  in  procession.  Music  and  a  collation  in  the  grove,  and 
addresses  by  Rev.  N.  T.  Burt,  of  Charlestown,  and  William  B. 
Tappau,  of  Boston.  The  third  anniversary  was  held  at  the  First 
Parish  meeting-house  July  5,  1841,  and  a  collation  in  the  grove 
near  the  pond.  Address  by  Rev.  Mr.  Mudge.  The  fourth  anni- 
versary was  at  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  Upper  Falls.  Ad- 
dress by  Rev.  Dr.  Sears. 

At  fii-st,  meetings  were  held  monthl}^ ;  afterwards,  quarterly.  At 
each  meeting,  a  practical  question  was  discussed,  and  each  school 
reported  its  condition.  In  1849,  a  colporteur  was  employed,  at 
the  expense  of  the  Union,  to  labor  in  "West  Virginia,  and  after- 
wards, in  Ohio,  at  a  salary  of  $150  per  year,  from  whom  letters 
were  received. 

The  twentj'-fifth  anniversary  of  the  Union  was  held  in  Eliot 
church,  October  16,  1803.  A  historical  address  was  delivered  b}' 
Marshall  S.  Rice,  one  of  the  original  members  ;  other  addresses  by 
S.  G.  Deblois,  of  Boston,  Rev.  B.  F.  Bronson,  of  Roxbury,  and 
Rev.  A.  L.  Stone,  of  Boston. 


756  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

The  number  of  members  who  served  their  country  during  the 
late  war  was  123,  of  whom  six  were  wounded,  and  nineteen 
died.  In  1844,  there  were,  in  the  Union,  six  schools  with  89 
teachers,  189  scholars,  2,566  volumes  in  libraries.  In  1857,  there 
were  nine  schools,  with  133  teachers,  996  scholai's,  4,517  volumes, 
$432  contributions,  173  church-members. 

The  increase  for  ten  years  was  as  follows  : 


1860. 

1870. 

Teachers  and  scholars, 

1,405 

2,860 

Volumes  in  libraries, 

4,074 

9,148 

Church-members  in  the  schools, 

269 

595 

Contributions  in  1870,  $2,182. 

After  a  few  years,  the  office  of  Vice-President  was  dropped,  and 
still  later,  the  Board  of  Directors  was  composed  of  the  Superin- 
tendents of  the  schools,  ex  officio,  and  no  Board  was  elected. 

The  Union  numbers  23  schools,  with  3,246  members ;  the  quar- 
terly meetings  are  held  alternately  at  the  different  villages,  and 
among  various  denominations.  A  question  is  proposed  at  each 
meeting,  to  be  discussed  at  the  next.  Reports  are  made  from 
each  school  at  every  meeting. 

MUSICAL   SOCIETIES  —  SINGING   SCHOOLS,    ETC. 

The  first  singing  school  in  Newton, —  which  was  designed  for 
the  whole  town, —  was  taught  by  Mr.  Billings,  well  known  as  the 
author  of  many  popular  church  tunes.  This  school  was  begun 
about  1780,  after  the  "New  Lights,"  so  called,  came  to  have 
influence  in  the  town,  and  was  useful  in  cultivating  skill  and  taste 
in  sacred  music. 

A  musical  society  called  the  St.  David's  Musical  Society,  existed 
in  Newton  in  1816.  A  meeting  of  the  Society  was  notified  in  the 
Boston  Columbian  Centinel  of  that  3'ear,  to  be  held  at  Bacon's 
Hotel,  formerly  Wiswall's  (the  house  of  the  late  Deacon  Asa 
Cook),  with  an  announcement  of  a  rehearsal  and  concert  at  the 
First  church,  in  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day. 

A  singing  school  was  taught  in  1805  or  1806  at  Newton  Centre, 
by  Mr.  Jacob  Richards,  in  a  haU  in  the  old  house  formerly  owned 
by  Ebenezer  King,  then  by  Deacon  White,  sen.,  and  since  by  the 
late  Timothy  Walker. 

A  singing  school  was  taught,  in  1821,  in  the  old  school-house  at 
West  Newton  by  Mr.  Stetson,  of  Waltham  ;  in  1826  at  the  Upper 


NEWTON  MUSICAL  ASSOCIATION. 


757 


Falls,  by  Mr.  Jonathan  Aldricli,  in  the  Hall  of  the  hotel ;  in  the 
old  school-house  at  Newton  Centre,  in  1827,  by  Mr.  John  Bart- 
lett,  of  Boston;  in  1828,  in  the  same  place,  by  Deacon  N.  D. 
Gould,  of  Boston,  and  in  1829,  by  Mr.  Fenno,  of  Abington.  This 
was  the  last  school  tauglit  by  teachers  from  out  of  town. 

Previous  to  1818  there  was  a  Musical  Society  in  Newton, — per- 
haps this  was  the  St.  David's  Musical  Society, —  composed  of 
singers  belonging  in  Newton  and  neighboring  towns,  and  which 
met  from  house  to  house  among  the  members.  This  Society  was 
led  b}'  Mr.  Nathaniel  Tucker,  who  then  owned  and  occupied  the 
house  afterwards  the  residence  of  the  late  Thomas  Edmands. 
Miss  Abigail  Hall,  of  Oak  Hill,  one  of  the  members,  was  then 
regarded  as  one  of  tlie  best  soprano  singers  in  Newton  and  vicin- 
it}'.  Among  the  male  members  of  the  Society  wei'e  Mr.  Nathaniel 
Tucker,  the  leader,  Asa  Trowbridge,  William  Trowbridge,  Deacon 
E.  F.  Woodward,  Baxter  Hall,  Prentice  Hall.  The  Society  was 
well  sustained,  and  gave  many  popular  concerts  in  Newton  and 
the  neighboring  towns. 

About  1840,  a  Society  was  formed  in  Newton  under  the  lead  of 
Mr.  Asa  R.  Trowbridge,  for  the  practice  of  Glees.  The  Societ}'- 
was  sustained  two  or  three  years,  and  gave  a  number  of  public 
concerts.  The  book  used  by  the  Society  was  "  The  Boston  Glee 
Book." 

Newton  Musical  Association. —  October  29,  1861,  several  gen- 
tlemen of  musical  tastes  and  ability  united  to  form  an  organiza- 
tion in  Newton  (Corner),  called  the  Newton  Musical  Association, 
and  adopted  a  Constitution. 

The  following  were  the  earliest  members  of  the  Society : 


J.  W.  Bailey, 
Samuel  Jennison,  jr. 
J.  H.  D.  Blake, 
G.  W.  Bacon, 
Fred.  Davis, 
William  Guild, 
George  E.  Allen, 
M.  Kingman, 
Charles  H.  Goes, 
Edson  E.  Plimpton. 
Silas  Howes, 
J.  II.  Ilazelton, 
Oliver  Edwards, 


P.  W.  Goodridge, 
Joshua  Coolidge,  jr., 
Oilman  Brackett, 
Cephas  IL  Brackett, 
William  li.  Dadmun, 
T.  W.  Thaxter, 
L.  E.  Batcheller, 
Gilbert  Nichols, 
Nathaniel  T.  Allen, 
Frederiek  A.  Benson, 
George  F.  Livermore, 
J.  Q.  Henry, 
Isaac  Augustus  Hagar. 


Henry  Ross, 
R.  E.  Graves, 
Henry  H.  Babcock, 
Albert  Brackett, 
Samuel  G.  Sewall, 
Ephraim  Willey,  jr., 
James  B.  Trowbridge, 
Edward  B.  Trowbridge, 
Syinonds  J.  Eaton, 
Charles   C.  Harrington, 
E.  T.  Wiswall. 


758  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

The  first  officers  of  the  Societ}'^  were  as  follows : 

J.  W.  Bailey,  President. 
J.  11.  D.  Blake,  Vice-President. 
G.  W.  Bacon,  Secretary. 
Frederick  Davis,  Treasurer. 
George  E.  Allen,  S.  Jennison,  jr.,  Wm.  Guild,  M.  Kingman,  J.  H.  Hazel- 
ton,  Directors. 

S.  Jennison,  jr.,  was  elected  Conductor,  and  the  weekly  meet- 
ings were  held  in  Union  Hall.  The  first  rehearsal  was  held  on 
Thursday  evening,  November  13.  The  "  Choir  Chorus  Book  "  and 
"  Boston  Glee  Book  "  were  adopted  as  the  books  to  be  used  at  the 
rehearsals.  The  chorus  numbered  about  forty  members,  includ- 
ing ladies.  Besides  a  piano  for  accompaniments,  a  small  orches- 
tra was  organized  by  the  members,  consisting  of  three  violins, 
three  flutes,  violoncello,  double  bass,  tenor  trombone,  alt.  horn, 
etc.  Fifty-seven  gentlemen  had  been  admitted,  and  thirty-seven 
ladies  invited.  The  first  public  rehearsal  was  given  April  22, 
1852  ;  the  second.  Ma}'  19.  Besides  a  considerable  uiunber  of 
concerts,  sacred  and  secular,  the  Society  has  given  the  Messiah, 
the  prince  of  Oratorios,  five  times,  the  Oratorio  of  the  Creation 
four  times,  Elijah  and  Samson,  once  each,  Mendelssohn's  H3^mn  of 
Praise  twice.  At  the  first  National  Peace  Jubilee  in  Boston,  in 
June,  1869,  two  hundred  and  twenty-one  members  attended  and 
aided  during  the  entire  performance  ;  and  at  the  second,  in  June, 
1872,  three  hundred  members  participated. 

THE   NATURAL   HISTORY   SOCIETY. 

The  Newton  Natural  Histoiy  Society  was  organized  in  October, 
1879,  for  the  purpose  of  awakening  an  interest  in  the  study  of 
Natural  Historj',  with  especial  reference  to  the  natural  features  of 
Newton  and  vicirfity,  and  of  gathering  a  collection  of  specimens 
illustrating  the  geological  formation  of  this  district,  and  the 
character  of  the  Flora  and  Fauna  found  therein.     Its  officers  are : 

Dr.  J.  F.  Frisbie,  President. 
F.  Jackson,  Secretary. 
W.  C.  Bates,  Treasurer. 

Meetings  are  held  monthly. 

THE   CLAFLIN   GUARD. 

In  September,  1870,  Mr.  Fred.  P.  Barnes,  a  resident  of  New- 
ton, conceived  the  plan  of  obtaining  signatures  to  a  petition  to  the 


NEWTON  SAVINGS'  BANK. 


7oD 


•Governor  of  the  State  for  permission  to  organize  a  company  of 
State  militia  from  among  ttie  3'oung  men  of  Newton.  Tlic  peti- 
tion bore  tlie  names  of  more.tlian  fifty  young  men  of  Newton. 

Tlie  Company  Avas  duly  organized  October  10, 1870,  and  an  elec- 
tion of  officers  ordered.  Isaac  F.  Kingsburj',  now  Assistant  Adju- 
tant-General of  the  State,  was  chosen  Captain,  Fred.  P.  Barnes 
and  G.  Frank  Park,  first  and  second  Lieutenants.  The  Company 
adopted  the  name  of  "  Clafliu  Guard,"  in  compliment  to  the  Gov- 
ernor of  the  State,  and  it  was  assigned  to  duty  in  the  First  Regi- 
ment, and  designated  as  Compan^^  L. 

For  the  first  three  years,  the  Company  showed  great  efficiency, 
especially  in  the  arduous  service  rendered  the  cit}^  of  Boston  dur- 
ing two  weeks,  in  guarding  the  property  of  its  citizens  after  the 
great  fire  of  November,  1872.  An  elegant  American  flag,  the 
gift  of  the  ladies  of  Newton,  was  presented  to  the  Compan}', 
May  30,  1871,  the  presentation  speech  accompanying  the  gift 
being  made  by  Governor  Claflin. 

About  the  3'ear  1878,  the  military  spirit  of  the  members  had  de- 
clined; the  Captain  and  second  Lieutenant  resigned.  In  January, 
1879,  the  interest  in  the  Compan}^  revived,  and  John  A.  Kenrick 
was  chosen  Captain,  Henry  W.  Downs  and  Frank  L.  Barnes,  first 
and  second  Lieutenants. 

NEWTON  savings'  BANK. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Newton  Temperance  Society  and  Lyceiun, 
March,  3,  1829,  it  was  voted  "  that  a  Savings  Institution  be  intro- 
duced into  the  Society,  with  a  view  to  promote  the  industry,  econ- 
omy and  prosperit}'  of  its  members,"  and  rules  of  government 
were  adopted.  The  original  members  of  the  corporation  were 
John  Kenrick,  Asa  Cook,  Seth  Davis,  Stephen  Goodhue,  William 
Jackson,  Amos  Lyon,  Joel  Fuller,  Henry  Crafts,  Nathaniel  Fuller, 
Samuel  Hyde,  Ephraim  Jackson,  2d,  Marshall  S.  Rice.  June  17, 
1831,  an  Act  of  Incorporation  was  obtained  for  "The  Institu- 
tion for  Savings  in  the  town  of  Newton." 


PEESIDENTS. 

William  Jackson,  1831-1835 

Joel  Fuller,  1S35-1848 

"William  Jackson,  1848-1855 

Marshall  S.  Rice,  1855-1858 

George  Hyde,  1858 


rREASUBEBS. 

E.  F.  Woodward,  1831-1846 

Luther  Paul,  1846-18G3 

Edward  J.  Collins,  1863-1879 

Miss  Susanna  M.  Duncklee,  1879 


760  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

January  9, 1863,  the  Institution  was  located  in  the  Newton  Bank 
Building ;  previousl}',  at  the  houses  of  the  Treasurers.  January 
1,  1858,  the  number  of  depositors  was  one  hundred  and  fifty- five  ; 
amount  of  deposits,  $14,396.24;  January  1,  1863,  depositors,  two 
hundred  and  twent^'-four ;  amounts,  $26,467.27  ;  Januar}' 1,  1880, 
depositors,  three  thousand  and  thirty-five  ;  amount,  $764,779.46. 

By  Act  of  the  Legislature  in  1875,  the  name  was  changed  to 
"  Newton  Savings'  Bank." 

NEWTON    NATIONAL    BANK. 

This  Bank  was  incorporated  April  14,  1848,  and  commenced 
business  October  4,  1848.  It  became  a  National  Bank  January 
16,  1865.     The  following  constituted  the  first  Board  of  Directors  : 


■William  Jackson, 
John  H.  Richardson, 
Joseph  Bacon, 
Levi  Thaxter, 


Allen  C.  Curtis, 
Otis  Pettee, 
Marshall  S.  Rice, 
Henry  B.  Williams, 


Pliny  E.  Kingman, 
Edward  Walcott, 
Andrew  Cole. 


CASHIEKS. 

Daniel  Kingsley,       1848-1875 
B.  Franklin  Bacon,  1875 


PRESIDENTS. 

William  Jackson,  1848-1855 
Levi  Thaxter,  1855-1857 
Joseph  N.  Bacon,  1857 

The  capital  stock  was  at  first  $100,000  ;  increased,  in  1850,  to 
$150,000,  and  in  1870,  to  $200,000. 

NEWTON   AND   WATERTOWN   GAS-LIGHT   COMPANY. 

This  company  was  incorporated  Februar}'  27,  1854,  and  organ- 
ized May  15,  1854,  with  a  capital  of  $80,000  ;  increased,  in  1856, 
to  $100,000,  and,  in  1872,  to  $200,000.  The  total  cost  of  the 
works  exceeds  $300,000.  The  gas-Ughts  were  first  used  Octo- 
ber 15,  1855.     The  following  were  the  first  Board  of  Directors : 

Joseph  W.  Stone,  President. 

Gardner  G.  Hubbard,  Clerk  and  Secretary. 


DIKECTORS. 


J.  W.  Stone, 
J.  W.  Plympton, 
James  M.  Cook, 
George  C.  Lord, 


Joseph  N.  Bacon, 
G.  G.  Hubbard, 
J.  J.  Walworth. 


FIRST   NATIONAL   BANK    OF    NEWTONVILLE. 

This  Bank  was  organized  in  1864.     It  had  a  brief  existence. 
Becoming  insolvent,  its  aS'airs  were  wound  up,  and  its  francliise 


VARIOUS  ASSOCIATIONS.  761 

was  transferred  to  the  National  Security  Bank,  Boston.  Its  only 
President  was  James  H.  Fearing ;  Cashier,  E.  Porter  Dyer,  jr. 

Newton  numbers  also  the  following  Associations  : 

The  Newton  .Jersey-Stock  Club,  organized  June,  1866  ;  Newton 
Horticultural  Societ}'  (first  exhibition  1854)  ;  Newton  Black  Bass 
Club,  organized  1871  ;  three  Newton  Boat  Clubs  ;  The  Tuesday  Club, 
organized  1877  ;  Every  Saturday  Club,  organized  1872  ;  The  Neigh- 
bors (Newton  Centre)  1878  ;  The  Young  Men's  Christian  Associ- 
ation (West  Newton),  organized  1867  ;  The  Young  People's  Relig- 
ious Union,  organized  1867 ;  The  Eliot  Association  of  Young 
Men  (Newton),  organized  1867;  Charles  Ward  Post  62,  Grand 
Army  of  the  Republic,  established  1868. 

Masonic  akd  Temperance  Associations. —  The  Dalhousie 
Lodge  of  Free  Masons,  chartered  1861  (Newton^alle)  ;  The 
Nonantum  Division  Sons  of  Temperance,  organized  1865 
(Newton  Lower  Falls)  ;  The  Independent  Order  of  Good  Tem- 
plars, Nahaton  Lodge,  No.  229,  instituted  1867  (Newton  Upper 
Falls)  ;  The  Wetomac  Lodge,  Independent  Order  of  Good  Tem- 
plars, instituted  1869  (North  Village)  ;  The  Young  Crusaders,  a 
Youth's  Temperance  Association,  organized  1869  (West  New- 
ton) ;  The  Newton  Royal  Arch  Chapter,  chartered  1870  (New- 
tonville)  ;  Gethsemane  Commandery  of  Knight  Templars,  1872  ; 
Cryptic  Council  of  Select  and  Royal  Masters,  1873  ;  Fraternity 
Lodge,  chartered  1875  ;  Union  Masonic  Mutual  Relief  Association 
of  Massachusetts  ;  and  three  organizations  of  Odd  Fellows  :  Waban 
Lodge,  No.  156  ;  Home  Lodge,  No.  162,  and  Newton  Encampment. 

To  these  may  be  added  the  following : 

Newton  Associates,  Quinobequin  Associates  (Upper  Falls), 
Goddard  Literar}^  Union  (Newtonville) ,  Newton  High  School 
Association,  Newton  Centre  Y.  M.  C.  Association,  Fraternity 
Lodge,  Knights  Templars,  Eliot  Lodge  of  Knights  of  Honor,  and 
Channing  Council  of  the  Royal  Arcanum. 


CHAPTER  LVI. 

TOWN     CLERKS     OF     NEWTON. SELECTMEN. REPRESENTATIVES.  — 

APPROPRIATIONS. POPULATION. STATISTICAL   ITEMS. 


It  is  not  known  who  filled  the  office  of  Town  Clerk  previous  to 
1694,  probably  John  Ward,  Noah  Wiswall,  or  Thomas  Green- 
wood. All  the  Town  Clerks  except  the  last  one  were  also  Town 
Treasurers.  During  a  period  of  one  hundred  and  eighty-one  years, 
only  eleven  persons  held  the  office,  their  terms  of  service  averaging 
nearly  sixteen  and  a  half  years  each;  or,  omitting  two,  whose 
terms  were  only  one  and  two  years,  the  average  term  of  office  of 
the  remaining  nine  was  a  little  more  than  twenty  years  each. 

TOWN   CLERKS    OF   NEWTON. 
Dea.  Edward  Jackson,         1694-1713     Dea.  Samuel  Murdock, 


Dea.  John  Staples,  1714-1734 

Samuel  Jackson,  1735-1742 

Dea.  Thos.  Greenwood,  jr.,  1743-1765 
Capt.  Abraham  Fuller,  1766-1792 
Dea.  Ebenezer  Woodward,  1793-1794 


1794-1814 
Obadiah  Thayer,  1815-1816 

Joseph  Jackson,  Esq.,  1817-1825 
Dea.  Elijah  F.  Woodward,  1826-1845 
Marshall  S.  Rice,  1846-1874 


SELECTMEN   OP   CAMBRIDGE   VILLAGE. 


Edward  Jackson, 
John  Ward, 
Capt.  Thomas  Prentice, 
James  Trowbridge, 


Capt.  Isaac  Williams, 
John  Ward,  jr., 
Noah  Wiswall, 
Ebenezer  Wiswall, 
Jonathan  Hyde,  sen., 
James  Prentice,  sen., 
Abraham  Jackson, 
John  Kenrick,  sen., 
John  Mason, 


John  Spring, 
John  Fuller,  sen., 
Thomas  Greenwood, 
Dea.  Edward  Jackson, 


SELECTMEN   OF   NEWTON. 


Jonathan  Fuller, 
Stephen  Cook, 
Joseph  Fuller,  sen., 
John  Woodward, 
John  Staples, 
Thomas  Wiswall,  son  of 

Noah, 
William  Ward, 
Richard  Wai'd, 


Eleazer  Ward, 
John  Greenwood, 
Jeremiah  Fuller, 
John  Hyde,  sen., 
Nathaniel  Healy, 
Ebenezer  Stone, 
Ephraim  Wheeler, 
Samuel  Hyde,  son  of  Job, 
Thomas  Hammond, 

762 


SELECTMEN  OF  NEWTON. 


763 


Nathaniel  Parker, 
:Samuel  Truesdale, 
John  Trowbridge, 
John  Clark, 
Joseph  Fuller,  jr., 
Robert  Murdock, 
Ephraim  Williams,  • 
Edward  Ward, 
Nathaniel  Hammond, 
Daniel  Woodward, 
Samuel  Jackson,  Esq., 
Isaac  AVilliams, 
Jonathan  Dyke, 
William  Robinson, 
William  Trowbridge, 
John  Stone, 
Jonathan  Woodward, 
Edward  Durant, 
Thomas  Greenwood, 
William  Hyde, 
Eleazer  Hammond, 
Caleb  Kenrick, 
JosejDh  Cheney, 
Jonathan  Fuller, 
John  Robbins, 
Samuel  Miller, 
John  Parker, 
Ebenezer  Woodward, 
Daniel  Cook, 
Jacob  Charaberlin, 
Benjamin  Child, 
Ebenezer  Parker, 
Henry  Gibbs, 
Moses  Craft, 
Thomas  Clark, 
Israel  Stowell, 
Isaac  Jackson, 
James  Ward, 
Joshua  Fuller, 
Ephraim  Ward, 
John  Ilealy, 
Thomas  Prentice, 
Dr.  Samuel  Wheat, 
Noah  Wiswall, 
John  Wilson, 
Josiah  Fuller, 
AVilliam  Clark, 


John  Clark, 
Josiah  Goddard, 
Norman  Clark, 
Thomas  Miller, 
Thomas  Park, 
Josiah  Greenwood, 
Edward  Durant, 
Alexander  Shepard, 
Jonas  Stone, 
Abraham  Fuller,  Esq., 
Joshua  Hammond, 
John  Jackson, 
Stephen  Winchester, 
I  John  Newell, 
Noah  Hyde, 
Joshua  Murdock, 
Thomas  Parker, 
Benjamin  Hammond, 
John  Woodward, 
John  Fuller, 
John  Rogers, 
Joseph  Cheney, 
Joshua  Flagg, 
Jeremiah  Wiswall, 
Amariah  Fuller, 
Samuel  Craft, 
Dr.  John  liing, 
Dea.  William  Bowles, 
Joseph  Craft, 
Samuel  Richardson, 
Capt.  Aaron  Richardson, 
Nathan  Fuller, 
William  Hoogs, 
John  Stone, 
William  Hammond, 
Josiah  Fuller, 
Edward  Fuller, 
Joseph  White, 
Jonathan  Bi.xby, 
John  Thwing, 
Caleb  Kenrick, 
Elisha  Seaverns, 
Adj.  Timothy  Jackson, 
Daniel  Hastings, 
Joshua  Fuller, 
Daniel  Richards, 
Samuel  Murdock, 


Edmund  Trowbridge, 
Norman  Clark, 
Edward  Hall,  jr., 
James  Stone, 
Joseph  Parker, 
John  Ward, 
Joseph  Fuller, 
Elisha  Hyde, 
Aaron  Richards, 
John  Kenrick, 
Moses  Stone, 
Samuel  Trowbridge, 
Joseph  Foster, 
Samuel  Stone, 
Jesse  Winslow, 
William  F.  Ward, 
Caleb  M.  Stimson, 
Luther  Paul, 
Ebenezer  D.  White, 
Otis  Trowbridge, 
Joseph  W.  Plimpton, 
James  Ricker, 
Nathan  Craft,  jr., 
Asa  Cook, 
Jonathan  Stone, 
Marshall  S.  Rice, 
Stephen  W.  Trowbridge, 
Adolphus  Smith, 
Isaac  Hagar, 
Eben  Stone, 
Joseph  Adams, 
E.  R.  Winslow, 
Horatio  Moore, 
Ephraim  Grover, 
Benjamin  W.  Kingsbury, 
J.  B.  H.  Fuller, 
Edward  J.  Collins, 
J.  F.  C.  Hyde, 
Ebenezer  Bradbury, 
George  Hyde, 
Orriu  Whipple, 
William  P.  Houghton, 
Thomas  Rice,  jr., 
Loring  Wheeler, 
Otis  Pcttee, 
Samuel  F.  Dix, 
Luther  R.  Wattles, 


764 


HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 


F.  A.  Collins, 
D.  C.  Sanger, 
George  E.  Bridges, 
John  L.  Roberts, 
Willard  Marcy, 
Isaac  R   Worcester, 


William  B.  Fowle, 
Joseph  Walker, 
Marcus  T.  Ileywood, 
John  C.  Stanton, 
Isaac  F.  Kingsbury, 
Lucius  G.  Pratt, 


Charles  E.  Ranlett, 
Joel  M.  Holden, 
William  W.  Jackson, 
J.  Willard  Rice. 


REPRESENTATIVES   TO   THE    GENERAL    COURT. 


Edward  Jackson,  sen., 
Capt.  Thomas  Prentice, 
Ensign  John  Ward, 
Capt.  Isaac  Williams, 
Dea.  James  Trowbridge, 
Dea.  Edward  Jackson, 
Lieut.  John  Spring, 
Ebenezer  Stone,  Esq., 
Ensign  John  Ward  (son 

of  the  above), 
Dea.  Richard  Ward, 
John  Greenwood, 
Samuel  Jackson, 
Captain  Thomas  Green- 
wood, 
Robert  Murdock,  jr., 
Henry  Gibbs,  Esq., 
Capt.  John  Clark, 
Capt.  Abraham  Fuller,* 
Thomas  Parker, 
Capt.  John  Woodward, 
Capt.  Edward  Fuller, 
Dr.  John  King, 


Col.  Nathan  Fuller, 
Col.  Joseph  Ward, 
Major  Timothy  Jackson, 
Major  Samuel  Murdock, 
Gen.  Ebenezer  Cheney, 
Dr.  Ebenezer  Starr, 
Joseph  Jackson, 
Capt.  John  Kenrick, 
William  Jackson, 
Matthias  Collins, 
Allen  C.  Curtis, 
John  Richardson, 
Nathan  Pettee, 
Moses  Craft, 
James  Fuller, 
Josepli  Fuller, 
Elijah  F.  Woodward, 
Joseph  F6ster, 
Luther  Paul, 
Jesse  Winslow, 
John  Richardson, 
Allen  C.  Curtis, 
Lemuel  Crehore, 


ANNUAL   APPROPRIATIONS 

From  1691  to  1700, —  9  years,  average  about 
"     1700  to  1725,-25  " 
"     1725  10  1770,-45  «' 

1771  £240 

1772  2G0 

1773  300 

1774  300 

1775  300 

1776  250 

1777  260 


Joel  Fuller, 
Leonard  Rice, 
Otis  Trowbridge, 
Isaac  Hagar, 
Marshall  S.  Rice, 
Ebenezer  Bradbury, 
Frederic  Barden, 
Horace  R.  Wetherell, 
Charles  E.  Pike, 
James  F.  C.  Hyde, 
Thomas  Rice,  jr., 
Edward  J.  Collins, 
David  H.  Mason, 
John  S.  Farlow, 
George  E.  Allen, 
George  E.  Bridges, 
John  B.  Goodrich, 
James  J.  Walworth, 
Alfred  B.  Ely, 
E.  D.  Winslow, 
Charles  Robinson,  jr., 
Robert  R.  Bishop, 
Levi  C.  Wade, 
George  D.  Eldridge. 
FOR   TOWN   EXPENSES. 

£  20  per  annum. 
90  " 

166  " 


:preci 

A.TED    PAPER   CUE- 

SILVER 

MONEY. 

BENCY. 

1782 

•£    800 

1783 

1,000 

1778 

£       3,000 

1784 

1,500 

1779 

4,500 

1785 

1,000 

1780 

55,000 

1786 

600 

1781 

100,000 

1787 

700 

*Capt.  Abraham  Fuller  and  Edward  Durant  were  delegates  to  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress at  Cambridge  in  1774  aud  1775.  In  the  years  1791, 1794, 1822, 1825, 1>H2, 1849, 1852, 
there  is  no  record  of  the  election  of  a  representative,  or  Voted  not  to  send. 


APPROPRIATIONS. 


765 


1788 

£700 

1819 

P,700 

1851 

$20,000 

1789  • 

500 

1820 

4,400 

1852 

23,000 

1790 

400 

1821 

4,000 

1853 

24,000 

1791 

500 

1822 

4,000 

1854 

30,000 

1792 

500 

1823 

4,200 

1855 

30.000 

1793 

500 

1824 

4,200 

1856 

30,000 

1794 

750 

1825 

4,500 

1857 

40,000 

1795 

600 

1826 

4,500 

1858 

35,000 

FEDERAL  CXJRRENCY. 

1827 

4,500 

1859 

35,000 

1796 

p,5on 

1828 

4,000 

1860 

40,000 

1797 

3,000 

1829 

4,000 

1861 

40,000 

1798 

3,000 

1830 

4,000 

1862 

35,000 

1799 

2,500 

1831 

4,500 

1863 

40,000 

1800 

2,500 

1832 

4,500 

1864 

52,500 

1801 

3,000 

1833 

5,000 

1865 

60,000 

1802 

3,500 

1834 

6,000 

1866 

72,600 

1803 

3,500 

1835 

6,000 

1867 

95,000 

1804 

3,500 

1836 

7,000 

1868 

160,000 

1805 

3,500 

1837 

6,000 

1869 

150,000 

1806 

3,700 

1838 

7,000 

1870 

185,000 

1807 

4,000 

1839 

7,500 

1871 

185,000 

1808 

4,000 

1840 

7,500 

1872 

291,050 

1809 

4,000 

1841 

9,000 

1873 

333,300 

1810 

4,500 

1842 

9,000 

1874 

320,000 

1811 

5,000 

1843 

8,000 

1875 

351,000 

1812 

4,000 

1844 

8,000 

1876 

363,609 

1813 

4,000 

1845 

8,000 

1877 

327,645 

1814 

4,400 

1846 

10,000 

1878 

319,225 

1815 

4,700 

1847 

12,000 

1879 

302,375 

1816 

4,700 

1848 

16,000 

188.0 

315,825 

1817 

4,700 

1849 

18,000 

1818 

4,700 

P 

1850 
OPULATION 

20,000 
OF  NEWTON 

1765 

1,308 

1852 

5,700 

1864 

8,850 

1781 

1,300 

1853 

6,050 

1865 

8,978t 

1790 

1,360 

1854 

6,400 

1866 

9,100 

1800 

1,491 

1865 

6,768t 

1867 

9,310 

1810 

1,709 

1856 

7,090 

1868 

9,900 

1820 

1,856 

1857 

7,420 

1869 

11,000 

1830 

2,377 

1858 

7,740 

1870 

12,825* 

1840 

3,351 

1859 

8,060 

1871 

14,000 

1848 

4.870 

1860 

8,382* 

1872 

15,500 

1849 

5,068 

1861 

8,600 

1873 

16,000 

1850 

5,258* 

1862 

8,700 

1875 

16,105t 

1851 

6,450 

1863 

8,750 

1880 

16,994* 

-♦U. 

S.  Census. 

T  State  Cen 

sus. 

(66  HISTORY  OP  NEWTON. 


STATISTICAL    ITEMS. 


The  last  Annual  Report  of  the  town  of  Newton,  previous  to  the 
inauguration  of  the  City  Government,  covered  a  period  of  eleven 
months,  to  December  31,  1873.  The  aggregate  transactions  of 
the  Treasuiy,  for  eleven  months  of  1873,  exceeded  a  million  of 
dollars  ;  an  increase  of  more  than  three  hundred  per  cent,  in  the 
last  decade,  the  aggregate  in  1864  having  been  $334,000.  In 
twenty-five  years,  the  appropriations  for  town  expenses  increased 
more  than  thirty-three  fold,  having  risen  from  $10,000  in  1846  to 
$20,000  in  1850 ;  to  $40,000  in  1860  ;  and  $40,000  in  1863  to 
$333,300  in  1873.  The  total  current  expenses  of  the  town,  paid 
in  the  year  ending  February  1,  1863,  were  $54,560,  exclusive  of 
taxes,  against  $344,113  in  eleven  months  of  1873. 

The  number  of  individuals  and  firms,  paying  taxes  for  real  or 
personal  property  or  both,  was  about  2,475.     Of  the  whole  num- 
ber of  names,  about  676  were  names  of  women.     The  number  of 
persons   paying  only  a  poll  tax  was  about  2,000.     Non-resident 
individuals  or  companies  paying  taxes  in  Newton,  about  601. 

Value  of  Real  Estate  in  Newton,  May  1,  1873,  $18,446,275.00 

Value  of  Personal  Estate,  7,537,775.00 


$25,984,050.00 
Taxable  Value  of  Corporate  Stocks,  1,178,552.00 

Taxable  Value  of  Bank  Stocks,  1,040,000.00 


Total  Taxable  Valuation,  $28,302,602.00 

Town  Grant,  $338,300.00 

State  Tax,  26,482.50 

County  Tax,  15,086.98 

Overlaying,  9,220.36 


$384,089.84 
Assessment  on  Corporate  Stocks,  17,077.22 

Assessment  on  Bank  Stocks,  13,308.15 


Total   Assessments,  $414,475.21 

Rate  of  Taxation,  $14.50  on  $1,000. 

Total  value  of  town  property,  December  31,  1873,  $612,317.00 

The  Firo  Alarm   Telegraph,  ordered  at  the   March  meeting  of 
Newton,   1873,  was  completed  in  October  of  that  year.     It  con- 


STATISTICAL  ITEMS. 


767 


sists  of  about  thirty-five  miles  of  wire  in  four  circuits,  fifteen  sig- 
nal boxes,  or  stations,  three  heavy  strikers,  and  four  large  gongs, 
with  the  necessarj^  fixtures  to  make  it  complete  in  itself ;  additions 
can  be  made  to  it,  at  anytime,  without  disturbing  the  present  work. 

The  census  of  Massachusetts  for  1875  furnishes  the  following 
statistical  information  concerning  the  city  of  Newton  at  that  date  : 

Population. —  Males,  7,443;  females,  8,662;  total,  16,105. 
Ratable  polls,  4,134.  Native  voters,  2,554;  naturalized  voters, 
724.     Total  of  voters,  3,278. 

Dwelling-houses. —  2,900.  Families,  3,200.  Number  of  per- 
sons in  each  famil}- :  in  45  families,  one  person  ;  in  349,  two  ;  in 
553,  three  ;  in  571,  four ;  in  535,  five  ;  in  417,  six  ;  in  311,  seven  ; 
in  173,  eight ;  in  94,  nine  ;  in  61,  ten  ;  in  36,  eleven  ;  in  34,  twelve  ; 
in  one,  thirteen  ;  in  2,  fourteen  ;  in  3,  fifteen  ;  in  15,  sixteen  and 
upwards. 

Color  and  Race. —  White,  males,  7,375  ;  females,  8,593  ;  blacky 
males,  55  ;  females,  62  ;  mulatto,  males,  9  ;  females,  4  ;  Chinese^ 
males,  4  ;  females,  3. 

Conjugal  Condition. —  Single  males,  4,293  ;  females,  5,055. 
Married,  males,  2,991;  females,  3,012.  Widowed,  males,  153  ; 
females,  578.  Divorced,  males,  4;  females,  10.  Unknown,  males, 
2  ;  females,  7. 

Places  of  Birth. —  Born  in  Newton,  3,965  ;  in  other  cities  or 
towns  of  Massachusetts,  5,171 ;  in  other  States,  2,672;  foreign 
born,  4,205.  Unknown,  92.  Of  the  foreign  born,  there  were 
born  in 


England, 
Ireland, 

Wales, 
Scotland, 
Canada, 
Other  British  \ 
Possessions,    j 

France, 


Physical  Condition. —  Blind,  males,  20;  females,  11.  Deaf, 
males,  47 ;  females,  21.  Dumb,  males,  2.  Idiotic,  males,  6; 
female,  1.     Insane,  males,  7  ;  females,  5. 

From  the  Massachusetts  Census  of  1875,  we  gather  several 
interesting  statistics  in  reference  to  the  agricultural  industry  of 
Newton.     The  number  of  farms  in  the  city  is  163  ;   number  of 


555 

Germany, 

81 

Austria, 

1 

2,619 

Portugal, 

4 

Greece, 

1 

95 

Sweden  and  Norway, 

34 

China, 

7 

7 

Spain  and  its  colonies 

,7 

Mexico, 

6 

688 

Denmark, 

3 

Turkey, 

1 

24 

Russian  Empire, 
Holland, 

1 
1 

At  sea, 

2 

9 

Switzerland, 

3 

768  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON, 

farm  buildings,  415  ;  value  of  buildings,  $1,081,850  ;  acres  of  land 
under  cultivation,  4,079  ;  value  of  land,  $1,920,360  ;  of  land  and 
buildings,  $2,929,210  ;  value  of  fruit  trees  and  vines,  $48,733  ;  of 
domestic  animals,  $95,248  ;  of  agricultural  implements,  $16,489  ; 
total  value  of  farm  property  of  Newton,  $3,107,495.  In  this 
respect,  it  is  the  leading  place  in  the  county  of  Middlesex,  Arling- 
ton coming  next,  with  a  total  valuation  of  farm  property'  of 
$1,915,140.  The  total  valuation  of  farm  property  in  Middlesex 
County  Avas  $41,132,445.  Newton  therefore  has  more  than  one 
fourteenth  of  this  amount. 

One  singular  fact  is  stated  in  this  census,  that  while  there  are 
8,421  pear  trees  in  Newton,  there  are  only  5,977  apple  trees,  with 
595  cherry  and  362  peach.  Number  of  grape  vines,  4,598.  Of 
hens  and  chickens,  Newton  has  4,802  ;  these  are  located,  it  is  under- 
stood, on  the  farms.  Only  6  5^oke  of  oxen  are  reported  through- 
out the  entire  city.  OS  the  agricultural  products,  there  were  486,720 
cabbages  ;  97,620  heads  of  lettuce  ;  only  57  bushels  of  peaches  to 
2,071  of  pears,  and  9,765  of  apples. 


CHAPTER  LVII. 


BIOGRAPHICAL   NOTICES. 


A  LARGE  number  of  biographical  notices  of  citizens  of  Newton 
at  various  periods  "were  prepared  for  this  work,  but  are  laid  aside 
for  want  of  room.  The  materials  for  manj^  of  these  notices  were 
drawn  from  Mr.  Francis  Jackson's  genealogies  and  from  other 
sources.  The  notes  contained  in  this  chapter,  relating,  with  three 
or  four  exceptions,  to  the  lives  of  distinguished  persons  of  later 
date,  but  who  have  exercised  an  important  influence  in  making 
Newton  what  it  is,  seem  to  be  an  essential  part  of  this  History. 

Frederic  Barden  was  born  in  Dover,  Mass.  In  early  life  he  was  em- 
ployed in  working  and  rolling  iron,  first  in  his  native  town,  and  afterwards 
in  Wareham,  Mass.  After  this  he  was  engaged  in  setting  up  large  mills  in 
Pembroke.  He  lived  in  Newton  more  than  thirty  years,  and  erected  mills, 
and  carried  on  an  extensive  business,  giving  employment  to  many  laborers. 
He  was  judicious,  careful,  energetic  and  enterprising.  All  business  men 
relied  on  his  honesty,  and  rejoiced  in  his  genial  fellowship.  His  workmen 
were  sure  of  his  sympathy  and  loved  him  like  a  father.  He  was  representa- 
tive to  the  General  Court  two  sessions,  and  in  the  discharge  of  his  political 
duties  a  vigilant  guardian  of  the  public  welfare.  He  was  an  active  and  effi- 
cient member  of  the  Channing  Religious  Society  at  Newton  Corner,  a  regular 
attendant  on  its  services,  and  at  the  time  of  his  death  held  the  office  of  dea- 
con. He  died  September  25,  1877,  aged  seventy-one,  leaving  a  widow  but 
no  children,  and  was  buried  in  the  cemetery  in  Newtonville.  His  resi- 
dence was  the  beautiful  and  conspicuous  mansion  at  Newton  Upper  Falls, 
built  by  the  late  Dr.  Whitney,  and  afterwards  owned  and  occupied  by  the  late 
Dr.  A.  D.  Dearborne,  opposite  the  home  of  Otis  Pettee,  Esq. 

George  Bemis  was  a  native  of  Watertown,  and  died  at  Nice,  France.  His 
father  was  a  man  of  great  energy  of  chai-acter,  being  proprietor  of  the  Bemis 
factory,  North  Village,  one  of  the  oldest  establishments  of  the  kind  in  New- 
ton. As  a  lawyer  Mr.  Berais  attained  considerable  distinction,  and  was  at  one 
time  Solicitor  of  the  Boston  and  Worcester  Railroad.  Connected  with  Attor- 
ney-General Clifford  in  the  trial  of  Webster  for  the  murder  of  Dr.  Parkman, 
Ijy  his  untiring  industry  he  brought  together  a  vast  array  of  evidence,  greatly 
contributing  to  present  a  convincing  case  to  the  jury.  He  afterwards  pub- 
lished a  report  of  the  trial  in  book  form,  making  one  of  the  most  remark- 
49  769 


770  HISTORY  OF   NEWTON. 

able  cases  of  American  jurisprudence.  As  a  writer  on  International  law,  inr 
connection  with  our  differences  with  Great  Britain,  he  displayed  a  thorough 
knowledge  of  the  subject,  and  in  tliis  affair  had  very  intimate  relations 
with  tlie  late  Senator  Sumner.  He  was  not  a  politician,  and  studiously 
avoided  all  public  position.  He  was  a  pupil,  in  early  years,  of  Mr.  Seth 
Davis,  and  on  the  occasion  of  the  ninetieth  birthday  anniversary  of  his  old 
Master,  sent  him  a  letter  of  congratulation.  Mr.  Bemis  was  about  sixty  years 
of  age,  and  was  unmarried. 

His  will  contained  many  public  bequests.  Among  them  was  a  bequest  to 
his  sister,  Sarah  Wheeler  Bemis,  for  her  life  use,  §50,000 ;  also,  his  pictures  and 
other  objects  of  art;  to  the  President  and  Fellows  of  Harvard  College  the 
sum  of  money  set  apart  for  the  life  use  of  his  sister,  to  be  held  for  the  estab- 
lishment and  maintenance  of  a  professorship  of  international  law  in  the  Dane 
Law  School  of  said  University ;  .$5,000  to  pay  for  the  compilation  and  publi- 
cation of  his  articles  on  Public  Law  and  the  Alabama  claims ;  to  the  Depart- 
ment of  State  of  the  United  States  his  annotated  volumes  of  American  and 
British  Diplomatic  Correspondence,  including  the  published  documents  con- 
nected with  the  Geneva  award ;  to  his  executors,  the  sum  of  §5,000  to  be 
applied  toward  the  completion  of  the  subscription  to  the  Story  statue  of 
President  Quincy,  ordered  on  behalf  of  the  Alumni  of  Harvard  College ;  to  the 
Massachusetts  Historical  Society,  all  the  MSS.  and  printed  material  for  the 
preparation  of  the  Webster  Trial  Reports;  to  the  Boston  Athenaeum,  §20,000- 
for  the  purchase  of  books  for  the  reading  room.  The  will  is  dated  October 
23,  1872. 

Dr.  Heney  Bigelow  was  a  native  of  Worcester,  Mass.,  was  early  fitted 
for  college,  and  graduated  at  Harvard  University  1836.  He  studied  medicine 
and  settled  in  his  profession  first  at  Buxton,  Me.,  and  soon  afterwards  in 
Newton  Corner,  where  he  resided  till  his  death.  He  came  to  Newton  near 
the  commencement  of  the  period  of  its  modern  growth  and  prosperity,  and 
was  identified  with  all  the  interests  of  the  town,  and  a  moving  spirit  in  every 
improvement.  He  had  fine  taste  and  culture,  and  to  his  peculiar  ability  and 
good  management,  as  Chairman  of  the  School  Committee,  the  town  is  indebted, 
more  than  to  any  one  else,  for  the  noble  condition  of  its  public  schools.  For 
fifteen  years  he  was  at  the  head  of  the  interests  of  education,  and  his  charac- 
ter and  influence  was  felt  alike  by  pupils  and  teachers.  He  was  foremost  in 
selecting,  arranging  and  adorning  the  beautiful  cemetery  of  Newton.  His 
taste  and  skill  laid  out  its  avenues,  and  there  his  ashes  repose. 

In  his  profession.  Dr.  Bigelow  was  skilful,  faithful  and  kind.  He  never 
attended  a  patient  who  was  not  benefited  by  his  presence.  His  spirit  was  in 
sympathy  with  all  their  sufferings,  and  his  faith  seemed  to  help  the  dying 
through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death.  The  rich  sought  liis  judicious 
counsel,  and  he  was  the  poor  man's  friend. 

Dr.  Bigelow  was  a  prominent  member  of  the  Channing  church.  Its  edifice 
stands  on  the  lot  of  land  next  to  his  own  residence,  and  he  watched  over  the 
Society  in  its  infancy  and  weakness  as  if  it  were  his  own  child. 

At  a  meeting  of  citizens  called  to  take  action  in  reference  to  his  decease,  the 
following  resolution  was  passed  unanimously  : 


REV.  JOSEPH  S.  CLARKE,  D.  D.  771 

"  Resolved^  that  in  the  decease  of  Dr.  Henry  Bigelow,  our  town  and  conx- 
niunity  have  suffered  a  great  and  irreparable  loss  ;  that  we  shall  love  to  remem- 
ber his  pleasant  voice  and  countenance,  his  refined  manners  and  cultivated 
taste,  his  ripe  scholarship  and  long  devotion  to  the  cause  of  education,  his^ 
•wisdom  in  counsel  and  energy  and  prudence  in  action,  his  benevolent  kind- 
ness to  the  poor,  his  quick  and  tender  sympathy  for  those  in  any  form  of 
suffering,  his  strict  and  unbending  integrity,  his  true  Christian  benevolence, 
his  love  of  virtue  and  his  hatred  of  vice,  and  all  those  good  and  noble  quali- 
ties which  made  him  the  friend  of  us  all;  that  above  all,  we  reverence  and 
admire,  as  the  crowning  excellence  of  his  character,  that  clear  Christian  faith 
and  principle  which  illumined  and  pervaded  his  whole  mortal  life,  and  which 
guided  and  supported  him  triumpliantl}'  through  every  earthly  difficulty  and 
danger,  to  the  very  portals  of  the  life  to  come." 

Dr.  Bigelow  died  January  21,  1866,  aged  forty-eight  years.  A  beautiful 
monument  was  erected  over  his  resting  place  in  the  cemetery,  the  loving  tribute 
of  the  gratitude  of  the  children  of  Newton  to  the  friend  who  had  watched 
with  untiring  zeal  over  their  advancement.  At  the  dedication  of  the  monu- 
ment, Hon.  David  H.  Mason  delivered  an  address. 

Rev.  Joseph  Sylvester  Clarke,  D.  D.,was  born  December  19,  1800,  at 
Manomet  Ponds,  in  South  Plymouth,  Mass.,  seven  miles  from  the  historical 
Plymouth  rock.  An  ancestor  of  his,  Thomas  Clarke,  was  probably  the  mate 
of  the  Mayflower,  and  piloted  that  vessel  into  Plymouth  harbor,  and  died 
May  24, 1697,  aged  ninety-eight.  The  ancestors  of  Dr.  Clarke,  subsequent  to 
this  progenitor,  were  in  the  following  order, —  Thomas,  his  great-great- 
grandfather; James,  his  great-grandfather;  James,  his  grandfather,  and 
Setli,  his  father.  At  the  age  of  sixteen,  he  taught  a  school  in  his  native 
town,  and  afterwards  in  Hingham.  He  graduated  with  tlie  highest  honors  at 
Amherst  College  in  1827,  and  at  the  Andover  Theological  Seminary  in  1831. 
In  college  "he  was  exceedingly  minute  and  methodical  in  all  plans  and  de- 
tails, and  he  there  foreshadowed,  what  he  afterwards  exhibited,  a  remarkable 
skill  in  historical  and  statistical  investigations."  He  was  ordained  pastor  of 
the  Congregational  church  in  Sturbridge,  Mass.,  December  21,  1831;  and^ 
during  the  first  year  of  his  ministry,  one  hundred  and  thirty  persons  were 
admitted  members  of  the  church.  He  was  pastor  here  seven  years ;  and,, 
just  before  the  close  of  liis  settlement,  published  "  A  Historical  Sketch  of 
Sturbridge,  Mass.,  from  its  settlement  to  the  present  time."  In  1839,  he  be- 
came the  Secretary  of  the  Massaclmsetts  Missionary  Society,  which  office  he 
held  eighteen  years,  and  resigned  it  September  23,  1857.  He  left  in  the 
office  of  this  Society  copies  of  his  official  correspondence,  filling  seven  quarto- 
volumes,  each  containing  from  four  hundred  to  one  thousand  pages,  lie 
also  published,  in  1858,  "  A  Historical  Sketch  of  the  Congregational  churches 
of  Massachusetts  from  1620  to  1858,  with  an  Appendix,"  pp.  314,  12mo. 

Sixteen  days  before  his  decease,  he  said  to  a  friend,  "  I  am  now  ready  to 
publish  wliat  I  have  been  accumulating  during  the  last  twenty  years.  I  desire 
to  devote  the  rest  of  my  life  to  the  preparation  of  several  volumes  for  which 
I  have  been  collecting  the  materials."  An  intimate  acquaintance  says  of 
him,  "When  he  went  down  to  liis  grave,  he  seems  to  have  carried  witii  hint 


772  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

more  knowledge  of  facts  involved  in  the  history  of  the  Massachusetts 
Congregational  churches,  than  is  possessed  by  any  living  man."  As  a 
preacher,  he  was  neither  brilliant,  nor  abstruse,  but  his  sermons  were  plain, 
practical  and  edifying. 

He  removed  to  West  Newton  in  1846,  which  was  his  home  till  the  close  of 
his  life.  He  died  while  on  a  temporary  visit  in  South  Plymouth,  August  15, 
1861.     His  remains  rest  in  the  Newton  Cemetery. 

Dr.  Clarke  had  five  children,  of  whom  two  died  in  infancy.  Of  his  two  sur- 
viving daughters,  one,  Miss  Harriet  S.  Clarke  (afterwai'ds  Mrs.  L.  E.  Caswell, 
of  Boston),  was  for  several  years  a  missionary  teacher  among  the  Seneca 
Indians,  at  the  Cattaraugus  Reservation  in  western  New  York.  His  only 
surviving  son  is  Rev.  Joseph  B.  Clarke,  pastor  for  several  years  of  the  Cen- 
tral Congregational  church,  Newtonvillo. 

Dr.  Samuel  Clarke,  son  of  Samuel  Clarke,  of  Boston,  was  born  in 
Boston  in  1779.  Some  time  after  liis  birth,  his  mother,  who  was  a  daugliter 
of  Obadiah  Curtis,  having  become  a  widow,  married  Dr.  James  Freeman. 
He  was  at  the  Boston  Latin  School  in  1790;  then  in  a  store  with  an  importer 
of  British  goods,  and  about  1800  became  partner.  In  1801,  he  removed  to 
Newton,  settling  on  a  farm  of  eighty  acres,  on  the  east  side  of  what  is  now 
Waverly  Avenue,  and  built  in  1805  the  house,  afterwards  Dr.  James  Free- 
man's, and  subsequently  the  property  of  the  late  Francis  Skinner.  May  18, 
1805,  he  married  Rebecca  Parker,  daughter  of  General  William  Hull,  of  New- 
ton. In  1807,  he  removed  to  Maidstone,  Vt.  In  1810,  he  went  to  Hanover, 
N.  II.,  and  studied  medicine  with  Professor  Nathan  Smith,  of  Dartmouth 
College,  and  here  his  third  child,  Rev.  James  Freeman  Clarke,  D.  D.,  was 
born.  In  1811,  he  returned  to  Newton,  where  he  first  lived  in  tlie  Obadiah 
Curtis'  house,  next  north  of  the  Harback  estate,  and  devoted  himself  to  the 
practice  of  medicine.  His  ride  extended  into  Watertown,  Brighton  and 
Brookline,  so  that  he  sometimes  used  three  or  four  horses.  About  1814,  he 
jnirchased  the  Prentice  place,  next  south  of  tlic  old  Cemetery.  In  1816,  he 
sold  this  place  to  the  late  Joshua  Loring,  and  removed  to  Boston,  where  he 
practised  medicine  and  carried  on  the  drug  business  at  the  corner  of  Wash- 
ington and  School  Streets,  till  1829.  He  then  returned  to  Newton,  where 
he  built  a  chemical  factory  on  the  site  afterwards  known  as  Brackett's  Morocco 
Factor}-,  south  of  Homer  Street;  but  the  works  were  destroyed  by  fire  soon 
after  they  went  into  operation.  Before  they  could  be  rebuilt,  Dr.. Clarke 
was  seized  with  fever,  and  died  November  30,  1830,  aged  fifty-one  years. 

His  widow  survived  him  many  years,  supported  herself  and  her  family  by 
her  own  exertions,  and  left  a  comfortable  estate  to  her  unmarried  daughter, 
besides  aiding  in  many  public  and  charitable  enterprises.  She  died  in  Bos- 
ton, May  25,  1865,  aged  seventy-five,  leaving  five  sons  and  one  daughter. 

Captain  Phineas  Cooke  was  the  son  of  Samuel  and  nephew  of  Daniel 
Cooke,  the  latter  of  whom  left  him  a  large  estate.  He  was  a  direct  descend- 
ant of  Gregory  Cooke,  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Newton.  He  was  captain 
of  a  company  of  Minute-men,  commanded,  on  the  memorable  day  of  Concord 
and  Lexington,  by  Colonel  Michael  Jackson.  This  company  did  good  service, 
and  received  the  thanks  of  General  Warren  for  their  brave  conduct.     Captain 


GARDNER  COLBY.  773 

Cooke  built  the  house  at  Newton  Corner,  near  the  line  of  Watertown,  which, 
after  the  war,  was  owned  and  occupied  by  General  Hull.  He  died  January 
12,  1784,  too  early  to  witness  the  complete  establishment  of  the  country,  for 
whose  sake  he  had  endured  hardship  and  peril.  He  married  (1759)  Abigail 
Duraut,  daughter  of  Edward  Durant,  jr.,  a  leading  patriot  of  the  Revolution- 
ary period.     His  children  were  four  sons  and  three  daughters. 

Gardner  Colby  was  born  in  Bowdoinhara,  Me.,  September  3,  1810.  Pie 
was  the  son  of  Josiah  C.  Colby,  of  that  place.  His  father  was  a  shipbuilder, 
and  during  the  war  of  1812  lost  heavily  by  the  depreciation  of  shipping,  and 
by  the  depredations  of  foreign  ijrivatecrs.  A  few  years  afterwards,  his  mother 
found  herself  dependent  upon  her  own  energies  for  the  support  of  herself 
and  her  four  children.  She  came  to  Boston,  and  by  her  remarkable  energy 
and  perseverance  she  soon  established  a  home  for  herself  and  children. 
Gardner,  her  second  son,  entered  a  grocery  store  as  an  errand-boy,  and 
after  two  years'  service  obtained  the  position  ot  clerk  in  a  Boston  dry 
goods  house.  At  the  age  of  twenty-two  he  started  in  business  for  himself, 
opening  a  dry  goods  store  on  the  corner  of  Bromfield  and  Washington 
Streets.  His  whole  capital  was  §500,  borrowed  from  his  mother ;  but  he  was 
successful  from  the  beginning,  and  in  1837  launched  out  into  a  new  course, 
entering  the  dry  goods  importing  business  on  Kilby  Street.  He  continued 
in  this  until  1848,  when  he  retired  with  a  handsome   competency. 

In  1850,  he  purchased  onc-lialf  interest  in  the  Maverick  (now  Merchant) 
Mills,  at  Dedhara,  being  associated  with  another  citizen  of  Newton,  the  late 
J.  Wiley  Edmands,  in  the  manufacture  of  woollen  goods.  Mr.  Colby  was  the 
selling  agent  in  Boston  of  the  manufactured  goods,  being  in  the  v/holesalo 
dry  goods  commission  business,  first  on  Milk,  and  afterwards  on  Franklin 
Street. 

He  again  retired  from  active  business  in  1863 ;  but  in  1870  he  entered  a 
third  time  upon  a  new  business  enterprise,  to  build  the  Wisconsin  Central 
Railroad  from  Menasha  to  Ashland,  on  Lake  Superior.  The  road  is  three 
Imndred  and  fort}-  miles  in  length,  and  was  built  under  many  difficulties. 
Mr.  Colby  was  its  first  President,  and  had  the  chief  burden  of  its  financial 
aff'airs  and  management. 

He  was  an  active  member  of  the  Baptist  church,  and  one  of  the  most  dis- 
tinguished laymen  of  that  denomination  in  New  England.  His  benefactions 
were  liberal  and  unostentatious  ;  he  was  for  twenty-seven  years  treasurer  of 
the  Newton  Theological  Institution,  and,  later,  President  of  the  Board  of 
Trustees;  also,  a  trustee  of  Brown  University,  Providence,  R.  I.,  and  of 
Colby  University,  Waterville,  Me.,  to  each  of  which  ho  contributed  liberally. 

The  following  public  bequests  were  made  in  the  will  of  Mr.  Colby  : 

Newton  Theological  Institutiim,  $GO,000 

Colby  University,  Waterville,  Me.,  120,000 

Brown  University,  Providence,  R.  I.,  50,000 

Massachusetts  Baptist  Charitable  Society,  10,000 

Baldwin  Place  Home  for  Little  Wanderers,  10,000 

American  Baptist  Missionary  Union,  39,000 


774  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Women's  Baptist  Missionary  Society,  $    1,000 

American  Baptist  Home  Missionary  Society,  60,000 

Northern  Baptist  Education  Society,  10,000 

Massachusetts  Baptist  State  Convention,  10,000 

Home  for  Aged  Men,  Boston,  10,000 

Home  for  Aged  Women,  Boston,  10,000 

Home  for  Aged  Colored  Women,  5,000 

Children's  Friend  Society,  5,000 

Young  Women's  Christian  Association,  5,000 

Boston  Baptist  Bethel,  1,000 

Massachusetts  HomcEopathic  Hospital,  6,000 

American  Baptist  Publication  Society,  5,000 

Worcester  Academy,  Worcester,  Mass.,  5,000 
Towards  a  new  Baptist  church  edifice  at  Newton  Centre, 

under  certain  conditions,  25,000 
To  a  society  to  be  incorporated  for  the  relief  of  aged  and 
indigent  Baptist   ministers  and   male   missionaries, 

under  certain  conditions,  25,000 

To  most  of  the  above  institutions  Mr.  Colby  contributed  largely  during  his 
lifetime.  His  real  and  personal  estate  was  estimated  at  a  million  and  a 
half.  Mr.  Colby  removed  to  Newton  in  1846,  and  was  known  for  more  than 
thirty  years  as  one  of  its  most  liberal  and  public  spirited  citizens. 

Mary  Davis  or  Davie. —  This  woman  deserves  a  place  among  these 
biographical  sketches,  as  having  attained  the  greatest  age  of  any  person  on 
record  among  the  people  of  Newton.  There  is  a  statement  in  Bradford's 
History  of  Wiscasset,  Me.,  that  "  George  Davie  purchased  a  tract  of  land  at 
Wissacassett,  of  the  Sheepscut  Sagamores,  in  1663,  and  settled  there.  He 
lived  on  an  eminence,  about  half  a  mile  north  of  the  point,  and  about  fifty 
rods  from  the  river.  A  brother  and  two  others  lived  there  at  the  same  period. 
After  Philip's  war,  the  Indians  became  disafiected  and  hostile,  and  the  settle- 
ment was  broken  up  in  1680.  The  widow  of  one  of  the  Davies  died  in  New- 
ton in  1752,  aged  116."  This  is  Goody  Davis.  She  lived  in  the  south  part 
of  Newton  (Oak  Hill),  and  cultivated  her  ground  with  her  own  hand  till 
extreme  old  age,  using  both  scythe  and  hoe  with  considerable  vigor  and  suc- 
cess. The  hole,  which  had  been  the  cellar  of  her  house,  was  to  be  seen  a 
hundred  years  after  her  death.  Dr.  Homer  says, — "  She  sustained  a  good 
character,  and  retained  her  faculties,  bodily  and  mental,  to  a  very  consider- 
able degree,  until  within  about  two3'ears  of  her  death.  She  was  supported  in 
her  declining  years  at  the  expense  of  the  town,  with  peculiar  cheerfulness. 
She  lived  through  half  the  reign  of  Charles  the  First,  through  the  Protecto- 
rate of  Oliver  Cromwell,  the  reigns  of  Charles  Second,  James  Second,  Wil- 
liam and  Mary,  Queen  Anne,  George  First,  and  died  in  the  old  age  of  George 
Second."  About  two  years  before  her  death,  a  likeness  of  Mrs.  Davis  was 
drawn  by  "a  portrait  painter.  This  portrait  is  now  in  the  Library  of  the 
Massachusetts  Historical  Society,  presented  by  Dr.  Bentley,  of  Salem,  with 
the  indorsement, — "Portrait  of  Mrs.  Davis,  aged  117  years."     In  the  words 


HON.  J.  WILEY  EDMANDS.  '  775 

of  Dr.  Tlomer, — "This  picture  is  a  venerable  curiosity.  Time  has  touched 
the  colors  with  a  clay-like,  dingy  tinge.  From  her  great  age,  the  face  is 
wrinkled  and  rugged.  The  features  are  strongly  delineated,  the  eyes  blue 
and  smiling,  the  lips  full  and  rosy,  the  forehead  honest  and  open,  and  a  white 
•cap  surrounds  the  head,  face  and  chin,  which  gives  a  death-like  look  to  the 
picture ;  as  though  it  had  been  taken  from  some  living  being,  who  had  already 
entered  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death ;  yet  the  expression  is  benevolent. 
But  if  the  original  was  ever  handsome,  this  is  a  sad  memorial  of  withered 
beauty." 

Mr.  Seth  Davis  states  her  age  at  117  years  and  115  days  ;  and  adds,  "She 
buried  three  husbands,  had  nine  children,  and,  at  her  death,  left  forty-five 
grandchildren,  two  hundred  great-grandchildren,  and  eight  hundred  great- 
great-grandchildren."  If  this  be  true,  the  statement  of  Dr.  Homer,  that 
"she  was  supported  by  the  town  in  her  declining  years,"  seems  hardly  credi- 
ble. A  slip  of  paper  pasted  on  the  back  of  the  picture  states  also  the 
abcve  facts,  and  adds  that  at  the  age  of  104  she  could  do  a  good  day's  work 
at  shelling  corn,  and  at  110,  she  sat  at  her  spinning-wheel.  The  portrait  was 
painted  by  Smibert,  by  request  of  Governor  Belcher. 

John  Wiley  Edjiands  was  born  in  Boston  in  the  year  1810.  He  was  the 
son  of  Thomas  Edmands,  Esq.,  member  of  the  old  book-selling  firm  of  Lin- 
coln and  Edmands,  of  Boston.  His  father  spent  the  evening  of  his  days  in 
Newton.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  entered  the  English  High  School  iu 
Boston  at  its  establishment  in  1821,  and  graduated  with  the  honor  of  a 
Franklin  medal  in  1823.  Valuable  reminiscences  of  his  school  years  are 
inibodied  in  an  address  which  he  made  before  the  assembled  graduates,  on  the 
occasion  of  the  observance  of  the  half-century  anniversary  of  its  establish- 
ment. After  graduating  at  the  High  School,  he  entered  the  store  of  Amos 
and  Abbott  Lawrence,  became  a  member  of  the  firm  in  1830,  and  soon  after- 
-wards  its  acting  manager.  In  1843,  he  retired  from  the  firm,  whose  multifa- 
rious business  he  had  conducted  with  marked  sagacity  and  success,  and 
sought  rest  in  travel  and  leisure,  though  his  services  were  sought  far  and 
wide ;  and  it  is  not  extravagant  to  say  that  there  was  not  a  large  railroad  or 
manufacturing  corporation  in  New  England,  the  treasuryship  of  which  he 
could  not  have  had  by  signifying  his  w'illingness  to  accept.  He  was  after- 
wards interested  in  the  Maverick  Woollen  Mills  at  Dedham,  and  at  one  time 
contemplated  the  establishment  of  a  mill  of  a  similar  character  at  Newton 
Lower  Falls,  but  this  plan  was  abandoned. 

When  the  Pacific  Mills  Company  at  Lawrence  was  chartered,  Mr.  Edmands, 
at  the  earnest  solicitation  of  Mr.  Abbott  Lawrence,  became  connected  with  the 
management,  and  was  elected  treasurer  in  1864,  which  position  he  held  till 
his  death.  It  was  in  this  position  that  Mr.  Edmands  most  clearly  exhibited 
his  wonderful  financial  abilitj-.  Through  the  financial  crisis  of  1857,  he  stood 
firm,  while  others  yielded  to  the  pressure,  and  in  the  face  of  what  was  thought 
■utter  disaster,  Mr.  Edmands  foresaw  the  reaction  of  the  future,  and  expended 
■a  large  sum  in  making  the  Pacific  Mills  the  largest  individual  manufacturing 
establishment  in  the  world,  and  bringing  its  stock  up  from  the  lowest  to  the 
highest  figure  ever  attained  by  any  stock  company  in  the  United  States.     This 


776  *  HISTOKY  OF  NEWTON. 

Corporation  was  one  of  the  most  extensive  and  successful  inanufacturing- 
establishments  of  the  world,  employing  over  five  thousand  persons,  its  manu- 
factures finding  a  ready  market  throughout  the  United  States  and  many  for- 
eign countries.  Througli  his  wise  management  and  of  those  associated  with 
him,  it  continued,  in  the  midst  of  general  financial  disaster,  to  be  remunera- 
tive to  its  stockholders.  He  continued  at  his  post,  as  tlie  financial  head  of 
this  great  business  establishment,  until  the  last. 

Mr.  Edmands  had  wide  business  relations,  and  was  connected  with  many 
financial  institutions.  He  was  a  director  in  the  Arkwright  Mutual  Eire  In- 
surance Company,  of  the  Massachusetts  Hospital  Life  Insurance  Company 
and  of  the  Suffolk  Bank,  and  was  Vice-President  of  the  Provident  Institu- 
tion for  Savings.  He  was  for  some  time  director  of  the  Ogdensburg  Kail- 
road,  and  had  been  the  treasurer.  He  was,  also,  treasurer  of  the  Eye  and 
Ear  Infirmary,  took  a  deep  interest  in  tlie  welfare  of  his  country,  and,  through- 
out his  life,  he  never  failed  in  the  performance  of  his  duties  as  a  citizen.  He 
supported  and  delighted  to  honor  such  men  as  Daniel  Webster,  Edward 
Everett,  Rufus  Choate,  and  others,  and  occupied  an  lionored  seat  at  the  great 
gatiierings  of  the  party  in  Faneuil  Hall. 

Removing  to  Newton,  in  18-17,  thirty  years  before  his  death,  Mr.  Edmands 
at  once  identified  himself  with  the  town  of  his  adoption,  and  itS  interest  and 
best  good  were  always  his  chief  care. 

In  the  Fall  election  of  1852,  he  was  nominated  as  the  candidate  for  Con- 
gress in  this  District,  and  was  elected,  succeeding  such  men  as  Jolm  Quincy 
Adams  and  Horace  Mann.  He  performed  his  duties  in  this  capacity  in  a  suc- 
cessful manner.  Mr.  Edmands,  however,  did  not  hunger  for  political  position, 
and  declined  a  re-nomination.  In  ISG8,  he  was  chosen  Presidential  Elector 
from  his  District,  receiving  the  nomination  of  the  Republican  party.  On 
several  occasions  he  was  mentioned  in  connection  with  high  official  stations 
at  Washington,  including  that  of  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  under  President 
Lincoln. 

His  engrossing  duties  did  not  keep  him  away  from  the  town  meeting  assem- 
blies of  Newton,  of  which  he  was  a  punctual  attendant.  Many  projects,  hav- 
ing in  view  the  future  welfare  of  the  town,  received  his  warm  advocacy  and 
earnest  support.  A  petition  from  the  West  Newton  Athemeum  for  an  appro- 
priation aid  in  increasing  its  usefulness  coming  up,  j\Ir.  Edmands  was 
appointed  Chairman  of  a  Committee  to  consider  the  subject.  He  made  a  re- 
port, in  which  he  proposed  that  the  town  should  aid  tliat  and  other  similar 
institutions,  by  appropriating  a  sum  each  year  equal  to  the  amount  obtained 
by  private  subscription,  thus  making  public  and  private  liberality  for  this 
deserving  object  go  hand  in  hand.  Wiien  a  ''  Newton  Home"  was  proposed, 
for  sheltering  and  training  little  girls  before  evil  had  the  ascendency,  he  at 
once  gave  the  idea  his  approval,  and  was  one  of  the  first  liberal  contribuioi-s 
towards  the  establishment  of  the  "'  Newton  Home."  The  rigid  economy  prac- 
tised in  tlie  Home,  and  the  strict  adherence  to  the  principle  with  which  it  was 
started,  "  never  to  run  in  debt,"  were  rare  qualities  of  commendation  to  Mr.. 
Edmands,  and  elicited  his  highest  approval  and  approbation. 


Sigrarodi/J  C  BnBie 


HON.  ALFRED  B.  ELY.  777 

When  the  war  of  the  Tlebellion  commenced,  j\Ir.  Edmands  was  among  tlie 
foremost  to  declare  for  the  unity  and  i^erpetuity  of  our  government.  When 
meetings  were  called  in  Newton  to  obtain  volunteers  to  fill  the  quota  of  the 
town,  Mr.  Edmands  was  always  present,  presiding  on  several  occasions.  He 
offered  freely  of  his  means  to  strengthen  the  hands  of  the  Board  of  Select- 
men, and  advanced  a  large  sum  at  a  critical  moment  to  meet  necessary  lia- 
bilities, in  anticipation  of  a  vote  of  the  town,  sanctioning  such  expenditure. 
Two  of  his  sons  enlisted  and  performed  honorable  service,  and  during  the 
progress  of  the  contest  he  sent  welcome  aid  to  many  a  wounded  soldier  of 
the  Newton  contingent  in  his  hospital  home,  besides  caring  for  the  necessities- 
of  families  left  behind. 

He  subscribed  a  considerable  sum  towards  erecting  an  enduring  monument 
in  the  Newton  Cemetery,  in  remembrance  of  those  soldiers,  of  Newton  who 
died  while  in  the  service  of  their  country ;  at  the  same  time  suggesting  that 
subscriptions  be  received  in  small  sums  from  school  children  and  citizens 
generally,  in  order  that  all  might  take  part  in  this  patriotic  and  praiseworthy 
testimonial.  More  than  eleven  hundred  pupils  of  the  public  schools  contri- 
buted each  one  dime,  with  nearly  twelve  hundred  dollars  through  a  donation 
of  one  dollar  eacii  from  inhabitants  of  the  town,  which  resulted  in  the  erec- 
tion of  the  monument. 

His  gifts  to  the  Newton  Free  Library,  to  which  he  also  gave  his  invaluable 
counsels  and  much  of  his  time  from  its  foundation,  amounted  to  nearly 
^'20,000. 

Mayor  Speare  thus  referred  to  him,  before  the  Newton  City  Council : 
"Should  I  say  that  Newton  has  lost  the  man  who  stood  highest  in  the  esteem 
of  all  her  citizens,  I  am  sure  that  I  should  but  echo  the  sentiment  of  all;  but 
a  life  and  mind  like  that  of  our  late  honored  fellow-citizen  is  not  confined 
in  its  influence  and  benefits  to  any  single  community. 

"Should  I  say  that  Boston,  the  metropolis  of  New  England,  had  lost  one 
of  its  largest-minded  and  most  honored  merchants  ;  that  the  largest  manufac- 
turing establishment,  not  only  in  Massachusetts,  but  of  the  world,  had  lost 
its  controlling  mind,  and  our  nation  had  lost  one  whose  counsels  for  many 
years  have  been  sought  after  in  shaping  its  legislation,  the  influence  of  which 
made  them  national,  I  should  then  come  short  of  the  measure  of  the  influence 
of  the  life  and  labors  of  the  Hon.  J.  Wiley  Edmands." 

Mr.  Edmands  died  January  31,  1877,  aged  sixty-seven  years,  eleven  months, 
"leaving  a  widow  and  eight  sons. 

Alfred  Brewster  Ely  was  born  in  Monson,  Mass.,  January  30,  1817. 
By  his  father.  Rev.  Alfred  Ely,  I).  D.,  he  was  descended  from  Nathaniel  Ely, 
who  came  from  England  to  America  in  lG32or  1G33,  and  became  a  freeman  of 
Cambridge,  May  G,  1G35.  Newton  had  not  then  been  separated  from  Cambridge, 
and  accordingly,  Mr.  Ely  was  descended  from  one  who  may,  in  some  sense,  be 
regarded  as  one  of  the  earliest  inhabitants  of  Newton.  His  mother's  father 
was  Major-General  Timothy  Newell,  of  Sturbridge,  Mass.,  who  served  with 
distinction  in  the  Revolutionary  war.  Througli  his  paternal  grandfather, 
Mr.  Ely  counted  among  his  ancestors  Deacon  John  Edwards,  uncle  of  the 
celebrated  Jonathan  Edwards,  and  through  his  grandmother,  on  his  father's- 


778  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

side,  he  traced  his  descent  directly,  and  with  only  seven  removes,  from  Elder 
"William  Brewster,  one  of  the  original  Plymouth  Pilgrims  and  of  Mayflower 
fame. 

Mr.  Ely  prepared  for  college  at  the  Monson  Academy;  graduated  at 
Amherst  College  in  1836;  and  taught  for  three  years,  first  as  principal  of 
the  High  School  in  Brattleboro',  Vermont,  and  then  in  the  Donaldson 
Academy,  Fayettcville,  N.  C.  On  his  return  to  the  North,  he  became  cash- 
ier of  a  New  York  State  bank,  and  afterwards  entered  the  law  office  of 
Messrs.  Chapman  and  Ashmun,  Springfield,  Mass.,  and  was  admitted  to  the 
bar  in  that  cit3^  About  1848  he  removed  to  Boston,  where  ho  continued 
in  practice  until  his  death  in  1872.  At  this  time  he  took  up  his  residence 
in  Newton,  returning  thus  to  the  soil  which,  more  than  two  hundred  years 
iK'fore,  had  hospitably  received  his  ancestor.  His  practice  was  large  and 
successful,  and  in  his  nearly  twenty-five  j-ears  of  active  legal  work  he  was 
retained  in  many  cases  of  great  importance. 

For  a  number  of  years  he  was  prominent  in  political  life.  Ilis  earliest 
sympathies  were  in  the  line  of  what  was  later  known  as  "Native  American- 
ism," and  when  the  "American"  movement  of  1S44  was  started,  he  threw  him- 
self into  the  work  with  ardor.  In  thePhiladelpliia  Convention  of  "  Americans" 
he  took  an  active  part,  and  had  great  influence  in  the  shaping  of  the  declaration 
of  principles  of  that  body.  For  a  time,  he  owned  and  edited  the  Boston  Daily 
Times  and  the  Boston  Ledger^  both  of  which  were  carried  on  in  the  interest  of 
"Americanism."  In  18-lG  he  introduced  into  Massachusetts  the  patriotic 
"  Order  of  United  Americans,"  and  later,  he  was  presiding  officer  of  the  whole 
order  in  the  United  States.  The  principles  of  the  American  party  were  always 
dear  to  him.  When  the  Hon.  Henry  Wilson  was  elected  to  the  United  States 
Senate,  Mr.  Ely  was  a  prominent  candidate  for  the  position,  and  report  had 
it  that  he  failed  of  election,  only  because  of  the  impression  that  Mr.  Wilson 
was  more  thorougly  anti-slavery.  He  was  State  Director  of  the  Western 
Kailroad,  now  consolidated  Boston  and  Albany,  State  Commissioner  of  Back 
Bay  lands  under  Governor  Banks'  administration,  and  member  of  the  State 
Legislature  from  the  Newton  district  in  1871-2. 

In  this  last  public  work  of  his  life,  his  characteristic  energy  continually  dis- 
played itself.  Though  then  so  wasting  with  disease  that  almost  any  other 
would  have  kept  his  sick  chamber,  he  was  one  of  the  most  active  and  labo- 
rious of  the  members.  He  was  the  originator  of  the  idea  of  cheap  workiugmen's 
trains  in  Massachusetts,  and  it  was  chiefly  through  his  instruuientality,  as  one 
of  the  Eailroad  Committee  of  the  House,  that  a  bill  insuring  the  practical 
realization  of  the  same  became  a  law  of  the  State. 

On  the  breaking  out  of  the  Rebellion,  he  was  commissioned  Quartermaster 
I3th  Connecticut  Volunteers,  November  9,  1861,  and  November  11,  of  the 
same  year,  appointed  Aide-de-camp  to  Brigadier-General  Benham,  who  was 
then  engaged  in  active  operations  in  West  Virginia.  In  the  following  spring 
he  received  the  Commission  of  Assistant  Adjutant-General,  Northern  Divis. 
ion  of  Department  of  the  South,  and  was  re-appointed  to  service  under  Gen- 
eral Benham,  who  had  been  transferred  to  a  command  in  this  Department. 
He  was  in  active  service  at  Hilton  Head,  Beaufort,  the  siege  of  Savannah,  and 


JUDGE  ABRAHAM  FULLER.  779 

at  Fort  Pulaski,  being  one  of  the  first  to  enter  the  latter  fortress  after  its 
capitulation,  and  one  of  those  appointed  to  receive  the  surrender.  After  the 
battles  of  the  Edisto  and  Stono,  in  which  he  fought,  he  was  ordered  North  to 
service  on  the  staff  of  Major  General  and  Governor  Morgan  in  Albany.  He 
was  on  sick  leave  several  months,  from  fever  contracted  in  the  marshes  of  the 
Edisto  and  Stono,  and,  suffering  still  from  the  effects  of  this  disease,  which 
afterwards  hastened  his  death,  he  resigned  his  commission  in  1863.  He  died 
July  ?)0,  1872,  distinguished  alike  in  civil  and  military  life,  both  as  a  man  and 
a  Christian. 

Mr.  Ely  was  twice  married.  His  first  wife  was  Miss  Lucy  Ely,  daughter 
of  Charles  I.  Cooley,  Esq..  of  Norwich,  Conn.  He  had  two  sons,  one  of 
whom  only  survives  him.  His  second  wife  was  Miss  Harriet  EUzabcth,  daugh- 
ter of  Freeman  Allen  of  Boston  and  Newton,  who  also  survives  him  and  by 
whom  he  had  one  daughter. 

Judge  Abraham  Fuller  was  the  son  of  Joseph  Fuller,  jr.,  and  of  Sarah, 
daugliter  of  Abraham  Jackson.  He  was  born  March  23,  1720,  and  was  an 
only  son.  His  only  sister  married  Rev.  Isaac  Jones,  of  Weston.  As  his 
father,  so  he,  had  a  son  and  a  daughter.  Previous  to  17G0,  Abraham  Fuller 
kept  a  private  grammar  school  in  Newton,  and  in  tliat  employment  undoubt- 
edly learned  to  set  a  high  value  on  education,  which  was  made  manifest  by 
his  inserting  in  his  will  a  bequest  of  £300,  "  for  the  purpose  of  laying  the 
foundation  of  an  academy  in  Newton."  Judge  Fuller  enjoyed  in  a  large 
degree  the  respect  and  esteem  of  his  fellow-citizens,  and  filled  many  impor- 
tant offices.  He  was  Selectman  four  years,  Town  Clerk  and  Treasurer  twenty- 
sevenyears,  commencing  in  17G6,  Representative  to  the  General  Court  eighteen 
years, —  the  longest  period  of  service  in  the  last  two  departments  of  any  citizen 
of  Newton, —  Delegate  to  the  Provincial  Congress,  Senator,  Councillor,  and 
Judge  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas.  On  receiving  notice  of  the  bequest 
in  his  will,  the  town  of  Newton  ordered  the  following  Minute  to  be  entered 
on  their  Records : 

"  Tlie  inhabitants  of  Newton  have  always  felt  and  manifested  uniform  and 
unshaken  confidence  in  the  integrity  and  discretion  of  Judge  Fuller.  There 
have  been  few  instances  where,  for  such  a  series  of  years,  and  such  a  variety 
of  services  rendered  by  an  individual  for  his  native  town,  with  such  unlimited 
confidence  on  the  one  part,  and  such  integrity  and  disinterestedness  on  the 
other, — -he  was  universally  esteemed  and  venerated.  His  native  town  and 
country  are  largely  indebted  to  him.  His  public  services  will,  by  future  gen- 
erations, most  assuredly  be  justly  esteemed  and  universally  acknowledged." 

After  the  death  of  his  father,  in  176G,  Judge  Fuller  removed  to  the  house 
built  by  his  grandfather,  Captain  Joseph  Fuller,  and  carried  on  the  farm, 
adding  to  the  cultivation  of  the  soil  the  business  of  a  maltster.  At  that 
period,  when  beer  was  the  very  frequent  beverage  of  the  people,  the  trade 
in  malt  was  a  very  important  one ;  and  it  is  related  of  Judge  Fuller,  that  at 
one  time,  there  being  a  scarcity  of  malt,  it  happened  that  he  was  the  only 
holder  of  the  article  in  the  town.  So  far  from  taking  advantage  of  this,  he 
continued  to  sell  at  the  old  prices,  and  would  only  allow  each  purchaser  to  have 
a  limited  quantity,  lest  the  poor  should  be  deprived  of  their  beer.     Tlie  old 


780  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

malt-house  where  the  business  was  carried  on,  was  standing  in  1825,  and  was 
occupied  for  lodging  rooms  by  the  farm  laborers  employed  by  General  Hull. 

Judge  Fuller  is  said  to  have  been  a  man  somewhat  stern  in  aspect  and  man- 
ner, as  became  one  who  had  been  for  many  years  a  teacher  of  youth,  a  Judge 
and  a  Senator.  He  was  a  large,  portly  person,  and  had  a  voice  so  powerful 
that  it  is  said  he  could  be  distinctly  heard,  calling  to  his  workmen  from  his 
farm  to  Angler's  Corner,  a  mile  distant.  Once,  when  the  small-pox  prevailed 
in  this  vicinity,  he  agreed  with  Marshall  Spring,  of  Watertown,  to  call  out  to 
him  the  news  from  the  top  of  a  hill  on  his  farm,  called  Chestnut  Hill.  He 
Avent,  and  shouted,  "  All's  well,"  and  Dr.  Spring  heard  him  at  Watertown. 

He  was  very  averse  to  owing  even  the  smallest  sum  of  money ;  and  it  is  related 
that  when  on  his  death-bed,  seeming  uneasy,  his  wife  asked  what  troubled 
him,  he  replied,  "  I  owe  Ludy  Harris  ninepence  for  mending  my  shoe ;  send 
over  and  x>iy  the  money.  I  have  never  lived  in  debt,  and  I  cannot  die  in 
debt."  So  the  ninepence  was  paid,  and  the  Judge  departed  in  peace.  When 
he  died,  the  fee  of  the  attending  phvsician  was  faund  in  his  hand. 

Ho  had  intended  to  be  buried  on  his  farm.  But  it  occurred  to  him  that,  not- 
withstanding the  precautions  of  John  Fuller,  his  ancestor,  to  keep  the  place 
in  the  family,  it  might  be  sold  by  his  descendants.  Pie  said,  "  I  never  was 
bought  nor  sold  when  alive,  and  I  won't  be  sold  after  I  die."  And  so  he  was 
buried  in  tlie  family  tomb  at  Newton  Centre. 

When  the  tomb  was  opened,  nine  years  afterwards,  to  admit  the  body  of 
his  wife,  it  was  found  that  the  body  of  Judge  Fuller  was  in  a  remarkable 
state  of  iireservation,  being  converted  into  a  substance  as  hard  as  wood,  of  a 
dark  stone  color,  but  retaining  the  features  so  well  that  he  would  have  been 
recognized  by  any  person  who  had  known  him  in  life.  The  body  remained 
in  this  condition  for  many  years,  and  was  visited  by  the  scientific  and  the  curious 
until  their  visits  became  an  annoyance  to  the  family,  and  the  tomb  was  closed 
by  a  marble  door.  Twenty-five  years  after  burial,  the  body  remained  nearly 
perfect  in  form,  though  the  coffin  had  mouldered  away,  so  that  it  became  neces- 
sary to  replace  it  with  a  new  one.  Whatever  the  preserving  influence  was, — 
and  it  has  never  been  explained,  it  has  ceased  to  act;  for  in  ISGG  the  coffin 
was  opened,  and  notliing  was  found  in  it  excepting  the  bones. 

Judge  Fuller  died  April  20,  179-1,  aged  seventy-four  years,  and  his  wife, 
April  7,  1803,  aged  seventy-six.  Their  only  daughter,  Sarah  Fuller,  was 
married  to  General  William  Hull,  in  1781.  As  Judge  Fuller  had  but  one 
daughter,  so  General  Hull  had  but  one  son. 

There  are  portraits  of  Judge  and  Madam  Fuller  in  possession  of  the  family 
—  the  old  gentleman  is  represented  as  stout  in  figure,  and  having  a  broad,, 
cheerful  face ;  he  wears  a  full-bottomed  powdered  wig  and  queue,  is  dressed 
in  a  coat  of  green  homespun  cloth,  which  was  made  in  the  family,  adorned 
with  large  flat  gold  buttons;  his  shirt  has  immense  ruffles,  trimmed  with  lace 
on  the  bosom  and  cufl^s.  Madam's  face  has  a  kindly  and  genial  expression  ; 
she  has  on  a  black  silk  brocade  gown  and  white  lacfe  kerchief  crossed  on  the 
bosom,  a  white  lace  cap,  with  much  ruffling  round  the  face.  A  tradition 
remains  in  the  family  tliat  the  cap  was  brought  from  England  on  i)urpose 
for  the  old  lady  to  wear  when  her  portrait  was  painted. 


TIMOTHY  JACKSOX.  781 

Joseph  Fuller,  third  son  of  John  Fuller,  and  known  as  Captain  Fuller, 
"was  born  in  1G52,  and  married  December  13,  IGSO,  Lydia,  daun:hter  of  Edward 
Jackson,  of  Newton.  His  father-in-law*  <jave  him  twcntj'  acres  of  land,  from 
the  west  end  of  the  Mayhew  farm  of  live  hundred  acres,  which  he  bout^ht  of 
Gov.  Simon  BradstrcQt  in  1646  for  §140, —  which  Bradstreet  bought  of  Thomas 
Mayhew  of  Watertown  in  1G38,  with  the  buildings,  for  six  cows. 

This  tract  commenced  near  what  is  now  the  division  line  between  Newton 
and  Brighton,  and  extended  westward,  including  what  is  now  Newtonville,  and 
covering  the  site  of  General  Hull's  place,  now  owned  by  Governor  Claflin. 
Here  Joseph  Fuller  built  his  house,  and  this  twenty  acres,  together  with 
about  two  hundred  inherited  from  his  father,  formed  the  farm  which  descended 
to  his  son  Joseph,  his  grandson  Abraham,  and  his  great-granddaughter  Sarah, 
Avho  married  William  Hull.  In  1814  William  Hull  built  a  new  house,  on  the 
same  spot  where  Joseph  Fuller's  stood  for  one  hundred  and  thirty  years. 
The  house  built  by  General  Hull  was,  after  the  death  of  his  widow  and  the 
sale  of  the  estate,  removed  to  the  vicinity  of  the  railroad  station  once  called 
"Hull's  Crossing,"  now  "  Newtonville,"  to  make  room  for  the  house  built  by 
Governor  Claflin,  who  bought  the  property,  and  who  is  the  third  bearing  that  title 
■who  has  owned  it, —  Gov.  Bradstreet,  Gov,  Hull  and  Gov.  Claflin.  Tlie  large 
elm  tree  still  standing  near  the  house  was,  according  to  a  family  tradition,  a 
Tiding  switch,  planted  by  Joseph  Fuller  the  first;  and  there  remained  until 
about  1830,  in  the  hall,  a  pair  of  deer's  horns,  the  original  wearer  of  which 
w-as  shot  from  his  front  door  by  the  same  Joseph.  He  was  captain  of  the 
Newton  Horse  Company,  and  it  was  he  who  in  1735  gave  a  training  field  to 
them,  which  was  used  for  this  purpose  fjr  several  years.  Mr.  Jackson  says, 
'•  The  town  discontinued  both  the  training  field  and  the  old  road  which  led  to 
it,  in  1787,  and  laid  out  a  straight  road  near  to  it,  and  the  old  road  and  the 
Common  reverted  to  Judge  Fuller,  and  he  paid  the  town  therefor  two  pounds." 

Joseph  Fuller  died  January  5,  1740,  aged  eighty-eight  years  ;  his  wife  Lydia, 
in  1726,  aged  seventy  years. 

Timothy  Jackson,  father  of  the  Hon.  William  Jackson,  was  for  thirty 
years  a  very  useful  citizen  of  the  town  of  Newton.  In  March,  1780,  he  was 
elected  a  member  of  the  School  Committee,  and  also  one  of  the  committee 
to  raise,  men  for  the  armv.     And  from  that  date  until  he  was  disabled  bv 


*  Deed  of  Gift.— Edward  Jackson  to  Joseph  and  Lydia  Fuller,  1080.  This  present 
witnesseth  that  I,  Edward  Jackson,  have  given  to  Joseph  Fuller,  and  to  my  daughter 
Liddia  his  wite,  Twenty  accers  of  land,  lying  and  being  vppon  the  South  West  corner 
of  the  farme  which  I  bought  of  Mr.  Broadstreete,  and  also  I  have  sold  some  tenne 
accers  more  adioyning  to  the  foicsayd  Twenty,  as  it  is  layd  out  and  Bounded  by 
David  Fiske  of  Cambridge  bounds  Surveyor;  also  I  doe  by  those  presents  acknowledge 
that  I  have  receaved  the  sume  of  six  pounds  in  money  in,  and  his  father  John  Fuller 
is  to  pay  sixeteene  more  as  followeth,  upon  the  tirst  of  March  in  the  year  1G81,  and  five 
pound  in  the  first  of  March,  108:2,  and  the  last  five  pound  ou  the  first  of  March  1083, 
the  which  somes  beeing  so  payd  as  above  expressed,  I  doe  by  these  presents  assigne 
and  make  over  to  the  above  named  Joseph  Fuller  and  to  his  heires  forever,  to  have  and 
to  hold  without  any  just  mollestation  of  me,  my  hehes,  Executors  and  Administra- 
tors, or  any  of  vs :    In  witness  hereof,  I  have  set  to  my  hand  and  scale. 

John  Mason,  Edward  Jackson.  [Seal.] 

Isaac  Bacon. 


782  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

paralysis  in  1811,  he  was  continually  serving  in  various  town  and  State  offices. 
"  He  was  Adjutant  and  Brigade  Major  in  the  militia;  kept  the  town  school 
in  the  North  District  two  winters  ;  was  Deputy  Sheriff  ten  years,  from  1791 ; 
Selectman  many  years ;  Moderator  of  nearly  all  the  town  meetings  from  1795 
to  1810  inclusive,  and  Representative  to  the  General  Court  fifteen  years  in 
succession,  from  1797."  The  duties  of  all  these  offices  he  discharged  with 
ability  and  faithfulness. 

Timothy  Jackson  was  the  son  of  Timothy  and  Sarah  (Smith)  Jackson, 
grandson  of  Joseph  and  Patience  (Hyde)  Jackson,  great-grandson  of  Sebas 
and  Sarah  (Baker)  .Jackson,  and  great-great-grandson  of  Edward  Jarikson, 
sen.,  of  London,  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Newton.  He  owned  part  of  the 
same  estate  and  occupied  the  same  house  that  sheltered  all  his  ancestors  in 
this  country.  The  house,  which  was  demolished  in  1809,  occupied  the  same 
land  afterwards  covered  by  the  house  of  Hon.  William  Jackson.  The  well 
is  the  same  whose  water  has  slaked  the  thirst  of  eight  generations  of  the 
same  name.  He  was  born  August  3,  175G,  and  inherited  from  his  father  a 
military  spirit,  and  from  his  mother,  energy,  courage  and  perseverance. 

"At  the  age  of  fifteen, —  one  year  earlier  than  the  law  of  that  period  required, 
he  enlisted  in  one  of  the  Newton  companies  of  militia,  and  at  eighteen  joined; 
an  independent  company  of  Minute-men,  raised  in  Newton  in  January,  1775, 
in  accordance  with  the  military  spirit  of  the  time,  and  in  view  of  the  expected 
struggle  with  the  mother  country.  This  company  of  Minute-men  verified 
to  the  letter  their  claim  to  the  name  they  assumed,  on  the  morning  of  the  Lex- 
ington fight.  He  was  a  corporal  in  the  company.  On  the  morning  of  that 
ever  memorable  day,  he  heard  the  signal  guns  which  announced  that  the  British 
troops  were  in  motion.  He  went  to  the  Captain's  house  at  the  break  of  day, 
and  received  orders  to  warn  the  company  to  meet  upon  their  parade  ground 
forthwith.  This  order  he  promptly  executed  on  horseback,  and  before  eight 
o'clock  the  company  were  on  the  march  to  join  their  regiment  at  Watertown 
Meeting-house ;  and  from  thence  took  their  march  for  Lexington  and  Con- 
cord. They  encountered  Lord  Percy's  reserve  at  Concord,  and  continued  to 
hang  upon  the  flank  and  rear  of  the  British  troops  until  nightfall,  when  they 
took  boat  for  Boston  at  Lechmere  Point,  where,  after  they  had  rowed  beyond 
the  reach  of  musket  shot,  and  that  bloody  day's  work  was  ended,  this  com- 
pany of  Minute-men  publicly  received  the  thanks  of  General  Warren  for 
their  zeal  and  bravery  throughout  the  day. 

"  Soon  after  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  a  company  was  raised,  to  serve 
eight  months,  mostly  of  Newton  men,  commanded  by  Captain  Nathan  Fuller, 
of  Newton,  and  joined  the  Continental  army  under  General  Washington  at 
Cambridge.  During  the  last  four  months  of  this  term,  he  joined  the  company 
and  was  appointed  by  Captain  Fuller  Orderly  Sergeant. 

"  In  September,  1776,  he  entered  on  board  a  privateer  fitted  out  at  Salem, 
which  sailed  on  a  cruise  on  the  19th  of  that  month.  Ten  days  afterwards, 
the  privateer  was  captured  by  the  British  frigate  Perseus,  after  a  running- 
fight  (in  which  he  was  wounded  in  the  neck  by  a  musket  ball),  and  carried 
into  New  York,  then  in  possession  of  the  British,  and  confined  in  a  prison: 
ship.  After  six  months  in  that  loathsome  place,  he  was  impressed  into  the 
English  naval  service,  and  placed  on  board  a  large  Indiaman,  pierced  for- 


HON.  WILLIAM  JACKSON.  783 

thirty-six  guns,  as  a  convoy  to  a  fleet  of  transports  to  England.  Of  the  thirty- 
six  men  composing  the  crew  of  this  ship,  ten  were  impressed  Americans. 
After  a  rough  and  boisterous  passage  of  eighty  days,  tliey  arrived  in  London, 
when  he  was  put  on  board  a  Spanish-built  guard-ship  of  one  liundred  and 
twenty  guns,  in  the  Tliames.  From  this  ship  he  was  transferred  to  the  frigate 
Experiment,  bound  for  Lisbon.  On  liis  return  from  Lisbon,  he  was  put  on 
board  Lord  Howe's  flag-ship,  and  sailed  with  the  fleet  to  the  "West  Indies. 
While  on  that  station,  he  was  transferred  to  the  frigate  Grasshopper.  From 
the  cruel  treatment  he  had  uniformly  received  in  all  those  ships,  he  deter- 
mined to  make  his  escape  at  all  hazards.  While  the  Grasshopper  lay  at  anchor 
.in  the  harbor  of  Antigua,  about  half  a  mile  from  the  shore,  he  took  advantage 
of  a  severe  shower  of  rain  which  drove  the  sentinel  below,  passed  over  the 
stern  of  the  ship  at  midnight,  unobserved,  and  sat  upon  the  bow  chains  until 
the  storm  had  abated,  when  he  let  himself  down  into  tlie  water  and  swam  for 
tlie  land,  which  he  readied  in  about  half  an  liour,  landing  upon  a  rocky  shore, 
quite  exhausted  and  much  bruised  among  the  rocks  and  surf.  From  thence 
he  travelled  to  St.  John's,  where  he  shipped  on  board  an  English  sloop.  Captain 
Clark,  who  traded  among  the  English  Islands,  but  was  ultimately  bound  to 
New  York. 

"  Captain  Clark  afterwards  changed  his  voyage  from  New  York  to  Cork, 
Ireland.  In  consequence  of  this  change  of  voyage,  he  left  the  sloop  at  St. 
Vincent.  From  thence  lie  went  to  St.  Kitts,  where  he  succeeded  in  gaining 
a  passage  to  North  Carolina  in  a  pilot  boat,  which  arrived  safely,  and  from 
thence  ho  shipped  in  a  vessel  bound  to  Boston.  On  this  voyage  he  was  again 
captured  by  tlie  British,  and  carried  into  New  York.  While  the  vessel  was 
furling  sails  and  hauling  alongside  the  wharf,  he  made  his  escape  unobserved, 
and  travelled  by  land  two  days  and  two  nights,  and  had  nearly  reached  the 
American  lines,  when  he  was  captured  by  an  advance  guard  of  Hessian  troops, 
carried  back  to  New  York  and  cast  into  prison  with  hundreds  of  his  country- 
men, in  January,  1778.  He  was  kept  in  this  loathsome  prison  about  six 
months.  His  sufferings  were  appalling ;  the  small-pox  prevailed,  and  scarcely 
a  day  passed  that  he  did  not  witness  the  death  of  some  fellow- prisoner. 

"  Soon  after  the  battle  of  Monmouth,  he  was  exchanged,  with  many  others, 
and  passed  over  to  the  American  army  in  July,  1778,  in  a  state  of  perfect 
destitution,  upwards  of  two  hundred  miles  from  home,  and  without  a  penu}- 
to  sustain  himself  through  so  long  a  journey.  Fortunately,  he  met  with  a 
townsman,  Daniel  Jackson,  then  a  sergeant  in  Captain  Bryant's  company  of 
Artillery,  a  kind-hearted  man,  who  loaned  him  money  enough  to  pay  his 
expenses  home,  where  he  arrived  in  the  autumn  of  1778,  after  having  been 
absent  one  year  and  ten  months.  After  a  few  months'  visit  to  the  army  in 
Khode  Island,  he  returned  homo  again  in  the  spring  of  1779,  took  the  home- 
stead at  the  age  of  twenty-throe,  and  settled  as  a  farmer." 

Mr.  Jackson,  after  three  and  a  half  years'  quiet,  married  Sarah,  daughter 
of  Stephen  Winchester,  November  28,  1782,  and  settled  on  the  homestead, 
and  had  six  children.     He  died  November  22,  1814,  aged  fifty-eight. 

William  Jackson,  the  eldest  son  of  Major  Timothy  and  Sarah  Winches- 
ter Jackson,  was   born  in  Newton,  September   2,  1783.      His  parents   had 


784  HISTORY  OF    XEWTOX. 

strong  minds  and  excellent  education :  and,  therefore,  the  early  training  of 
their  son  was  all  it  should  be.  At  the  age  of  sixteen,  ho  met  with  an  acci- 
dent, which  confined  him  to  the  house  more  than  a  year.  During  this  time 
he  acquired  the  taste  for  reading  and  literary  pursuits,  which  ever  after 
characterized  him.  When  eighteen  years  old,  he  was  sent  to  Boston  to 
learn  to  manufacture  soap  and  candles.  At  twenty-one,  he  took  charge  of  a 
manufactory  of  his  own.  The  same  year  he  married  Hannah  Woodward,  of 
Newton,  and  established  his  home  in  Boston. 

It  was  the  custom  at  that  period  for  the  workmen  in  manufactories  to  be 
called  together  daily  at  eleven  o'clock,  A.  M.,  for  drinks  of  liquor,  at  the 
expense  of  the  owners.  William  Jackson,  seeing  the  efiects  of  this  custom, 
and  indeed  of  all  use  of  intoxicating  beverages,  made  an  offer  to  his  men, 
that  all  who  would  give  up  the  custom  should,  at  the  end  of  the  week,  re- 
ceive tlie  amount  thus  saved  added  to  their  wages,  and  very  soon  the  rum- 
jug  was  banished  from  his  manufactory. 

The  war  of  1812  proved  very  disastrous  to  Mr.  Jackson's  business,  and  he 
lost  very  heavily.  But  this  was  soon  forgotten,  in  the  much  heavier  loss  of 
his  only  sister.  A  few  months  later  followed  the  death  of  his  wife,  leaving 
him  with  five  orphaned  children.  This,  he  once  said,  "  was  trouble."  In 
the  following  year  he  buried  his  father  and  mother.  Thus  in  two  years  all 
that  were  dearest  to  him  were  swept  away.  And  "  all  this,"  he  said,  "  it  took, 
to  bring  me  to  God."  From  that  time  he  became  a  servant  of  Christ,  and  in 
his  service  he  grew  continually  stronger  and  happier  to  the  day  of  his  death. 

In  1816,  he  married  Mary  Bennett,  of  Lunenburg.  In  1819,  he  was  first 
elected  representative  to  the  General  Court.  At  the  age  of  thirty-seven  he 
partially  retired  from  business,  and  returned  to  Newton,  to  live  at  the  old 
homestead,  where  five  generations  of  his  ancestors  had  lived  and  died. 

He  was  early  chosen  on  the  Board  of  Selectmen,  and  also  on  the  Board  of 
the  School  Committee,  and  ever  afterwards  he  was  deeply  interested  in  the 
schools  of  Newton.  As  one  of  the  Selectmen,  he  was  called  upon  to  recom- 
mend for  a  license  to  sell  liquor,  the  taverns  and  groceries  of  the  town. 
This  he  refused  to  do,  and  thus  took  his  first  stand  before  the  public  on  the 
side  of  the  temperance  reform.  In  tliis  cause  he  was  a  pioneer,  and  he  gave 
to  it  much  time  and  efllbrt,  aiding  in  forming  a  Temperance  Society,  and 
establishing  a  Lyceum,  where  tlie  subject  was  discussed  and  lectures  given. 

In  1826,  his  attention  was  drawn  by  Dr.  Phelps,  of  Boston,  to  the  enterprise 
of  railroads.  At  once  he  became  interested,  studied  into  the  whole  subject, 
and  volunteered  a  lecture  on  railroads  before  the  Lyceum.  In  this  lecture, 
his  predictions  of  what  might  and  would  be  the  effect  of  the  railroad  enter- 
prise, in  Massachusetts  and  the  United  States,  were  branded  as  the  words  of 
a  lunatic ;  but  they  have  since  proved  to  have  been  the  prophecies  of  a  keen 
and  far-seeing  intellect.  This  lecture  at  once  attracted  attention  outside  of 
Newton,  and  he  was  invited  to  repeat  it  in  Boston,  Walthara,  and  many  other 
leading  towns  and  cities.  He  also  wrote  articles  on  the  same  subject  for 
newspapers  in  Boston,  Springfield,  Northampton,  Salem,  Haverhill,  etc. 
For  the  ne.xt  eighteen  years  mucii  of  his  time  and  thought  was  engrossed  by 
various  railroad  enterprises.     At  different  times  he  was   Superintendent  of 


HOX.  WILLIAM  JxiCKSON.  785 

construction  of  the  Boston  and  Worcester,  Boston  and  Albany,  New  Bedford 
and  Taunton,  Bansjor  and  Piscataquis,  and  Providence  and  Worcester  Rail- 
roads.    He  was  for  nine  years  one  of  the  Directors  of  the  Western  Railroad. 

In  1829,  he  was  interested  in  establishing  a  Savings' Bank  in  Newton, 
which  went  into  operation  in  1831,  he  being  its  first  President. 

In  1830,  he  was  chosen  to  represent  the  town  of  Newton  in  the  Massachu- 
setts Legislature.  In  his  second  term,  the  subject  of  freemasonry  was  dis- 
cussed in  the  House.  He  looked  seriously  into  the  subject,  and  his  investi- 
gations resulted  in  his  becoming  firmly  anti-masonic.  Two  years  after  this, 
ho  became  the  candidate  of  the  anti-masonic  party  for  the  office  of  member  of 
Congress  for  the  Norfolk  District,  to  which  he  was  elected,  after  the  ninth 
ballot.  At  the  close  of  this  term  of  service,  he  was  re-elected  by  an  over- 
whelming majority;  but  declined  to  stand  as  candidate  for  a  third  term. 

About  this  time,  feeling  that  tlie  prosperity  of  Newton  required  more  fre- 
quent trains  of  cars  to  and  from  Boston  daily,  he  used  his  influence  for  that 
purpose,  and  in  1844  the  Newton  special  trains  commenced  running.  The 
result  was,  as  he  expected,  that  people  began  to  move  into  the  various  vil- 
lages on\he  route  of  the  railroad;  new  villages  sprang  up,  and  the  value  of 
real  estate  greatly  increased. 

About  this  time,  Mr.  Jackson  laid  out  a  part  of  the  land  belonging  to  his 
homestead  into  house  lots  and  streets  around  two  parks,  called  Walnut  Park 
and  Waban  Place,  where  land  was  sold  by  the  foot  for  the  first  time  in 
Newton. 

With  the  inflow  of  people,  the  need  of  a  church  at  Newton  Corner  became 
evident,  there  being  none  within  two  miles.  To  this  point  Mr.  Jackson  now 
turned  his  thoughts  and  energies.  The  Eliot  church  was  formed  with  thirt}'- 
seven  members,  and  a  commodious  house  of  worship  was  built.  Of  this 
church  he  was  one  of  the  Deacons.  Ho  had  held  the  same  office  for  many 
years  previously  in  the  Congregational  church  at  Newton  Centre. 

In  1846,  the  American  Missionary  Association  was  formed,  the  necessity 
being  felt  by  many  Christians  for  a  Missionary  Society  which  should  have  no 
connection  with  slavery.  Of  this  Association  William  Jackson  was  the  ear- 
nest and  interested  President,  for  the  first  eight  years  of  its  existence. 

In  1848,  he  formed  a  company  which  bought  up  the  land  in  Newton  now 
called  Auburndale,  laid  it  out  with  streets  and  house  lots,  many  of  which 
were  soon  sold  and  built  upon.  This  was  the  commencement  of  that  beauti- 
ful village. 

In  1840,  members  from  both  the  Whig  and  Democratic  parties  united  in  a 
new  organization  styled  the  "Liberty  Party."  This  new  party  was  opposed 
to  -slavery,  and  in  the  formation  of  it  he  took  an  active  part,  being  their  first 
candidate  for  Governor,  and  for  several  years  their  candidate  for  Governor, 
Lieutenant-Governor,  or  Member  of  Congress.  In  1848,  the  Free  Soil 
Party  was  formed,  and  the  Liberty  Party  was  merged  into  that.  In  1850,  a 
Free  Soil  party  paper  was  started,  The  Boston  Telegraph,  and  to  it  Mr.  Jack- 
son gave  much  time,  strength  and  money,  being  its  Treasurer  and  one  of  its 
Trustees.  It  was  too  much  for  his  strength.  His  health  began  to  fail  under 
his  accumulation  of  cares. 
50 


786  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

To  break  away  from  these  cares  and  secure  the  restoration  of  his  healthy 
the  next  year  he  went  abroad,  and  travelled  over  the  larger  part  of  Europe, 
depiving  much  pleasure  from  the  tour,  as  a  man  of  such  varied  culture  and 
keen  observation  must  surely  do.  On  his  return,  his  health  being  scarcely 
at  all  improved,  he  withdrew  almost  entirely  from  public  life,  retaining  only 
the  presidency  of  tlie  Newton  Bank,  which  had  been  a  pet  enterprise  with 
him  since  its  foundation  in  1848. 

The  derangement  of  his  heart  increased,  till  a  cold  taken  January  14,. 
1865,  brought  the  disease  to  a  crisis,  and  confined  him  to  his  room  till  Feb- 
ruary 26,  Avhen  he  passed  away. 

Thus  Newton  lost  one  of  her  noblest  and  best  loved  sons,  one  of  the  most 
remarkable  men  of  his  generation.  To  his  native  town,  he  was  both  a  private 
and  public  benefactor.  The  monuments  of  liis  enterprise  and  wisdom  are 
on  every  hand.  His  characteristic  liberality,  his  private  charities,  and  per- 
sonal kindness  to  the  poor,  the  sick,  and  the  suffering,  remarkably  abounded. 
His  genial  hospitality  drew  around  him  many  friends,  for  whom  his  doors 
ever  stood  open.  He  was  a  man  of  superior  intellect,  strong  will,  large 
heart,  sound  judgment,  great  executive  ability,  and  untiring  industry.  He 
was  quick  of  apprehension,  prompt  in  action,  honest  in  purpose,  genial  in  inter- 
course, ready  to  undertake  any  thing  that  would  benefit  others,  at  home,  ia 
the  church,  the  town,  the  state,  tlie  nation,  or  the  whole  world.  His  char- 
acter was  an  agreeable  blending  of  the  grave  and  gay.  He  could  be  witty, 
tender  and  serious  at  the  same  time.     Whatever  he  did,  he  did  it  heartily. 

Horace  Mann  was  for  several  years  a  distinguished  citizen  of  West  New- 
ton. His  estate  was  on  the  west  side  of  Ciiestnut  Street,  nearly  opposite  the 
estate  once  owned  and  improved  by  Mrs.  Abigail  Lamb.  A  bronze  statue  in 
his  honor  stands  in  the  Capitol  grounds  in  Boston.  Horace  Mann  was  born  ia 
Franklin,  Mass.,  May  4,  1796,  and  died  in  Yellow  Springs,  Ohio,  August  2, 
1859.  He  obtained  his  earlier  education  by  his  own  exertions,  and  entered 
the  Sophomore  class  in  Brown  University,  six  months  after  he  first  opened 
a  Latin  Grammar.  He  graduated  with  the  highest  honors  in  1819,  was  Tutor 
in  Brown,  and  afterwards  studied  law  in  Litchfield,  Conn.  He  was  admitted 
to  the  bar  in  1823,  and  commenced  practice  in  Dedham.  He  continued  the 
practice  of  law  fourteen  j^ears,  and,  it  is  said,  gained  fully  four  cases  out  of 
every  five  in  which  he  was  retained.  He  was  member  of  the  Massachusetts 
House  of  Representatives  1828-33,  and  of  the  Senate  1833-7,  and  President 
of  the  Senate  1836-7.  In  his  political  affairs,  he  was  distinguished  for  his 
devotion  to  every  movement  in  favor  of  education  and  temperance.  He  was 
the  originator  of  the  State  Lunatic  Hospital  at  Worcester,  which  was  tlie 
parent  of  all  similar  Institutions  throughout  the  country.  He  was  the  first 
Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Education  of  Massachusetts  (1837-48),  and  through 
]iis  infiucnce,  important  changes  were  made  in  the  school  laws  and  the  educa- 
tional system  of  the  State.  He  was  honored  witli  the  degree  of  LL.  D.  from 
Harvard  University  in  1849.  In  May,  1843,  he  crossed  the  ocean  for  the 
purpose  of  inspecting  the  scliool  systems  of  Europe,  and  especially  of  Ger- 
many, and  the  results  of  tiiese  observations  are  recorded  in  his  Seventh  An- 
nual Report.     He  was  elected  Member  of  Congress  and  successor  of  John 


HOX.  DAVID  II.  JMASON.  787 

Quincy  Adams  18i8-53,  and  spoke  and  voted  in  fovor  of  excluding  slavery 
from  the  Territories.  He  was  President  of  Antioch  College  at  Yellow 
Springs,  Ohio,  from  September,  1852,  until  his  death. 

In  18:55,  he  was  appointed  a  Commissioner  to  superintend  the  publication 
of  the  Kevised  Statutes  of  Massachusetts,  for  which  he  prepared  the  Mar- 
ginal Notes  and  References.  His  twelve  Annual  Reports  of  the  Board  of 
Education  rank  deservedly  high.  He  edited  The  Common  Sc/iocl  Journal  for 
several  j-ears,  and  published  a  volume  of  "Letters  on  Education  "  in  1848  : 
''  Letters  and  Speeches  ou  Slavery  "  in  1851 ;  and  "  Lectures  on  Intemper- 
ance," 1852.  In  1852,  he  was  the  unsuccessful  candidate  of  the  Free  Soil 
party  of  Massachusetts  for  Governor  of  the  State. 

Mr.  Mann  was  the  originator  of  the  Normal  Schools  of  Massachusetts,. 
and  of  Teachers'  Institutes  and  Conventions.  He  mortgaged  his  Law  Li- 
brary to  raise  the  necessary  means  for  starting  the  first  Normal  School. 
which  was  at  Lexington.  It  was  chiefly  througli  liis  efforts  that  the  school 
was  removed  to  West  Newton,  and  under  his  efficient  interest  and  auspices  it 
attained  to  popularity  and  success.  He  was  conscientious,  earnest,  indus- 
trious, firm  in  his  convictions,  a  man  of  great  rectitude  of  life  and  manners, 
and  his  influence  on  the  educational  interests  of  Massachusetts  created  a 
momentum  whose  salutary  efficacy  is  felt  everywhere,  and  stands,  an  endur- 
ing monument  to  his  honor. 

David  Haven  Mason  was  born  in  Sullivan,  N.  H.,  March  17,  1818.  and 
graduated  at  Dartmouth  College  in  1841.  His  career  presents  an  example 
of  the  success  of  a  self-made  man,  in  the  best  sense  of  those  words.  By 
his  own  unaided  efforts,  by  rigid  economy,  without  wealthy  or  influential 
friends,  he  procured  means  for  his  college  and  professional  education,  and 
came  to  Boston,  an  entire  stranger  in  the  city,  to  practise  his  profession. 
After  he  had  secured  Ins  office,  purchased  the  necessary  office  furniture  and 
a  few  elementary  law  books,  he  had  only  twenty-five  cents  left  in  his  pocket, 
and  not  a  friend  in  Boston  from  whom  he  could  claim  tlie  privilege  of  bor- 
rowing a  dollar.  But  by  means  of  energy,  industry  and  devotion  to  business^ 
and  fidelity  to  his  clients,  he  soon  secured  a  lucrative  and  resjiectable  prac- 
tice, and  by  his  many  honorable  and  genial  traits  of  character,  he  gathered 
around  him  a  large  circle  of  appreciating  and  ardent  friends. 

After  several  j'ears  of  close  attention  to  the  law,  he  entered  the  arena  of 
public  life,  and  by  the  various  offices  whose  functions  he  discharged  with 
admirable  judgment,  zeal  and  success,  he  made  his  influence  felt,  as  a  public- 
benefactor,  in  Newton,  in  the  neighboring  city  of  Boston,  and  throughout 
the  Commonwealth.  Some  of  the  most  important  and  useful  public  improve- 
ments of  the  period  when  he  was  in  active  service  in  official  relations,  owe 
their  origin  and  their  successful  achievement,  with  their  untold  utility,  to  his 
wisdom  in  planning  and  his  skill  in  execution. 

Mr.  Mason  was  a  resident  of  Newton  for  twenty-five  years.  He  early  won 
the  confidence  of  his  fellow-citizens,  and  was  a  very  active  and  influential 
member  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  in  the  years  1SG3,  1S6G  and  18G7. 
The  patriotic  Governor  John  A.  Andrew  leaned  upon  him  with  implicit  con- 
fidence, and  often  applied  to  him  for  counsel  and  aid  in  important  and  difficult 


788  HISTORY  OF  NEWTOX. 

emergencies.  In  the  struggles  of  the  country,  during  tlie  war  of  1861-5,  he 
showed  the  most  devoted  patriotism,  and  his  tongue,  and  pen,  and  mind  were 
never  wanting  to  the  exigencies  of  any  occasion.  He  was  a  friend  to  the 
poor,  and  a  helper  to  the  distressed.  Mindful  of  his  own  early  struggles,  he 
sympathized  with  young  men,  and  was  ever  ready  with  his  advice  and  influence 
to  encourage  and  stimulate  them  to  prepare  themselves  for  spheres  of  useful- 
ness and  honor. 

He  declined  the  honor  of  being  a  candidate  for  the  senatorship,  which  he 
was  urged  to  accept,  on  account  of  the  claims  of  his  profession.  He  often 
wrote  able  articles  for  the  most  influential  journals,  advocating  public  im- 
provements, and  adapted  to  guide  and  lead  public  opinion  on  points  involving 
the  pecuniary,  business  or  educational  interests  of  the  city  of  Boston,  the 
town  of  Newton,  and  the  Commonwealth. 

In  1857,  Mr.  Mason  was  invited  to  deliver  the  oration  at  New  London, 
Conn.,  at  the  celebration  of  the  eighty-first  anniversary  of  American  Inde- 
pendence. The  papers  of  that  city,  without  distinction  of  party,  spoke  of  the 
oration  afterwards,  as  "  a  sound,  able  and  patriotic  production,  beautifully 
written  and  very  eff"ectively  delivered."  On  a  similar  occasion  in  Boston,  he 
was  invited  to  read  the  Declaration  of  Independence.  He  performed'this 
service,  according  to  the  journals  of  the  following  day,  "in  a  forcible  and 
truthful  manner,  and  the  audience  warmly  evinced  their  approbation." 

In  1859,  he  was  the  orator  of  the  day  at  the  celebration  of  the  eighty-third 
anniversary  of  Independence  at  Newton  Centre,  and  his  oration  gave  great 
satisfaction  to  the  auditory.  It  was  a  refreshing  example  of  originality,  bold 
in  expression  as  well  as  conception,  and  naturally  suggested  by  the  recollec- 
tion of  the  scenes  which  gave  birth  to  the  anniversary.  "  It  was  marked  by 
careful  research  and  sound  judgment,  and  replete  with  noble  sentiments  and 
lofty  eloquence." 

July  1-1,  1864,  Mr.  Mason  delivered  the  address  at  the  Centennial  Anniver- 
sary of  the  town  of  Lancaster,  N.  H., —  a  very  interesting  production,  which 
was  afterwards  printed. 

While  he  was  a  member  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  Mr.  Mason 
attended  to  the  business  of  the  Commonwealth  with  great  fidelity,  and  won 
for  himself  the  reputation  of  being  one  of  the  best  debaters  in  that  honorable 
body.  He  watched  carefully  every  measure  that  came  before  the  Legisla- 
ture. He  brought  the  whole  weight  of  his  influence  in  favor  of  every  useful 
project,  and,  by  his  integrity  and  conscientious  adhesion  to  the  right,  he  made 
himself  a  power  among  his  associates.  His  speeches  before  the  Legislature, 
or  Committees  of  the  Legislature,  on  the  Consolidation  of  the  Western  and 
the  Boston  and  Worcester  Railroad  Corporations,  on  equalizing  the  Bounties 
of  the  Soldiers,  on  the  adoption  of  tlie  Fourteenth  article  of  amendments  to 
the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  onmaking  the  Milldam free  of  toll,  and 
on  the  levelling  of  Fort  Hill,  and  thus  adding  immensely  to  the  business  facili- 
ties of  Boston,  as  well  as  to  its  ta.xable  property,  are  specimens  of  the  eflbrts 
in  which  he  proved  himself  pre-eminently  a  public  benefactor.  In  regard  to 
the  last  of  these  projects,  one  of  the  daily  journals  of  Boston  said, —  "The 
credit  of  engineering  the  matter  (Fort  Hill  improvement)  through  the  Legis- 


HON.  DAVID  H.  MASON.  789 

lature,  and  reducing  the  details  to  a  practical  working  level,  is  due  to  D.  II. 
Mason,  Esq.,  whose  efforts  in  bringing  to  an  adjustment  the  long  contested 
Brighton  Bridge  case,  and  the  prominent  part  ho  has  taken  as  counsel  for 
liailroad  Corporations  before  the  Legislature,  has  caused  him  to  be  regarded 
as  one  of  the  most  eminent  and  successful  counsel  that  appear  before  that 
body.  This  enterprise  was  entrusted  to  hiiu  ;  and  the  many  difficulties  that 
stood  in  the  way  were,  by  his  untiring  energy,  all  removed,  and  Boston  will 
soon  reap  the  advantage  of  having  wide  and  well  graded  business  streets,  in 
place  of  narrow  lanes  leading  to  crowded  tenement  houses." 

Of  the  action  of  the  municipal  and  State  authorities  in  removing  the  toll- 
gates  from  the  Milldam  road,  and  making  that  great  thoroughfare  free  to  the 
public,  the  same  journal  says, —  "  It  is  but  just  that  it  should  be  known  that 
the  credit  of  this  is  due  principally  to  the  persistent  efforts  of  David  H.  Mason, 
Esq.,  of  Newton,  who  for  several  years  has  given  attention  to  this  matter, 
presenting  its  importance  before  successive  Legislative  Committees  with. 
uniform  success,  and  from  time  to  time  procuring  the  required  legislation, 
until  at  last  the  public  enjoy  the  great  privilege  secured." 

In  ISCO  Mr.  Mason  was  appointed  on  the  Massachusetts  Board  of  Educa- 
tion, of  which  for  several  years  he  was  a  very  efficient  member,  and  discharged 
the  duties  of  that  office  with  exemplary  faithfulness.  No  demands  of  his 
private  business  were  permitted  at  any  time  to  interfere  with  his  obligations 
to  the  State  in  this  department  of  service.  It  was  to  him  a  labor  of  love,  and 
he  loved  the  labor. 

Mr.  Mason  was  also  deeply  interested  in  sustaining  the  high  character  of 
the  schools  in  the  town  of  Newton.  In  an  account  of  the  exercises  at  the 
dedication  of  the  High  School  building  at  Newtonville,  one  of  the  journals 
of  the  day  wrote  as  follows  : 

"  It  would  not  be  invidious«to  the  other  friends  of  the  enterprise  to  say  that 
to  Mr.  Mason,  perhaps  more  than  to  any  one  else,  is  the  town  indebted  for 
the  consummation  of  the  enterprise.  For  three  years,  he  has  devoted  to  it 
his  time  and  energies.  Through  his  eloquent  appeals  and  forcible  arguments, 
he  has  overcome  a  persistent  opposition ;  and  in  its  darkest  hours,  when  its 
firmest  friends  were  almost  tempted  to  despair,  his  voice  was  lifted  in  tones 
of  startling  eloquence,  till  success  crowned  his  efforts.  And  the  enthusiasm 
with  which  his  name  and  his  speech  were  received,  showed  that  this  was  not 
the  hour  of  his  pride  alone,  but  the  pride  of  his  friends  for  him."  The  Mason 
School  of  Newton  Centre  was  named  for  him,  as  an  honorary  testimonial  to 
his  interest  in  the  cause  of  education. 

Allusion  has  been  made  above  to  Mr.  Mason's  patriotic  spirit.  During  the 
war  of  1861-5,  he  was  unmeasured  in  his  zeal  to  preserve  the  country  and  it.'i 
free  institutions  unharmed,  and  to  stimulate  his  fellow-citizens  to  all  right  and 
noble  efforts.  A  notable  instance  of  this  occurred  in  an  emergency  in  the 
war,  when  a  large  and  enthusiastic  meeting  of  citizens  was  held  in  the  Town 
Hall  of  Newton.  The  design  of  the  meeting  was  to  take  measures  for  equip- 
ping one  or  more  companies  of  volunteer  militia,  and  to  take  further  measures 
for  the  support  and  comfort  of  the  families  of  such  as  should  be  called  into 
service. 


790  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

]\Ir.  ^lason  offered  a  series  of  resolutions,  which  he  supported  with  eloquent 
and  patriotic  remarks.  He  alluded  to  a  previous  meeting,  where  the  patriotic 
men  of  the  town  expressed  themselves  as  willing  to  sacrifice  every  thing  for 
the  cause  of  their  country ;  but  the  present  meeting  was  one  where  prudence 
and  calm  judgment  should  rule  the  hour.  The  minds  of  men  should  not,  in 
their  enthusiasm,  be  carried  beyond  the  proper  line  of  duty;  while  they  are 
willing  to  give  of  their  substance,  judgment  and  discretion  should  so  guide 
their  actions,  that,  while  every  tiling  needed  should  be  given  unsparingly,  noth- 
ing should  be  wasted.  "  Millions  of  gold  and  rivers  of  blood  will  not  coraparo 
with  the  influence  of  this  question;  for,  on  its  solution  hang  the  hopes  of  civil 
liberty  and  civilization  throughout  the  world  for  ages  to  come.  Let  it  not  be 
said  that  we,  of  this  generation,  have  been  unfaithful  to  the  high  and  lioly 
trust." 

The  resolutions,  which  were  unanimously  adopted,  are  recorded  on  page 
<300. 

December  22,  1870,  Mr.  Mason  was  appointed  to  the  office  of  United  States 
District  Attorney  for  Massachusetts,  in  place  of  Hon.  George  S.  Hillard,  re- 
signed. The  names  of  several  respectable  and  able  lawyers  were  pressed 
for  tliis  appointment;  but  Mr.  Mason  was  nominated  by  the  President,  and 
confirmed  by  the  Senate  above  all  competitors,  his  ajipointment  being 
regarded  as  a  strong  one  for  the  Government,  and  highly  acceptable  to  the 
people  and  the  bar  of  Massachusetts. 

While  Mr.  Mivson  administered  tliis,  his  last,  public  office,  some  very 
important  and  celebrated  cases  were  decided  by  the  Court,  which  evinced 
the  Attorney's  wisdom,  sagacity,  and  legal  knowledge  and  acumen.  It  is 
enough  to  say  that  he  discharged  the  duties  of  his  position  to  the  entire  sat- 
isfaction of  the  Government  and  his  friends,  and  his  methods  often  won  the 
highest  commendation. 

Mr.  Mason  died  in  Newton,  May  29,  1873,  after  a  lingering  illness  of  sev- 
eral months,  aged  fifty-five  years,  and  left  a  widow  and  four  children.  The 
ntimbers  of  distinguished  persons  at  his  burial,  holding  official  positions  in 
church  and  State,  and  who  had  participated  with  him  in  important  enterprises, 
and  the  resolutions  passed  by  Courts  and  various  Associations  of  which  he 
had  been  a  member,  attested  the  higii  estimation  in  which  he  was  held. 

John  P.  Paukeu  was  the  son  of  Samuel  Parker  and  grandson  of  Ebenezer 
Parker.  Samuel  Parker  was  married  in  1770;  liis  residence  was  in  the  south- 
easterly part  of  Newton,  about  a  fourth  of  a  mile  southeast  of  Wiswall's 
pond.  Ilis  son,  John  P.  Parker,  left  Newton  in  March,  1809,  never  to  return. 
The  mother  of  the  latter,  Ann  Palmer,  daughter  of  Thomas  Palmer,  who 
lived  near  Brook  Farm,  he  used  often  to  speak  of  with  affectionate  remem- 
brance. She  was  reputed  to  be  a  good  woman,  of  uncommon  intellect.  Her 
son  was  possessed  of  much  energy  and  capacity.  His  education  was  mainly 
at  the  common  schools  of  the  town.  He  also  attended  the  Academy  at 
Framingham,  and  was  very  fond  of,  and  became  a  proficient  in,  mathematical 
studies. 

Not  long  after  his  adoption  of  the  vocation  of  a  sailor,  he  was  promoted  to 
the  c.iplaincy  of  a  ship  sailing  in  tlie  distant  Indian  seas;  and  in  this  capacity 


CAPTAIN  JOHN  P.  PARKER.  791 

performed  his  last  long  voyage  from  the  Sandwicli  Islands  to  China  and  Cali- 
fornia, which  lasted  from  three  to  four  years. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Parker,  addressed  to  Mr.  William  Kenrick,  of  Newton, 
gives,  in  his  own  words,  a  sketch  of  his  life. 

'•Hawaii,  Hamakua,  September  12,  1864. —  Dear  Sir, —  I  received  your 
letter  of  inquiries  after  mo  by  Mr.  Jones,  jr.  I  did  not  see  Mr.  Jones'  fatlier, 
for  which  I  was  very  sorry,  as  I  live  at  the  above  island.  He  was  at  Oahu; 
hut  your  letter  to  Mr.  Jones,  I  received  with  pleasure.  I  did  not  receive  it, 
liowever,  till  it  was  too  late  to  send  an  answer  by  him,  but  I  shall  forward 
this  letter  in  answer  to  yours  shortly  after. 

"  I  have  been  living  on  this  island  forty-eight  years.  I  left  home  in  March, 
1809,  and  followed  the  seas  for  some  years,  witli  the  intention  of  returning. 
I  sailed  from  the  Sandwich  Islands  in  a  ship  belonging  to  Davis  &  Winship 
for  Canton,  Cliina,  and  arrived  there  safe  with  a  cargo  of  sandal  wood.  It 
being  war-time  with  America  and  England,  we  were  blockaded  two  years  in 
China.  I  was  tired  of  stopping  there,  and  left  for  the  Sandwich  Islands,  but 
did  not  arrive  till  sixteen  months  after.  The  vessel  that  I  sailed  in  went  to 
Columbia  River  and  California  before  going  to  the  Islands,  but  I  have  never 
been  away  fi'om  the  Islands  since.  I  have  had  a  wife,  and  she  has  borne  me 
three  children,  and  I  have  sixteen  grandchildren  and  four  great-grandchil- 
dren. I  have  had  but  one  wife,  and  she  has  been  dead  four  years.  I  have 
but  one  son  living,  and  he  is  a  good  son  and  a  great  blessing  to  me,  in  a 
country  like  tliis,  where  there  are  no  relatives  to  see  and  enjoy  their  com- 
])any.  For  a  time,  your  letter  of  inquiry  was  the  first  one  I  have  seen  that 
thought  of  me,  excepting  my  brother,  while  living,  and  my  mother  and 
sister.  [Mrs.  Eben  Wiswall,  of  Troy,  N.  Y.]  After  they  were  all  dead, 
then  I  did  receive  letters  from  ray  sister  Wiswall's  children.  But  since  the 
•war,  I  have  not  received  any  more,  except  one  from  Patience  P.  Ward ;  as 
you  say  she  is  living  at  Newton,  I  will  write  to  her  and  send  it  by  some  con 
veyance 

"  I  went  on  shore  at  Hawaii  under  the  protection  of  Kamehameha  I.,  and 
'have  lived  to  see  five  kings,  but  begin  to  feel  feeble  with  old  age ;  I  am 
seventy-four  years  old.     I  am  as  well  as  I  can  expect  of  one  of  my  age.' 

'•  The  Sandwich  Islands  have  been  greatly  improved  lately  by  our  coun 
trymen,  by  many  sugar  plantations  and  other  improvements.  I  have  a  great 
grazing  farm  of  many  thousand  acres ;  and  a  great  many  bullocks,  horses, 
sheep,  hogs,  etc.  That  is  my  business,  the  raising  i,f  stock;  I  am  very  com 
fortable,  thank  God.  The  good  advice  of  my  mather,  that  it  is  which  has 
kept  me  from  bad  courses.  I  do  not  use  strong  drink,  and  that  is  all  that 
keeps  people  from  being  in  good  circumstances.  Rum  is  the  curse  of  this 
country.     Many  a  good  trader  is  ruined  by  rum. 

"  Give  my  love  to  all  my  old  acquaintances,  and  all  my  friends  that  have 
been  born  since  I  left,  not  forgetting  Mr.  .Jones,  who  brought  your  letter  of 
inquiry  about  me. " 

Mr.  Parker  died  at  his  residence  on  the  Sandwicli  Islands,  March  25,  180i. 
The  following  interesting  account  is  taken  from  the  Hawaiian  Gazette  of 
April  1,  1864 : 


792  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

"  The  aged  and  venerable  Jolin  P.  Parker,  of  Hawaii,  died  on  Wednesday, 
the  25th  ult.,  in  Honolulu.  His  funeral  was  largely  attended  last  Sunday 
afternoon,  at  the  Bethel.  Rev.  S.  C.  Dainon,  in  his  remarks  appropriate  to 
the  occasion,  alluded  to  the  long  residence  here,  and  sterling  character  of 
the  deceased,  and  was  followed  by  Hon.  Curtis  Lyons,  by  an  address  and 
prayer  i;i  Hawaiian.     The  body  will  be  sent  to  Hawaii  for  burial. 

"Mr.  Parker  was  one  of  the  few  foreign  men,  whose  term  of  residence  ex- 
tends back  into  the  reign  of  Kameliameha  I.  lie  visited  these  islands  first  in 
1809,  being  then  engaged  in  a  sea-faring  life  ;  but  commenced  his  permanent 
residence  in  1815.  During  most  of  the  long  period  subsequent,  fifty-three 
years,  he  lived  in  the  district  of  Kohala,  on  Hawaii,  engaged  in  agricultural 
pursuits  and  ranching,  gathering  about  him,  by  his  thrift,  prudence  and  in- 
tegrity, a  large  property,  and  establishing  a  household,  honored  with  chil- 
dren, grandcliildreu  and  great-grandciiildren. 

"  His  ranch,  or  farm,  at  Mana,  on  the  government  road  from  Waimea  to 
Hilo,  was  for  many  years  noted  for  its  hospitalities,  and  many  a  resident  and 
stranger  have  reason  to  remember  its  open  doors  and  kindly  welcome. 

"  Mr.  Parker  conducted  his  household  affairs  in  the  truly  patriarchal  style. 
There  were  no  hired  servants  in  his  house,  no  division  and  sub-division  of 
interests.  As  a  chief,  he  moved  among  his  family  and  retainers,  alike  hon- 
ored and  beloved  of  them  all. 

"  To  this  moral  and  upright  life,  he  added  in  its  closing  scenes,  a  submis- 
sion to  the  rites  of  Christianity,  and  a  professed  adherence  to  its  fiiith.  For 
many  years,  he  had  a  chapel  and  a  Hawaiian  minister  at  Mana,  for  the  relig- 
ious instruction  of  his  household,  and  regular  daily  prayers,  thereby  encour- 
aging the  Hawaiian  race,  to  whom  he  had  become  affiliated  by  marriage,  to 
adopt  and  practise  the  Cliristianity  introduced  upon  the  islands  subsequent  to 
his  own  settlement  here.  With  his  wife,  who  died  some  years  since,  he  lived 
forty  years. 

"  Mr.  Parker  had  arrived  at  the  advanced  age  of  seventy-eight  years  — 
having  been  born  in  Newton,  Mass.,  in  1790.  By  reason  of  his  strictly  tem- 
perate habits  and  healthful  employments,  he  enjoyed  a  vigorous  old  age. 
For  some  months,  symptoms  of  failing  health  and  increasing  infirmities 
showed  themselves,  and  he  went  down  to  Honolulu  to  seek  medical  advice, 
and  to  end  his  days.     Dropsy  intervened,  which  finally  proved  fatal." 

Otis  Pettee,  of  Newton  Upper  Falls,  was  the  son  of  Simon  and  Abigail 
Pettee,  of  Foxboro',  and  grandson  of  Samuel  and  Elizabeth  (Sherman)  Pettee. 
His  father  had  six  sons  and  five  daughters,  and  his  grandfather  (born  1690) 
had  seven  sons  and  six  daughters.  He  married  Matilda  Sherman,  of  Fox- 
boro', September  25,  1817,  and  had  six  sons  and  three  daughters.  He  died 
February  12,  1853,  aged  fifty-eight,  leaving  a  fair  estate,  of  which  the  inven- 
tory, irrespective  of  business  liabilities,  of  course,  was  declared  by  the  Judge 
of  Probate  the  largest  that  had  been  filed  in  Middlesex  county. 

Mr.  Pettee  rose  to  great  practical  usefulness,  through  his  genius,  industry 
and  natural  strength  of  character.  From  both  his  parents  he  inherited  high 
qualities  of  intellect  and  heart.  In  his  youth,  he  was  occupied  at  his  father's 
forge  or  farm,  and  had  no  advantages  of  mental  culture,  save  the  few  weeks 


OTIS  PETTEE.  19^ 

annually  devoted  to  reading,  writing  and  arithmetic  at  the  common  district 
school.  But  as  he  approached  manhood,  he  gained  light  from  treatises  on 
the  useful  arts  and  sciences  wliich  fell  in  his  way,  and  from  converse  with 
his  gifted  and  intelligent  father.  With  scarcely  any  other  apprenticeship,  he 
early  exhibited  a  comprehension  of  mechanical  principles,  and  a  genius  and 
skill  in  the  construction  of  machinery,  which  caused  him  to  become  favorably 
known,  and  his  services  to  be  sought,  in  situations  requiring  eminent  ability 
of  this  kind. 

After  brief  engagements  elsewhere,  he  removed  to  Newton  Upper  Falls, 
and  undertook  the  superintendence  of  the  erection  of  the  Mills  of  the  Elliot 
Manufacturing  Company  (then  composed  of  Hon.  Abbott  Lawrence,  Thomas 
II.  Perkins  and  others),  and  engaged  to  have  the  management  of  them  after- 
wards. At  the  age  at  which  he  was  called  to  it,  this  was  for  him  a  very 
honorable  position,  and  he  filled  it  in  the  most  satisfactory  manner.  But  his 
great  energy  and  sense  of  unoccupied  faculties  made  him  desire  a  broader 
sphere  of  operations.  Accordingly,  in  1832  he  resigned  his  office  as  superin- 
tendent of  the  Mills  ;  and  in  the  same  village  where  they  were  situated,  he 
erected  suitable  buildings,  and  commenced  on  a  large  scale  the  manufacture 
of  cotton  machinery  entirely  on  his  own  account.  In  the  year  1840,  the  Elliot 
Mills  and  property  connected  with  them  also  came  into  his  possession. 

In  the  village  which  more  especially  formed  the  scene  of  his  labors,  he 
was  a  most  useful  citizen ;  and  not  only  the  cotton-mills,  shops,  and  most  of 
the  homes,  but  the  roads  and  other  structures  in  and  al)0ut  the  locality  will 
long  remain  monuments  of  his  activity  and  public  spirit.  The  thousands  to 
Avhom,  at  different  times,  he  gave  employment  and  showed  kindness  will  long 
remember  him  with  gratitude. 

In  1839,  one  of  his  machine-shops,  three  hundred  and  sixty-six  feet  in  length, 
was  consumed  by  fire,  with  its  valuable  contents.  The  loss  was  estimated 
at  about  §100,000.  Both  before  and  after  this  date,  he  constructed  the 
machinery  for  many  of  the  larger  cotton-mills  in  the  New  England  and  other 
States,  including  several  in  Tennessee  ;  and  likewise  for  a  considerable  num- 
ber of  cotton  manufactories,  then  first  introduced,  and  most  successfully,  in 
the  Republic  of  Mexico. 

Mr.  Pettee's  improvements  in  cotton  machinery  have  been  greatly  valued 
for  their  practical  utility.  Ills  Gear-Cone  Double  Speeder,  or  speeder  with 
gears  in  hyperbolic  series,  was  pronounced  by  the  celebrated  practical  phi- 
losopher and  engineer.  Professor  Treadwell,  to  be  absolutely  "perfect,"  he 
adding  that  "  the  principles  of  it  are  eternal,  and  can  never  be  improved  upon 
so  long  as  the  world  stands."  One  English  author  affected  to  doubt  its  dura- 
bility ;  but  the  very  first  machines  of  the  kind  ever  made  by  the  inventor, 
after  being  in  regular  operation  for  about  a  quarter  of  a  century,  were  still 
running,  at  the  expiration  of  that  period,  in  complete  order.  This  invention 
has  been  extensively  in  use  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic,  though  made  only  at 
Mr.  Pettee's  own  shops. 

With  a  sagacious  foresight  of  the  wants  and  capabilities  of  Newton  and  its 
vicinity,  he  projected  the  '•  Air  Line  Railroad,"  between  the  cities  of  Boston 
and  New  York,  which,  after  various  changes,  has  become  the  New  York  and 


794  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

New  England  Railroad.  He  was  the  leader  and  moving  spirit  in  this  enter- 
prise', wliich  at  first  encountered  much  opposition,  and  lived  to  preside  over 
the  construction  and  operation  of  one  division  of  the  road  through  the  Upper 
Falls  Village,  and  beyond. 

It  was  characteristic  of  Mr.  Pettee  to  say  little  and  accomplish  much.  Thus, 
though  it  might  concern  the  pulilic,  none  but  he  and  perhaps  one  of  his  fore- 
men, who  was  to  lead  the  laborers,  would  know  that  he  entertained  a  purpose 
to  level  some  one  of  the  difficult  hills  in  the  public  road  between  Newton 
Upper  Falls  and  Boston,  until  early  some  morning,  when  the  company  of 
laborers  would  be  seen  at  the  work.  He  thus,  at  various  times,  expended 
voluntarily  hundreds  of  dollars  on  the  highways.  In  acknowledgment  of  the 
benefits  thus  conferred  on  the  public,  the  town  of  Newton,  unasked,  voted 
him,  more  than  once  or  twice,  a  few  hundred  dollars,  though  under  no  legal 
obligation. 

Mr.  Pettee  loved  farming  and  gardening,  and  conducted  horticultural  opera- 
tions extensively  and  with  skill.  The  stone  barn  built  b}'  him,  not  far  from 
his  house,  was  of  a  size  sufSc^ient  to  contain  four  of  tlie  largest  barns  in  New- 
ton, lie  never  revealed  his  plan  in  building  such  a  structure;  but  as  tlie 
niorus  multicaulis  excitement  prevailed  in  Newton  about  that  time,  the  con- 
jecture was  often  expressed  by  his  neighbors  that  his  design  was  to  embark 
in  silk  culture. 

Mr.  Pettee  was  honest,  benevolent,  conscientious  and  fearless.  Through 
all  vicissitudes,  he  held  a  very  high  character,  not  only  for  ability,  but  spotless 
integrity.  At  the  Presidential  election  in  1844:,  he  was  one  of  the  four  or  five 
men  who  voted  the  Liberty  party  ticket  in  Newton. 

Various  Associations  passed  commemorative  resolutions  on  the  occasion 
of  his  death.  One  of  these,  passed  by  the  Stockholders  of  the  Railroad,  is 
-sufficient  to  represent  the  method  and  spirit  of  the  whole. 

'■'■Resolved^  That  the  manly  courage,  which  no  reverses  could  shake,  the 
equanimity  and  cheerfulness,  which  no  hardness  or  injustice  could  disturb, 
the  integrity,  which  neither  favor  nor  frown  could  swc^rve,  tlie  indomitable 
industry,  v»'hich  no  power  but  death  could  stay,  illusti'ate  the  great  qualities  in 
the  character  of  our  friend,  which  will  confer  perpetual  honor  on  his  memory. " 

Marshall  S.  Rice  was  born  Juno  10,  1800.  He  was  sou  of  Nathan  Rice, 
ii  practising  pliysician,  who  removed  with  his  family,  soon  after  the  above 
date,  to  East  Salisbury  (Wayland).  He  received  his  early  education  in  the 
district  schools  of  that  town,  and,  in  the  winter  session,  when  the  master, 
who  was  a  physician,  was  called  out  to  visit  the  sick,  which  sometimes  hap- 
pened, the  young  pupil  was  designated  to  take  his  place  in  tlie  school,  and 
thus  gained  his  first  experience  in  teaching.  After  laboring  on  a  farm  two  or 
three  years,  he  determined  to  devote  his  life  to  teaching.  He  then  studied 
at  an  academy  in  Westford  for  a  single  terra.  In  the  winters  of  1821-3,  lie 
.taught  a  district  school  in  Wayland,  at  a  salary  of  sixteen  to  eighteen  dollars 
per  month,  and  labored  on  a  farm  in  the  intervening  summers.  In  1824,  lie 
had  charge  of  one  of  the  schools  of  Dorchester,  which  was  kept  throughout 
the  year.  In  May,  1825,  he  commenced  a  Boarding  School  for  boys  at  New- 
ton Centre,  which  he  continued  twenty-three  years.     Mr.  Rice  was  the  main 


DR.  BARNAS  SEARS.  795 

•support  of  the  Methoclist  Society  at  Newton  Upper  Falls,  from  the  begin- 
ning, and  a  man  over  exercising  a  wide  and  good  influence  among  his 
fellow-citizens.  He  was  Selectman,  and  the  Town  Clerk  of  Newton  twenty- 
seven  years,  holding  his  office,  —  the  last  in  the  series, —  till  the  town  became 
a  city.  He  was  Representative  four  years,  commencing  in  184:G.  He  was 
twice  married,  and  had  five  children  ;  one  of  them,  the  youngest,  died  in  the 
war  of  the  Rebellion.  The  eldest  daughter  died  in  18-17.  The  second  daugh- 
ter married  Rev.  Alvah  Hovey,  President  of  the  Newton  Theological  Institu- 
tion. The  third  married  Rev.  C.  H.  Carpenter,  missionary  to  Burmah,  and 
has  been  a  very  useful  and  honored  assistant  in  missionary  labor  among  the 
Karen  people  in  that  kingdom.     Mr.  Rice  died  February  21,  1879. 

Thomas  Rice,  jr.,  was  a  native  of  Newton  Lower  Falls,  where  he  spent  his 
whole  life.  He  was  an  older  brother  of  Hon.  Alexander  II.  Rice,  Governor 
of  the  Commonwealth  of  jNIassachusetts  in  1S7G-8.  He  was  an  eminent  paper 
manufacturer,  having  large  dealings  with  numerous  customers,  and  fulfilling 
extensive  contracts  promptly  and  faithfully.  For  more  than  forty  years,  the 
Boston  Daily  Transcript  \va,s  printed  on  paper  from  the  establishment  of  which, 
for  nearly  the  whole  of  that  time,  he  was  the  directing  and  controlling  head. 

He  was  first  elected  Selectman  of  Newton  in  1845,  and  labored  diligently 
and  efficiently  for  the  best  interests  of  the  town  until  death  called  hiui  away, 
^fter  a  service  of  eighteen  years.  For  ten  years  he  was  Chairman  of  thj 
Board.  In  1857,  he  was  elected  to  the  Massachusetts  House  of  Representa- 
tives, remaining  in  that  body  for  three  years.  He  was  elected  to  the  State 
Senate  in  1863,  and  again  in  18G4.'  During  1805  and  18CG,  he  was  chosen  a 
member  of  the  Executive  Council. 

During  the  civil  war,  he  was  especially  active  in  filling  the  quotas  of  the 
town,  working  night  and  day  for  the  purpose.  He  was  found  everywhere 
during  that  period  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty; — now  at  home,  arranging  to 
fill  up  the  quotas  of  soldiers  required  of  the  town ;  now,  repeatedly,  at  the 
front,  looking  after  the  necessities  of  tlie  soldiers,  ministering  to  their  needs, 
comforting  them  in  sorrow  and  hardship,  looking  after  the  dead,  and  tenderly 
conveying  their  remains  bade  to  their  friends ;  and  now,  inquiring  into  the 
wants  and  griefs  of  tlie  families  they  had  left  at  home,  if  perchance  he  might 
supply  the  one  and  alleviate  the  other.  He  was  a  true  patriot  and  lover  of  his 
country. 

Mr.  Rice  died  January  13,  1873,  aged  sixty-two  years,  and  was  buried  in 
the  village  cemetery  at  Newton  Lower  Falls.  Various  associations  and 
public  bodies  passed  resolutions  testifying  to  his  merit. 

Baknas  Sears,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  was  born  at  Sandisfield,  Mass.,  in  1802,  and 
was  a  graduate  of  Brown  University  and  of  the  Newton  Theological  Institu- 
tion. He  was  ordained  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  church  in  Hartford,  Conn., 
in  1827,  but  two  years  later  gave  up  the  pastorate  to  become  a  Professor  in 
the  Theological  Institution  at  Hamilton,  N.  Y.  In  1833,  he  went  to  Germany 
to  study,  and  spent  three  years  there.  It  was  during  this  visit  that  he  met 
and  baptized  the  Rev.  J.  G.  Oncken  and  several  others,  who  had  been  led  by 
their  study  of  the  Scriptures  to  hold  Baptist  views,  and  thus  became  the 
leader  in  an  important  movement  in  Germany. 


796  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

On  liis  return  to  America,  Dr.  Sears  was  elected  Professor  in  the  Newton 
Theological  Institution.  Here  he  remained  from  1835  to  IS-tT,  during  part 
of  which  timd  he  was  the  President  of  the  Institution.  The  name  which  he 
had  honorably  won  as  a  teacher  and  executive,  designated  him  as  a  fit  suc- 
cessor to  the  Hon.  Horace  Mann,  as  Secretary  and  Executive  Agent  of  the 
Massachusetts  Board  of  Education,  which  position  he  held  from  1848  to  1855. 
During  these  years,  in  which  he  resided  in  Newton,  Dr.  Sears  was,most  of  the 
time,  an  active  and  influential  member  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  the 
Baptist  Missionary  Union.  At  a  later  period,  he  was  for  several  successive 
years  President  of  the  Missionary  Union,  his  term  of  service  having  ended 
with  the  meeting  in  Providence,  in  1877. 

In  1855,  Dr.  Sears  was  chosen  to  succeed  Dr.  Francis  Waylandas  President 
of  Brown  University,  and  remained  at  the  head  of  that  institution  until  1867. 
In  that  year,  George  Peabody  established  a  fund  of  $1,000,000,  bearing  his 
name,  for  "the  encouragement  and  promotion  of  intellectual,  moral  and 
industrial  education  among  the  young  of  the  more  destitute  parts  of  the 
Southern  and  Southwestern  States  of  the  Union."  Dr.  Sears  was  chosen  as 
the  agent  for  the  distribution  of  this  fund,  by  the  ten  trustees  to  whose  care 
it  was  committed.  In  1869,  Mr.  Peabody  added  another  $1,000,000  to  the 
fund,  and  other  gifts  were  subsequently  made,  to  the  nominal  value  of  $1,500,- 
000,  in  Mississippi  and  Florida  bonds.  The  services  of  Dr.  Sears  as  agent 
of  this  fund  have  been  very  great.  "When  he  began  his  labors,  not  a  single 
Southern  State  had  a  well-organized  public  school  system ;  now,  every  South- 
ern State  has  a  public  school  system,  and  some  of  them  are  as  well  organized 
as  those  of  any  Northern  State.  To  the  wise  and  active  labors  of  Dr.  Sears, 
a  large  part  of  this  result  is  due. 

Besides  his  work  as  teacher  and  executor.  Dr.  Sears  found  time  for  the 
kindred  occupations  of  editor  and  author.  He  became  editor  of  the  Christian 
Review  in  1838,  and  conducted  that  periodical  for  several  years.  He  contri- 
buted numerous  articles  to  the  "  Bibliotheca  Sacra,"  and  was  a  valued  writer 
for  the  "  American  Cyclopaedia. "  Besides  numerous  pamphlets,  addresses, 
reports,  etc.,  the  following  volumes  are  among  those  published  by  him : 
*'  The  Ciceronian,"  a  treatise  ou  the  Prussian  mode  of  instruction  in  Latin, 
1844;  "  Select  Treatises  of  Luther,"'  in  German,  with  notes,  1846;  "Life  of 
Martin  Luther,"  1850.  Most  students  are  familiar  with  his  revised  edition  of 
that  handy  compend,  "  Roget's  Thesaurus."  In  recognition  of  his  scholarship 
and  work.  Harvard  conferred  on  him  the  degree  of  D.  D.  in  1841,  to  which 
Yale  added  an  LL.  D.  in  1862.  Dr.  Sears  died  at  Saratoga  Springs,  N.  Y., 
July  6,  1880,  aged  seventy-eight.  He  was  a  man  of  exemplary  life,  and  a 
sincere  Christian.  His  work  has  been  a  long  and  useful  one,  and  of  him 
it  may  be  said  with  especial  fitness,  "  His  works  do  follow  him." 

Colonel  Epiiraim  Williams  was  the  eldest  son  of  Colonel  Ephraim  and 
Elizabeth  (Jackson)  Williams,  grandson  of  Captain  Isaac  and  Judith 
(Cooper)  Williams,  of  Newton,  great-grandson  of  Robert  and  Elizabeth 
(Stratton)  Williams,  early  settlers  of  Roxbury.  His  father  removed  from 
Newton  in  1739,  and  became  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  StockbriJge,  Mass.  He 
was  Selectman  seven  years,  and  a  Justice  of  the  Court  of  Common  Picas  in 


COL.  EPHRAIM  WILLIAMS.  797 

the  county  of  HampshirL'.  Colonel  Ephraira  Williaius,  jr.,  was  born  in 
Newton,  February  2-1:,  1715,  and  was  the  first  of  nine  children.  His  own 
mother  died  when  Ephraim  was  three  years  old.  After  her  death,  her  two 
children,  Ephraira  and  Thomas,  were  received  into  the  family  of  their  grand- 
father, Abraham  Jackson,  who  brought  them  up  and  gave  them  a  good  educa- 
tion, instilling  into  their  minds  principles  which  prepared  them  to  be  men  of 
intluence,  and  conspicuous  in  the  world.  Thomas  received  the  degree  of 
Master  of  Arts  from  Yale  College,  was  a  physician  and  surgeon,  settled  at 
Deerfield,  and  had  fifteen  children.  Ephraira,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  in 
early  life  went  several  voyages  to  sea;  but  was  persuaded  by  his  father  to 
relinquish  that  employment.  "  In  his  several  voyages  to  Europe,"  says  a 
Avriter  in  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Collections,  Vol.  8,  first  series,  "he 
visited  England,  Spain  and  Holland,  and  acquired  graceful  manners  and  a  con- 
siderable stock  of  useful  knowledge.  He  possessed  uncommon  military  tal- 
ents ;  and  in  the  war  between  England  and  Erance,  from  the  year  1740  to 
1748,  he  found  opportunity  to  exert  them.  He  was  appointed  captain  of  a 
company  in  the  army,  raised  in  New  England,  in  what  was  called  the  Canada 
service.  Afterwards,  he  commanded  the  line  of  Massachusetts  forts  on  the 
west  side  of  the  Connecticut  River.  During  this  command,  his  principal 
place  of  residence  was  Hoosac  Fort.  Tiiis  stood  on  the  bank  of  the  Hoosac 
River  in  Adams,  about  three  and  a  half  miles  east  of  Williamstown.  He 
had  also  under  his  command  a  small  fort  in  Williamstown,  which  stood  on  an 
•eminence,  a  few  rods  northwest  of  the  meeting-house.  Under  the  protection 
of  these  forts,  the  first  settlers  in  this  part  of  the  country  began  their 
improvements.  Colonel  Williams  was  much  conversant  with  them,  and  wit- 
nessed with  humane  and  painful  sensations  the  danger,  difficulties  and  hard- 
ships which  they  were  obliged  to  encounter.  To  encourage  them,  he  inti- 
mated his  intention  of  doing  something  liberal  and  handsome  for  them. 

"  After  the  peace  concluded  at  Aix-la-Chapelle  in  1748,  he  resided  chiefly 
at  Hatfield,  in  the  county  of  Hampshire.  When  war  again  broke  out  be- 
tween England  and  France,  in  1755,  he  had  the  command  of  a  regiment  in 
the  army,  raised  in  this  then  Province,  for  the  general  defence.  While  at 
Albany,  and  on  his  way  to  join  the  army,  he,  on  the  twenty-second  of  July, 
1755,  made  his  last  will.  Early  in  September  following,  he  fell, —  being  shot 
with  a  musket-ball  through  the  head,  in  the  memorable  battle  fought  with 
the  French  and  Indians  near  Lake  George.*  He  was  then  a  little  more  than 
forty  years  of  age,  and  had  always  lived  a  single  life.  In  his  person,  he  was 
large  and  fleshy.  He  had  a  taste  for  books,  and  often  lamented  his  want  of 
a  liberal  education.     His    address  was  easy,  and  his  manners,  pleasing  and 


♦Among  the  bushes  on  a  hill  side,  not  far  from  the  spot  where  Williams  fell,  is  a 
plain  marble  shaft,  perhaps  eight  feet  high,  white,  clouded  with  blue,  and  standing 
on  a  huge  boulder.  This  is  Williams'  monument.  It  was  erected  in  1851  by  the 
graduates  of  Williams  College.  On  it  are  inscriptions  in  Latin  and  English.  The 
English  inscription  is  as  follows: 

"  Erected  to  the  memory  of  Col.  Ephraim  Williams,  a  native  of  Newton,  Mass., 
who,  after  gallantly  defending  the  frontiers  of  his  native  State,  served  under  General 
Johnson  against  the  French  and  Indians,  and  nobly  fell  near  this  spot,  in  the 
Ijloody  contlict  of  September  8, 1755,  in  the  42nd  year  of  his  age." 


798  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

conciliating.  Affable  and  facetious,  he  could  make  himself  agreeable  in  alls 
companies,  and  was  very  generally  esteemed,  respected  and  beloved.  His 
kind  and  obliging  deportment,  his  generosity  and  condescension  greatly  en- 
deared him  to  his  soldiers.  By  them  he  was  uncommonly  beloved  while  he 
lived,  and  lamented  when  dead.  When  Captain  at  Fort  Massachusetts,  he 
frequently  entered  into  the  pastimes  of  his  soldiers  upon  an  equal  footing 
with  them,  and  permitted  every  decent  freedom ;  and  again,  when  the  diver- 
sions were  over,  with  ease  and  dignity  he  resumed  the  captain.  His  polite- 
ness and  address  procured  him  a  greater  influence  at  the  General  Court  than 
any  other  person  at  that  day  possessed.  He  was  attentive  and  polite  to  all 
descriptions  and  classes  of  men,  and  sought  the  company  and  conversation 
of  men  of  letters. 

"  His  property,  at  the  time  of  his  death,  was  not  very  considerable.  It 
consisted  principally  in  notes,  bonds  and  obligations,  and  in  new  lands  in  the 
western  counties  of  the  Commonwealth.  Yet,  as  fixr  as  his  circumstances 
enabled  him,  he  generously  made  provision  in  his  will  to  answer  the  expec- 
tations which  he  had  raised  in  the  minds  of  the  first  settlers  of  Williamstown. 
After  several  small  bequests  to  his  relatives  and  friends,  he  willed  '  that  the 
remainder  of  his  lands  should  be  sold,  at  the  direction  of  his  Executors, 
within  five  years  after  an  established  peace ;  and  that  the  interest  of  the 
moneys  arising  from  the  sale,  and  also  the  interest  of  his  notes  and  bonds, 
should  be  applied  to  the  support  of  a  Free  School  in  a  township  west  of  Fort 
Massachusetts, —  provided  the  said  township  fall  within  Massachusetts,  uponi 
running  the  line  between  Massachusetts  and  New  York,  and  provided  the 
said  township,  wlien  incorporated,  be  called  Williamstown.'  Both  of  these 
conditions  took  place. 

"John  Worthington,  Esq.,  of  Springfield,  and  Israel  Williams,  Esq.,  of 
Hatfield,  the  Executors  of  the  will,  sold  the  lands,  agreeable  to  the  direction 
of  the  testator.  The  moneys  arising  from  the  sale  were  loaned  to  responsi- 
ble men,  and  mortgages  taken  to  secure  the  payment  of  principal  and  inter- 
est. The  yearly  interest  was  again  loaned,  and  thus,  by  the  provident  and 
faithful  management  of  the  Executors,  the  fund  was  annually  increased.  In 
the  year  1785,  they  applied  to  the  General  Court  for  an  Act  to  enable  them 
to  carry  into  eff'ect  the  benevolent  intention  of  the  testator.  An  Act  was 
accordingly  passed,  incorporating  '  William  Williams,  Theodore  Sedgwick, 
Woodbridge  Little,  John  Bacon,  Thompson  J.  Skinner,  Israel  Jones,  David 
Noble,  Esq.,  Rev.  Seth  Swift  and  the  Rev.  Daniel  Collins  trustees  of  the 
donation  of  Ephraim  Williams,  Esq.,  for  maintaining  a  Free  School  in  Wil- 
liamstown.' 

"In  the  year  1788,  the  Trustees  voted  to  erect  a  building  for  the  accom- 
modation of  the  Free  School.  A  lottery  was  granted  them  by  the  General 
Court,  to  raise  the  sum  of  four  thousand  dollars, — ifi  questionable  mode  of  rais- 
ing funds,  but  at  that  time  deemed  permissible, — and  the  inhabitants  of  Wil- 
liamstown raised  by  subscription  two  thousand  dollars  more,  towards  the 
expense  of  the  building.  In  1790,  a  brick  building,  eighty-two  feet  long,  forty- 
two  feet  wide,  and  four  stories  high,  was  erected,  containing  twenty-eight 
rooms  ior  the  accommodation  of  students,  and  a  chapel,  which  occupies  the 


COL.  EPlIRxilM  WILLIAMS.  79^ 

space  of  four  rooms.  The  expense  of  the  building,  when  finished,  was  esti- 
mated at  about  .$11,700.  The  funds  then  remaining  at  interest  amounted  to 
about  the  same  sum. 

'•In  October,  1791,  this  Free  School  was  opened  under  the  direction  of  a 
preceptor  and  an  English  schoolmaster.  An  usher  was  soon  afterwards 
appointed.  The  school  consisted  of  two  departments,  a  Grammar  School, 
or  Academy,  and  an  English  Free  School.  The  latter  was  almost  wholly 
composed  of  boys  from  the  higher  classes  in  the  common  schools  in  Wil- 
liamstown.  They  were  taught  reading,  writing  and  arithmetic.  In  the  for- 
mer, all  the  arts  and  sciences,  which  compose  the  usual  course  of  education 
in  the  New  England  colleges,  were  taught.  This  department  rapidly 
increased  in  numbers.  Youth  resorted  to  it,  not  only  from  the  country  and 
vicinity,  but  from  New  York,  Canada,  and  other  distant  parts  of  the  country. 
Its  usefulness  in  several  respects,  and  especially  in  one,  was  soon  experienced. 
Many  young  men  came  to  this  academy  to  qualify  themselves  to  become  use- 
ful and  reputable  instructors  of  common  schools.  Not  a  few  of  them  had 
before  taught  school,  though  very  imperfectly  qualified  for  the  business. 
The  happy  consequence  was  that  many  of  the  common  schools  in  this  part 
of  the  country  were  soon  furnished  with  much  more  competent  instructors 
than  had  before  been  employed. 

"In  tliis  situation  as  to  officers  and  instruction,  and  in  a  state  of  increasing 
reputation  and  usefulness,  the  Free  School  and  academy  continued  until 
September,  1793.  In  June  of  that  year,  the  General  Court  incorporated  the 
Institution  into  a  college  ;  and,  in  honor  to  Colonel  Williams,  wiiose  liberal 
donation  laid  the  foundation  of  the  funds,  they  called  it  Williams  Collkge. 
All  tlie  gentlemen  who  were  Trustees  of  the  Free  School  were  made  Trus- 
tees of  the  College;  and  to  them  were  added  the  Rev.  Steplien  West,  D.  D. 
(elected  Vice-President  at  the  first  session  of  the  Board),  Henry  Van 
Schaack  and  Elijah  Williams,  Esqs.,  and  the  President  of  the  College  for 
the  time  being.  The  charter,  or  Act  of  Incorporation,  allowed  the  Board  of 
Trustees  to  consist  of  seventeen  members,  including  the  President ;  empow- 
ered them  to  fill  all  vacancies  whicli  might  take  place  by  death  or  resigna- 
tion ;  to  confer  the  usual  academic  degrees  and  doctorates,  after  the  first  of 
January,  1800;  and  to  hold  property  to  t!ie  clear  annual  amount  of  six  thou- 
sand pounds.  The  General  Court  accompanied  this  charter  with  a  liberal 
grant  of  four  thousand  dollars,  payable  out  of  the  treasury  of  the  Common- 
wealth, in  four  annual  instalments. 

''In  October,  1793,  the  College  was  duly  organized,  and  three  small 
classes  were  admitted.  The  English  Free  School  was  discontinued;  but  the 
Grammar  School,  or  academy,  was  continued  in  connection  with  the  College. 

"  The  General  Court,  at  their  session  in  January,  1796,  granted  to  the 
President  and  Trustees  of  Williams  College  the  right  of  locating  two  town- 
ships in  the  District  of  Maine.  One  of  these  was  sold  in  May  following  for 
about  .$  10,000." 

The  importance  of  the  bequest  of  Colonel  Williams,  which  laid  the  foun- 
dation of  Williams  College,  cannot  be  overestimated.  The  choice  influences 
emanating  from  that  excellent  Institution  have  blessed  the  world,  and  carried 


800  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

civilization  and  salvation  to  the  distant  heatiien.  Behind  a  haystack,  in  a 
field  back  of  the  College, —  since  marked  by  a  fitting  monument, —  the  enter- 
prise of  American  Missions  to  the  unevangelized  heathen  first  took  form  and 
shape ;  and  to  this  hallowed  spot,  all  the  missionary  efforts  of  American 
Christians,  of  all  the  denominations,  trace  their  origin.  For  the  connection 
of  this  institution  of  learning  with  such  an  enterprise, —  even  if  it  had  not 
also  been  a  fountain  of  blessings  to  the  Commonwealth  and  the  nation, 
through  the  great  and  useful  men  who  have  been  nurtured  in  its  halls,  the 
name  and  act  of  Colonel  Williams  deserves  to  be  kept  in  everlasting  remem- 
brance. And,  through  the  far-reaching  influence  of  this  act  of  one  of  her 
sons,  Newton  has  set  one  of  the  brightest  gems  in  her  crown. 


CHAPTER  LVIII. 

REMINISCENCES    OP   MEN   AND   THINGS. 

In  preparing  a  work  of  such  a  character  as  t)ie  present,  many 
items  occur  pertaining  to  the  history  of  men  and  things,  which 
cannot  well  be  arranged  under  any  specific  class  or  period,  and  do  not 
properly  belong  to  any  single  chapter  in  this  volume  ;  and  yet 
they  are  possessed  of  interest,  as  a  part  of  the  general  narrative. 
These  items  relate  to  persons,  places  and  events.  They  are  valu- 
able as  contributions  to  history,  and  as  delineators  of  character  and 
growth.  They  constitute,  as  collected  together,  a  repository  of 
entertaining  information,  which  the  curious  inquirer  would  not  will- 
ingly forego,  and  which  the  diligent  and  interested  reader  will  prize. 
Man}-  of  these  items  will  be  brought  together  in  the  present  chapter, 
under  the  three  heads  above  indicated. 

We  find  the  following  additions  to  the  recollections  of  Rev.  Mr. 
Greenough,  the  first  pastor  at  West  Newton. 

Mr.  Greenough's  Punctcalitt. —  Mr.  Greenough  was  a  man  of  social, 
genial  companionship ;  his  hospitality  was  well  known,  and  his  friends  always 
welcome.  He  conversed  with  great  care,  had  a  large  fund  of  anecdote,  and 
told  a  story  with  a  gusto. 

But  he  liked  punctuality  in  guest  and  host,  as  two  events  which  occurred 
late  in  his  life  will  show.  Two  young  gentlemen,  relatives  of  the  family,  rode 
out  of  Boston  in  a  chaise,  called  at  Mr.  Greenough's  on  their  way  to  some 
place  beyond, — and  proposed,  if  agreeable  to  the  family,  to  return  there  early 
in  the  evening,  and  spend  the  night.  If  not,  they  would  return  to  Boston. 
Of  course,  their  proposition  was  cheerfully  accepted,  and  they  went  on  their 
way.  But  having  made  sure  of  a  lodging,  they  were  much  more  tardy  in 
coming  back,  than  if  obliged  that  night  to  return  to  Boston.  Nine  o'clock 
came,  but  the  guests  had  not  arrived.  The  family  were  called  together,  the 
evening  service  was  performed.  Bedtime  came ;  guests  came  not.  A  few 
minutes  more  were  needful  for  the  shutting  up  of  the  house.  The  family 
retired.  Mr.  Greenough  put  out  the  last  light ;  the  house  was  dark,  and  the 
business  of  sleeping  began.  Soon,  the  heavy  brass  knocker  is  heard.  No 
answer.  Again  the  knocker  strikes,  and  louder.  Mr.  Greenough  arose,  put 
his  head  out  of  the  window,  and  inquired  peremptorily,  "  IVAo's  there?"  and 
51  801 


802  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

then  said  to  the  belated  travellers,  "  Young  men,  don't  you  know  better  than- 
to  be  knocking  at  folks'  houses  after  the  families  have  gone  to  bed?  If  you 
choose  to  be  riding  about  this  time  of  night,  you  must  find  your  lodging  at 
the  tavern.  We  take  breakfast  to-raorrow  morning  at  six  o'clock;  if  you  are- 
here  at  that  hour,  we  shall  be  glad  to  see  you,  good  night."  The  window  was 
closed.  The  young  men  looked  at  one  another,  went  back  to  their  chaise, 
drove  down  to  the  village  and  put  up  at  the  Hotel.  But  they  smothered  their 
wrath  with  a  sense  of  respect  or  fun,  for  they  were  on  hand  at  breakfast,  and 
the  night  scene  was  forgotten,  save  that  they  had  received  a  lesson  on  punct- 
uality which  was  likely  to  remain. 

Another  event  showed  him  punctual  as  a  host.  On  a  certain  occasion  Doc- 
tors Jenks  and  Wisner  had  been  into  the  country  on  some  council,  and  on 
their  return,  early  in  the  evening,  called  upon  Mr.  Greenough.  He  cordially 
invited  them  to  have  their  horse  put  up,  and  spend  tlie  night.  They  excused 
themselves  by  saying  they  were  obliged  to  meet  certain  engagements  in  Boston 
in  the  morning,  and  if  they  remained  here  for  the  night,  they  would  be  too 
late  in  getting  into  the  city.  "  What  time,"  inquired  Mr.  Greenough,  "  must 
you  be  in  Boston?  "  Nine  o'clock  was  named.  "  How  long  will  it  take  you 
to  drive  in,  put  up  your  horse,  and  get  there?  "  The  time  was  given.  "  Stay," 
said  Mr.  Greenough,  "and  it  shall  not  be  my  fault  if  you  are  not  there." 
The  next  morning  the  voice  of  Mr.  Greenough  called  them  to  breakfast. 
Breakfast  and  family  devotions  over,  Mr.  Greenough,  without  saying  a  word, 
walked  into  the  hall,  brought  out  hats  and  coats,  handed  them  to  his  guests, 
and,  pointing  through  the  window,  said,  "  There  is  your  chaise,  and  if  you  are 
not  in  time  in  Boston  this  morning,  don't  blame  me." 

Treatment  of  Guests. —  When  any  one  came  to  his  house  whom  he  thought 
proper  to  ask  to  prolong  his  stay,  if  the  guest  excused  himself  by  stating  some- 
inconvenience  to  which  it  would  subject  him,  or  some  engagement  which 
would  be  interfered  with,  his  reply  would  be,  "  Well,  do  as  you  are  a  mind 
tO;  and  then  you  will  come  again."  And  sometimes  he  would  give  the  reason 
for  this  method  of  his,  which  was  very  common  with  him. 

"  When  I  was  a  boy,"  he  would  say,  "  I  used  to  go  to  Roxbury  to  my  uncle 
Hyslop's,  and  my  aunt  would  always  insist  upon  my  staying  to  tea,  and  then 
I  had  to  go  all  the  way  over  the  '  neck '  in  the  dark ;  and  I  was  very  reluctant 
to  go  and  sec  her  for  that  reason, —  and  I  resolved,  if  I  ever  had  a  house  of 
my  own,  I  would  let  folks  do  as  they  were  a  mind  to,  and  make  it  a  rule  never 
xo  urge  them  to  remain  longer  then  convenient." 

When  Dr.  Hosmer,  late  of  Watertown,  being  then  a  young  man,  first  called 
on  Mr.  Greenough,  Mr.  Greenough  led  him  into  the  parlor,  and  pointing  to 
the  rocking  chair  asked  him  to  take  a  seat.  Looking  at  his  venerable  friend, 
"  Excuse  me,"  said  the  Doctor,  "  I  think  you  would  better  grace  that  seat." 
"  Take  it,"  said  Mr.  G.,  "  this  is  my  house."     Dr.  Hosmer  sat  down. 

YooNG  America  Scbdded. — Mr.  Greenough  was  a  Boston  boy  of  the  old 
school,  and  was  taught  the  manners  of  his  time.  His  father  brought  him  up 
to  feel  that  his  hat  was  never  off,  till  it  was  as  low  as  his  elbow.  The  boys 
and  girls  of  his  p.arish  were  expected  to  notice  him  with  the  appropriate  courtesy- 


REMINISCENCES.  803 

whenever  they  met  him.  He  was  therefore  not  pleased  with  the  change  which 
young  America  was  effecting  among  the  boys,  in  the  latter  part  of  his  life. 

A  grandson  was  visiting  at  his  house.  He  was  a  Boston  boy,  of  some  eight 
or  ten  summers.  He  saw  in  this  boy  a  wide  departure  from  the  habits  of  his 
own  early  days.  Though  exceedingly  fond  of  him,  he  would  have  liked  him 
better  had  his  manners  been  more  like  his  own  at  that  age.  It  happened  that 
the  baker  drove  into  the  yard  one  day,  when  Mr.  Greenough  and  the  boy  were 
at  the  door.  The  boy  says,  "Grandpa,  will  you  get  me  a  piece  of  ginger- 
bread?" "Yes,"  said  the  kind-hearted  old  man.  Mr.  Greenough  walked  to 
the  cart ;  the  gingerbread  was  ordered  and  paid  for.  Mr.  Greenough  taking 
the  gingerbread,  turned  round,  faced  the  boy,  and  said,  "  Now,  William,  take 
off  your  hat  and  make  a  bow."  The  boy,  though  raised  in  the  same  city  in 
which  his  grandfather  had  learned  his  manners,  was  not  accustomed  to  such 
discipline,  and  hesitated  at  Mr.  Greenough,  as  if  he  had  spoken  to  him  in  an 
unknown  tongue,  making  no  motion  to  obey  the  command.  Mr.  Greenough, 
looking  at  him  with  a  stern  countenance,  repeated  in  a  firmer,  louder  tone, 
"  Pull  off  your  hat,  I  say,  and  make  a  bow."  The  boy  stood  as  unmoved  as 
before.  Mr.  Greenough  waited  for  a  moment,  but  seeing  no  change,  dropped 
the  gingerbread  into  the  large  side  pocket  of  his  coat,  and  walked  into  the 
house.  Not  another  word  was  said,  till  the  call  of  the  baker  again  the  next 
day.  Grandfather  and  grandson  again  in  the  yard.  With  the  same  tone  as 
before,  the  boy  says,  "  Grandpa,  will  you  get  me  a  piece  of  gingerbread?  " 
The  gingerbread  was  bought.  Mr.  Greenough,  holding  the  gingerbread,  looked 
the  boy  in  the  face.  The  hat  was  quickly  put  through  the  exercise,  the  head 
performed  the  unwonted  courtesy.  The  forthcoming  gingerbread  was  very 
sweet.  It  is  to  be  feared  that  in  the  present  age  of  the  world,  neither  would 
the  minister  be  brave  enough  to  administer  such  a  reproof,  nor  the  lad  con- 
siderate enough  graciously  to  accept  it. 

Integrity. — He  was  a  man  of  the  strictest  integrity.  He  loved  an  honest 
man.  At  one  time  he  sold  some  standing  grass,  so  much  for  the  lot.  After  it 
was  cut,  Mr.  Greenough  said  to  the  purchaser  (who  by  the  way  found  no  foult 
with  the  bargain),  "  There  is  not  so  much  hay  as  I  expected;  it  is  not  worth 
as  much  as  you  agreed  to  pay,  and  I  shall  take  only  so  much,"  mentioning  a 
smaller  sum. 

He  was  a  kind-hearted,  benevolent  man,  giving  liberally,  and  not  sounding 
a  trumpet,  to  be  heard  of  men.  One  of  his  parishioners,  a  mechanic,  lost  his- 
shop  and  tools  by  fire.  Father  Greenough  aided  him  to  the  amount  of  tea 
dollars,  remarking,  "  I  don't  wish  it  published." 

"The  Devil  take  it,"  exclaimed  a  prominent  parishioner,  justas  Mr.  Green- 
ough was' passing.     "  Why  do   you  use  suQh   language,  Mr.  ?"     '-It 

relieves  my  stomach,"  was  the  excuse.  "  Your  stomach  must  be  very  foul," 
replied  Father  G.  One  of  his  parishioners,  a  skeptic,  said,  "  If  anyone  ever 
gets  to  heaven  it  will  be  Parson  Greenough."  A  colored  family  lived  in  the 
parish.  The  same  attention  was  shown  to  them  as  to  any  other,  no  matter 
what  their  circumstances  in  life  might  be.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Greenough  visited 
and  took  tea  with  them,  and  in  turn  they  were  invited  to  the  parsonage,  a>-- 
was  customary. 


804  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

One  of  their  children,  now  living,  loves  to  tell  of  Parson  Greenoiigh's 
kindness,  and  says,  "  He  was  the  most  honest  man  I  ever  knew."  An  infidel 
in  the  parish  was  now  and  then  seen  at  church.  Father  Greenough  used  to 
visit  him,  and  strive  to  show  him  his  error,  but  without  success.  That  man 
said  "  he  respected  Parson  Greenough  for  doing  his  duty." 

Hearing  tlie  word  Sunday  used,  instead  of  Sabbath,  liis  remark  was,  "  I 
don't  like  to  hear  the  word  Sunday  ;  because  the  heathen  worship  the  sun, 
they  call  it  Sunday;  let  us  say  Sabbath." 

"  He  possessed  a  rare  faculty  for  explaining  difficult  passages  of  Scrip- 
ture," said  one  who  knew  him  long  and  well.  "  He  was  social,  earnest,  prac- 
tical, and  very  faithful."  This  is  the  united  testimony  of  all  that  remember 
him. 

We  must  admit  that,  as  a  clergyman  of  the  olden  time,  he  said  and  did 
what  now  would  be  hardly  tolerated.  In  the  early  part  of  his  ministry,  one 
Sabbath,  a  neighbor's  children  were  seen  in  the  road,  a  few  rods  from  their 
father's  door.  The  next  morning  Father  Greenough  called,  and  gave  him  a 
lecture  on  the  laxity  of  his  family  government. 

The  Sabbath. —  On  Saturday  afternoon,  all  possible  preparation  for  the 
Sabbath  was  made.  At  sunset,  all  labor  was  laid  aside.  They  kept  Satur- 
day night,  as  it  was  called.  The  Sabbath  was  observed  with  great  strictness. 
Not  even  washing  dishes  was  allowed. 

Children. —  He  often  visited  the  Public  Schools,  having  an  eye  to  their 
welfare,  and  performing  many  of  the  duties  that  now  devolve  on  the  com- 
mittee. A  boy  was  in  company  with  Father  Greenough,  as  the  Governor 
rode  past  with  his  coach  and  four.  "  I  wish  I  could  ride  in  that  coach,"  said 
the  boy.  "  There  is  something  higher  and  better  to  live  for  than  to  ride  in  a 
coach  ;  and  those  that  ride  in  them  arc  often  the  most  miserable  of  men,  in 
body  as  well  as  mind.  Wealth  seldom  brings  happiness  to  its  possessor,  but 
only  care  and  trouble,"  was  the  reply  of  Father  G.  These  words  were 
remembered  by  the  boy,  and  repeated  sixty  years  afterwards. 

Preaching,  on  one  occasion,  at  Watertown,  some  boys  in  the  gallery  were 
laughing  and  whispering ;  stopping  short  in  the  services,  he  reproved  them 
thus,  "Boys,  behave  in  the  house  of  God;  you  not  only  disobey  your  parents, 
but  greatly  offend  your  Maker."  Those  boys  gave  him  no  more  trouble,  it  is 
said. 

Mks.  Greenodgh's  ENConNTER  WITH  Daniel  Webster. —  There  was  an 
anecdote  he  would  sometimes  tell  a  friend,  of  Mrs.  Greenough's  encounter 
with  Daniel  Webster.  In  the  famous  Badger  will  case,  the  question  before 
the  court  was  that  of  Mrs.  Badg'er's  soundness  of  mind,  and  of  undue  influ- 
ence when  she  made  her  will.  Mr.  Greenough's  first  wife  was  the  daughter 
of  ^Ir.  Badger's  first  wife.  The  second  Mrs.  Greenough  was  called  as  a  wit- 
ness in  this  case  of  the  second  Mrs.  Badger's  will.  Daniel  Webster,  then 
in  his  prime,  was  retained  upon  the  side  opposite  to  the  one  which  had  sum- 
moned Mrs.  Greenough.  Mrs.  Greenough  had,  in  company  with  her  hus- 
band, frequently  visited  Mrs.  Badger  during  her  last  sickness,  and  might 
well  be   supposed  to  know  her  state   of  mind.     Mrs.    Greenough   was   an 


REMINISCENCES.  805 

imperial  looking  woman.  She  was  a  tall,  straight,  black-eyed  lady,  thoroughly 
self-possessed,  and  could  not  easily  be  turned  aside  from  any  purpose  she 
might  entertain.  When  she  came  upon  the  stand,  AVebster  had  the  sagacitj- 
to  see  that  she  was  a  person  whose  testimony  would  have  great  weight  with 
the  jury.  He  therefore  resolved  to  disconcert  her  and  break  her  up,  so  as  to 
spoil  her  evidence.     The  first  question  was  put,  and  she   began  by  saying, 

"I  believe  " Webster  roared  out  at  her,  "  IVd  don't  want  to  know  what 

you  believe;  we  want  to  hear  wliat  you  know  /"  Mrs.  Greenough  replied,  "  That 
is  what  I  was  about  to  say,  and  went  right  on  with  a  clear  answer  to  the  ques- 
tion; and,  as  she  continued  her  evidence,  it  was  evidently  producing  such  an 
effect  upon  the  tribunal  that  Webster  became  alarmed,  and  tried  again  and 
again,  without  success,  to  embarrass  her.  At  length  he  sprang  to  his  feet, 
whirled  round,  drew  out  his  snuff-box,  thrust  his  thumb  and  finger  deep 
down  and  took  a  sonorous  pinch  of  snuff ;  then  drew  forth  a  superb  bandanna 
handkerchief,  which  flowed  down  to  the  floor,  brought  it  up  to  his  nose,  and 
blowed  it  with  a  loud  report;  and  upon  the  instant,  looking  sharply  at  the 
witness  said, —  "  Mrs.  Greenough,  was  Mrs.  Badger  a  neat  woman?"  Mrs. 
Greenough  replied — "I  can't  say  as  to  that;  she  hud  one  verv  dirty 
trick."  "  What  was  that?"  asked  Mr.  Webster.  Mrs.  Greenough  promptly 
replied — "She  took  Snuff."  The  gravit}^  of  Ihe  Court  was  upset,  the 
Court-house  was  in  a  wild  roar  of  cachinnation.  Mr.  Webster  sat  down,  'and 
did  not  open  his  mouth  again  until  she  had  left  the  witness  stand. 

Anecdotes  of  Ivev.  Mr.  Grafton. —  On  a  certain  occasion,  Mr.  Graf- 
ton i^reached  the  annual  sermon  before  a  Missionary  Society,  of  which  he 
was  the  Vice-President  for  many  years,  and  afterwards.  President.  He  took 
for  his  text.  Matt.  XVII:  26,  27.  At  the  close  of  his  sermon,  as  there  was 
to  be  a  collection  in  aid  of  the  funds  of  the  Society,  he  said,  "  And  now  let 
every  gentleman  feel  in  his  pocket,  and  every  lady  in  hor  uurio,  and  see  if 
there  be  not  there  a  piece  of  money,  as  there  was  in  the  mouth  of  Peter's 
fish."  The  archness  and  naivete  with  which  this  was  said,  produced  general 
gratification,  and  secured  a  handsome  donation  to  the  funds  of  the  Society. 

In  preaching  a  charity-sermon,  he  once  remarked  that  some  persons  are 
always  ready  to  give  when  they  are  asked;  butthey  are  governed  by  impure 
motives,  hoping  for  some  sort  of  recompense.  He  said  they  were  willing  to 
'•  cast  their  bread  upon  the  waters;"  but  they  were  careful  to  have  a  string 
tied  to  it,  that  they  might  be  secure  of  drawing  it  back. 

In  his  preaching,  particularly  in  the  latter  days  of  his  life,  he  tended  to  be, 
using  his  own  term,  "prolix."  The  sameness  in  his  discourses — the  infirm- 
ity of  old  age —  sometimes  rendered  him  tedious;  and  though  the  "  anec- 
dote "  with  which  he  illustrated  almost  every  principle,  gave  a  life  to  his  ser- 
mons, still  the  "  once  more,"  "  one  thought  more,"  •'  finally,"  and  "  lastly," 
which  led  him  still  onward,  in  pressing  the  claims  of  religion,  were  some- 
times felt  to  be  more  than  enough. 

A  lady  of  another  coraumnion  having  once  heard  him  pray  at  a  funeral, 
afterwards  remarked,  that  she  seemed  to  herself  never  to  have  heard  a 
prayer  before.  The  service  made  such  an  impression  on  her  mind,  that  she 
affirmed  she  could  never  forget  it. 


806  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

He  was  very  apt  in  the  quotation  of  the  Scriptures.  Once  being  attacked 
by  neuralgia  in  the  face,  during  service,  he  was  obliged  to  shorten  the  ser- 
mon, and  to  give  notice  that  he  could  not  preach  in  the  afternoon.  As  a 
supply  could  not  be  found  to  meet  so  sudden  an  emergency,  the  congrega- 
tion were  left  to  go  every  one  his  own  way.  Though  tortured  with  pain,  he 
could  not  resist  his  ruling  passion  ;  and  so  he  finished  his  announcement  by 
saying,  "  And  this  reminds  me  of  the  passage,  '  I  will  smite  the  shepherd, 
and  the  sheep  shall  be  scattered.'  " 

Though  he  employed  a  part  of  his  time  on  the  little  farm  upon  which  he 
lived,  he  endeavored  to  make  the  hours  spent  in  labor  subservient  to  his 
great  work  as  a  minister  of  Christ.  On  one  occasion,  a  person  passing  by 
and  accosting  him  as  he  was  raking  hay,  speaking  pleasantly  of  his  employ- 
ment, he  said,  "  I  get  many  lessons  in  my  field,  to  be  carried  into  the 
pulpit." 

Going  to  preach  on  one  occasion  at  a  private  house,  a  person  who  was  a 
miller,  and  who  acted  as  a  kind  of  master  of  ceremonies,  handed  him  a 
Bible,  pointing  out  a  particular  verse,  and  asking  hira  to  preach  from  it  as 
his  text.  Father  Grafton  replied,  "  When  you  have  a  quantity  of  corn  to 
grind,  do  you  not  first  look  to  see  how  the  pond  is?  " 

He  spent  little  time  in  his  study,  but  a  great  deal  in  pastoral  visitation. 
There  was  scarcely  a  day,  except  in  storms,  when  he  did  not  ride  abroad  to 
see  some  of  his  parishioners.  Much  of  his  preparation  for  the  pulpit  was 
conducted  in  his  chaise.  Sometimes,  when  riding  with  a  familiar  friend,  he 
has  been  observed,  not  only  talking  out  the  plans  of  his  sermons,  but  actu- 
ally gesticulating,  as  if  preaching  them  in  his  pulpit. 

Though  he  had  no  particular  enthusiasm  as  an  observer  of  nature,  he  evi- 
dently felt  the  etfect  of  its  kindling  influence.  We  have  intimated  that  his 
chaise  was  his  study.  Besides,  he  might  often  be  seen  on  a  Sabbath  morn- 
ing in  summer,  walking  in  his  garden  for  more  than  an  hour  before  the  pub- 
lic worship,  appearing  by  the  motions  of  his  lips  and  by  his  gestures  to  be 
preaching  over  in  solitude  the  sermons  which  he  was  to  deliver  that  day  to 
his  people. 

In  tiie  old  meeting-house  the  ancient  square  pews  were  generally  furnished 
with  one  or  two  chairs,  besides  the  permanent  seats  around  the  sides.  On 
the  Sabbath-noon,  most  of  the  families  remaining  during  the  intermission 
and  bringing  their  lunch  with  them,  the  box  of  provisions  was  placed  in  a 
chair  in  the  middle,  and  all  the  family  helped  themselves.  Father  G.  uni- 
formly remained  also,  but  brought  no  refreshment  with  him.  He  went 
round,  however,  from  pew  to  pew,  taking  a  piece  of  pie  here,  and  of  cake 
there,  and  an  apple  from  another  place,  and  going  on,  eating  and  conversing 
with  his  parishioners,  like  another  Oberlin  among  his  Alpine  flock.  At  a 
suitable  opportunity,  all  having  had  time  enough,  he  used  to  say,  "  Come, 
friends,  it  is  time  to  go  to  the  prayer-meeting;"  and  thus,  in  this  simple  and 
primitive  way,  the  good  old  man  went  in  and  out  among  his  people,  as  a 
good  shepherd,  knowing  his  sheep,  and  known  of  them. 

He  was  very  social  in  his  disposition,  and  greatly  enjoyed  the  companion- 
ship of  friends.     One  Saturday  evening,  he  had  been  conversing  with  a  nura- 


REMINISCENCES.  807 

ber  in  his  parlor  until  ciccht  o'clock,  when  he  pleasantly  remarked,  alluding 
to  the  members  of  the  Theological  Institution,  that  he  had  now  a  learned 
congregation  to  preach  to,  and  must  withdraw  to  his  study  to  prepare  for  the 
Sabbath.  He  was  absent  only  about  twenty  minutes,  when,  yielding  to  the 
strong  temptation  below,  kecame  running  down  again,  and  spent  the  residue 
of  the  evening  in  friendly  chat. 

He  also  made  himself  very  interesting  in  society.  The  social  element  in 
his  character  was  strongly  developed.  His  remarks  were  rather  sparkling 
than  profound.  Whatever  subject  was  broached,  he  had  some  apt  and  strik- 
ing thing  to  say.  Yet  with  all  his  vivacity  and  sprightliness,  he  did  not  lower 
the  dignity  of  the  Christian  minister;  and  whatever  theme  was  discussed,  he 
found  means  to  bring  back  the  conversation,  easily  and  naturally,  to  religion. 

On  a  certain  occasion,  an  exchange  of  pulpits  had  been  arranged  by  him 
with  the  Rev.  Dr.  Sharp,  of  Boston ;  but,  at  the  last  moment,  the  plan  was 
unavoidably  broken  up.  When  Mr.  Grafton  appeared  before  his  congrega- 
tion, he  explained  the  circumstances  as  an  apology  for  his  want  of  prep- 
aration, adding,  "  In  music,  every  tune  is  either  a  sharp  or  a  flat;  and  I  am 
afraid  you  will  have  a  flat  to-day;" — playing  upon  the  name  of  Dr.  Sharp. 
After  this,  he  proceeded  with  his  sermon. 

If  any  case  of  church  action  required  peculiar  wisdom  in  its  management, 
he  took  much  pains  in  contriving  how  to  present  the  matter  in  the  happiest 
way  to  make  a  favorable  impression.  And  by  some  fortunate  turn  of  ex- 
pression, or  by  an  apt  observation,  he  would  often  restore  harmony  between 
brethren.  His  assistance  was  therefore  often  asked  in  ecclesiastical  councils. 
In  a  certain  church  difficulty,  which  threatened  the  destruction  of  the  har- 
mony of  the  members,  he  was  called  to  be  the  moderator  of  a  council  con- 
vened on  the  case.  A  brother  of  the  church,  who  had  been  deputed  for  the 
purpose,  began,  by  request  of  the  council,  to  state  the  grievances  which 
■^vere  the  matter  in  debate.  Soon,  a  sister  in  tlie  church  thought  herself 
called  upon  to  interrupt  him,  and  to  correct  some  statement.  Father  Graf- 
ton, who  had  heard  enough  to  reveal  to  him  the  true  difficulty,  said,  "  xVh,  I 
see  how  it  is, —  the  hens  crow."  By  this  apt  remark,  perhaps  as  dignified 
as  the  case  demanded,  the  whole  matter  was  set  in  its  true  light,  and  the  dis- 
sentients, ashamed  of  their  quarrel,  were  restored  to  peace  and  good-will. 

He  was  a  great  friend  to  singing  schools,  promoting  them,  when  they  were 
jiroposed  in  his  parish,  by  all  his  influence,  often  going  into  the  school,  and 
showing  his  interest  by  some  kind  remarks.  One  winter,  when  a  dancing 
school  in  the  place  drew  away  the  attention  of  the  young  people,  he  pleas- 
antly imputed  the  prevention  of  the  singing  school  by  such  means  to  Satanic 
agency,  and  remarked  that  "  John,  the  Baptist,  lost  his  head  b\'  dancing." 

A  conversation  having  once  arisen  in  his  presence  on  the  subject  of  danc- 
ing, an  amusement  to  which  he  was  much  averse,  it  happened  that  Mrs.  Graf- 
ton, as  if  playfully  advocating  it,  as,  in  itself,  not  sinful,  remarked,  "  I  used 
to  dance,  when  I  was  young."  Father  Grafton  instantly  turned  upon  her  in 
his  arch  way,  and,  as  if  asserting  an  authority  which  was  always  a  gentle 
yoke  as  administered  by  him,  replied,  "  Well,  my  dear,  you  won't  do  it 
again." 


808  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Being  once  at  a  public  dinner  party,  where  his  feelings  were  much  annoyecl 
by  a  young  gentleman  opposite  him,  who  scarcely  uttered  a  sentence  with- 
out some  profane  oath  attached  to  it,  he  rose  in  his  place,  and  exclaimed, 
"  Mr.  President."  When  the  president  had  rapped  upon  the  table  with  his 
knife,  producing  silence  and  calling  the  attention  of  the  guests,  Mr.  Grafton 
said,  "  Sir,  I  move  you  that  no  person  at  the  table  have  permission  to  utter 
a  profane  oath,  except  my  friend,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Homer."  Such  was  the  mut- 
ual intimacy  of  the  two  clergymen,  and  so  well  established  was  the  charac- 
ter of  Dr.  Homer  for  piety,  that  no  offence  was  taken,  and  the  well-merited 
reproof  had  its  designed  effect.     The  young  man  swore  no  more. 

Newton's  Representatives. — It  is  a  singular  fact  that  both  Newton  and 
Waltham  have  furnished  two  occupants  of  the  Gubernatorial  chair.  Newton 
has  also  furnished  three  Representatives  in  Congress — Hon.  William  Jackson, 
Hon.  Horace  Mann  and  Hon.  J.  Wiley  Edmands. 

Theodoee  Pariver. — The  celebrated  Theodore  Parker,  after  an  engage- 
ment of  five  years,  married  Miss  Lydia  D.  Cabot,  only  daughter  of  Mr.  John 
Cabot,  who  lived  on  Centre  Street,  corner  of  Centre  and  Cabot  Streets.  The 
house  was  removed  after  the  death  of  Mr.  Cabot;  but  the  large  trees,  stand- 
ing on  the  lot,  suflBciently  indicate  its  location.  The  following  forms  an  inter- 
esting item  in  his  biography,  and  indicates  some  of  the  principles  on  which  he 
depended  for  happiness  in  the  marriage  relation.  The  subjoined  resolutions- 
are  entered  in  his  journal  on  his  wedding  day  : 

1.  Never,  except  for  the  best  of  causes,  to  oppose  my  wife's  will. 

2.  To  discharge  all  duties  for  her  sake,  freely. 

3.  Never  to  scold. 

4.  Never  to  look  cross  at  her. 

5.  Never  to  weary  her  with  commands. 

6.  To  promote  her  piety. 

7.  To  bear  her  burdens. 

8.  To  overlook  her  foibles. 

9.  To  love,  cherish  and  forever  defend  her. 

10.  To  remember  her  always',  most  affectionately,  in  my  prayers.  Thus, 
God  willing,  we  shall  be  blessed. 

Mount  Auburn. —  Mount  Auburn  is  indebted  for  its  name  to  a  native  of 
Newton.  The  late  Hon.  George  T.  Bigelow,  Chief  Justice  of  Massachusetts, 
once  told  me  that  the  mother  of  Rev.  James  Freeman  Clarke,  who  was  a 
daughter  of  General  Hull,  impressed  with  the  singular  beauty  of  tlie  spot,  in 
her  girlish  days  spoke  of  it  as  "Sweet  Auburn."  The  name  clung  to  it. 
And  when  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society  purchased  it  for  a  ceme- 
tery, the  name  was  retained,  excepting  only  that  the  word '  'Sweet"  was  changed 
to  "Mount." 

Washington's  Death  and  Funeral  Solemnities  in  the  First  Church, 
Newton. —  The  writer,  the  child  of  a  Newton  participant  in  the  battle  of 
Lexington  and  Concord,  has  a  distant  remembrance  of  the  first  news  of  AVash- 
ington's  death :     "  My  father  was  reading  a  Boston  paper.     I  was  by  Ms  side. 


REMINISCENCES.  809 

I  was  six  years  of  age  and  was  much  impressed  by  the  news.  'Moses, 'a  farmer, 
was  introduced,  as  returning  to  his  family,  and  saying,  'General  Washington's 
dead!'  and  Moses'  frock  was  wet  with  tears,  and  he  took  a  piece  of  crape 
and  tied  it  around  his  arm;  liis  little  girl,  looking  on,  said,  'I  too,  papa.' 

"At  the  funeral  service  in  the  First  church,  two  large  bass  drums  were 
placed  below  the  pulpit,  draped  in  black.  Dr.  Homer  was  in  the  pulpit,  and 
others ;  a  great  many  people  were  there ;  every  person  wore  as  a.  badge  of 
mourning,  a  strip  of  black  crape  around  the  left  arm  above  the  elbow.  It 
was  ordered  by  Congress. 

"  None  of  the  services  are  remembered  except  the  music,  which  was  deeply 
impressive.  A  small  collection  was  composed  and  published  expressly  for  the 
occasion;  various  persons  contributed.  One  piece  was  extremely  touching; 
I  will  specify  a  part  of  it. 

"  'Mourn,  mourn,  mourn,  mourn, 
O  Americans,  mouru  I 
"Washington's  no  more- 
Fair  Liberty,  in  sables  drest. 
With  his  lov'd  name  upon  her  urn, 
Washington  —  the  scourge  of  tyrants  past. 
And  heir  of  jirinces  yet  unborn, 
Round  him  her  f  aitlif  ul  arms  shall  bend.' 

"  Colonel  Joseph  Ward,  who  was  an  aid  to  Washington,  composed  a  poem 
to  his  memory." 

Portraits  of  Distinguished  Citizens. —  In  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of 
Mayor  and  Aldermen,  held  May,  1876,  Alderman  C.  D.  Oilman  offered  the 
following  order : 

"Whereas,  it  appears  proper  and  fitting,  that  long  continued  fnithful  ser- 
vices, rendered  in  the  interests  of  our  town  and  city,  and  also,  that  eminent 
public  benefactors,  who  by  their  liberal  gifts  deserve  lasting  memorials,  that 
such  examples  may  prove  incentives  for  others  to  do  likewise,  should  be  suita- 
bly recognized,  therefore,  be  it  ordered,  that  a  life-size  bust  picture  of  the 
Hon.  J.  F.  C.  Hyde,  Ex-Mayor,  be  procured,  to  be  hung  in  the  City  Hall,  and 
also  a  similar  one  of  Hon.  J.  Wiley  Edmands,  to  be  hung  in  the  Reading 
Room  of  the  Newton  Free  Library  ;  that  .^  sum  not  exceeding  $150  be  appro- 
priated in  payment  therefor,  and  that  a  oommittee  of  three  be  appointed  to 
carry  this  order  into  execution. 

POPULATION,    POLLS    AND    HOUSES    W    NEWr-ON,  AT    VARIOUS    DATES, 

Date.  Population.  VoUs.  No,  of  Houses. 

1810                               1,709  SS2  201 

1820                               1,856  430  218 

1830                               2,377  554  293 

1840                               3,351  79i2  408 

1846                                1,079  519 

1847  5,000  575 

Mr.  Davis  says,  "  It  is  supposed  that  not  a  dozen  houses  ex?«tedin  what  now 
constitutes  the  West  Parish,  at  the  time  of  Mr.  llobart's  death  (i-ugnst  25. 


810  HISTORY  OF  NEWTOX. 

1712),  while  there  were  nearly  or  quite  as  many  in  the  southeast  part  of  the 
town  as  at  this  time  (1847). 

"  The  number  of  houses  in  1800  in  the  Lower  Falls  was  13 ;  West  Parish, 
within  the  area  of  two  square  miles,  15;  Newton  Corner,  13. 

"  In  1847,  there  were  in  the  Lower  Falls  over  GO  voters  ;  at  the  Chemical 
Works,  20  voters;  in  the  West  Parish,  90  voters." 

In  1865  the  population  of  the  various  villages  was  as  follows  : 

Lower  Falls,  485 

Auburndale,  698 

Upper  Falls,  993 

Newtonville,  including  North  Village,  1,282 

West  Newton,  1,588 
Newton  Centre,  including  Oak  Hill  and  East  Newton,  1,694 

Newton  Corner,  2,238 


Total,  8,978 

Of  the  1,591  legal  voters  in  1865,  259  were  naturalized  voters. 

According  to  the  census,  the  total  value  of  articles  manufactured  in  New- 
ton in  1865  was  $1,215,467-;  of  which  $363,180  was  in  the  shape  of  cotton 
goods;  .$166,500  hosiery;  .$300,000  worth  of  iron  passed  through  the  Rolling 
Mill,  Upper  Falls ;  dye-woods  ground,  $85,000 ;  machinery  made,  .$45,000 ; 
hollow  ware  and  other  castings  manufactured,  $18,000;  paper  manufactured, 
$86,900;  piano-fortes  manufactured,  $8,000;  hats  and  caps  manufactured, 
$8,590;  blacksmith's  ware,  $13,600;  cabinet  ware,  $70,000;  tin  ware,  $4,200; 
paper  boxes  $20,000;  bread  manufactured  for  sale,  $15,000. 

In  addition,  farm  products  of  the  value  of  $178,151  were  sent  to  market 
from  Newton  that  year.  Also,  dressed  beef  of  the  value  of  $71,800;  dressed 
pork,  $13,483,  with  smaller  quantities  of  mutton  and  veal. 

It  is  stated  in  the  same  report  that  for  ten  years,  ending  in  1866,  the  sum  of 
$261,914  was  spent  for  educational  purposes  in  the  town  of  Newton. 

Of  the  9,984  acres  of  land  taxed  in  Newton  in  1877,  5,421  were  located  in 
the  two  Wards  of  the  Southern  section  of  the  city  (Five  and  Six) ;  leaving 
for  the  five  other  Wards  only  4,553.  Ward  Six  contains  about  one-third  of 
the  taxable  land  in  the  city.  Of  the  Northern  Wards,  Ward  Four  had  the 
largest  number  of  acres  of  taxable  land.  Ward  Three  coming  next.  Ward 
One  had  the  smallest  number  of  acres,  355,  or  about  one  twenty-eighth  part 
of  the  entire  amount,  Ward  Seven,  close  behind,  with  only  489  acres.  The 
land  in  these  two  Wards  had  a  large  taxable  value. 

Ward  Two  contained  the  largest  number  of  houses,  528,  Ward  Four  com- 
ing next,  followed  close  by  Wards  Six  and  Three.  Wards  One  and  Seven, 
combined,  had  743.  The  two  Wards  of  the  Southern  section  of  the  city  had 
together  863,  against  2,194  in  the  Northern  section  of  the  city. 

The  two  Southern  Wards,  pre-eminently  the  agricultural  portion  of  the 
city,  possessed  330  cows,  or  approaching  one-half  the  whole  number;  Ward 
Seven  having  only  47,  out  of  a  total  of  734.  The  Southern  Wards  predomi- 
nated in  the  number  of  horses. 


.     REMINISCENCES.  811 

The  total  number  of  buildings  erected  in  the  city  during  the  year  ending 
May  1,  1877,  was  fifty-three,  the  smallest  number  for  several  years.  The 
jnost  rural  portion  of  the  town,  the  southeastern  part,  has  felt,  least  of  all, 
the  influence  of  modern  enterprise. 

U.  S.  Tax  Collected  in  Newton  in  Eleven  Years. —  The  figures 
given  below,  are  not  matliematically  correct,  but  very  nearly  so.  In  conse- 
quence of  rulings  of  different  Commissioners,  some  erroneous  .  assessments 
were  made,  and  taxes,  after  being  collected,  refunded;  but  the  total  amount 
could  not  have  exceeded  the  sum  of  $15,000,  thus  showing,  that  after  mak- 
ing all  allowances  possible,  the  citizens  of  the  town  paid  into  the  Treasury  of 
the  United  States,  between  September,  1862,  and  May,  1873,  the  sum  of  over 
one  million  one  hundred  and  forty-four  thousand  dollars  ($1,144,192.30). 

The  United  States  internal  Revenue  Laws  or  Income  Tax  very  nearly 
ceased  to  exist  in  1873. 

The  sums  under  the  name  of  Annual,  embrace  incomes,  pianos,  billiard 
tables,  silver,  watches,  licenses  and  carriages.  The  Monthlys  consist  of 
taxes  on  manufactures,  legacies,  successions,  and  such  incomes,  licenses  or 
si^ecial  taxes,  as  were  omitted,  for  various  reasons,  in  the  annual  lists.  In 
the  collection  of  this  great  sum,  there  was  not  a  single  levy  and  sale  of  any 
property  in  the  town  of  Newton;  a  record,  of  which  any  and  all  its  citizens 
may  be  justly  proud. 

The  following  are  the  assessment  lists  of  Newton  from  October,  1862,  to 
April  30,  1873,  inclusive  : 


Licenses,  Silver  and  Car- 
riages, 1862,  $1,920.00 
Monthly  in  1862  and  1863,  11,589.39 
Annual  in  1863,  44,157.85 
Monthly  in  1863  and  1864,25,632.72 
Annual  in  1864,  61,640.54 
Special  War  in  1864,  83,554.95 
Monthly  in  1864  and  1865,  61,568.99 
Annual  in  1865,  193,786.23 
Monthly  in  1865andl866,*95, 217.31 
Annual  in  1866,  140,207.24 
Monthly  in  1867,  47,206.07 
Annual  in  1867,  79,331.55 
Annual  in  1868,                   64,421.86 


Monthly  in  1868,  $29,608.46 

Annual  in  1869,  72,928.60 

Annual  in  1870,  72,820.75 

Annual  in  1871,  22,491.71 

Monthly  in  1871,  9,919.54 

Annual  in  1872,  29,433.99 
Monthly  in  1872  and  1873,  11,754.55 

$1,159,192.30 
Less  amounts  refunded,     15,000.00 


$1,144,192.30 


*  In  1865-6  the  total  amount  paid  was 
$350,572.53. 


Railroad  to  Newton. — The  Worcester  Railroad  was  opened  for  the  con- 
veyance of  passengers  from  Boston  as  far  as  West  Newton,  April  16,  1834. 
A  locomotive  ran  from  Boston  to  Newton  and  back  three  times  a  day,  with 
from  two  to  eight  passengers  each  trip.  The  engine  used  was  the  Meteor, 
built  by  Mr.  Stephenson,  of  England.  The  cars  commenced  running  on  the 
Hartford  and  Erie  Railroad, —  then  called  the  Charles  River  Road,  extending 
from  Brookline  to  Needham, —  in  November,  1852.  At  first,  season  tickets 
by  the  year,  between  Boston  and  Newton  Centre,  were  sold  at  $.35.  Previous 
to  this  time,  passengers  were  conveyed   from   Newton   Centre   to   Newton 


812  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Corner,  and  from  Newton  Upper  Falls  to  West  Newton,  by  omnibus  or  car- 
riage, to  take  the  cars  of  the  Boston  and  Worcester  Railroad.  A  daily  stage 
ran  from  Newton  Upper  Falls,  through  Newton  Centre,  to  Boston  and  back;, 
fare  between  Newton  Centre  and  Boston,  37.^  cents. 

A  recent  work  by  C.  F.  Adams,  Esq.,  on  the  history  of  the  Boston  and 
AVorcester  Railroad  gives  the  following  interesting  sketch  : 

'■'But  it  was  upon  the  Worcester  road,  and  towards  the  latter  part  of 
March,  1834,  that  the  first  locomotive  ever  used  in  Massachusetts  was  set  in 
motion.  On  the  24th  of  the  month  Mr.  Hale,  the  president  of  the  company, 
advised  the  readers  of  the  Advertiser  that  '  the  rails  are  laid  from  Boston  to- 
Newton,  a  distance  of  nine  or  ten  miles,  to  which  place  it  is  proposed  to  rua 
the  passenger  cars  as  soon  as  two  locomotives  shall  be  in  readiness,  so  as  to 
insure  regularity.  One  locomotive,  called  the  Meteor^  has  been  partially  tried, 
and  will  probably  be  in  readiness  in  a  few  days  ;  the  second,  called  the  Rocket, 
is  waiting  the  arrival  of  the  builder  for  subjecting  it  to  trial,  and  the  third,  it 
is  hoped,  will  be  ready  by  the  first  of  May.'  The  last  named  locomotive,  the 
Rocket^  was  built  by  the  Stephensons,  at  Newcastle-upon-Tyne,  and  '  the 
builder  '  whose  arrival  was  looked  for  must  have  been  an  English  engineer, 
sent  out  to  superintend  the  work  of  putting  it  in  operation.  ,No  allusion  is 
made  in  the  papers  to  the  trial  of  these  locomotives ;  but  we  have  the  impres- 
sions which  one  who  claims  to  have  been  an  eye-witness  of  it  long  afterwards- 
gave. 

"  '  The  Boston  and  Worcester  Railroad  Company  imported  from  Newcastle- 
upon-Tyne  one  of  George  Stephenson's  locomotives,  small  in  stature  but 
symmetrical  in  every  particular,  and  finished  with  the  exactness  of  a  clirono- 
meter.  Placed  upon  the  track,  its  driver,  who  came  with  it  from  England, 
stepped  upon  the  platform  with  almost  the  airs  of  a  juggler,  or  a  professor  of 
chemistry,  placed  his  hand  upon  the  lever,  and  with  a  sliglit  move  of  it,  tha 
engine  started  at  a  speed  worthy  of  the  companion  of  the  Rocket.,  amid  the 
shouts  and  cheers  of  the  multitude.  It  gave  me  such  a  shock,  that  my  hair 
seemed  to  start  from  the  roots,  rather  than  to  stand  on  end.' 

•'On  the  4th  of  April,  a  Friday,  by  the  way,  a  locomotive  was  first  em- 
ployed on  a  gravel  train,  upon  which  occasion,  as  the  Advertiser  the  next  day 
assured  its  readers,  '  the  engine  worked  with  case,  was  perfectly  manageable,, 
and  showed  power  enough  to  work  at  any  desirable  speed.'  Three  days  later, 
on  Monday,  7th,  we  are  informed  that  a  locomotive  ran  on  the  railroad,  for 
the  first  time,  '  as  far  as  Davis'  tavern  in  Newton,  a  distance  of  eight  or  nine 
miles,  accompanied  by  a  part  of  the  directors  and  fifty  or  sixty  other  persons, 
for  the  purpose  of  making  trial  of  the  engine  and  examination  of  the  road. 
The  party  stopped  several  times  for  various  purposes,  on  the  way  out.  Tiiey 
returned  in  thirty-nine  minutes,  including  a  stop  of  about  six  minutes,  for  the 
purpose  of  attaching  five  cars,  loaded  with  earth.  The  engine  travelled  with 
ease,  at  the  rate  of  twenty  miles  an  hour.'  The  next  day,  a  larger  party  wont 
over  the  ground,  the  directors  inviting  about  one  hundred  and  thirty  gentle- 
men on  the  excursion.  It  would  not  appear  to  have  been  a  very  successful 
afiair;  for,  '  after  proceeding  a  short  distance,  their  progress  was  interrupted 
by  the  breaking  of  a  connecting-rod  between  two  of  the  cars.     Tliis  accident 


REMINISCENCES.  813 

•caused  a  considerable  delay,  and,  unfortunately,  a  similar  accident  occurred 
three  or  four  times  during  the  excursion.'  So,  after  a  short  stop  at  Newton, 
the  party  came  back,  quite  cross,  apparently,  and  did  notgcthomeuntil  half-past 
six  in  the  evening.  On  the  fifteenth  of  the  month,  a  yet  larger  party,  consisting 
of  about  one  hundred  and  twenty  ladies  and  gentlemen,  in  six  cars,  went  out 
to  Newton  and  back,  making  the  return  trip  in  less  than  half  an  hour.  The 
cars  began  to  run  regularly  next  day,  making  two  trips  each  way  to  Newton 
and  back,  leaving  Boston  at  10  A.  M.  and  at  3.30  P.  M.  The  regular  passenger 
railroad  service  in  Massachusetts,  on  this  road,  dates,  therefore,  from  the  IGth 
■of  April.  1834.  Already,  four  days  before,  there  had  appeared  in  the  adver- 
tising columns  of  Mr.  Hale's  paper  a  new  form  of  notice.  At  the  head  was 
a,  rude  cut  of  a  locomotive  and  part  of  a  train  of  cars, — the  cars  being  of 
tlie  old  stage  coacli  pattern,  mounted  high  on  wheels  with  spokes  in  them,  and 
•divided  into  compartments  which  were  entered  through  doors  at  the  sides. 
Thebrakemen,  sitting  on  a  sort  of  coach  boxes,  regulated  the  speed  bj"-  the 
pressure  of  their  feet  on  levers,  just  as  is  still  done  with  wagons  on  hilly 
roads.  The  notice  was  headed,  '  Boston  &  Worcester  Railroad,'  and  read  as 
follows  : 

"  '  The  passenger  cars  will  continue  to  run  daily  from  the  depot  near  Wash- 
ington Street,  to  Newton,  G  o'clock  and  10  o'clock  A.  M.,  and  at  3.30  P.  M. 

"  '  Returning,  leave  Newton  at  7,  and  a  quarter  past  11  A.  M.,  and  a  quarter 
before  5  P.  M. 

"  '  Tickets  for  the  passage  either  way  may  be  had  at  the  Ticket  Office,  No. 
i617  Washington  Street,  price  thirty-seven  and  a  half  cents  each;  and  for  the 
return  passage,  of  the  Master  of  the  cars,  Newton. 

"  *  By  order  of  the  President  and  Directors. 

"  '  F.  A.  Williams,  Clerk.'" 

The  following  extract  from  the  Directors'  Report,  submitted  at  the  annual 
meeting  of  stockholders,  June  2,  1834,  announces  the  opening  of  the  road  to 
the  public : 

"  The  railroad  was  opened  for  the  conveyance  of  passengers  between  Bos- 
ton and  Newton  (the  West  village),  a  distance  of  eight  and  a  half  miles,  on 
the  16th  of  April  last.  A  locomotive  engine  has  been  run  three  times  daily 
to  Newton  and  back,  with  from  two  to  eight  passenger  cars,  each  trip.  The 
passage  each  way  is  usually  made  in  about  twenty-eight  minutes,  an  average 
rate  of  speed  of  eighteen  miles  an  hour.  The  passages  have  been  made  by 
the  '  Meteor' engine,  which  was  built  by  Mr.  Stephenson,  of  England." 

This  report  is  signed  by  Nathan  Hale,  David  Henshaw,  George  Bond,  Henry 
Williams,  Eliphalet  Williams,  Samuel  Henshaw,  Daniel  Denny,  and  Edward 
Eldridge.  Mr.  Denny  is,  we  believe,  the  only  director  who  survives,  and  who 
held  that  position  from  the  commencement  to  the  moment  of  consolidation  with 
the  Western  Railroad. 

Railroad  Season  Tickets. — The  first  annual  ticket  between  Boston  and 
Worcester,  by  the  Worcester  railway,  says  the  Boston  Commercial  Bulletin, 
was  sold  May  1,  1838,  to  Robert  Earle  for  .$260;  the  first  between  Boston 
and  Newton  to  Andrew  J.  Allen,  for  $50.     The  first  Special  Train  to  West 


814  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Newton  was  run  in  18^3,  and  season  tickets  were  then  sold  at  §27.50  a  quarter. 
The  season-ticket  business,  now  so  common,  was  then  considered  merely  arsi 
experiment,  and  was  tried  with  great  caution.  The  early  season  tickets  were 
only  sold  by  special  vote  of  the  directors.  At  the  present  time,  over  one 
thousand  season  tickets  are  sold  on  the  Boston  and  Worcester  Division  of 
the  Boston  and  Albany  Railroad. 

Colonel  Gardner's  Homestead. — Near  Allston  station,  on  the  Boston 
and  Albany  Railroad,  was  the  old  homestead  of  Colonel  Gardner,  who,  in  the 
night  preceding  the  17th  of  June,  1775,  received  orders  to  appear  with  his^ 
regiment  on  Cambridge  Common  at  daylight.  He  was  there  ;  and  was  ordered 
to  Bunker  Hill.  He  addressed  his  regiment;  tradition  helps  us  to  see  him, 
with  cap  under  his  arm,  going  from  company  to  company,  to  prepare  his  men 
for  what  be  foresaw ;  and  they  went  to  that  mount  of  sacrifice,  he  to  be  mor- 
tally wounded,  and  his  regiment  to  be  cut  to  pieces  ;  and  in  a  few  days  after- 
wards the  brave  man  was  buried  from  that  old  homestead  in  what  is  now 
called  Allston. 

Large  Trees. —  The  large  elm  tree  near  the  Boarding-house,  attached  to 
Pettee's  Works,  Newton  Upper  Falls,  was  brought  from  the  woods  by  the 
father  of  General  Ebenezer  Cheney,  on  his  shoulder,  and  set  out  by  him. 
His  house,  opposite  the  present  Boarding-house,  was  of  oak  timber,  and  wain- 
scoted with  oak,  as  a  protection  against  hostile  bullets.  The  great  ash  tree 
and  the  slippery  elm,  near  Mr.  Otis  Pettee's  house,  were  set  out  by  Otis  Pettee, 
sen.  Overhanging  the  house  of  Samuel  G.  Tuckerman,  near  Charles  River, 
is  a  large  tree,  planted  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hepworth,  of  New  York,  when  a 
boy.  Mr.  Hepworth's  father  formerly  occupied  this  estate,  and  his  mother 
was  organist  of  the  First  Baptist  church  in  1841-2. 

Ancient  Pear  Tree. —  During  the  gale  of  September,  1869,  Mr.  E.  A. 
Smallwood's  pear  orchard,  Newton  Corner,  was  considerably  injured. 
Some  thirty  or  forty  trees  were  either  blown  down,  or  more  or  less  damaged. 
Mr.  Smallwood  had  two  ancient  pear  trees,  planted  by  the  first  settlers  of 
Newton,  over  two  hundred  years  ago.  One  of  these,  supposed  to  be  the 
youngest,  suffered  the  loss  of  several  limbs  ;  but  the  veteran,  the  oldest  tree 
of  the  kind,  probably,  to  be  found  in  New  England,  bravely  withstood  the 
tempest  and  came  out  of  it  uninjured.  It  bears  a  good  crop  of  pears  regu- 
larly every  year.  The  pear  is  small,  but  luscious  to  the  taste,  and  the  trunk 
of  the  tree  is  so  large  that  a  young  lady  of  fifteen,  clasping  it  with  her  arms, 
could  not  join  her  fingers. 

NoNANTDM  House. —  The  old  Nonantum  House,  once  the  residence  of 
General  Hull,  who  built  the  brick  portion  of  it,  and  afterwards  the  seat  of 
the  Boarding  School  for  Young  Ladies,  kept  by  Mrs.  Susannah  Rowson,  stood 
on  the  site  occupied  by  a  Mr.  Walker,  a  cooper  by  trade,  several  years  since, 
and  was  kept  as  a  hotel  by  a  Mr.  Marshall  for  a  number  of  years  of  the  first 
portion  of  the  present  century.  The  sign,  in  conformity  with  the  times,  was 
suspended  from  an  arm  fifteen  or  more  feet  in  height,  and  had  a  peacock 
painted  on  both  sides,  and  therefore  was  sometimes  called  the  Peacock  Tavern,, 
and  it  had  the  reputation  of  being  a  very  accommodating  establishment. 


REMINISCENCES.  815 

The  brick  part  of  the  building,  formerly  occupied  by  General  Hull,  it  is 
said,  still  bears  tlie  marks  of  a  ball  fired  at  the  General  by  some  incensed 
friend  of  the  soldiers  of  1812. 

Until  1803,  there  was  no  house  on  the  southerly  side  of  Washington  Street 
from  West  Newton  to  Centre  Street.  In  that  year,  Colonel  William  Trow- 
bridge built  the  old  house,  now,  or  recently,  standing  on  the  eminence  on  the 
east  side  of  Washington  Street,  near  the  intersection  of  Craft  Street  there- 
with. 

In  1807,  Samuel  Trowbridge  built  a  brick  house  in  Newtonville,  on  the 
premises  afterwards  owned  by  Chester  Marcy,  which  was  so  damaged  by  the 
September  gale  in  181G,  that  it  was  taken  wholly  down.  One  house  at  New- 
ton Corner  was  built  three  or  four  hundred  feet  west  of  the  Bank.  All  the 
houses  on  the  south  side  of  Washington  Street,  from  West  Newton  to  Centre 
Street,  have  been  built  since  1810. 

The  Tavern  House  kept  by  Mr.  Bacon,  was  built  by  John  Richardson, 
after  he  purchased  the  Hull  Estate. 

Half  a  century  since,  the  house  owned  by  Mr.  Luke  Robinson  at  the  time 
of  his  decease,  was  then  said  to  be  the  one  in  which  General  Warren  domi- 
ciled the  night  before  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill. 

Distances. —  It  is  related  in  the  records  of  the  Old  Colony,  that  the  sur- 
veyors who  were  sent  out  to  fix  the  boundaries  of  the  Puritan  settlement 
went  as  far  as  Weston  and  Woburn,  about  twelve  miles,  where  they  set  up 
their  stakes ;  and  in  their  report  they  stated  that  they  had  embraced  all  the 
territory  which  would  probably  ever  be  required  for  the  future  growth  of  the 
colony.  Two  and  a  half  centuries  have  elapsed,  and  the  "whole  boundless 
continent  is  ours." 

Newton,  six  years  after  the  settlement  of  Charlestown,  was  included  in 
the  six  plantations  in  all  Massachusetts  Bay,  and  in  1634  possessed  as  umch 
capital  as  any  plantation  in  the  colony. 

Newton  Journal. —  The  Newton  Journal  made  its  first  appearance  in 
September,  1866. 

Territorial  Acquisition  of  Newton. —  The  bill  annexing  a  part  of 
Brighton  to  the  city  of  Newton,  in  connection  with  the  Chestnut  Hill  Reser- 
voir, adds  to  Newton  about  one  hundred  acres  of  territory,  and  some  fifteen 
or  twenty  families,  with  probably  an  increased  valuation  of  several  hundred 
thousand  dollars.  Newton,  during  its  long  history,  has  been  cut  and  carved 
on  several  occasions.  This  is,  however,  the  first  instance  for  two  hundred 
years  of  an  actual  accession  of  territory. 

Education  of  the  Blind. —  In  a  "Historical  Statement  of  the  Higher 
Education  of  the  Blind,  published  by  the  Committee  of  the  Royal  Normal 
College  and  Academy  of  Music  for  the  Blind"  in  London,  allusion  is  made 
to  Mr.  F.  J.  Campbell,  formerly  of  Newtonville,  where  for  several  years  he 
resided  and  was  well  known  and  respected,  being  at  the  time  in  charge  of 
the  musical,  as  well  as  other,  departments  of  the  Institution  for  the  Blind  at 
South  Boston.  Mr.  Campbell  has  been  for  several  years  the  head  of  the 
London  College,  and  to  his  earnest  and  untiring  efforts,  the  establishment  of 


816  HISTORY  OF  NEWTOX. 

such  an  Institution  was  due.  His  raarkoci  executive  ability  as  head  of  the 
school  lias  made  it  an  unprecedented  success;  and  many  notices  from  Eng- 
lish Periodicals  indicate  the  hearty  interest  which  has  been  excited  in  its  be- 
half, amongst  the  influential  classes  of  English  Society.  This  record  of  one 
who  was  once  a  citizen  of  Newton  maj'  well  be  viewed  with  pride  and  pleasure. 
What  higher  honor  or  privilege  can  there  be,  than  to  confer  blessing  upon  the 
unfortunate? 

Post-offices. —  "  In  1704,  the  only  post  on  all  this  continent  was  that 
which  went  east  from  New  York  as  far  as  Boston,  and  west  to  Philadelphia. 
The  post  messenger  was  provided  with  a  spare  horse,  a  horn  and  good  porte 
mantles."  Such  is  the  assertion  of  a  writer  in  Harper s  Monthly  for  June, 
1879.  How  wonderful  is  the  advancement  from  one  to  more  than  forty  thou- 
sand! 

A  post-office  was  first  established  at  Newton  Corner,  in  1820.  Previously, 
the  only  post-office  in  the  town  was  located  at  the  Lower  Falls,  resulting  in 
great  inconvenience  to  many  living  at  a  distance,  some  of  whom  had  their 
correspondence  directed  to  the  office  at  Watertown.  The  location  at  the 
Corner  was  obtained  through  the  exertions  of  Squire  John  Richardson,  who 
made  a  journey  for  the  purpose  to  Washington,  no  small  undertaking  at  that 
time.  The  first  Postmaster  was  Mr.  Charles  Eames,  anative  of  Framingham, 
watchmaker  and  jeweller,  who  occupied  a  small  building  where  now  stands 
the  drj'-goods  store  of  George  W.  Bacon  &  Co.  The  emoluments  at  tliat  time 
were  quite  small,  some  thirty  or  forty  dollars  per  annum.  Mr.  Eames  held 
the  office  for  a  number  of  years,  and  then  transferred  both  office  and  busi- 
ness to  his  journeyman,  Mr.  William  B.  Newton.  Mr.  Newton  held  it  until 
his  health  failed,  when  he  in  turn  gave  it  up  voluntarily  to  Mr.  Joseph  N. 
Bacon.  In  1848-9,  Mr.  Bacon,  who  left  the  Whig  party,  to  form  what  was 
called  the  Free  Soil  party  of  that  day,  lost  the  office,  which  was  given  to 
Mr.  Daniel  P.  Mann,  who  kept  an  apothecary  store  in  the  building  after- 
wards occupied  by  Mr.  Lowe.  Mr.  Horace  R.  Wetherell  and  Mr.  Dexter 
Whipple  were  the  successors  of  Mr.  Mann,  both  retaining  the  office  in  the 
same  building. 

On  tlie  election  of  Mr.  Lincoln  to  the  Presidency,  the  late  Mr.  Samuel 
Chism  was  appointed  Postmaster,  and  he  removed  the  office  to  the  apothe- 
cary store  of  Mr.  E.  T.  Billings,  in  Eliot  Building,  on  the  south  side  of  the 
railroad  ti'ack. 

.\bout  a  year  later,  Mr.  Chism  was  removed  by  President  Johnson,  Mr. 
Eilwin  S.  Holman  receiving  the  appointment.  Mr.  Holman  removed  the 
post-office  to  another  location.  The  increase  of  business  at  tliis  office  since 
it  was  first  established,  more  than  half  a  century  ago,  clearly  indicates  tlie 
unprecedented  growth  of  this  portion  of  the  town.  Probably  the  increase  has 
been  nearly  a  thousand  fold,  while,  since  that  time,  offices  have  been  estab- 
lished at  Newton  Centre,  Newtonville,  Upper  Falls,  West  Newton,  Auburn- 
dale,  Newton  Highlands  and  Chestnut  Hill.  When  the  office  at  Newton 
Corner  was  first  established,  the  late  Mr.  Joseph  Bacon  kept  a  hotel  where 
the  Bank  now  stands,  and  a  few  straggling  houses  represented  what  is  now  a 
large,  compact  and  flourishing  village. 


REMINISCENCES.  817 

PETITION    FROM    NEWTON    CENTRE   TO    THE    POST-OFFICE    DEPARTMENT. 

"  To  the  Hon.  etc. : 

"  Your  memorialists  respectfully  represent  that  they  reside  in  the  first  and 
principal  Ta.'cish.  of  the  township  of  Newton,  etc.,  within  the  bounds  of  which, 
and  in  their  immediate  neighborhood,  are  two  large  and  respectable  churches, 
a  Theological  Seminary,  the  most  important  one  connected  with  the  Baptist 
denomination  in  the  United  States,  a  female  academy,  and  a  boarding  school 
for  boys,  of  considerable  repute,  surrounded  on  all  sides  by  rather  wealthy, 
intelligent  farmers,  and  that  they  are  subject  to  an  extensive  correspondence 
with  different  portions  of  the  Union. 

"  We  would  further  represent,  that  about  two  miles  north  of  us  is  a  small 
village,  commonly  known  as  Newton  Corner,  lying  within  half  a  mile  of  the 
flourishing  village  and  post-office  of  Watertown ;  that  there  is  a  post-office  in 
said  village  (Newton  Corner),  known  by  the  name  of  the  Newton  post-office, 
and  also  one  in  our  village,  known  as  the  Newton  Centre  post-office. 

"  That,  in  consequence  of  the  peculiar  designation  of  the  offices  of  Angier 
Corner  and  at  this  place,  your  memorialists  have  ever  been  subject  to  great 
inconvenience  from  tlie  misdirection  of  their  letters ;  and  especially  has  this 
been  the  case  with  the  officers  and  students  of  our  literary  and  theological 
institutions,  whose  numerous  correspondents  in  different  parts  of  the  coun- 
try have  addressed  them  as  residing  in  Newton;  and  thus  their  letters  have 
been  sent  to  the  aforesaid  office  upon  the  borders  of  Watertown,  while  papers 
and  letters  directed  to  Newton  Corner  have  been  sent  to  Newton  Centre 
office,  being  the  one  in  otir  village. 

"  We  have  now  7to  direct  mail  communication  with  the  Newton  post-office, 
to  which  many  of  our  letters  arc  sent. 

"  We  therefore  respectfully  pray  the  honorable  head  of  the  Post-office 
Department,  that  he  will  order  that  the  post-office  at  Newton  Corner  shall  be 
denominated  the  Newton  Corner  post-office ;  and  that  the  office  now  called 
the  Newton  Centre  post-office  shall  hereafter  be  called  the  Newton  post- 
office,  to  which  name  we  are  justly  entitled  by  our  location  in  the  town  and 
the  importance  of  the  office." 

The  prayer  of  the  petitioners  was  not  granted  at  this  time  by  the  authori- 
ties at  Washington,  but  it  was  granted  not  long  afterwards.  The  post-office 
was  established  at  Newton  Centre  about  1827;  the  first  postmaster  appointed 
was  Jabez  W.  Parkhurst,  then  a  student  in  the  Newton  Theological  Institu- 
tion, who  held  the  office  about  six  months,  and  his  place  was  filled  afterwards 
by  Mr.  Asa  R.  Trowbridge. 

In  1847,  Newton  contained  five  post-offices,  eight  meeting-houses,  and 
about  five  thousand  inhabitants,  mostly  living  in  villages  on  its  borders. 

Dr.  John  King. —  When  he  came  to  Newton  to  commence  practice,  he 
called  at  Mitchell's  Tavern,  situated  at  what  is  now  called  Newton  Highlands, 
to  obtain  a  boarding-place.  lie  was  recommended  to  Captain  Noah  Wis- 
wall's.  After  he  left,  Mr.  W.'s  daughter  Sarah,  who  was  in  another  part  of 
the  house,  was  told  that  they  had  sent  the  young  doctor  to  her  father's  house 
to  board.  She  remarked,  "Every  body  is  sent  to  our  house."  The  young 
52 


818  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

lady  afterwards  became  Mrs.  John  Iving.  He  was  a  very  modest  and  unas- 
suming man,  and  requested  before  he  died  that  no  unusual  ceremony  be 
made  at  his  funeral. 

Lafayette  in  Newton. — Lafayette  passed  through  Newton  during  Ids  last 
visit  to  this  country  in  1825,  and  shook  hands  with  a  number  of  Mr.  Davis' 
pupils,  ranged  at  the  side  of  the  road  to  receive  him. 

"Daddy  Thwing." — Old  Mr.  Thwing,  who  "  fit  into  the  revolution," 
and  was  at  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  lived  near  the  South  cemetery,  at  what 
is  now  known  as  Newton  Highlands,  and  was  called  by  the  boys  "daddy 
Thwing."  He  was  very  old,  and  was  fond  of  entertaining  the  boys  \vith  rec- 
ollections of  Bunker  Hill. 

Ministers'  Houses  Burned. —  A  strange  fatality  seems  to  have  attended 
the  houses  of  the  ministers  of  Newton.  The  house  owned  by  Rev.  John 
Cotton  was  burned  in  1720;  that  of  Rev.  Jonas  Meriam,  in  1770;  and  the 
house  of  Rev.  Joseph  Grafton,  after  it  had  be6n  removed  from  its  original 
location,  was  also  burned. 

The  First  Contribution  to  the  Home  for  Little  Wanderers  in 
Boston. —  Rev.  Mr.  Toles,  of  the  Home  for  Little  Wanderers,  stated  in  an 
address  in  Newton,  that  the  first  contribution  for  the  establishment  of  the- 
Home  was  made  at  the  Baptist  church,  Ward  One,  Newton,  and  the  first 
dollar  was  subscribed  by  a  young  girl,  then  a  member  of  the  Sunday  School 
of  that  church.  From  that  time,  the  Home  continued  to  enlarge,  yearly  in- 
creasing the  sphere  of  its  operations,  which  now  includes  destitute  children 
not  only  from  New  England,  but  from  Canada,  the  West,  and  the  South  ^ 
and  during  the  fifteen  years  of  its  existence  it  has  cared  for  4,877  children, 
many  of  whom  have  become  valuable  members  of  society,  lawyers,  niinis' 
ters,  clerks,  farmers,  physicians,  and  representatives  of  various  trades  and 
professions. 

A  Neavton  Boy,  Bishop  of  Iowa. —  Rev.  William  Stevens  Perry,  a 
native  of  Newton,  accepted  the  position  to  which  he  was  unanimously 
elected,  of  Bishop  of  the  Episcopal  church  for  the  State  of  Iowa.  Dr.  Perry 
was  active  in  the  formation  of  Grace  church,  Newton,  at  the  time  Union- 
Hall  was  occupied  as  a  place  of  worship.  He  took  special  interest  in  the 
formation  of  a  Sunday  School  in  connection  with  this  church.  He  is  de- 
scribed as  a  preacher  of  ability,  and  a  man  of  administrative  capacity.  Pre- 
vious to  his  election  to  the  Bishopric,  he  occupied  the  position  of  President 
of  Hobart  College,  at  Geneva,  N.  Y. 

Revolutionary  Reminiscence. —  Near  the  bridge  over  Charles  River  in 
Watertown  Village,  on  the  Watertown  side,  stood,  in  revolutionary  times,  the 
old  printing-office  of  Benjamin  Edes,  who  removed  his  type  and  press  hither 
early  in  the  year  1775,  and  who  did  the  printing  for  the  Provincial  Congress. 
Near  the  bridge  on  the  Newton  side  of  the  river,  stands  a  large  old  house  on 
the  east  side  of  the  road,  called,  in  the  time  of  the  Revolution,  the  Coolidge 
tavern.  From  176"!  to  1770,  it  was  kept  as  a  public  house  by  Nathaniel 
Coolidge,  and  afterwards  by  "the  Widow  Coolidge."  This  house  was  ap- 
pointed in  1775,  as  the  rendezvous  for  the  "  Committee  of  Safety"  in  case  of 


REMINISCENCES.  81i> 

an  alarm.  President  Washington  lodged  in  tliis  house  in  1789.  An  old 
liouse  opposite,  occupied  by  John  Cook  during  the  Revolution,  is  one  of  liis- 
toric  interest.  It  was  in  a  chamber  of  tliis  lionse  that  Paul  Revere  en- 
graved his  plates,  and  with  the  help  of  Mr.  Cook  struck  off  the  Colony  notes, 
issued  by  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress.  Adjoining  this  estate  were  the 
famous  wier-lands  along  the  river. 

Tree  Planting. —  Saidthelate  Marshall  S.  Rice,  Esq.,  of  Newton  Centre, 
in  187C,  "The  row  of  splendid  elms,  extending  from  the  Baptist  meeting-house' 
in  Newton  Centre  to  the  ice-houses  of  Mr.  Luther  Paul  on  the  northwest  side 
of  Centre  street,  Avas  set  out  by  tlie  late  Deacon  Luther  Paul,  father  of  tlie 
present  Messrs.  Paul,  most  of  them  about  fifty  years  since ;  some  of  them  at 
a  later  period.     They  have  afforded  a  grand  sliade  for  many  years. 

"  I  have  set  out,  since  1825,  all  the  trees  in  tlie  j'ard  around  my  house  and 
barn,  excepting  the  largest  elm.  Three  of  them,  one  acacia  and  two  elms, 
are  about  seven  feet  in  circumference,  and  have  afforded  a  fine  sliade  for 
thirty  years  past. 

"  The  apple  seeds  which  produced  the  trees  in  my  orchard,  north  of  mj'- 
house  and  barn,  were  planted  in  the  year  1826.  In  due  time,  the  seeds  ger- 
minated, the  young  trees  grew,  were  budded,  were  set  out  in  tlie  orchard 
and  commenced  bearing;  they  have  done  well — one  year,  bearing  above 
three  hundred  barrels.  The  orchard  has  done  most  of  its  work,  and  begins- 
to  look  old  like  its  owner." 

Old  Residences. —  Few  of  the  edifices  of  other  days  remain.  Near  New- 
ton Upper  Falls,  the  old  Woodward  family  residence  in  part  still  exists,  exhib- 
iting evidences  of  an  antiquity  of  some  two  hundred  years.  About  IS."*-!,  in 
the  vicinity  of  Nonantum  Hill,  the  late  Mr.  Ricker  demolished  an  ancient 
edifice  which  had  the  projecting  porches  with  port-holes,  described  on  a  pre- 
vious page,  from  which  the  inmates  could  pour  down  either  balls,  shot,  or 
hot  water  upon  Indians  or  other  attacking  enemies. 

Bdried  Treasure. —  Joshua  Loring  removed  in  1816  to  the  house  on 
Centre  Street,  long  occupied  by  him  and  his  heirs.  He  had  a  previous  resi- 
dence on  Washington  Street,  near  the  east  corner  of  Adams  Street.  This 
house  was  burned.  The  estate  on  Centre  Street  formerly  belonged  to  the 
Prentice  estate,  and  later,  to  Dr.  Samuel  Clarke.  At  the  time  of  the  Revo- 
lution, three  young  men  of  the  Prentice  family  are  said  to  have  buried  con- 
siderable property  near  the  brook,  north  of  the  burying  ground,  and,  going 
to  the  war,  they  never  returned.  Parties  are  said  to  have  sometimes  dug: 
for  the  treasure ;  but  it  is  not  known  that  it  has  ever  been  found. 

Ancient  Inscription. —  A  very  ancient  inscription  exists  near  Newton 
Corner,  formerly  so  called,  not  far  from  the  end  of  Jefferson  Street,  towards; 
the  river.  The  inscription  is  cut  on  a  half  mill-stone,  said  by  an  old  resi- 
dent to  have  been  the  door-step  of  a  brewery  which  formerly  stood  near  by. 
The  stone  is  built  into  the  wall  of  the  left  bank  of  the  brook  which  divides- 
the  old  "  sand  bank"  from  the  adjoining  estates.     Tiie  inscription  is 

N.     T. 
1  7  4.  3. 


820  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

The  letters  are,  perhaps,  the  initials  of  the  town, —  New  Town.  The  last 
figure  is  somewhat  indistinct. 

Value  of  Houses  in  Newton. —  At  the  beginning  of  the  present  century 
the  number  of  houses  in  Newton  was  175.  Aggregate  value,  $72,900.  Aver- 
age, $128.  Tlie  aggregate  value  of  the  land  and  houses  was  $326,525, —  an 
average  of  $1,805  to  each  landholder.  The  Blake  estate  on  Centre  Street, 
now  known  as  the  Shannon  estate,  was  estimated  as  double  the  value  of  any 
other.     Only  three  houses  were  valued  above  $1,000. 

In  1800,  there  were  only  twelve  dwelling-houses  within  a  radius  of  half  a 
mile  of  the  Bank ;  only  eleven,  within  a  mile  of  the  town  hall  in  West  New- 
ton ;  and  at  the  Lower  Falls  village,  eight. 

Carriages  in  Newton. —  During  the  first  decade  of  this  century,  Mr. 
Davis  says  there  were  only  three  carriages  (probably,  family  coaches,)  in 
the  town,  which  were  owned  by  General  Hull,  Dr.  Freeman  and  General 
Simon  Elliot. 

Church  Bell  in  West  Newton. — The  first  church  bell  in  West  New- 
ton, raised  to  its  tower  in  1828,  was  purchased  of  the  town  of  Concord,  hav- 
ing been  donated  to  that  town  by  an  English  lady.  This  bell  was  a  very 
small  meeting-house  bell,  and  bore  these  words  in  relief  on  its  surface : 

"  I  to  the  church  the  living  call, 
I  to  the  grave  do  summon  all." 

Rev.  Dr.  Stillman  in  Newton. —  Shortly  before  the  demolition  of  the 
old  First  Parish  meeting-house,  in  1805,  Rev.  Dr.  Stillman,  the  eloquent 
pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  church  in  Boston,  was  invited  by  Dr.  Homer  to 
preach  on  a  Sabbath  afternoon.  The  notice  was  widely  given,  and  the 
meeting-house  was  completely  filled  with  eager  listeners.  The  text  was 
Heb.  VI :  19,  "  Which  hope  we  have,  as  an  anchor  of  the  soul,"  etc. 

ScHOOL-BOY  Roguery. —  A  public  school-house,  last  used  in  1809,  for- 
merly stood  near  the  Harbach  house,  corner  of  Ward  Street  and  Waverly 
Avenue.  In  this  school-house  Master  Hovey  was  one  day  sitting  at  his 
table,  when  a  roguish  boy  climbed  upon  the  roof,  and  let  a  fishing-line,  with 
a  hook,  down  the  chimney.  An  equally  roguish  schoolmate  within  contrived 
to  fix  the  hook  secretly  in  the  master's  wig,  which  disappeared  instantane- 
ously up  the  chimney. 

The  Old  Hull  Mansion  at  Newtonville. —  At  a  reunion  of  the 
Every  Saturday  Club  at  Newtonville,  the  following  sketch  of  the  Old  Hull 
house,  which  possesses  historic  interest,  was  read  by  Mrs.  J.  L.  Roberts  : 

"  The  Hull  mansion  seems  to  be  a  link,  binding  together  the  Newtonville 
of  to-day  and  the  Newtonville  of  the  past.  It  was  erected  more  than  a  cen- 
tury ago  on  the  estate  now  owned  by  Governor  Ciatlin,  as  an  addition  to  a 
house  built  nearly  a  hundred  years  before.  This  addition,  however,  did  not 
include  the  whole  of  the  present  house. 

"The  part  in  which  we  are  now  gathered  was  built  in  1811  by  General 
Hull,  who  came  into  possession  of  the  estate  by  his  marriage  with  Sarah, 
daughter  of  Abraham,  who  was  the  son  of  Joseph,  son  of  another  Joseph, 
who  was  the  son  of  one  John,  Fuller,  who  came  to   Newton  in   1644,  and 


REMINISCENCES.  821 

bought  a  thousand  acres  of  land,  covering  what  is  now  known  as  Newton- 
ville.  About  thirty  years  ago,  your  host,  Mr.  Xloberts,  wending  his  way  from 
his  dearly  loved  Boston,  in  search  of  some  quiet  country  retreat,  stopped  at  a 
little  station  called  Hull's  Crossing,  when  a  sale  of  land  was  going  on. 
Mounting  a  sugar  box,  he  bid  off  several  acres  of  land.  Then,  sauntering 
up  a  pleasant  lane,  now  known  as  Walnut  Street,  he  was  attracted  by  the 
substantial  home-like  appearance  of  the  Hull  mansion ;  so  much  so,  indeed, 
that  he  soon  after  bought  it,  and  had  it  removed  across  the  intervening  fields, 
to  its  present  location.  It  seems  to  have  been  the  ambition  of  each  of  the 
owners  of  the  mansion,  to  build  an  addition  whicli  sliould  excel  that  of  his 
predecessor;  hence  the  conglomerate  architecture,  combining  the  styles  of 
several  centuries  —  the  middle  portion,  including  the  library,  dining-room, 
and  rooms  above,  emanated  from  the  brain  of  the  before  mentioned  Joseph 
Fuller.  The  front  part,  containing  four  rooms  above,  and  the  room  in  which 
we  now  are,  then  divided  l)y  a  partition  into  two  rooms  of  equal  size,  was  the 
work  of  the  leisure  hours  of  the  old  General.  Your  host,  not  willing  to  be 
outdone  by  the  others,  who  have  in  each  case  given  their  attention  to  front 
improvement,  contemplated  overtoijping  them  all  with  a  Frencli  roof;  but  at 
length  decided  to  bring  his  forces  to  the  rear,  thus  giving  us  three  stories  of 
length  rather  than  height,  and  placing  us  under  the  necessity  of  occasionally 
answering  the  question  which  is  the  L  and  which  is  the  main  house." 

A  House  with  an  Ear  for  Mosic. —  Deacon  Elijah  F.  Woodward, 
father  of  Deacon  Ebenezer  Woodward,  of  Newton,  was,  says  Ilev.  Dr. 
Furber,  so  regular  in  his  attendance  at  the  Friday  evening  meetings  of  the 
old  First  church,  Newton  Centre,  that  his  horse,  whicli  had  taken  liim  there 
for  many  years,  seemed  to  become  familiar  with  the  tune,  "  Old  Hundred," 
to  which  the  closing  doxology  was  always  sung ;  and,  on  hearing  it,  immedi- 
ately left  the  shed  and  moved  to  the  door  of  the  chapel,  ready  to  receive 
tiie  good  old  Deacon. 

The  Will  of  Seth  Adams,  op  Newton. —  Tiie  following  are  some  pro- 
visions of  the  will  of  the  late  Seth  Adams,  of  Newton,  with  a  statement  of 
the  progress  made  under  the  same  : 

Mr.  Adams  first  made  ample  provision  for  his  family  and  connections  of 
every  degree,  with  donations  for  quite  a  number  of  benevolent  institutions 
of  this  State.     Of  his  chief  bequest,  tlie  Boston  Advertiser  says  : 

"  But  his  great  and  crowning  act  of  beneficence  was  the  provision  made 
for  the  treatment  and  cure  of  nervous  diseases.  So  much  was  his  sympathy 
enlisted  for  the  sufferings  of  weak,  nervous  and  debilitated  people,  iliat  a 
large  residue  of  his  property,  after  tiie  bequests  to  his  family  and  friends. 
was  devoted  to  the  object.  The  chief  curative  principle  relied  on  is  to  be 
the  '  movement,  cure,'  hot  and  cold  bathing,  good  air,  gymnastic  and  other 
exercises,  witli  great  attention  to  diet,  genial  association  and  religious  exer- 
cises. The  architectural  style  of  the  buildings  of  said  institution  is  to  be 
plain,  substantial  and  simple,  and  great  attention  is  to  be  paid  to  convenience, 
comfort,  good-sized  rooms  and  good  air." 

The  will  is  dated  February  15,  1872,  and  has  a  codicil  of  six  days  later. 
According  to  the  provisions  of  the  will,  an  act  incorporating  the  "Adams 


<j22  mSTOllY  OF  NEWTOX. 

Nervine  Asylum  "  was  passed  by  the  Legislature  of  1877,  and  full  organiza- 
tion made  according  to  law. 

At  the  date  of  the  last  report,  the  trustees  held  stocks,  bonds,  etc.,  valued 
at  i3472, 628.05,  and  real  estate  assessed  at  .$83,900,  besides  which  there  is  an 
accrued  income  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  of  about  $40,000.  The  annual 
income  from  the  property  is  now  about  $20,000.  Arrangements  have  been 
made  for  the  purchase  of  the  estate  of  the  late  J.  Gardner  Weld  at  West 
Eoxbury.  It  comprises  seventeen  acres,  has  a  largo  number  of  trees,  and  is 
ii  quiet,  retired  place,  for  the  class  of  patients  who  will  bo  received  into  the 
asylum.  There  is  on  the  grounds  a  large  residence,  with  many  rooms,  whicli 
is  expected  to  have  ample  accommodations  for  the  number  of  patients  who 
will  be  received  at  first.  It  will  be  very  convenient  to  make  additions,  when 
necessary.  The  estate  is  near  the  well-known  Bussey  property,  and  will 
cost  the  asylum  corporation  $32,500. 

Begixning  of  the  Samuel  Htde  Nursery. — The  beginning  of  the  nur- 
sery business  by  Mr.  Hyde  is  interesting.  Travelling  one  day  through 
Brighton,  he  noticed  a  cherry-tree,  bearing  luscious  fruit,  whose  branches 
extended  over  the  highway.  Taking  a  few  of  the  cherries  to  eat,  he  care- 
lessly dropped  the  stones  in  his  vest  pocket,  till  they  numbered  forty,  which, 
on  reaching  home,  he  planted.  Thirty-nine  came  up,  and  grew  thriftily.  In 
due  time  he  budded  or  grafted  the  young  plants,  and  they  became  the  nucleus 
of  the  nursery,  which  has  since  had  so  wide  a  reputation. 

MoRUS  MuLTiCAULis. —  There  was  a  period,  after  the  establishment  of 
Kenrick's  Nursery,  when  a  few  of  the  citizens  of  Newton  conceived  the  idea 
that  the  raising  of  silk  worms  and  silk  promised  to  be  a  remunerative  indus- 
try. Mr.  Kenrick  purchased  and  stored  in  his  cellar  a  large  number  of  mul- 
berry trees,  on  whose  leaves  the  silk  worms  feed;  but  the  tide  quickly 
turned,  the  morns  multicaulis  fever  declined,  and  the  speculation  proved  un- 
fortunate. 

Parsonage  at  Newton  Centre. —  A  very  plain  two-story  house,  a  par- 
sonage belonging  to  the  Eirst  Parish  of  Newton,  stood  many  years  at  the 
northerly  corner  of  Grafton  Street,  at  its  junction  with  Centre  Street.  It 
was  occupied,  successively,  by  Rev.  Messrs.  Smith,  Bates  and  Bushnell, 
during  their  ministry,  and  removed  after  the  adjoining  estate  on  the  north 
came  into  the  hands  of  ISIr.  George  S.  Dexter. 

IiECOLLECTlONS    BY    SeTH    DaVIS,    EsQ.,    OF   THE     COLD   JuNE     OF     181G. — 

Of  the  cold  June,  in  the  year  1816,  I  have  a  perfect  recollection,  and  also 
have  a  small  blank  book,  in  which  I  occasionally  noted  down  some  of  the  un- 
usual occurrences  of  that  period.     A  few  of  these  notes  are  appended  below  • 

May  1,  1816,  10  o'clock,  A.  M. —  Discovered  by  the  naked  eye,  by  means 
of  smoked  glass,  a  blackish  spot  on  the  sun's  disc,  apparently  about  one- 
thirtieth  of  its  diameter. 

May  2,  10  A.  M. —  Same  spot  still  visible,  and  now  about  one-twelfth  of 
the  diameter  of  the  sun. 

May  3. —  Observed  the  same  spot  several  times  during  the  da3\ 

July  7,  8,  and  9. —  The  same,  or  a  similar,  spot,  of  rather  smaller  dimen- 
eions,  distinctly  visible. 


REMINISCENCES.  823 

[The  severe  colJ  at  A'^?/"  time  was  believed  by  many  to  be  attributable  to 
the  larjjo  spot  on  the  sun  (more  tlian  thirty  times  the  size  of  the  earth). 
Its  change  of  position  w.as  undoubtedlj'  owing  to  tlie  rotation  of  the  sun  on 
its  r.xis,  once  in  about  twenty-seven  days.] 

Wednesday,  June  5. —  So  cold  as  to  be  under  the  necessity  of  making  a 
fire  in  the  factory  to  be  comfortable.  [The  Cotton  Factory  of  Seth  Bemis,  on 
the  Watertown  side  of  Charles  liiver,  of  wiiich  the  writer  had  the  charge.] 
It  has  been  so  cold  many  nigiits,  since  the  montli  commenced,  that  ice  of 
r.early  or  quite  one-half  an  inch  in  thickness,  where  the  water  was  not  in 
motion,  was  seen  for  several  consecutive  mornings. 

Juno  12,  1816. — llemarkable  weather  since  June  commenced.  There  have 
been  eight  severe  frosts,  which  have  destroyed  many  of  the  tender  vegeta- 
bles. Snow  fell  in  Boston  in  September  last,  and  at  Wiscasset,  Me.,  and 
other  places,  for  several  hours  in  succession.  The  occurrence  is  uncom- 
mon, but  cannot  excite  any  distrust  of  the  God  of  the  harvest. 

There  was  snow  in  this  region  in  June,  1816,  but  only  barely  enough  to 
cover  the  ground.  July  and  August  were  warm  months,  and,  had  the  hard 
frost  in  September  kept  off  for  two  Aveeks,  there  would  have  been  a  good 
■crop  of  corn  ;  but  as  it  was,  it  was  worthless  for  fodder  or  for  anything  else. 
Pumpkin  seeds  cost  in  1817  one  dollar  per  hundred,  and  many  kinds  of  seed 
were  proportionally  dear. 

ORIGINAL   LETTER   OF   ROGER    SHERMAN. 

Philadelphia,  .kr^xW  17,  1777. 

Sir: — Congress  is  desirous,  if  possible,  to  subdue  the  enemy  that  are  in 
this  country,  before  a  re-inforcement  can  arrive.  The  small  pox  has  greatly 
retarded  the  recruits  joyning  the  army.  AVe  had  information  some  time  ago, 
tliat  preparations  were  making  to  attack  the  enemy  on  Rhode  Island,  and 
dislodge  them.  Why  it  has  not  been  executed,  we  have  not  been  informed. 
A  resolution  passed  yesterday,  recommending  to  the  State  of  Rhode  Island 
to  raise  its  whole  force ;  to  the  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut  States,  to 
raise  their  militia  in  the  neighborhood  of  Rhode  Island,  to  attack  the  enemy, 
and  have  directed  General  Washington  to  order  a  suitable  Continental  Gen- 
eral officer  to  command  there.  The  President  has  sent  copies  of  the  reso- 
lution to  the  several  States  concerned. —  Enclosed  are  resolutions  to  for- 
ward the  recruiting  service,  and  some  alterations  of  the  Articles  for  tlie  gov- 
ernment of  the  army. —  The  enclosed  News  Paper  contains  a  list  of  surgeons 
and  physicians  appointed  for  the  liospitals,  among  whom  is  Doct.  Philip 
Turner.  Doct.  Foster  gives  him  a  very  good  cliaracter,  in  a  letter  to  a  mem- 
ber of  Congress.  Your  Ilon'r  will  have  a  copy  of  the  regulations  of  the 
Hospitals  and  the  pay  of  the  persons  to  be  employed,  in  the  i^ublic  papers. 
The  pay,  I  think,  is  very  high ;  but  physicians  in  tlie  Southern  States  are  used 
to  high  pay. 

Our  last  letter  from  Doct.  Franklin  and  'Wx.  Dean  was  dated  the  6th  of 
February.  No  treaty  had  been  then  concluded.  Some  probability  that 
France  and  Spain  would  make  war  with  Great  Britain,  but  nothing  certainly 
determined  upon, —  both  French  and  Spaniards  favour  our  cause. — 


824  HISTORY  OF  NEWTON. 

Accounts  from  England  arc,  that  the  king's  subjects  have  lost  1,800,000£ 
by  the  American  Cruisers.  That  Insurance  is  at  28  per  cent.  That  the 
ministry  intend  to  bend  their  force  against  New  England,  to  extirpate  them 

and  enslave  the  Inhabitants  of  the   Southern  States There  has  been  talk 

that  the  enemy  designs  to  come  to  this  city ;  but  I  dont  think  they  will  at- 
tempt it,  before  they  are  reinforced — I,  with  some  of  the  other  Delegates  of 
Connecticut,  would  attend  Congress.  The  Confederation  will  be  entered  on 
next  Monday,  &  finished  as  soon  as  possible.  I  write  in  haste,  as  the  Hon'ble 
Mr.  Collins  of  Rhode  Island,  by  whom  I  send  this,  waits.     I  am,  with  great 

Regards, 

Your  Hon'rs  obedient  humble  servant, 

Roger  Sherman. — 
To 
The  Hon'ble  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Esq'r,  of  Lebanon,*  Governor   of  the 
State  of  Connecticut. 

REMINISCENCES    OF   NEWTON,    BY    SAMUEL   C.    CLARKE,    ESQ. 

The  following  reminiscences  of  Newton,  as  it  was  about  the  year  1816, — 
contributed  by  Samuel  C.  Clarke,  Esq.,  grandson  of  General  William  Hull 
and  brother  of  Rev.  James  Freeman  Clarke, —  give  a  vivid  and  life-like  pic- 
ture of  portions  of  the  town  at  that  date,  and  are  a  valuable  addition  to  this 
chapter.  The  view  commences  with  the  estate  of  Obadiah  Curtis,  on  the 
east  side  of  the  street  now  called  Waverly  Avenue,  and  situated  next  north 
of  the  Harbach  estate.  A  portion  of  the  Obadiah  Curtis  estate  became  the 
property  of  Dr.  Samuel  Clarke,  the  father  of  Samuel  C.  Clarke  and  James 
Freeman  Clarke.  [The  houses  of  Obadiah  Curtis  and  Dr.  Freeman  were 
removed,  from  their  original  location,  a  little  towards  the  east,  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1880,  to  make  room  for  extensive  improvements.] 

Obadiah  Curtis  was  descended,  in  the  third  generation,  from  William  Cur- 
tis, of  Roxbury  (1632),  whose  wife  Sarah  was  sister  to  Rev.  John  Eliot,*  of 
Roxbury,  the  apostle  to  the  Indians  at  Nonantura. 

The  estate  of  Obadiah  Curtis  consisted  originally  of  eighty  acres.  The 
part  owned  by  Dr.  Samuel  Clarke  contained  ihh'ty  acres.  This,  with  the 
house,  he  sold  in  1807  to  his  grandfather,  Obadiah  Curtis,  who  afterwards 
gave  it  to  his  daughter  Martha  (Mrs.  Dr.  Freeman).     Obadiah  Curtis  lived 


*  I  have  lately  received  from  England  the  genealogy  of  the  Eliot  family.  Rev.  Jolm 
Eliot  was  son  of  Benuet  Eliot,  of  Nazing,  Essex,  and  was  born  in  1603, —  being  the 
fourth  cliild  in  a  family  of  seven,— five  of  whom  came  to  New  England.  John  came 
to  Plymouth  m  1631.  He  was  of  Jesus  College,  Cambridge.  William  Curtis  and  wife 
came  in  Wiuthrop's  fleet  to  Boston  in  1G32,  and  brought  with  them  Mary  Eliot  and 
Anne  Mountfort,  who  married  John  Eliot  in  Boston  the  same  year.  He  became  min- 
ister of  Roxbury,  and  William  Curtis  settled  there,  and  built  a  house  in  1G40,  which 
still  stands  near  the  Boylston  Station  of  the  Boston  and  Providence  Railroad,  oa 
Stony  Brook,  in  the  occui^ation  of  Isaac  Curtis,  seventh  in  descent  from  the  builder. 

Rev.  John  Eliot  had  by  his  wife  Anne,— Anne,  born  1633;  John,  born  1636,  Minister 
in  Newton;  Joseph,  born  1638,  Minister  in  G-uilford,  Conn.;  Samuel,  born  1641,  Tutor 
in  Harvard  University;  Aaron,  born  1644;  Benjamin,  born  1647. 


REMINISCENCES.  825 

for  about  fifteen  years  in  the  house  next  south  of  the  Freeman  [Francis 
Skinner]  place,— from  1795-G  to  1811. 

The  house  opposite,  now  owned  by  heirs  of  Charles  Brackett,  Esq.,  was 
built  by  Colonel  Joseph  Ward.  The  latter  sold  it  to  Charles  Coolidge,  of 
Boston,  who  occupied  it  till  he  died,  about  1810;  it  was  then  sold  to  the  late 
Charles  Brackett. 

In  181G,  the  next  house  southwardly,  at  the  forks  of  the  road  [junction  of 
Waverly  Avenue  and  Ward  Street],  was  owned  by  Thomas  Harbacli 
(butcher),  [now  by  his  heirs].  These  three  were  the  only  houses,  from  the 
forks  of  the  road  leading  to  Brookline  to  the  junction  of  Indian  Lane  [Sar- 
gent Street]  with  the  road  to  Brighton,  a  distance  of  a  mile  and  a  half,  except 
the  Kenrick  house,  and  an  old  house  standing  at  the  junction  of  the  Lane 
with  the  Brighton  Road,  occupied  by  Captain  Dana. 

The  street  or  lane  skirting  the  old  cemetery  on  its  south  line,  then  called 
** Rural  Lane  "  [Cotton  Street],  had  no  house  on  it  in  1816. 

Opposite  the  Ilarbach  house,  on  the  same  side  of  Waverly  Avenue,  and 
on  the  other  corner,  stood  an  old  house  owned  by  Captain  Hammond,  in 
which  the  Newton  Theological  Institution  began  its  career  in  1825 ;  the 
house  is  no  more.  Then  came  William  Brackett  (butchei-), —  house  still 
standing;  then  westwardly  another  house, —  and  now  gone, —  very  old,  oc- 
cupied by  Jonathan  Hyde,  on  the  south  side  of  the  road;  he  married  Eliza- 
beth Mullen.  One  other  house  stood  on  the  south  side,  opposite  the  stone 
quarry;  nothing  more,  until  you  reached  Dedham  road  [Centre  Street]. 

On  Centre  Street,  from  Angier's  Corner  [Newton]  to  the  Baptist  Pond  were 
Murdock's  store  (grocery  and  rum  shop),  on  the  corner.     Next,  ou  the  lefc 

hand  [east  side]  was  an  old  house  built  by Park  in  IGoO ;  next,  on  the 

same  side,  the  house  of  Samuel  Hyde;  next,  on  the  right  [west  side],  Na- 
tlianiel  Brackett  (butcher) ;  next,  on  the  same  side,  the  Sargent  place,  with 
the  high  stone  wall  in  front  [now  Miss  Shannon]  ;  next,  Nathaniel  Tucker 
[late  Thomas  Edmands]  ;  next  Joseph  Tombs  [the  late  Gardner  Colby's  f;irm- 
house].  All  these  houses  remain.  On  the  east  side,  south  of  Rural  Lane 
[Cotton  Street],  the  Joshua  Loriiig  place.  On  the  west  side,  James  Lovell; 
then  Dr.  Homer's,  both  gone.  On  the  east  side,  Marshall  S.  Rice's  place, 
then  a  private  school;  opposite,  Rev.  Joseph  Grafton's  [afterwards  the  late 
George  C.  Rand]  ;  then,  as  now,  the  East  Parish  Congregational  church. 
Where  Lyman  Street  joins  the  Common,  the  old  brick  Powder  House.  Where 
the  Newton  Theological  Institution  stands,  was  a  large  house,  built  about  1800-5 
by  John  Peck,  who  sold  it,  and  removed  to  Kentucky.  On  eitlier  side  of 
the  Rice  house,  nortli  and  south,  v.-ere  fish  ponds.  This  house,  according  to 
Jackson,  was  built  by  Henry  Gibbs  in  174:2.  A  brook  flowed  through  the 
most  southerly  of  the  ponds,  and,  crossing  the  road,  ran,  westwardly,  till  it 
formed  the  upper  part  of  Smelt  Brook,  above  BuUough's  Pond.  In  it  I 
caught  speckled  trout,  about  1829-30.  Tlien  came  the  Common  or  training 
field,  and  I  remember  no  house  till  you  came  to  the  Wiswall  house,  then  oc- 
cupied by  Mrs.  Eliza  Guild,  on  the  east  side  of  the  road  wliich  led  past  the 
Great  Pond  [Centre  Street].  Oxiposite  tills,  on  the  bank,  stood  the  Baptist 
meeting-house.     One    house    I  remember  on    the  south  side  of  the  Pond 


826  HISTORY  OF  NEWTOX. 

[Clarke  house,  now  Jepson],  and  one,  sniiill  and  old,  on  the  northwest  side 
[tlie  Blanden  house,  formerly  Joseph  White].  These  twelve  houses  are  all 
I  remember  on  Centre  Street  in  1816. 

On  the  road  which  starts  from  Centre  Street  opposite  the  Loring  place,  for- 
merly ilill  Lane  [now  Mill  Street],  there  were  only  two  houses, —  BuUough's 
and  Nathan  Trowbridge's,  [near  and  north  of  BuUough's  mill].  It  was  a 
solitary  piece  of  woods,  on  both  sides. 

On  the  mo  in  road  from  Angler's  Corner,  westward  [Washington  Street], 
there  were  at  that  time  between  Newton  Corner  and  Newton viUe  Avenue  but 
three  houses, —  William  Jackson's,  near  the  Brook,  Mr.  Bacon's,  and,  I  think, 
the  Poor  House.  The  father  of  Mr.  Bullough,  the  miller,  was  a  desperado, 
living  in  the  woods  west  of  General  Hull's  place.  He  was  in  the  State  Prison 
more  than  once  for  horse  stealing  and  other  villauy,  and  was  the  terror  of 
the  town.  His  family,  I  believe,  were  worthy  people.  He  stole  two  horses 
from  General  Hull. 

Dr.  Samuel  Clarke's  last  house  in  Newton  was  on  Homer  Street  [now 
owned  and  occupied  by  E.  F.  Waters,  Esq.].  i\Irs.  Clarke  received  from  her 
mother's  estate  a  tract  of  land  lying  south  of  Ballough's  Pond,  on  the  brook 
leading  from  the  Cold  Spring,  on  which  Dr.  Clarke  built  a  dam  and  made  a 
pond,  and  then  erected  a  mill  for  grinding  drugs,  and  also  a  chemical  factory, 
where  he  manufactured  acids,  alkalis,  calomel,  etc.  He  also  bleaclied  wax 
there.  In  the  woods  near,  he  built  a  house  for  his  foreman,  Peter  Maco}-, 
who  was  of  an  old  Newton  family.  After  the  burning  of  the  mill,  and  the 
death  of  Dr.  Clarke,  which  occurred  the  same  year,  the  place  occupied  by  it 
was  sold  to  Rufus  Brackett,  of  Newton,  for  a  morocco  factory.  Mr.  Brack- 
ett  lived  at  that  time  in  the  Obadiah  Curtis  house,  next  south  of  the  Freeman 
place.  The  remainder  of  the  tract  in  the  woods,  south  of  BuUough's  Pond, 
was  sold  by  Mrs.  Clarke  to  the  town  of  Newton,  and  now  forms  a  part  of  the 
Newton  Cemetery. 

The  house  of  Peter  Macoy,  which  in  1829  stood  solitary  in  the  woods,  [is 
the  house  formerly  known  as  the  Albert  Sanderson  house,  and  still  stands]. 

While  Dr.  Clarke  was  building  the  house  on  Homer  Street,  now  the  house 
of  Edwin  F.  Waters,  Esq.,  in  1829,  he  occupied  a  cottage  then  on  the  hill 
west  of  Centre  Street,  nearly  opposite  the  Samuel  Hyde  place,  and  since 
called  Mount  Ida. 

Newton,  in  181G,  was  an  agricultural  town,  and  the  farmers  were  generally 
poor.  That  was  before  the  manufacturing  period,  which  has  diffused  so 
much  wealth  throughout  New  England,  and  few  Boston  business  men  had  their 
country  seats  in  Newton,  as  at  present. 

The  finest  houses  in  the  north  and  east  parts  of  Newton  were  those  of  Dr. 
Morse,  between  Angler's  Corner  and  Charles  River,  on  the  west  side ;  Mrs. 
Coffin's,  and  John  Richardson's  [afterwards  the  Nonantum  House]  ;  Honor- 
able Jonathan  Ilunnewell's,  on  the  road  from  Angler's  Corner  to  Brighton; 
the  Haven  and  Wiggin  houses  on  Nonantum  IIUl;  John  Peck's,  afterwards 
the  Newton  Theological  Institution;  the  Sargent  place,  on  Centre  Street 
[now  the  Shannon  Place]  ;  then,  John  Cabot  [corner  of  Cabot  Street, — 
since  removed] ;  then,  a  house,  occupied  by  Blackler,  afterwards  by  Nathaniel 


REMINISCEXCES.  827 

Tucker,  and  afterwards  Thomas  Edniands ;  the  Ward  place,  then  owned 
by  Charles  Coolidge  [afterwards  Charles  BrackettJ  ;  the  Freeman  place 
[afterwards  of  Francis  Skinner],  and  that  of  General  Hull  [Ex-Governor 
Claflin]. 

I  remember  but  three  coaches  owned  in  the  town,  at  that  time.  There  was 
a  stage  three  times  a  week  from  the  Lower  Falls  to  Boston. 

The  following,  by  the  same  pen,  are  from  the  Newton  Transcript. 

The  town  of  Newton,  as  I  remember  it  about  1815-20,  contained  a  scat- 
tering population  of  some  fifteen  hundred  persons.  There  were  four  villages, 
Angler's  corner,  the  West  Parish  and  the  Upper  and  Lower  Falls.  All  these 
Tvere  composed  of  small  houses ;  Angier's  Corner  had  probably  not  over 
twenty  buildings,  the  principal  of  which  were  Bacon's  tavern,  standing 
^vhere  the  present  Bank  building  stands,  and  Murdock's  store,  kept  in  an  old 
building  on  the  corner,  where  a  few  groceries  and  much  New  England  rum 
■were  sold.  There  was  great  consumption  of  that  beverage,  which  then  cost 
only  fifty  cents  a  gallon,  at  retail.  A  barrel  of  rum  was  supposed  to  be  as  nec- 
essary a  part  of  the  household  stores  as  the  pork  barrel ;  the  farm  hands  all 
took  tlieir  drink  at  11  A.  M.  and  4  P.  M.  Rev.  James  Freeman,  of  Nonan- 
tum  Hill,  allowed  no  rum  on  his  place,  but  paid  his  men  a  dollar  a  month 
extra,  in  commutation  therefor.  This  was  generally  regarded  an  eccentric- 
ity. The  farm  laborers  were  mostly  from  Vermont  or  New  Hampshire,  who 
■came  for  the  summer,  and  earned  about  ten  dollars  a  month.  Female  help  cost 
from  fifty  cents  to  one  dollar  per  week ;  the  helpers  were  Americans,  farm- 
ers' widows  or  daughters,  who  earned  a  little  money  in  this  way.  There  were 
fev>r  Irish  then,  even  in  the  cities.  At  the  two  Falls  villages,  some  manufact- 
uring was  done, — paper  mills,  woolen  mills  ;  rolling  and  slitting  mills  for  iron, 
and  nail  factories.  At  Waltham  was  a  cotton  mill ;  but  the  great  and  varied 
industries  which  have  so  enriched  New  England  were  then  in  their  infancy. 

The  population  of  Newton  was  mostly  agricultural,  with  little  demand  and 
small  prices  for  their  crops,  and  the  people  were  poor.  A  few  Boston  peo- 
ple, in  easy  circumstances,  had  their  country  seats  in  the  town,  always  noted 
for  the  purity  of  the  air,  and  health  of  the  people. 

The  war  of  1812  imposed  heavy  burdens  on  the  people  of  New  England, 
destroyed  tlieir  foreign  commerce,  and  greatly  injured  the  coast  trade.  Dur- 
ing the  war,  much  of  the  flour  used  in  Boston  came  in  great  wagons  from 
Philadelphia  and  New  York.  Great  strings  of  these  wagons,  each  drawn  by 
four  horses,  were  constantly  passing  through  Newton,  and  were  popularly 
called  "  Madison's  Ships." 

A  great  event  of  that  period  was  the  September  gale  of  1815.  It  began 
about  eight  A.  M.,  and  came  from  the  south,  lasting  three  or  four  hours. 
Houses  and  barns  were  destroyed,  great  trees  uprooted,  and  the  ocean 
invaded  its  shores.  Our  chimneys  were  demolished,  our  windows  blown  in, 
and  our  carriage  house,  with  its  contents,  destroyed.  All  this  was  fun  for 
the  boys,  especially  when  the  baker,  making  his  daily  visit,  had  his  cart  over- 
turned by  the  wind,  and  all  his  gingerbread  thrown  into  the  mud.  This  was 
on  Saturday,  and  when,  on  the  following  day,  we  drove  to  Boston  to  church, 


828  HISTOKY  OF  NEWTON. 

great  trees  lay  across  the  road,  and  in  Cambridgeport,  a  schooner  had  been 
washed  up,  high  and  dry,  into  the  main  street. 

North  from  Newton  Corner,  towards  Watertown,  we  pass  an  old-fashioned 
house  on  the  left,  occupied  in  1815  by  Madam  Coffin ;  in  1785  it  was  the  resi- 
dence of  General  Hull,  and  was  built  by  Captain  Phineas  Cooke  about  1760. 
Opposite  was  a  large  brick  house,  owned  and  occupied  by  John  Kichardson, 
Esq.,  which  was  built  by  General  Hull  about  1800,  and  occupied  by  him 
until  1805.     It  is  now  a  part  of  the  old  Nonantum  House. 

On  the  road  to  Brighton  were  three  or  four  small  dwellings,  a  blacksmith 
shop  and  that  of  John  Rogers,  watchmaker,  who  made  the  clock  in  Dr.  Ho- 
mer's meeting-house,  Newton  Centre.  The  Doctor  used  with  great  satisfaction 
to  derive  the  ancestry  of  this  parishioner  from  that  John  Rogers,  who  was 
burned  at  the  stake  in  England,  in  the  first  year  of  the  reign  of  bloody  Mary. 
A  little  east  of  this,  was  the  mansion  of  Hon.  Jonathan  Hunnewell. 

Passing  two  houses  on  the  hill  towards  Brighton,  we  come  at  its  foot  to  the 
roads  where  stood,  on  the  left,  a  school-house,  and  two  oaks,  of  great  size  and 
antiquity.  At  the  corner  of  Indian  Lane,  now  perhaps  Tremont  Street,  lived 
Captain  Dana ;  to  the  left,  as  we  ascend  the  hill,  are  two  houses  of  consider- 
able pretension,  built  about  1815  by  Messrs.  Haven  and  Wiggin,*  of  Boston. 
They  stand  on  Nonantum  hill,  where  John  Eliot,  the  Apostle,  first  preached 
to  the  Indians.  John  Dunton,  a  London  bookseller,  who  came  to  Boston  in 
1686,  and  wrote  an  amusing  book  of  travels,  relates  that  he  rode  with  Mr. 
Eliot  through  Charles  River  valley  to  Natick,  where  was  the  principal  Indian 
town, — a  wild  region,  then,  for  the  records  of  Cambridge  in  1696  mention 
the  killing  of  seventy-six  wolves  in  that  town,  which  then  comprised  much 
of  Middlesex  county. 

Turning  south,  we  enter  Waverly  Avenue,  and  reach  the  house  of  John 
Kenrick,  who  with  his  sons,  William  and  John,  were  among  the  first  who 
embarked  in  the  nursery  business  in  Massachusetts.  At  the  top  of  the  hill, 
on  the  West  side  of  the  road,  stands  the  old  mansion  built  in  1792  by  Colonel 
Joseph  Ward.  He  made  a  fortune  as  a  stock  broker,  and  purchased  this 
place  which  he  called  "Chestnut  Hill."  Afterwards,  meeting  with  misfor- 
tunes, he  sold  the  place  to  Charles  Coolidge,  son  of  Joseph  Coolidge,  a  wealthy 
Boston  merchant.  His  eldest  daughter  married  S.  W.  Pomeroy  of  Brighton, 
afterwards  proprietor  of  the  town  of  Pomeroy  on  the  Ohio  River.  The  place 
is  now  owned  by  heirs  of  Charles  Brackett.  Opposite  this  is  the  house  built 
by  Dr.  Samuel  Clarke  in  1805,  afterwards  occupied  by  his  mother,  Mrs.  Free- 
man ;   after  the  death  of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Freeman  the  place  was  owned  and 


*  Messrs.  Haven  and  Wiggin  bought  seventy  acres  of  land  from  the  Hull  estate, 
.about  1807.  They  then  tried  to  purchase  a  portion  of  the  Beals  estate,  so  as  to  obtain 
access  to  the  highway;  the  owners  of  the  Beals  estate,  however,  set  the  price  so 
high  that  they  refused  to  pay  it,  and,  consequently,  instead  of  building  these  fine 
residences  within  the  limits  of  Newton,  tliey  erected  them  near  the  lino  of  Brigh- 
ton, one  of  the  houses  being  entirely  within  the  town.  A  eonsider.ible  amount  was 
lost  to  the  town  iu  consequence  of  this  aetion,  as  the  taxes  were  paid  to  the  Brighton 
authorities,  and  niucli  regret  was  expressed  at  the  failure  to  secure  botli  the  gentle- 
men as  residents  of  "Newtown."  One  of  tliese  houses  was  occupied  iu  recent  times 
by  the  late  Di".  Daniel  White,  formerly  of  Charlestown. 


KEMINISCENCES.  829 

occupied  by  Mrs.  Clarke  until  1845,  when  it  was  sold  to  Francis  Skinner,  of 
Boston.  Southwardly,  on  the  same  estate,  stands  an  older  house,  which  in 
1800  was  owned  by  Obadiah  Curtis,  born  in  Roxbury,  but  long  a  citizen  of 
Boston,  where  he  was  an  ardent  patriot,  and  one  of  the  tea  party  in  1773. 
]Mr.  Curtis  was  so  obnoxious  to  the  British  rulers  in  1775,  that  when  Boston 
was  besieged  by  the  Americans,  he  was  obliged  to  retire  with  his  fomily  to 
Providence,  until  after  the  evacuation  of  Boston  by  the  British  troop?.  He 
and  his  wife  died  in  1811,  and  were  buried  in  the  old  cemetery.  South  of 
this,  and  on  the  corner  of  the  road  leading  to  Brookline,  is  the  old  house  belong- 
ing for  many  years  to  the  Harbach  family.  This  place  belonged  about  1652, 
to  Captain  Thomas  Prentice,  said  to  have  been  a  soldier  under  Cromwell.  In 
America  he  was  a  noted  Indian  fighter,  captain  of  a  troop  of  horse,  and  one 
«f  the  leaders  in  the  war  against  King  Philip.  He  is  said  to  have  killed  with 
an  axe,  a  bear  which  had  attacked  one  of  the  servants  on  his  farm. 


CHAPTER  LIX. 

NOTICES     OF      EX-GOVERNOR     WILLIAM      CLAFLIN.  EX-GOVERNOR. 

ALEXANDER     H.     RICE.  MAYOR     J.      F.      C.      HYDE.  MAYOR 

ALDEN   SPEARE. MAYOR   WILLIAM   B.  FOWLE. MAYOR   ROYAL 

M.    PULSIFER. DR.    S.    F.    SMITH. 

For  obvious  reasons,  it  has  been  deemed  inexpedient  to  under- 
take the  delineation  of  the  hfe  and  services  of  Uving  citizens  of 
Newton,  except  so  far  as  their  names  are  involved  in  the  transac- 
tions recorded  in  the  foregoing  History.  This  rule,  however,  is 
departed  from,  for  equally  obvious  reasons,  in  the  case  of  two  Ex- 
Governors  of  the  Commonwealth,  one  of  whom  is  a  native  of  New- 
ton, and  the  other  has  honored  it  as  his  favorite  residence,  and 
the  four  successive  Maj^ors  of  the  city.  Another  name  has  also 
been  added,  by  the  importunate  suggestion  of  the  ''Committee 
on  the  History,"  whose  judgment  in  the  case  the  Author  does  not 
feel  at  liberty  to  resist. 

Hon.  William  Claflin  was  born  March  G,  1818,  in  Milford,  Mass.,  about 
two  miles  from  the  centre  of  the  town,  on  the  road  to  Hopkinton.  The  place 
of  his  nativity  was  an  old-fashioned  house,  of  one  story  and  a  half.  His  mother 
was  of  the  Adams  family,  of  Braintree.  His  father,  Hon.  Lee  Claflin,  was  a 
native  of  Hopkinton.  He  received  his  early  training  at  a  district  scliool  about 
a  mile  from  his  home,  and  after  five  or  six  years  was  sent  to  the  Milford 
Academy,  where  he  was  prepared  for  college. 

He  entered  Brown  University  in  1833.  In  less  than  a  year  afterwards,  his 
mother  died,  and,  his  health  being  delicate,  he  was  taken  from  college,  and 
placed  in  his  father's  manufactory,  where  he  labored  for  three  years. 

In  1838,  by  the  advice  of  his  physician,  he  went  to  St.  Louis  to  seek  recov- 
ery of  health;  and  as  soon  as  he  was  able,  he  engaged  in  business  at  St. 
Louis,  which,  with  intervals  of  fluctuation,  has  been  continued  to  the  present 
date. 

In  1855,  Mr.  Claflin  removed  to  his  residence  at  Newtonville,  the  estate' 
formerly  owned  and  occupied  by  General  William  Hull. 

830 


HON.  ALEXANDER  H.  KICE.  831 

In  IS-tS,  Mr.  Claflin  was  elected  by  the  Free  Soil  party  to  the  Legislature 
of  Massachusetts,  from  the  town  of  Hopkinton,  where  he  resided  at  that  time, 
and  his  services  must  have  been  satisfactory  to  his  fellow-citizens,  for  he  was 
afterwards  re-elected  three  years  in  succession.  He  was  appointed  on  many 
of  the  most  important  committees  of  the  House,  which  shows  that  he  was  a 
prominent  member.  In  1859,  he  was  elected  to  the  State  Senate,  and  in  1800 
was  a  delegate  to  the  Chicago  Convention  which  nominated  Abraham  Lincoln 
for  the  Presidency  of  the  United  States,  and  again  in  1804  and  1868, —  the 
last  time  as  a  delegate  from  the  State  at  large.  In  18G8,  he  was  made  Chair- 
man of  the  National  Committee,  which  caused  him  to  take  an  active  part  in 
the  first  campaign  for  the  election  of  General  Grant.  In  1861,  he  was  Presi- 
dent of  the  Massachusetts  Senate,  afterwards  Lieutenant-Governor  of  the 
State  for  three  years,  and  finally  Governor,  and  discharged  the  duties  of  his 
office  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the  people.  He  received  the  honorary  degree 
of  Doctor  of  Laws  from  Harvard  University  in  1869 ;  also,  the  same  degree 
from  the  Wesleyan  University. 

Sir.  Claflin  took  high  ground  in  favor  of  the  Temperance  reform,  and  of 
the  equality  of  all  men,  black  and  white,  before  the  law.  He  was  known  as 
a  strict  anti-slavery  man,  at  a  period  when  his  uncompromising  adhesion  to  the 
right  involved  unpopularity,  and  was  a  bar  to  success  in  business.  It  is  said 
that  he  never  sought  political  position  ;  on  the  contrary,  position  sought  him. 
His  administration  of  the  highest  office  in  the  Commonwealth  was  marked  by 
great  sagacity  and  ability,  and  was  highly  useful  to  all  the  interests  of  the 
State. 

After  leaving  the  gubernatorial  chair,  he  retired  to  his  private  business, 
like  Cincinnatus  to  his  farm,  universally  honored  and  respected.  In  1876,  he 
was  elected  Representative  in  Congress,  and  re-elected  in  1878. 

Governor  Claflin  is  a  consistent  and  honored  member  of  the  Methodist 
church.  But  his  Catholic  spirit  embraces  all  good  men,  and  the  good  and 
gi'eat  of  every  name  and  nation  have  been  cheered  by  the  elegant  hospitality 
of  his  home. 

Hon.  Alexander  H.  Rice  was  born  August  30,  1818,  at  Newton  Lower 
Falls,  the  son  of  Thomas  Rice  and  brother  of  the  late  Thomas  Rice,  jr.,  long 
a  prominent  and  useful  citizen  of  the  town.  His  early  studies  were  in  the 
pul)lic  schools  of  Newton  of  which  he  always  had  a  high  estimate,  and  later  on 
he  attended  the  Academy  of  the  late  Rev.  Daniel  Kim])all  in  Needham,  and 
of  Master  Seth  Davis  in  Newton.  He  graduated  with  higli  honors  at  Union 
College,  Schenectady,  N.  Y.,  then  under  tlie  presidency  of  Dr.  Nott ;  and,  dur- 
ing his  college  course,  often  readied  the  rank  of  maximum  scholarsliip.  His 
heahli  being  impaired  he  abandoned  the  idea  of  professional  life  and  returned 
to  the  business  in  Boston  in  which  he  liad  been  initiated  in  his  youth,  and 
afterwards  became  the  head  of  the  well-known  firm  of  Rice,  Kendall  &  Co., 
of  that  city.  Almost  immediately  after  his  return  to  Boston,  he  became  in- 
terested in  its  educational,  philanthropic  and  business  institutions  and  aifairs. 
He  was  for  several  years  an  active  member  of  the  School  Board,  and  of 
Board  of  Visitors  to  the  Hospitals,  a  member  and  afterwards  for  several  years 
President  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  prominent  in  many  other  Associations. 


832  HISTORY  OF   iS'EWTOX. 

He  was  a  member  of  the  Common  Council  of  Boston  in  1853,  and  its  Presi- 
dent in  1854,  and  was  elected  Mayor  of  Boston  for  1856,  upon  nomination  by 
a  committee  of  citizens  representing  all  parties  in  politics.  He  was  re-elect- 
ed and  served  through  the  following  year  and  declined  another  nomination. 
During  his  administration  many  important  and  notable  improvements  were 
undertaken,  especially  the  settlement  of  long  standing  controversies  over  the 
Back  Bay  lands,  which  opened  the  way  to  the  improvement  which  now  con- 
stitutes the  most  elegant  part  of  the  city.  He  also  recommended  and  initi- 
ated the  opening  of  Devonshire  Street,  which  resulted  in  the  most  important 
improvement  in  the  business  portion  of  Boston.  Immediately  on  retiring 
from  the  Mayoralty  of  Boston,  Mr.  Rice  was  elected  to  Congress,  and  served 
through  the  following  eight  years.  These  years  covered  the  most  important 
period.  In  1875,  he  was  elected  Governor  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Massa- 
chusetts and  re-elected  the  two  following  years,  both  times  by  handsome 
majorities.  During  his  administration  many  measures  of  public  interest  and 
some  of  public  controversy  were  settled.  The  government  was  acknowledged 
to  be  pure,  rigorous  and  progressive. 

In  politics  Mr.  Rice  was  originally  a  Whig  of  the  progressive  sort,  and  on 
the  dissolution  of  that  party  became  a  Republican,  and  has  participated  in  the 
historic  acts,  and  supported  the  policy  of  that  organization.  He  has  been 
for  many  years  a  resident  of  Boston,  and,  by  a  wise  and  faithful  discharge 
of  duty  and  a  high  and  honorable  career,  has  shed  renown  on  the  place  of 
his  nativity. 

Hon.  James  F.  C.  Hyde,  first  Mayor  of  the  city  of  Newton,  descended 
in  a  direct  line,  through  both  his  parents,  from  the  early  settlers  of  Newton. 
He  was  the  son  of  James  Hyde,  and  grandson  of  Thaddeus  Hyde.  His  mother 
was  Clarice  Clark,  daughter  of  Norman  Clark.  He  receis^ed  his  education 
in  the  schools  of  the  town.  His  energy  of  character,  and  administrative  talent, 
brought  him  early  to  the  notice  of  the  public.  He  served  the  town  as  Select- 
man sixteen  years,  and  a  portion  of  the  time  as  chairman;  was  moderator 
of  nearly  all  the  town  meetings  for  twenty-two  years,  and  for  several  years 
a  member  of  the  School  Board.  He  was  Representative  two  years,  and  a 
member  of  the  State  Board  of  Agriculture,  and  for  several  years.  President 
of  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society.  His  articles  on  agricultural  sub- 
jects are  numerous  and  valuable.  He  is  Director  in  several  Insurance  Com- 
panies, and  has  been  prominently  connected  with  the  Newton  Savings'  Bank, 
and  for  many  years  Director  in  Newton  National  Bank. 

As  the  first  Mayor  of  the  city  of  Newton,  he  administered  the  important 
trust  with  wisdom  and  prudence,  counselling  economy,  integrity  and  faithful- 
ness, and  illustrating  these  qualities  in  his  official  conduct.  Mr.  Hyde  was 
one  of  the  leading  citizens  of  Newton  Highlands,  a  prime  mover  of  the  Con- 
gregational church  in  that  part  of  the  city,  and  its  first  deacon.  Mr.  Hyde 
was  born  in  Newton,  July  26,  1825.  He  has  been  distinguished  by  great 
industry,  giving  himself  with  tongue  and  pen  and  his  many  and  versatile  facul- 
ties to  incessant  efibrts  for  the  public  good.  He  is  an  excellent  illustration 
of  the  position  to  which  a  young  man  may  attain,  under  the  free  institutions 
of  New  England. 


HON.  ROYAL  M.  PULSIFER.  833 

Hoy.  Alden  Speare,  second  IVIayor  of  Newton,  was  born  in  Chelsea,  Vt., 
October  2G,  1825.  His  great-grandfather,  Deacon  Moses  Speare,  was  a  native 
of  Quincy,  Mass.,  and  his  grandfather  and  father,  both  physicians,  were  born 
in  Shiitesbury,  Mass.  He  was  fitted  for  college  in  the  Academy  at  Newbury, 
Vt.  On  account  of  the  death  of  his  father,  he  was  obliged  to  relinquish  the 
purpose  of  a  liberal  education,  and  removed  to  Boston  in  1S44,  wliere  he  has 
been  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits  till  the  present  time.  Mr.  Speare  came 
to  Newton  in  1S64,  and  purchased  the  liomestead  formerly  of  George  S.  Dex- 
ter, Esq.,  on  Centre  Street,  a  part  of  tlie  estate  once  owned  and  occupied  by 
the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Homer.  During  his  residence  in  Boston,  he  was  elected 
on  the  Board  of  the  School  Committee  three  terms,  of  three  years  each,  and 
in  Newton  he  served  two  years  in  the  same  office.  He  was  Mayor  two  years, 
1876  and  1877.  In  his  official  relations  he  labored  to  promote  economy  in  the 
administration  of  the  government,  and  cheerfully  set  an  example  of  the  same 
in  his  own  person.  He  established  a  fund  of  one  thousand  dollars  for  the 
purchase  of  books  for  the  Newton  Free  Library,  and  has  been  a  prompt  and 
liberal  supporter  of  all  public  improvements.  Besides  his  private  business, 
the  services  of  Mr.  Speare  have  been  sought  as  a  wise  and  judicious  mana- 
ger of  public  trusts.  He  is  one  of  the  original  Directors  of  the  Everett 
National  Bank,  Boston,  a  JManager  in  the  Boston  Penny  Savings'  Bank,  and  a 
Director  in  eight  Railroad  Corporations,  of  one  of  which  he  is  President. 

Hon.  William  Bentley  Fowle,  third  Mayor  of  Newton,  was  born  in  Bos- 
ton, July  27,  1826.  His  father,  a  renowned  and  efficient  teacher  and  pro- 
moter of  education  for  many  5'ears  in  Boston,  removed  to  Newton  and  occu- 
pied the  estate  afterwards  owned  by  the  late  Thomas  Edmands,  Esq.,  from 
1836  to  1847.  He  then  removed  with  his  family  to  Roxbury,  but  returned  to 
West  Newton  in  1850,  and  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  West  Newton 
Athenajum  and  its  first  President.  Mr.  Fowle,  the  subject  of  this  sketch, 
returned  to  Newton  in  1806,  and  has  since  resided  in  Auburndalc.  While  in 
Boston,  lie  was  a  member  of  the  Common  Council  in  1860,  1862  and  1865, 
and  in  1SG5  president  of  that  body.  In  1862,  after  the  second  battle  of  Bull 
Run,  he  recruited  a  company  of  Infantry  for  the  Forty-third  Regiment  Mas- 
sachusetts Volunteers,  commanded  Post  at  Beaufort,  S.  C,  during  the  winter 
of  1862-3,  with  the  rank  of  Captain,  and  returned  on  the  expiration  of  his  term 
of  service.  In  Newton,  he  was  Selectman  for  the  years  1869-71,  Alderman, 
1877,  and  Mayor,  1878  and  1879.  Mr.  Fowle  is  a  close  parliamentarian,  and  an 
important  part  of  his  work  as  Mayor  consisted  in  establishing  just  and  or- 
derly relations  between  the  various  departments  of  the  City  Government;  an 
energetic  and  successful  business  man,  and  an  honored  and  useful  public 
officer  and  citizen. 

Hon.  Royal  M.  Pulsifer,  the  fourth  and  present  Mayor  of  Newton,  was 
born  at  Chestnut  Hill,  Newton,  June  2,  1843.  His  remotest  ancestor,  Bene- 
dictus  Pulsifer,  the  first  of  the  race  to  set  foot  in  America,  was  forced  to  flee 
from  England  on  the  restoration  of  the  monarchy,  he  having  been  a  staunch 
supporter  of  Ohver  Cromwell,  and  bought  land  in  Ipswich  in  1655.  In  the 
Revolution,  Mr.  Pulsifer's  ancestors  were  ardent  supporters  of  liberty.  Dur- 
ing the  first  eighteen  years  of  his  life,  he  received  a  common  and  high  school 
53 


831  HISTORY  OF  XEWTOX. 

education,  and  was  prepared  for  college.  Less  than  three  months  after  the- 
beginning  of  the  civil  war,  he  entered  the  office  of  the  Boston  Herald,  where 
he  rose  rapidly  from  one  position  to  another,  till  he  became  junior  partner  in 
ISGo,  and,  in  ISG'J,  purchased  the  paper,  in  connection  with  four  others,  two 
of  whom,  after  a  few  years,  retired.  Mr.  Pulsifer,  besides  his  interest  in 
jounrulism,  has  given  considerable  attention  to  several  important  outside 
business  enterprises.  He  is  prominently  connected  with  two  large  banking 
institutions  in  Boston,  and  more  recently  has  connected  liimself  with  the 
management  of  several  railroads.  He  was  an  efficient  advocate  of  the  pro- 
posal to  make  Newton  a  city ;  was  a  member  of  the  first  Board  of  Aldermen, 
and  for  three  years  chairman  of  the  Board  of  Water  Commissioners,  in  the 
difficult  period  of  the  planning  and  construction  of  the  Water  Works ;  was 
elected  Mayor  in  the  autumn  of  1879. —  the  nominee  of  all  parties, —  and  his 
election  was  substantially  unanimous.  His  residence,  at  Auburndale  on  the 
banks  of  the  Charles,  is  the  beautiful  estate  named  "  Islington." 

Rev.  S.  F.  Smith,  author  of  this  History,  was  born  in  Boston,  October 
21,  1808,  fitted  for  college  at  the  Public  Latin  School,  and  graduated  at 
Harvard  University  in  1829,  and  Andover  Theological  Seminary  in  1832. 
After  a  year  spent  in  Boston  in  editorial  labors,  he  was  ordained  pastor  of 
the  First  Baptist  church,  Waterville,  Me.,  at  the  beginning  of  the  year  1834, 
at  the  same  time  entering  upon  the  duties  of  Professor  of  Modern  Languages 
in  Waterville  College,  now  Colby  University^  and  during  the  year  1841 
taught  all  the  Greek  in  the  College.  In  1842,  he  became  pastor  of  the  First 
Baptist  church,  Newton  Centre,  and  at  the  same  time  editor  of  the  Christian 
Review  (quarterly).  The  pastoral  relation  continued  just  twelve  and  a  half 
years,  and  was  followed  by  a  service  of  fifteen  years  of  editorial  labor  in 
connection  with  the  periodicals  of  the  Baptist  Missionary  Union.  Dr.  Smith 
has  been  a  profuse  contributor  to  the  periodical  and  other  literature  of  his 
time,  and  has  continued,  without  intermission,  except  during  a  year,  (July, 
1875,- July,  187(5,)  spent  in  Europe,  in  the  service  of  the  pulpit.  In  1831-2, 
he  was  concerned  with  the  late  Lowell  Mason,  Esq.,  in  the  preparation  of 
the  "  Juvenile  Lyre,"  the  first  publication  in  this  country  devoted  to  music 
for  children, —  most  of  the  songs  in  which  are  his  translations  from  German) 
songs,  or  imitations,  adapted  to  the  German  music  of  Niigeli  and  others. 
Many  hymns  from  his  pen  are  found  in  the  various  church  collections.  The 
well-known  composition, — "My  country,  'tis  of  thee," — was  written  in  1832, 
and  first  used  at  a  children's  celebration  of  American  Independence  in  Park 
Street  church,  Boston,  the  same  year.  The  publications  of  Dr.  Smith,  besides 
numerous  articles  in  various  periodicals,  liave  been,  "  Life  of  Rev.  Joseph 
Grafton,"  "Lyric  Gems,"  "Rock  of  Ages,"  "Missionary  Sketches,"  and  the 
present  History ;  also,  occasional  sermons.  Dr.  Smith  likewise  contributed 
about  one  entire  volume  of  the  Encydopczdia  Americana  (1829-1835),  in 
articles  translated  from  the  German  "  Conversations-Lexicon." 


M^  /^  -Z"—  '^   '^'^     ^^j^/ 


GENERAL    INDEX. 


Acadia  college,  556. 

Adams,  Seth,  will  of,  821. 

Artelpliian  library,  523,  664. 

iEtna  Mill  Company,  582. 

Alarm  list,  337. 

Alcock's  swamp,  17. 

Aiulover,  37;  Pomp  Jackson's  residence, 
376. 

Andros,  Sir  E.lmund,  imprisoned,  205. 

Annual  appropriations,  774. 

Aqueduct  Company,  735. 

Associations  and  societies,  747. 

Athenffium,  West  Newton,  665. 

Auburndale,  its  beginning;,  702;  Congre- 
gational church,  704;  Centenary  IMetho- 
dist  church,  705 ;  church  of  the  Messiah, 
707. 

Bald  Pate  hill,  13, 124;  meadow,  16,  98, 110. 
Baptists,  censured,  50;  early,  287,  289. 
Baptist  pond,  15. 

Bardcn  Frederick,  biography  of,  769. 
Bates,  Rev.  James,  election  of,  410,  422; 

call  and  acceptanc?,  422;    ordination, 

423;    resignation,   424;    biography,  424, 

death,  425. 
Battle  flag  from  Bunker  Hill,  344. 
Baury,  Rev.  A.  L.,  biography  of,  479. 
Bell  of  the  First  church,  given  by  Federal 

street  church,  Boston,  415. 
Bemis'  factories,  576. 
Bemis,  George,  biography  of,  709. 
Bemis'  warp,  579. 

Bible  News  by  Noah  "Worcester,  255. 
Bigelow,  Dr.  Henry,  biography  of,  770. 
Billerica,   when  incorporated,  37;  lauds 

divided,  40;  farm  of  Cambridge  church 

in,  92. 
Billings  and  Holden  collection,  503. 
Biographical  notices,  86,  555,  769,  830. 
Blauden's  lane,  90. 
Blood,  Rev.  Caleb,  first  pastor  of  First 

Baptist  church,  29:);  biography  of ,  299; 

his  publications,  300. 
Bog  iron  ore  in  Newton,  14, 
Book  club,  Newton,  666. 
Boston,  early  limits  of,  21;  its  name,  21: 

neck,  22;  mill  pond,  22;  exchange  of  land 

with  Newton,  33;  bordering  on,  38;  grant 

of  land  to  Newton,  83;  received  grant 

from  Brookline,  82. 
Botolph,  St.,  21. 
Botolplis  town,  21. 
Boundary  lines  of  Newton,  28,38,83;  of 

estates,  130. 
Braintree  Company,  names  of  the,  26, 27. 
Bridge,  the  great,  46,  48. 
Bridgcwater  Collection,  503. 
Brigiiton  included  in  Newtown,  31. 
Brook  farm,  16. 


Brookline,  29,  82,124. 

Buchanan,  James,  portrait  of,  682. 

Bulloughs  pond,  14, 15, 17. 

Bunker  Hill,  British  loss  at,  348;  monu- 
ment, 383;  .^lonument  Association, 
members  of,  383. 

Burgoyne,  Newton  men  raised  to  oppose, 
346;  surrender  of,  378. 

Buslmell,  Rev.  William,  call  of,  425;  biog- 
raphy of,  426. 

Cambridge  deeds,  extracts  from,  44, 106. 

Cambridge  records,  extracts  from,  44. 

Cambridge,  lirst  church  in,  193;  largest 
taxpaj'er  in  Massachusetts,  194;  censors 
of  tlie  jDress  at,  194;  church  catalogue, 
194, 195. 

Cambridge  hill,  123. 

Cambridge,  protest  of,  against  separa- 
tion, 64. 

Canada  expedition,  223,  soldiers  in  the, 
350. 

Casco  (Portland)  defended,  187. 

Cemeteries  — the  old,  on  Centre  street, 
273;  given  to  the  town,  273;  bounds, 
273;  first  tenant,  274;  inscriptions,  276; 
"West  Parish,  277;  South,  278;  Lower 
Falls,  279;  the  new,  586. 

Centenary  Methodist  church,  705. 

Centennial,  Newton's,  738. 

Centennial  oration  of  J.  F.  C.  Hyde,  ex- 
tracts from,  375,  745. 

Central  Congregational  church,  709;  or- 
ganized, 710. 

Chanuing  church,  088. 

Charles  river,  bounding  Newton,  38. 

Charles  Ward  Post,  603. 

Chase,  Prof.  Irah,  biography  of,  555. 

Cheesecake  brook,  17;  origin  of  its  name,, 
17;  location,  89.  578. 

Chelmsford,  37. 

Chemical  works,  set  off  to  "Waltham,  489. 

Chestnut  hill,  13,  717;  granted  to  Isaac 
Beach,  113.    - 

Chestnut  hill  reservoir,  38,  7.34,  735. 

Children  to  be  catechized,  47,  vj, 

Cliurch  raembershii),  certificate  of,  289. 

Church  members,  the  only  voters,  49. 

Church  and  parish  separate,  234. 

Church  edifice  of  1805,  411;  sale  of  pews, 
411;  the  sitters,  413;  choir,  413;  bell,  415. 

Cincinnati,  Massachusetts,  383;  biogra- 
phy of  members,  384. 

City  of  Newton,  movements  originating^ 
the,  728;  petition  for  a  charter,  728;  the 
popular  vote.  729. 

Claflin  Guard,  758. 

Clattin,  William,  biography  of,  830. 

Clarke,  Rev.  J.  S.,  biography  of,  771. 

Clarke,  Dr.  Samuel,  biography  of,  772. 


836 


GENERAL  INDEX. 


Clarke,  Samuel  C,  remiuiscences  of,  824. 

Clay,  Henry,  portrait  of,  682. 

Cockerel  cliurcli,  nostoii,  253. 

Colby,  Gardner,  biography  of,  773. 

Cold  Spriug  brook,  17,  585. 

Colouy  records,  extracts  from,  48. 

Colporteur  supported,  755. 

Columbian  Star,  561. 

Commoa  at  Newton  Centre,  gift  of  Jona. 
Hyde  and  Wiswall  heirs,  19,  141,316. 

Concord,  37 ;  convention  at,  332,  309;  dele- 
gates to  Provincial  Contcress,  333. 

Conduits,  Boston,  through  Newton,  734, 
735. 

Constables,  collecting  taxes,  23,  224. 

Constitution  of  Massachusetts,  3G7. 

Consumption,  deaths  by,  in  Newton,  19. 

Conveyances  of  estates,  105. 

Cook  hUl,  578. 

Cooke,  Phineas,  biography  of,  772. 

Corn  mill  built  on  Charles  river,  02. 

Corn,  prices  of,  232. 

Cornwallis,  surrender  of,  373:  parole,  374. 

Cotton,  John,  elected,  215;  salary  of,  210; 
biography,  217;  epitaph,  218;  publica- 
tions,'218;  events  in  his  ministry,  219; 
his  house  burnt  and  rebuilt,  222. 

Cotton  machinery,  4G3 ;  for  factories  in 
Mexico,  463;  manufacture  in  Mexico, 
463. 

County  rock,  17. 

Crane,  Rev.  Origen,  biography  of,  469. 

Crehore  mill,  272. 

Cromwell,  Oliver,  and  missions,  180. 

Crushing  machine,  56. 

Crystal  lake,  15. 

Dana,  R.  H.,  his  speech  at  Lexington,  331. 

Davis,  Mary,  biography  of,  774. 

Davis,  Seth,  his  academy,  250;  reminis- 
cences, 136, 168,  437, 721,  775,  809, 818,820, 
822. 

Deacons  ordained,  53. 

Death';,  and  ages  of  inhabitants,  from 
the  Ward  manuscripts,  281-286. 

Decoration  hymn,  649. 

Dcdham  island,  2.59. 

Doer  protected,  54. 

Denny  place,  97,  125. 

Depreciated  money,  364. 

Deputies  chosen,  23. 

Descendants  of   revolutionary   soldiers. 

Dignifying  the  pews,  208. 

Division  of  the  town,  483;  petition  for, 

490;  lines  of  division,  492;  controversy 

closed,  492. 
Dogs,  tax  on,  55. 

Dorchester  church,  members  from,  196. 
Drew's  (Erosamon)  saw-miU,  124. 
Dumraer  farm,  17. 
Durant's  Corner,  437. 

East  and  West  Companies,  334-336, 340, 350. 

Edmands,  J.  Wiley,  gift  to  the  library, 
672,  673;  biography  of,  775. 

Education,  235,  436;"six  school-houses  rec- 
ommended, 436;  school-house  at  West 
Newton,  437;  school  wards,  437;  school 
appropriations,  438,439,  441,  445;  school- 
house  at  Upper  Falls,  433;  school  regu- 
lations, 439;  school-houses,  411;  high 
sohool  education,  442;  district  system 
abolished,  441;  new  school-houses,  446; 
high  school  building,  417;  graduates, 
447;  training  school,  448;  art  models,  448; 
honors  at  Paris  and  Vienna,  448;  school- 
house  property,  449. 


Election,  the  first,  of  governor,  1780-1800, 
394, 395;  of  presidential  electors,  394;  of 
representative,  395. 

Eliot,  John,  and  the  Indians,  170;  letter 
to  Shepard,  177;  his  courage,  178;  peti- 
tion against  selling  liquor,  180;  monu- 
ment, 186;  petition  against  slavery,  635. 

Eliot  Congregational  church,  426,  681; 
corner-stone,  085;  dedication  and  re- 
cognition, 085;  tirst  pastor,  085;  Rev. 
L.  Cutler,  086;  Rev.  J.  W.  Wollman, 
686;  Rev.  S.  M.  Freeland,  687,  deacons, 
637. 

Eliot  family,  genealogy  of,  824. 

Kliot  Manufacturing  Company,  268,  269. 

Ely,  A.  B.,  biography  of,  777. 

Engine  at  Lower  Fails,  744. 

English  oppression,  204,  205. 

Evang.  Cong,  church,  Auburndale,  704. 

Evening  schools,  50. 

Families,  six,  who  worshipped  in  Rox» 
bury,  223,  224. 

Fai-low,  J.  S,,  speech  of,  679. 

Female  academy  at  Newcoa  Centre,  722. 

Fifth  church  built,  426,  dedicated,  427. 

Fire  companies,  526;  department,  528;  la- 
ter growth,  528;  report  against,  529;  de- 
partment, property  of,  533. 

First  Baptist  church,  early  Baptists,  287; 
certificate  of  membership,  287;  of  bap- 
tism, 288;  preliminaiy  meeting,  293;  in- 
fluence of  Elhanan  Winchester,  292,  300; 
views  of  chiirch  polity,  203;  members, 
294;  organized,  295;  meeting-house, 206; 
first  pastor,  299;  sale  of  pew  lots,  303; 
enlargement,  303;  an  annual  meeting, 
304;  description  of  house  and  sittings, 
304;  the  mmisteri.al  tax,  30i;  Mr.  Graf- 
ton's death  and  funeral,  495;  iiewedifice 
dedicated,  496;  pastors,  499;  admissions, 
499;  statistics,  50:);  ministers,  members 
of,  501;  Sabbath-school,  Its  commence- 
ment, 501;  superintendents,  502;  be- 
quests,502;  thechoir,503;  church  clock, 
504;  reaiiniscences,  504;  Sabbath-school 
at  Thompsonville,  507. 

Fish,  used  as  manure,  45;  protected,  54. 

Flag  raising  in  Newton  Centre,  006. 

Flynt,  Henry,  preaches  at  Newton,  216;  his 
char.actcr,  216;his  preaching,  216;  tutor 
at  Cambridge,  2t6. 

Fortifications  at  Cambridge,  22;  rate  for 
expense  of,  22;  course  of,  23;  extent  of, 
24. 

Fourdrinier  press,  272. 

Fowle,  Wdliam  B.,  biography  of,  833. 

Freeholders  in  1679  and  1798,  309. 

Free  library,  trau.sf erred  to  the  city,  676; 
additions,  031. 

Freeman's  oath,  78,  79. 

French  and  Indian  war,  the  fallen  in,  317. 

Fresh  pond.  24,  28. 

Fuller,  Abraliam,  biography  of,  779. 

Fuller  .academy,  217,  438,  720. 

Fuller  farm,  89, 118, 167,  169. 

Fuller,  Joseph,  biography  of,  781. 

Puller's  corner,  89;  tavern,  119. 

Furber,  Rev.  D.  L., ordained,  427;  twentv- 
fifth  anniversary,  430;  thirtieth  do.,  431; 
consecr.ation  prayer  at  new  cemetery, 


Gardner,    Col,,   his  regiment,   346,    347; 

death  of,  347;  bravery  of,  347;  letter  to  a 

committee  in  Boston,  349. 
General  Court,  letter  of,  to  Mr.  Wiswall, 

198. 


GENERAL  INDEX. 


837 


George  III,  statue  of,  in  New  York,  321; 

run  into  bullets,  321. 
Girls,  schools  for;  248;  in  Boston,  248. 
Grace  church,  C94;    new    building,   C96; 

chime  of  bells,  COS. 
Grafton,  Rev.  Joseph,  301;  ordained,  301 ; 

salarv,  301;  admissions  during;  his  pas- 

torut'e,  301;  elected  to  the  Convention, 

301;  offices  held  by,  302;  children,  302; 

colleague.  302;  death  and  funeral,  495; 

publications  of,  495;  reminiscences  of, 

406,  805. 
Grauitaar  school  in  Cambridge,  236;  in 

Newton,  246. 
Gray's  elegy,  Knowles'  addition  to,  561. 
Great  bridg'e,  51,  57. 
Great  meadows,  17, 120. 
Greenough,  Rev.  William,  ordination,  253; 

biography,  254;  his  salary,  255;  his  the- 

ol0'-;y,  256;  personal    appearance,   256; 

colleague,  256;  marriage, 257;  death,  257; 

reminiscences  of,  801. 
Greenough,  Mrs.,  and   Daniel    Webster, 

804. 
Grove  hill  cemeterj-,  586. 

Hackett,  Prof.  II.  B  ,  biography  of,  563. 

Halfway  covenant,  229. 

Hammond,  Samuel,  in  the  Boston  tea 
party,  329. 

Hammond's  pond,  15,  124, 139. 

Hancock,  John,  elected  governor, 394, 395. 

Handel  and  Haydn  Collection,  503. 

Harbach  house,  93  825. 

Harvard  college,  gift  to.  37,  88. 

Hea  lley's  liistbry  of  the  rebellion,  613. 

Hickman,  Mrs.,  and  the  Fuller  legacy,  721. 

Higlier  education,  718;  Mrs.  llowson's 
academy,  718;  Fuller  academy,  720;  fe- 
male acadamy  at  Newton  Centre,  722; 
Lasell  seminary,  724;  West  Newton  clas- 
sical school,  726 

High  school,  447;  art  treasures  in,  448. 

History,  three  great  events  in,  204. 

Hobart,  Rev.  Neheminh,  parentage,  199; 
ordination,  200;  deatli,  200;  character, 
201;  publications,  201;  epitaph,  202;  re- 
ceipts, 203. 

Home  for  boys.  Pine  farm,  749. 

Home  for  raissionaries'  children,  751-2. 

Home  for  orphan  girls,  747,  748. 

Homer,  Rev.  Jonathan,  election,  408;  sal- 
ary offered,  408;  letter  of  acceptance, 
409;  ministi-y  of,  410;  events  in  his  min- 
istry. 410;  orthodoxy  of,  414;  biography 
of,  415;  character,  416;  letter  of,  419;  of 
Mrs.  Homer,  420;  publications  of,  421; 
his  note  on  health  statistics,  18;  on  ex- 
tent of  Newton,  33. 

Hooker,  Thomas,  his  company,  26,  27; 
journey  to  Hartford,  34, 193. 

Hopkins,  Edward,  bequest  of,  237. 

Hopkinton,  town  of,  237. 

Huckleberry  tavern,  126. 

Hull  mansion,  old,  Ncwtonville,  820. 

Hyde,  J.  F.  C,  speech  of,  678;  biography 
of,  832. 

Hyde,  Jonathan,  notice  of,  290;  ordained, 
290;  warned  out  of  IJrookliue,  291. 

Hyde's  nursery,  822. 

Indians,  agreement  with  the,  25;  called 
to  worship  by  drum,  27;  to  be  arrested, 
49;  at  Medfield,  86;  incidents  of  Indian 
war,  93;  convert-;  faithful,  94;  John 
Druce  slain  by,  97;  Noah  Wiswall  slain 
by,  99.    See  Nonantura  Indian-;. 

Indian  deed  of  Upper  Falls,  2G1, 


Indian  wars,  93,  94, 187;  relics,  693. 

Institution  hill,  13,  540. 

Intemperance,  first  petition  against,  180. 

Jackson,  Michael,  bravery  of,  341;    hi3 

sword.  342. 
Jackson,  William,  ordained   deacon,  423; 
_  biography  of,  783. 
Jackson,  limothy,  biography  of,  781. 
Jefferson,  President,  his  reply,  401. 
Jones,  G.  H.,  speech  of,  680. 

Keurick's  bridge.  100. 
Kcnrick.fiind,  510. 
Killing  birds,  reward  for,  54. 
Knowles,  James  D.,  biography  of,  501. 

Lafayette  in  Newton,  818, 

Lands,  common  divided,  47;  grants  of,  15, 
28,31,41,46,82,  84;  set  off  to  Roxbury, 
38 ;  to  Waltham,  38. 

Last  town  meeting,  729. 

Lee  estate,  717. 

Leightnn,  Rev.  S.  S.,  biography  o^  470. 

Lexington,  37. 

Library  association  of  Newton,  660;  New- 
ton Centre,  032;  West  Parish  library  of 
1798,  663;  books  in  the,  664;  Athenaeum, 
605;  Newton  book  club,  666;  free  library, 
660;  land  and  subscriptions,  671,  672;  or- 
ganized, 675;  building  dedicated,  675; 
tr.ansferred  to  the  citv,  670;  Lower  Falls 
library,  682;  North  village  do.,  (i82. 

Lily  poiid  grove,  20. 

Lincoln,  President,  election  of,  602. 

Litigation  after  the  war,  388. 

Little  Cambridge,  38. 

Lockup,  the  first,  56. 

Longevity  in  Newtoa,  279 

Louisburg,  317. 

Lower  Falls,  270;  conveyances,  270;  busi- 
ness by  water  power,  271,  falls  and  brid- 
ges, 271;  paper-mills,  271,  272;  paper- 
making,  272;  population,  272;  cemetery, 
gift  of,  279;  St.  Mary's  church,  255,  477; 
origin,  478;  statistics,  480;  donations 
to,  480;  Sabbath  school,  480. 

Lyceum  hall,  487. 

Mann,  Horace,  biography  of,  78G. 

Mason  D.  H.,  speech  of",  658;  biography 

of,  787. 
Massachusetts,  first  twelve  towns  in,  34; 

constitution  of,  393. 
Mather,  Increase,  visits  England,  205. 
Maugus  hill,  259. 
Mayhew  farm,  17, 114, 142. 
Meeting-house,  seating  the,  208;  location 

of,  220;  the  third,  222. 
Meetings  in  a  hall,  60. 
Meriam,  Jonas,  rhosen  pastor,   226;  his 

salary,  220;  biography,  223;    the  slave, 

228;    character,  2;J0;   death,  230;  events 

in  his  ministry,  231. 
Merrimac  river,'  37. 
Messiah,  church  of  the,  707. 
Methodist  church,   (Jpper  Falls,  origin, 

472;  pastors,  473;  Sabbath  school,  473; 

church  building,  474;  Lower  F.alls.  481; 

pastors,  482;  Newton  Centre,  508;  Ncw- 
tonville, 713. 
Middlesex  deeds,  extracts  from,  108. 
:\Iilitary  titles,  317. 
Mill  pond  in  Boston,  22. 
Minerals  of  Newton,  14. 
aimisterial  tax,  collected   by   distraint, 

258;  petition  to  be  rele.ased  from,  289, 

291 ;  i)etition  granted,  290. 


838 


GENERAL  INDEX. 


Ministers  not  tnxecl,  315. 

Mlnute-mcu,  338,  341. 

Missionary  concert,  23G. 

Missions,  New  England  saved  by,  200; 
origin  of,  800;  in  iNewton  and  Ceylon, 
185. 

Moflatt  lull,  13. 

Monument  to  first  settlers,  206. 

Morse  field,  32. 

Morse  island,  578. 

Mortality  in  Newton,  18. 

JMorirs  multicaulis,  822. 

JMount,  Auburn,  its  name,  808. 

Mount  Ida.  13. 

Mount  Pleasant,  13. 

Muddy  river,  28,  29 

Murray,  Rev.  John,  preacher  at  Glouces- 
ter, 300. 

Musical  societies,  756. 

Myrtle  Baptist  church,  459. 

Nahaton,  Amos,  deposition  of,  263. 

Kahaton,  William,  deed  of,  201. 

Names  ^viven  to  Newton,  37. 

Names  of  soldiers  of  the  revolution;  335-8, 
344-6,  350-1,  377-82;  of  the  w^ar  of  1861-5, 
607-10,  C23-5,  031-48. 

Natick,  given  to  the  Indians,  183;  found- 
ing of,  183;  church  formed,  184;  monu- 
ment to  Eliot,  185. 

Natural  history  society,  758. 

Neck  in  Boston,  22. 

New  Cambridge  records,  extracts  from, 
50. 

New  Lights,  290, 750;  church  of,  organized, 
201. 

New  jjews  erected,  232. 

Ncv/spapcr  controversy  on  the  Hollis 
prolessorship,  256. 

Newton  —  general  views  of,  13;  hills  of, 
13:  plains  of,  13;  geological  features,  14; 
briiiges  of,  14;  villages  of,  14;  ponds  and 
brooks,  15;  county  rock,  17;  health  sta- 
tistics, 18;  bills  of  mortality,  18;  popu- 
lation and  deaths,  19;  scenery  of,  19; 
connected  with  the  history  of  Boston, 
21;  a  fortified  place,  22;  line  of  the  pal- 
isades, 23:  right  of  settlors  to  the  land, 
ii4;  Indian  tiiles  purchaseil,  25;  first  ac- 
cession, 26;  names  of  Mr.  Hooker's  com- 
pany, 26;  complaint  of  restricted  quar- 
ters, 27;  Ijoundary  line,  28,  29.  30,  83; 
"Watertown  an: I  Newton, 31-33;  aspiring 
to  be  the  metropolis,  33;  Mr.  Hooker's 
removal  from,  34;  its  wealth  in  1634,  34; 
State  t;!X  of,  35;  houses  in,  35;  grant  of 
Shawshine  land,  35;  a  hard  soil  made 
useful,  37;  name  given  to,  37;  extent  of, 
38;  lanifSetolf  from,  38;  settlers  came 
singly,  39;  ages  of  settlers,  39;  John 
Jackson  the  first  settler,  39,  40;  settlers 
to  1700,  41;  inventory  of  persons  and 
property,  1645,  42;  public  worship  in 
1650, 42;  on  division  from  Cambridge, 
43;  extracts  from  records, 44, 144;  inven- 
tory in  1645,  42;  in  1647,  45;  sued  by  min- 
isterial supplies,  49;  its  first  military 
company,  49;  chose  John  Ward  first 
deputy,  51;  first  death  in,  52;  first  mar- 
riage m,  52;  second  meeting-house,  53; 
the  first  stove  in  the  meeting-house,  54; 
seating  tlio  parishioners  discontinued, 
54;  later  records  of.  55;  partial  freedom 
from  Cambridge,  57;  ofiicers  chosen 
from,  .58;  niovcinents  for  an  indejien- 
•dent  town,  58.  petition  to  the  town  and 
answer; 59;  ministerial  tax  abated,  00; 
petition  to  the  Court,  60;  meetings  liehl 


in  a  hall,  GO;  first  meeting-house,  GO; 
line  between  Cambridge  and  Cambridge 
village,  61;  first  churcb,61;  to  elect  town 
officers,  Gl;  petition  of  1678,  62;  signers 
of,  63;  freemen  who  did  not  sign,  03; 
protest  of  Cambridsre,  64;  first  select- 
men chosen,  72;  articles  of  agreement, 
75;  date  of  separation  from  Cambridge, 
77;  seal  of  Newton,  77;  name,  80;  popu- 
lation, 80;  limits  of,  81;  boundary  lines, 
83;  dividing  line  from  Cambridge,  83; 
biography  of  first  settlers,  85;  first 
house  in,  88;  common  at  Centre,  91;  first 
grist-mill  in,  103;  grants  of  land,  104, 
105;  common  at  Newtonville,  113;  third 
mceting-hou'^c,  113;  division  of  estates, 
115;  boundaries  of  do.,  130;  roads  and 
streets  of,  160;  work  for  the  Nonantum 
Indians,  170;  the  First  church,  193;  first 
pastor,  196;  his  death.  197;  second  pas- 
tor, Mr.  Hobart,  ordination,  200;  his 
death,  200;  publications,  201;  events  in 
his  ministry,  201;  epitaph,  202;  seating 
the  meeting-house,  208;  warming  the 
house,  211;  iioon-houses,211;  the  stocks, 
212;  location  of  the  meeting-house,  214; 
new  meeting-house,  222;  church  records 
burned,  229;  schools  an;l  school-houses, 
238;  John  Staples,  first  teacher  in,  239; 
John  Brov.'n,  second  teacher,  240;  hon- 
ored at  World's  Expositions,  240;  dis- 
sensions, 241 ;  Samuel  Miller's  gift,  242; 
private  schools,  247, 248;  woman's  school, 
248;  school  appropriations,  248;  West 
Newton,  250;  Upper  Falls,  259;  Lower 
Falls,  270:  site  of  the  mills,  270;  works 
of  Mr.  Willard,  271;  families  in  the 
Lower  Falls,  272;  cemeteries,  273;  the 
oldest,  given  to  the  town,  273;  persons 
buried  in,  274;  West  Parish  burying 
ground,  277;  first  tenant,  278;  South 
burial  ground,  278;  Lower  Falls  ceme- 
tery, 279;  the  newccmeterv,  585;  deaths 
in  Newton,  281-286;  First  Baptist 
church,  287;  New  Lights,  290;  church 
polity,  293;  meeting-house,  296;  seces- 
sions, 300;  Mr.  Grafton's  pastorate,  301, 
302;  enlargement,  303;  the  sittings,  305; 
pew  tax,  307;  freeholders  in  Newton  in 
1679  and  1798, 309;  estates  and  valuation, 
310;  Newton  in  the  revolution,>316-385; 
first  State  elections,  394;  var  of  1812, 
397;  remonstrance,  398;  election  of  l^r. 
Homer,  408;  letter  of  acceptance,  409; 
coUeaiiue  pastor,  410;  meeting-house  of 
1805,411;  sittings,  412;  the  church  bell, 
415;  biography  of  Dr.  Homer,  415;  let- 
ters by  Dr.  and  Jlrs.  Homer,  419,  420; 
ministry  of  Mr.  Bates,  422;  Rev.  W. 
Bushneil,  425;  new  church  edifice,  426; 
Rev.  D.  L.  Furber,  427;  new  churches 
formed,  428;  twenty-fifth  anniversary, 
430;  thirtieth  do.,  431;  statistics,  434; 
education  in  Newton,  430;  wards  and 
districts,  437;  regrdations,  439;  appro- 
priations, 441;  in  the  war  of  the  rebel- 
lion, 597-()C2;  Newton  a  city,  728;  water 
works,  730;  centennial,  739;  town  and 
city  statistics,  762;  economical  statis- 
tics, 810. 

Newton  and  the  Indian  wars,  187. 

Newton  Baptist  church,  691;  statistics, 
693;  the  corner-stone,  693. 

Newton  cemetery,  585;  commenced,  586; 
dedication,  586;  additions, 587;  gateway, 
589;  soldiers'  monument  in,  589. 

Newton  Centre,  jMethodist  church,  608; 
Unitarian  society,  609. 


GENERAL  INDEX. 


839 


Newton  female  acadf^niy,  413. 

ISewton  free  library,  Dr."D.  K.  Hiteliconk's 
sugc:;estion  of.  CG7;  speech  of  Dr.  Hitcli- 
coc£,  CC9;  land  for,  GTl;  contributors  to, 
672;  gilt  of  J.  Wiley  Edmaiuls,  C73; 
conditions,  073;  corner-stone,  G74;  dedi- 
cated, G75;  orp;anized,  G7.5;  managers, 
675;  cost,  67C;  transferred  to  tlie  city,  676. 

Newtou  Highlands,  715;  Congregational 
church,  428,  715;  letter  to,  429. 

Newton  in  the  devolution,  31G— 385.  See 
Revolution,  Xewtonin  the. 

Newton  in  the  war  of  1812,  397-407.  -Sec 
War  of  1812. 

Newton  in  the  war  of  the  rebellion,  597- 
GG2;  votes  and  resolutions,  598-600; 
pledges  of  money  in  the  war,  603;  flag 
raising,  60G;  soldiers  who  perished,  607, 
623;  Gettysburg,  612,  625,  6,53,  654;  the 
triple  funeral,  619;  the  patriotic  Sab- 
bath, 621;  soldiers'  names,  631-G48:  bat- 
tles in  which  Xewton  men  shareu,651; 
reports  of  regiments,  050;  sword  given 
to  Col.  Edmands,  G55;  Lee's  surrender, 
653,  055;  Lookout  mountain, 650;  return 
of  the  44th  regiment,  657;  paper  printed 
at  Petersburg,  OGl. 

Newton  Lower  Falls  library,  682. 

Newton  Sunday  school  Union,  754. 

Newton  Upper  Falls,  proprietors  and  title, 
259;  tirst  mill,  200;  snuU-mdls,  2GG;  saw- 
mill, 207;  grist  and  fulling  mills,  267; 
cotton-mill,  208;  screw  factory  208;  wire 
niiU,  208;  iron  works,  208;  Otis  Pettee's 
works,  209;  iron  castings,  2G9. 

Ncwtons  of  later  growth,  702. 

Newtonville,  709;  Central  Congregational 
church, 428, 709;  Swedenborgian  chttri  h, 
711;  Univcrsalist  society,  712;  Methodist 
church,  713. 

New  town-book  ordered.  74. 

Nonantum  hill.  13,  170;  house,  814,  818,  828. 

Nonantum  Indians,  170;  the  llrst  meeting, 
171;  their  questions,  173;  Waban's  con- 
fession, 174;  second  meeting,  174;  relig- 
ious interest,  170;  civilizition,  177; 
success  of  the  gospel,  177;  opposition, 
178;  act  of  the  Court  concerning,  178; 
action  of  Parliament.  179;  contributions 
for,  180;  guarded  against  intemperance, 
180;  fourth  visit,  181;  their  theology,  181; 
fruits  of  the  gospel,  182;  settlenient  in 
Natick,  183;  statistics,  186. 

Noon-houses,  211. 

Normal  school,  \Vest  Newton,  720. 

North  village,  beginnings,  570;  paper 
making,  577;  papar  and  snuff  mills,  579; 
dye-woods,  579;  cotton  cloth,  579;  other 
manufactures,  580;  gas  manufacture, 
580;  Tin  Horn,  581;  bridge,  582;  California 
street,  582;  North  Evangelical  church, 
583;  Sabbath  school,  583;  church  organ- 
ized, 583;  pastor  ordained,  581;  chapel 
dedicated,  584;  free  library,  082. 

Nowells  bridge,  28. 

Oak  hill,  13;  second  centre  of   Newton, 

239;  schools,  242. 
Old  records,  to  be  copied,  51 
Our  Lady  Help  of  Christians,  700. 

Pains'  hill,  102. 

Tall,  velvet,  bought,  225;  to  be  let,  225. 

Palmer's  IJrook,  10. 

Parker,  John  P.,  biography  of,  790. 

Parker,  Theodore,  resolutions  of,  808. 

P.arsonage  at  Xewton  Centre,  822. 

Past  and  present,  745,  746. 


Pattison,  Rev.  R.  E.,  biography  of,  5GC. 

Peabody,  George,  donation  of,  796. 

Pegan  hill,  in  Dover,  185. 

Pequod  country,  92. 

Pettee,  Otis,  biography  of,  792. 

I'ews,  dignifying  the,  208. 

Pianos  authorized  for  schools,  56. 

Pigeon  estate,  55, 118;  patriotism  of  Mr. 

Pigeon,  333;  C.  du  M.  Pigeon  and  Aa- 

burnd,ale,  702. 
Pine  farm  school,  750. 
Political  parties,  395,  396. 
Pond  brook,  10. 

Ponica,  or  Great  Meadows,  125. 
Poor,  provision  for  the,  510;  tirst  record, 

511;  workhouse.  511;  first  overseer,  511; 

regulations,  512;    new  code,  615;  Ken- 
rick  fund,  516. 
Population  of  Newton  and  deaths,  19,775, 

809,  810. 
Portrait  of  Joseph  Ward,  742;  of  Mary 

Davis,  774;  of  J.  F.  C.  Hyde,  809;  of  J. 

Wilev  Edmands,  809. 
Post-offices,  816. 

Pound  lane,  55.  ; 

Pound,  new,  225. 
Powder  house,  56. 
Prayer  at  town  meetings,  55. 
Press,  censors  of  the,  194. 
Prince,  Thomas,  his  history,  27. 
Provincial  Congress,  first  and  second, 333. 
Public  parks,  729. 

Pulpit  candidates,  215;  supplies,  226,  233. 
Pulsifer,  Royal  M.,  biography  of,  833. 

Qiiinobequin,  259. 

Railroad,  Woonsocket  division,  427;  Wor- 
cester, 811. 

Rate  for  ministerial  salary,  46. 

Rebellion,  war  of  the.  See  Newton  in  the 
war  of  the  Rebellion. 

Records  of  First  chuich  burned,  196;  new 
records  started,  229. 

Records  of  Newtou,  extracts  from,  44,  55, 
104. 

Reminiscences  of  men  and  things,  801. 

Repr.'sentatives,  House  of,  origin  of,  23. 

Representatives,  774,  808. 

Revolution,  Newton  in  the,  232,  316;  the 
stamp  act,  318;  instructions  to  the  rep- 
resentative, 319;  resolutions  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  320;  indignation  of  the 
people,  320;  merchants' resolutions.  321; 
stamp  act  repealed,  321;  statue  of 
George  111.  raised, 321;  the  same  melted 
into  bullets,  321;  navig.ation  act,  322;  in- 
dignity, 322;  the  mutiny  act,  322;  con- 
vention in  Boston,  323;  resolutions,  323; 
resolutions  of  the  town,  323;  instruc- 
tions to  the  representative, 324; circular 
from  Boston  and  reply,  325;  measures 
proposed,  328;  resolves,  .328;  the  Boston 
tea  party,  329;  restriction  on  luxuries, 
330;  minute-men  called  for,  .333;  Newton 
companies,  334;  aged  men,  334;  soldier.^ 
in  the  battle  of  Lexington,  335,  330; 
eight  months'  soldiers,  344;  Newton 
soldiers  in  Gardner's  regiment  at  Bun- 
ker hill,  340;  do.  in  the  army,  346;  rein- 
forcements, 340;  death  of  Col.  Gardner, 
347;  whole  number  of  troojjs,  349;  Dor- 
chester heights,  350;  action  against  sus- 
pected perVons,  351;  providential  fore- 
sight, 3.53;  the  question,  3.35;  the  flcci- 
sive  vote,  ."">(!;  causes  of  the  revolution, 
357;  the  Declaration  of  Independence, 
358;  Boston  evacuated,  359;  tfio  Can.ada 


840 


GENERAL  INDEX. 


expedition,  359;  women's  work,  359;  pay 
of  soldiers,  360,361;  patriotic  spirit,  362; 
the  results  to  Britain  and  the  United 
States,  364 ;  loans,  366, 369 ;  constitution  of 
Massachusetts, 368, 393;  wavs  and  means, 
372;  surrender  of  Cornwallis,  373,  374; 
catalogues-of  soldiers,  335-8,  344-6,  350, 
351,  377-3S2;  Newton  men  in  the  revolu- 
tion, 374;  money  raised,  375;  roster  of 
officers,  376;  names  represented,  37G; 
Pomp  Jackson,  376;  quotas  required, 
379;  bounties,  379;  members  of  Hunker 
hill  monument  association,  383;  do.  of 
Mass.  Cincinnati,  383;  support  pledged, 
393. 

Eicc,  Alexander  11..  speech  of,  at  Newton's 
centennial,  741;  biography  of,  831. 

Rice,  Marshall  S.,  biography  of,  794. 

Rice,  Thomas,  jr.,  address  of,  at  dedica- 
tion soldiers'  monument,  592;  biography 
of,  795. 

Richards'  hotel,  124,  290. 

Richardson,  John,  of  the  Nonantum 
house,  826,  828. 

Right  lof  settlers  to  the  land,  24;  Indian 
titles' purchased,  25. 

Ripley,  Prof.  H.  J.,  biography  of,  558. 

Roads  described,  160;  westward  from  Bos- 
ton, 81;  from  West  Newton  to  Uoxbury, 
162;  from  Watertown  to  Dedham,  104; 
through  Fuller  farm,  169. 

Rogers,  John,  donor  of  the  church  clock, 
828. 

Roman  Catholic  churches  —  St.  Mary's, 
475;  Our  Lady  Help  of  Christians,  70C; 
St.  Bernard^s,  708. 

Royton  farm,  108, 138. 

Sabbath  law,  50;  observance,  resolve  con- 
cerning, 4U7;  kept  sacred,  804. 

Sabbath  school  of  First  Parish,  433. 

Safe,  fire-proof,  55. 

Savings,  institution  for,  523;  do.  bank, 759. 

Sawmdl,  Erosamon  Drew's,  124. 

Sawmill  meadows,  125. 

Scenery  of  Newton,  19. 

Soiool  committee,  first  chosen,  235. 

School-house,  votes  to  build  a,  53,  235; 
later  action  on,  241-9;  to  be  used  as  a 
Vvfork-house,  244;  an  ancient,  247;  bought 
by  the  town,  249. 

School-houses,  land  for,  56. 

Schools.    ,S'ce  Education. 

Schools,  private,  247.  See  Higher  educa- 
tion. 

Sealer  of  weights  and  measures,  72. 

Sears,  Barnas,  biography  of,  555,  795. 

Second  Baptist  church,  466;  members, 
467;  sketch  of,  4G8;  early  preachers,  409; 
first  pastor,  469;  other  pastors,  470;  de- 
cline, 471;  statistics,  472. 

Second  precinct  started,  231. 

Selectmen,  first  board  chosen,  72,  772;  list 
of,  702. 

Separate,  or  New  Light  churches,  290,  291. 

Shays'  rebellion,  the,  38G;  instructions  to 
representative,  386;  circular  to  Newton 
during,  389;  reply,  390. 

Shawshine,  grant  of,  35;  character  of,  36; 
extent  of,  37;  lands  divided,  46. 

Sherman,  Roger,  original  letter  of,  823. 

Sherman's  march,  656. 

Silver  lake,  16;  factories  at,  16. 

Singing  festivals,  504;  school,  the  first, 
756. 

Slave-holding  in  Blassachussetts,  634; 
Eliot's  j)Ctition  against,  535;  do.  in  New- 
ton, 538 ;  the  last  slave ,  538  j  slave-owners. 


5.39;  Mrs.  Meriam's    slave,  228;   Pomp 

Jackson  376. 
Smelt  brook,  17. 

Smith,  Rev.  S.  F.,  notice  of,  834. 
Social  library,  AVest  Parish,  663. 
Societies  in  >fewton,  747. 
Soldiers  in  the  revolution,  335-382;  in  the 

civil  war,  607-648;  students  in,  569. 
South   burial   ground,    273;   proprietors, 

278;  sold  to  the  town,  278;  dimensions, 

279. 
South  meadow  brook,  15. 17. 
Speare,  Alden,  speech  of,  677;  biogr.aphy 

of,  833. 
Squ.osh  end,  254. 
St.  Bernard's  church,  708. 
St.  David's  musical  society,  75G. 
Stake  meadow,  162. 
Standing  order,  the,  290. 
Staples,  Dea.  John,  house  of,  13,17;  teach- 
er, 238,  239;  biography,  239;  his  will,  240; 

death,  284. 
State  loans,  224;  tax,  the  first,  23. 
Steamboat  on  the  Charles,  20. 
Steam  fire  engines,  532. 
Stocks,  the  public,  212. 
Style,  old  and  new,  77. 
Sudbury  river  conduit,  735. 
SufEolk'deeds,  extracts  from,  107. 
Superintendent  of  schools,  56. 
Swedeuborgian  church,  711. 

Tate  and  Brady,  in  worship,  231. 

Taxation  of  the  towns,  23. 

Temperance,  180,  519;  Kliot's  petition 
against  selling  liquor  to  Indi.ans,  180; 
circularon,  520;  constitution,  520;  liter- 
ary exercises,  523;  Dr.  Gilbert's  remi- 
niscences, 524;  town  action,  524;  town 
agent,  525 ;  society,  665. 

Thanksgiving  collection,  53. 

Theological  institution,  charter,  540;  first 
trustees,  540;  purchase  of  estate,  541; 
subscribers,  541;  the  mansion-house, 
642,825,826;  first  professor,  543;  second 
do.,  544;  first  annivcrsarv,  544;  Farwell 
hall,  545;  Colby  hall,  546;  Sturtevant 
hall,  548;  early  patrons,  547;  ofliccrs, 
548;  alumni,  649-554;  biographical 
notices,  555;  students  in  the  war  of 
1861-5,  569. 

Thompsonville,  14,  507. 

Tithing  men,  to  be  dispensed  ^vith,  55. 

Tobacco  not  to  be  taken  publicly,  48. 

Town-book  procured,  72;  first  record,  72. 

Town  clerks,  762. 

Town,  measuring  the,  214. 

Town  seal,  56. 

Train,  Prof.  A.  S.,  biography  of,  565. 

Training  fields,  the,  71, 141,  316. 

Transfiguration,  painting  of  the,  682. 

Tray,  Sarah,  deposition  of,  264. 

Treasure  burietl,  819. 

Tree  planting,  819. 

Trees,  remarkable,  814. 

Trumbull's  description  of  Hooker's  jour- 
ney, 34. 

Turtle  island,  268. 

Two  precincts,  petition  for,  214,  215. 

Underwood  Col.  A.  B.,  599,  C15,  622,  656. 
Unitarian  society.    West    Newton,    458; 

Newton  Centre,  509;  Chanuing  church, 

688;  Chestnut  Hill,  717. 
United  States  taxes,  310, 811. 
Universalist  society  of  Upi)er  Falls,  465; 

pastors,  466;  Newton  and  Watertown, 

700;  Newtonville,  712. 


GENERAL  INDEX. 


841 


Upper  Falls,  259;  first  mill,  260;  deed  of 
land, 261;  depositions,  263--2GG;  Nathan- 
iel Parkei's  mill,  2C7;sold  to  Gen. Elliot, 
267;  works  of  Jonathan  BLxby,  268;  of 
Rufus  Ellis,  268;  of  Otis  Pettee,  269; 
population,  270;  natural  beauties,  270; 
Newton  factories,  461;  first  dwelling- 
house,  461;  hotel,  462;  religious  society, 
464;  Uuiversalist  society,  465;  Second 
Baptist  church,  466;  Methodist  Episco- 
y>al  church,  472;  St.  Mary's  (Catholic), 
475. 

Valentine  road,  14. 

Valuation  of  estates,  310—315;  of  houses, 

820 
Velvet  pall,  225. 
Vestry,  first  parish,  486. 

Waban,  bargain  with,  45;  his  name,  170; 
his   confession,  174;  last  words,  174,  182. 

Waban  hill,  13, 170. 

Wages  of  labor,  225. 

Waltham,  meeting-house  sold  to,  223. 

Wanderers,  Home  for  little,  first  contri- 
bution for.  818. 

Ward,  Col.  Joseph,  343;  schoolmaster  in 
Boston,  343;  at  Bunker  hill,  343;  Wash- 
ington's letter  to,  343;  his  house,  828. 

Ward,  Rev.  Nathan,  ordained,  291;  notice 
of,  291. 

Wards,  Newton  divided  into,  483. 

War  of  the  revolution.  See  Revolution, 
Newton  in  the. 

War  of  1812,  397, 827;  embargo,  397;  remon- 
strance, 398;  Pres.  Jefferson's  letter, 
401;  appeal  of  General  Court  to  Con- 
gress, 402;  embargo  removed,  403;  anti- 
war party,  403;  war  declared, 403;  Hull's 
surrender,  404;  naval  battles,  404;  peace 
declared,  405. 

War  of  the  rebellion, resolutions,  598,  600; 
appropriations,  COO,  601,  604;  soldiers' 
monument,  601,  620;  personal  subscrip- 
tions, C02;  volunteers,  603;  soldiers  in 
service,  604,  607;  battles  in  which  New- 
ton men  served,  605;  students  in  the 
war,  569-574,  6!:6;  flag-raising,  6'16;  sec- 
ond Mass.  regiment,  610;  battle  of 
Gettysburg,  612,  625;  money  contri- 
buted, 617;  the  funeral  at  West  Newton, 
619;  the  ineffable  Sr.bbath,  621;  soldiers 
during  the  wai-,  631-48. 

Washington,  letters  of,  343,  739;  funeral 
for,  808. 

Watertown,  boundary  between  Newton 
and,  30;  the  fourth  town  in  New  Eng- 
land, 31;  land  of,  on  the  south  side  of 
Charles  river,  31-33;  fishing  interests  of, 
31;  grant  of  lands  to  Newton,  82. 


Water  works  of  Newton,  described,  730; 
legislation,  731;  popular  vote,  731 ;  water 
commissioners,  732,  estimate  732,  cost 
of,  733. 

Waverly  avenue,  bouse  on,  825. 

Weather,  cold,  in  June,  1816,  822,  823; 
Septembergale,  827. 

Webster,  Daniel,  remark  of,  37;  portrait 
of,  682;  anecdote  of,  804. 

Weedy  hill,  98. 

West  Newton,  250;  meeting-hou.se  in,  251; 
church  formed,  252;  first  members,  252; 
principles  of,  252;  first  pastor,  253;  first 
deacons,  2.53;  meeting-house  enlarged, 
253;  opposition,  254;  second  meeting- 
house, 255;  extent  of  parish,  255;  tran- 
sition period,  255;  monthly  concert, 256, 
collecting  taxes,  258;  burying  ground, 
277;  gift  of,  277;  first  tenant,  278;  boun- 
daries, 278;  second  church,  450;  dedica- 
tion, 450;  Mr.  Gilbert,  pastor,  451; 
biography  of,  451;  J.  T.  Drummond, 
453;  G.  B.  Little, 453;  H.  J.  Patrick, 453; 
bequest  to,  454;  church  repaired,  454; 
oflBcers,  454;  Sabbath  school,  455;  Bap- 
tist church,  456;  church  edifice  com- 
menced, 457;  transferred  to  West  New- 
ton, 45S;  house  dedicated,  458;  pastors 
and  deacons.  458;  Unitarian  society,  458; 
church  edifice  459;  Myrtle  church,  459; 
St.  Bernard's  church,  708;  lyceum,  753; 
first  church  bell,  820. 

West  Parish,  limits  of,  231. 

AVhitefield,  his  visits  to  Newton,  219,  290. 

Whittemore's  tavern,  118,  703. 

Wier  lauds,  17,  31,  32. 

Wdliams  college,  its  founder,  192,  79S; 
first  trustees  of,  795;  its  name,  799;  two 
townships  granted  to,  799;  connection 
of,  with'missions,  800. 

Williams,  Col.  Ephraim,  biography  of,  796. 

Willinms  tavern,  101. 

Winchester,  farm,  17;  leaders  of  that  name 
in.Eirst  Baptist  church,  291,  295. 

WiswaU's  pond,  15,  99;  leased  to  breed 
black  bass,  16. 

Wiswall,  Noah,  in  the  revolution,  335. 

Wiswall,  AVilliam,  farm  of,  13. 

Woburn,  a  boundary  town,  37. 

Wollaston,  Mount,  Si,  193. 

Womi-n  taxed,  315. 

Woodcock,  Jeremiah,  deposition  of,  265. 

Worcester  radroad,  811,  812.  813. 

Worcester  turnpike  built,  268,  462. 

Workhouse  voted,  54;  schools  to  be  used 
for,  245. 

Worshippers  from  neighboring  towns, 
306. 

Yarmouth,  early  settlement  at,  37. 


INDEX    OF    NAMES. 


The  names  coutained  in  extended  catalogues  in  this  volume,  —  as  the  names  of 
soldiers  in  the  rolls  of  the  Revolutionary  War  and  the  war  of  1861-5,  —  should  not  be 
Bought  for  in  this  Index. 


Abbott,  Charles  E  ,  509. 
Adams,  Elijah,  700. 

Hannah,  256. 

Kev.  J.  Coleman,  713. 

Jeremj'.  26. 

Joseph,  130, 252, 312, 454. 

J.  R.,  C85. 

Rev.  Nehemiah,  428. 

Roger,  310. 

Samuel,  395,  396. 

Seth,  821. 
Addington,  Isaac,  215. 

James,  189. 
Aiken,  Rev.  S.,  G85. 
Alcott,  Dr.  W.  A.,  727,  753. 
Aldcn,  George,  668,  669. 
Aldiich,     Rev.    Jonathan, 

503,  757. 
Alexander,  John,  41. 
Allen,  Bethuel,  413. 
Allen,  George  E.,  727,  754, 
757,  758,  764. 

James  T.,  727. 

Jeremiah,  707. 

John,  539,  700. 

Dr.  John,  168. 

Joseph  H.,  459. 

Kingsley,  465. 

Matthew,  26. 

Rev.  N.  G.,  707. 

N.  T.,  726,  749,  753,  757. 

R.  W.,  473. 

"Walter,  728. 
Anderson.     Rev.   G.alusha, 
548,  568. 

M.  n.,  552. 

Rev.  T.  D.,  551. 

Rev.  T.  D.,  jr.,  551. 
Andrew,  John  A.,  592,  787. 
Andrews,  Joseph,  712. 

Rev.  E.  B.,  548,  569. 

Samuel,  75. 
Andros,    Sir   Ednmnd,  74, 

2f^5 
Angler,  Oakes,  103,  130. 
Armingtoii,  A.  W.,  507. 
Arnold,  l!ev.  A.  N.,  552,  568. 
Arthur,  Rev.  J.  H.,  571. 
Ashley,  J.  F.,  573. 
Ashton,  J.  W.,569. 
Atherton,  Humphrey,  101. 
Atwood,  Emily,  425. 
Avann,  Rev.  J,  M.,  707. 
Avery,  J  oua.,  444. 


Axtell,  Rev.  S.  J.,  569. 
Ay  res,  John,  754. 
Rev.  W.  M.,  715. 

Babcock,  H.  H.,757. 
Bacheller,  Jona.,  540. 
Bacon,  B.  Franklin  760. 

Daniel,  41,  58,  63,    103, 
109, 116,  130. 

Geo.  W.,  667,  675,  757, 
758. 

Jacob,  131,281,310. 

Rev.  James  M.,685. 

Rev.  Joel  S.,  552. 

John,  798. 

Joseph,  413,  085,760,  816, 

Jos",  k,  672, 685,  688,  760, 
816. 

Josiah,  500. 

Ralph,  413. 
Bailey,  Aug.  F.,  473. 

Calvin,  688,  689. 

Jonas,  473. 

J.  W.,  693,  757,  758. 
Baker,  Peter,  482. 
Balch,  William,  565. 

W.S.,  700. 
Baldwin,  Rev.  Albert,  502. 

R.  M.,  710. 

William,  131. 
Ball,  Jeremiah,  93, 
Bancroft,  E.  P.,   603,   694, 
697. 

William  H.,  472. 
Bannister,  D.  K.,  473. 
Bauvard,  Rev.  Joseph,  553. 
Baptams,  Ira  M.,  467. 
Barber,  II.  P.,  454. 

John,  131. 
Barbour,  W.  M.,  687. 
Barden,  Frederick,  268,  730, 

764,  769. 
Barnard,  John,  201. 
Barnes,  F.  L.,  759. 

F.  P.,  758. 

Rev.  H.  F.,5G9. 
Barncv,  Joseph,  405,  466. 

Sahiion.  278,304. 
Barrett,  F.  H.,  735. 

Samuel,  705. 
Barrington,  Robert,  100. 
Barrows,  W.  C,  574. 
Barsham,  William,  103. 


Barstow,  Rev.  E.  H.,  724, 

747. 
Bartholomew,  W.  N.,  16. 
Bartlott,    David,    295,   303, 
501. 

Ebenezer,  539. 

Elisha,  119.310. 

Henry.  527. 

John,  757. 

Joseph,  41.  63,  114, 131, 
281. 

Luke,  278. 

Peregrine,  119. 

Thaddeus,  189. 

Sarah.  271. 

Gen.  Win.  F.,  718. 
Barton,  Aaron,  189. 

James,  131,  281,  638,  539. 
Bassett,  Elisha,  509. 

H.  D.,  667,  072. 
Batcheller,  L.  E.,  757. 
Bates,  H.  .M.,  607,  698. 

Rev.  James, 422, 423, 424, 
434,  004. 723. 

W.  C.,742,  758. 
Baurv,  Rev.  A.  L.,  384,  479. 

Frederick  P.,  384, 480. 
Baxter,  Miss  Sarah,  454. 
Baylies,  A.,  482. 
Beach,  H.  H.,  570. 

Isaac,  41, 131. 
Bealc,  ijjrshom,  131. 
Bealcs,  Thomas,  117,  310. 
Beecher,  Rev.  Edward,  423, 

685. 
Bell,  Shubael,  480. 
Bemis,  David,  576,  577,  579. 

George,  577,  769. 

Luke  570,  579. 

Seth,  577. 
Benjamin,  John,  26. 
Benson,  F.  A.,  757. 
Benyon,  Abner  I.,  675. 
Bigelow,  Asah'jl,  257. 

George  T.,  808. 

Dr.  Henry,  444,  586,  590 
669,071,688,  689,  770. 
Billing-;,  Beriah,  406. 

Henry,  460. 
Binnev,  Horace,  426. 

Rev.  J.  G.,  551. 
Biscoe,  T.  C,  711. 
Bishop,  R.  R.,  14, 16, 732, 764. 

Rev.  T.  W.,  715. 


INDEX  OF  NAMES. 


843 


J?ixbv,  Jonathan,  132,  2G8, 

'278,281,467,541. 
151agden,  Uev  G.  W.,  686. 
iilake,  F.  D.,  549. 

J.  H.  D.,  757. 

Josepli,  310. 
Blakeslee,  Rev.  E.,434. 
Blauden,  Francis,  132,  310. 
Blood,  Rev.  Caleb,  292,  298, 

299,  500. 
Boies,  John,  310. 
BoUes,  Rev.  Lucius,  540. 
Bond,  Col.,  1G4. 

E.  P.,  730. 

Jonas,  30,  111. 

Phineas,    118,    132,    251, 
252,  281. 

AViliiam.  48,  62,334. 
Boschetti,  N.,  464. 
Boswell,  Jonathan,  26. 
Bosworth,  Pliny,  466. 
Bourne,  B.,  703. 

Cr.  L.,  706. 

W.  P.,  703. 
Bowers,  C.  A.,  551. 

Charles  E.,  570. 

Rev.  C.  M.,  551. 
Bowles,  Rev.  R.  H.,  458. 

Dea.  William,  132,  763. 
Bownd,  Rev.  Ephraim,  295. 
Bovnton,  Richard,  4G6. 
Briicliett,  Albert,  672,  757. 

C.  H.,  757^ 

Charles,  413. 

Oilman,  680,  757. 

Lucinda,  501. 

Xathaniel,  413,  723. 

Ruf  us,  826. 

William,  413. 
Bradbury,    Ebenezer,    444, 

763,  764. 
Bradish,  Robert,  97, 108. 
Bradstreet,  Simon,  26,  87, 

104, 107,>528. 
Bragdon,  Prof.  C.  C,  725. 
Bra'man,  Isaac  G.,  694. 
Brattle,  Thcnnas,  96, 108. 

Willi:nu,  201. 
Bray,  INIellen,  16. 
Braymau,  Jason,  466. 
Brayton,  Rev.  D.  L.,  551. 
Brewer,  John,  52. 
Brewerton,  G.  D.,  501. 
Bridge,  John,  26,  83. 
Bridges,  Alfred,  465. 

Geo.  E.,  764. 
Briggs,  G.  W.,  659,  705,  725, 

754. 
Brigham,  Cephas,  668. 
Brockelbank,  Capt.,  93. 
Brooks,  Edward,  413, 

James,  583. 

Rev.  Kendall,  553. 

Rev.  Samuel,  549. 
Brown,  A.  G.,  668,  707. 

Dr.  J.  H.,  6G5,  754. 

Louisas.,  672. 

Rev.  Nathan,  554. 

Robert,  539. 

Samuel,  279,  477. 

Thomas,  538,  539. 

William,  41. 

Rev.  W.  L.,  691. 
Bryan,  T.  .\I.,598. 
Buckingham,  Rev.  J,   A., 

717. 
Bucklev,  Peter,  76. 
BuUaril,  Rev.  Edwin,  551. 


Bullard,  E.  B.,551. 
Bullen,  Rev.  Geo.,  572. 

Ira  M.,  467 
Bullens,  Amari.ah,  467. 

Geo.  S.,  675. 
Bullough,    John,    132,   467, 
501 ,  709,  826. 

Joseph,  310,  484. 

William,  467. 
Bunce,  James,  625. 
Bunker,  Rev.  A.,  551. 
Burbank,  A.  F.,  755. 

Moses,  718.  * 

Burnap,  .Joseph,  214. 
Burr,  Charles  C,  603, 704,730. 

I.  T.,  603,672,675. 
Burrage,  Ephraim,  132. 

Rev.  H.S.,554,  573. 
Burridge,  John,  168. 
Burrill,  John,  189. 
BurrouLihs,  Henry,  480. 
Burrows,  C.  C,  570. 
Bush,  Joseph,  41. 

.Randolph,  84,  115,  132. 
Bushee,  Bavitl,  465. 
Bushnell,  Rev.  W.,  426,  434, 

685. 
Butler,  Richard,  26. 
Butts,  James  E.,  694,  700. 
Byers,  Joseph,  711. 

Cabot,  Frederick,  465. 
;         John,  139,  201,  808,826. 
I  Calbin,  Oriin,  465. 
'  Caldwell,  A.,  482. 

Rev.  S.  I,.   548,  553,  568. 
Calicot,  Uichard,  62. 
Calkins.  Rev.  Walcott,  688. 
Cahon,  John,  101. 
Campbell,  F.J. ,815. 
Capen,F.  W.,  689. 
Cargill,  William,  466. 
Carlton,  Jonathan,  541. 
Carney,  Michael,  576. 
Carpenter,  Rev.  C.  H.,  551, 
795. 

Rev.  Mark,  551. 
Carrier,  Rev.  A.  H.,  705. 
Carter,  Sebrean,  41. 

Thomas,  108. 

T.  H.,  444,  712. 
Caswell,  Prof.  A.,  548. 

L.  E.,  454. 

Mrs.  L.  E.,456. 
Chaffln,  J.   C,  590,  669,  672, 

675,  683. 
Chamberlain,  Abraham,  41. 

N.  B.,  710. 

Thomas,  41. 
Chambedin,  Jac.  41, 243,763. 
Champney,  Ekler,  108, 161. 

Joseph,  113. 

Richard,  83. 

Samuel,  161. 
Chandler.  John,  103. 
Chapin,  J.  P.,  573. 
Chaplin,  Rev.  J.,  693,  694. 
Chardon,  Sarah,  228. 
Chase,  H.  Lincoln,  502. 

Rev.  Irah,  502,  541,  543, 
544,  555. 

Rev.  W.  T.,570. 
Chenev,  Aaron,  278,  310,  411. 

Daniel,  119. 

Ebenezer,  54,    120,  278, 
311,  398.  411,  764. 

James.  167. 

John,  132. 


Chenev,  Joseph,  132, 162, 266, 
281,703 

Samuel,  465. 

William,  119,294,310. 
Chester,   Dwight,  501,  502, 
507. 

Charles  E.,  711. 
Chick,  M.  3L,6G7. 
Child,  Benjamin  167,  763. 

Daniel,  132,  311. 

David  Lee,  277. 

Ephraiin,  67. 

John,  243. 

Solomon,  411. 

Rev.  W.  C  ,  554. 
Chism,  Sanuiel,  669. 
Church,  Caleb,  270. 
Clatiin,Henrv,  669,  691. 

William,   117,    603,   669, 
675,714,730,827,830. 
Clark,  Daniel,  311. 

Rev.  E.  W.,  705. 

Hugh,  206. 

James  A..  .549. 

John,  26,41,  75,  132,  212, 
260,  2G6,  434,  763,  764. 

Jonathan,  189, 190. 

Moses,  732. 

Norman,  114,  311,  763, 

Samuel,  411. 

Thomas,  763. 

William,  132,  281,763, 
Clarke,  Hattic  S.,  456. 

Rev.   James    Freeman, 
133,  808,  824. 

Rev.  Joseph  B.,  710,  711, 
716,  772. 

Rev.  Joseph  S.,  456,  753, 
771. 

JuliusL.,  454,  455,  681. 

Dr.  Samuel,  133,  772, 819, 
826,  828. 

Samuel  C  ,  824,  827 

William,  165,266. 

William  F.,  465. 

Rev.  W.  N.,  499,  500,  504. 
Clemens,  William,  109,   115, 

130, 133,  197 
Cobb,  Andrew  B.,  685. 

N,R.,  540,  541,547. 
Coburn,  N.  P.,  676. 
Codman,  Rev.  J.,  416. 
Coes,  C.  H.,  757. 
Coffin,  D.  N.  B.,  500, 

George  W.,398,  411. 

Madame,  828. 

Z.  Erastus,  500. 
Cohill,  James,  475. 
Colljrcm,  William,  28,  83. 
Colburn,  Daniel,  129,  213. 

Jotham,  4G5. 
Colby,  Gardner,  14,  53, 103, 
116,  G03,  748,  7.54,  772. 

Rev.  Henry  F.,501. 
Cole.  Andrew,  ('>89,  691,  760. 

Thomas,  708. 
Collins,  Daniel,  798. 

Edward  J.,  759,  763,  764. 

Fied  A.,525,  764. 

Matthias,  119,   133,  411, 
413,  723,  764. 
Conant,  Marshal,  753. 
Convers,  Edward,  36. 
Converse,  E.  C,  87,  116. 

E.  W.,676. 
Cook,  Asa,  413,423,  434,  468, 
715,  756,  759,  763. 


844 


INDEX  OF  NAMES. 


Cook,  Benjamin,  311. 

C.  L.,  700. 

Daniel,  763. 

Eliakira,  2GG. 

Gregoiv,  41,  58, 101,  116, 
117, 123, 133. 

James  M.,  760, 

John,  819. 

Joiiatliaa,  411,  484. 

RufasR.,749. 

Stephen,  30,  41,  63,  133, 
762. 
Cooke,  Daniel,  134,  538,  539. 

Jonatlian,  117. 

Joseph,  44,  45, 106, 109. 

Philip,  47. 

Capt.  Phineas,  133,  772. 

Robert,  260. 

Stephen,  133. 
Coolidge,  Charles,  398,  411, 
825,  827,  828. 

Jonathan,  41,  53, 163. 

Joshua,  757. 

J.  Wesley  482. 

Nathaniel,  818. 

W.  D.,  691. 
Cooper,  John,  71,  75. 

Judith,  100. 
Cordis.  Thomas,  581. 
Corey,  Rev.  C.  H.,  551,  573. 

Elijah,  500,  501,542. 

John,  128. 
Cornelius,  J.  Evarts,  434. 
Cotton,  Rev.  John,  21,  27, 
103,  117,  134,   135,  202, 
217,  281,  434,  538,  539. 

Dr.  John,  134. 

Roland,  217. 
Couldby,  Anthony,  26. 
Countrynian,  Rev.  A.,  701. 
Cowdin,  E.  C,  321,  322. 
Cowdry,  John,  582. 
Crackhone,  Joseph,  413. 
Craft,  Abner,  345. 

John  Staples,  240. 

Joseph,  120,411,  703. 

Moses,  120, 1.34,  240,  281, 
413,465,715,  763. 
Crafts,  Henry,  311,  437,  759. 

Nathan,  489,  753. 

Samuel,  252,  763. 
Crane,  John,  111. 

Moses  G.,  in. 

Nathaniel,  41. 

Rev.  Origcn,  469. 
Crawley,  Rev.  A.  R.  R.,  551. 
Crehore,  Lemuel,  272,  443, 

476,  586,  764. 
Cressey,  Rev.  T.  R.,  571. 
Cromack,  Rev,  J.  C,  699. 
Cromwell,  Oliver,  180,  833. 
Cross,  Benajah,  704. 
Crossland,  John,  482. 
Cross  well,  Rev.  Andrew,480. 

Thomas,  110. 
Crowell,  Rev.  William,  553. 
Cummings,  J.  S.,  589. 
Curtis,  A.  C,  272,  476,  760, 
764. 

Nelson,  434,  435. 

Obadiah,  311,  411,    416, 
824, 826. 

Robert,  712. 

Solomon,  134,  477. 

Walter  C,  755. 
Cnshing,  Rev.  C.  W.,  706, 
725. 

Rev.  Josiah  N.,  549,  651. 


Cashing,  Rev.  J.  R.,  706. 

Thomas,  720. 
Cutler,  Rev.  Calvin,  705. 

James,  45. 

Rev.  Lyman,  686. 

Rev.  Stephen,  700. 

Richard,  311. 

Dadmun,  W.  R.,757. 
Dally,  Thomas,  583. 
Dana,  Aaron,  294. 

Isaac,  304. 

John,  134,  289,  292. 

Mary,  90,  lie. 

Rev."  Nathan,  116,  500. 

Richard,  116, 

Col.  Stephen,  .502,  828. 

Rev.  S.  H.,716. 
Danforth,  Gov.,  23, 102. 

Rev.  J.  R.,  710. 

Nicholas,  29. 

Samuel  A,,  456. 

Thomas,  87,  98,  107,  108. 
Daniels,  George,  489. 

Timothy,  311. 
Darling,  Henry  J.,  710,  711. 
Davenport,  Benj.,  134,  465. 

Ephraim,  189. 

John,  119,  134. 

Joseph,  134,  465. 

Josiah,  119. 
Davidson,  N.,  584. 
Davis,  Aaron,  311. 

Charles  S.,  13,  434,  435. 

Fred.,  672,  757. 

Geo.  P.,  434. 

Miss  H.  L.,.718. 

Mary,  18,  774. 

Seth,  130,  168,  2.50,  437, 
441,  488,  501,  522,  531, 
585,  586,  665,  721,  741, 
759,  775,  809,  818,  820, 
822,831. 

Timothy,  582. 
Dav,  Stephen,  108. 
Dearborn,  Dr.  A.  D.,444. 
Deavall,  John,  70r>,  700. 
De  Costa,  B.  F.,  480. 
Degon,  Rev.  Henry  V.,  706. 
De  Huff,  John,  710. 
De  Mill,  E,  B„  554, 
Dennen,  Rev.  S.  R..  687, 
Dennison,  Rev.  C.  W.,  470. 

Daniel,  20,  104. 

E,  W.,  £98. 

Joseph,  473. 
Denton,  Geo.  T..  482, 714. 
De  Witt,  Rev.  J.,  687. 
Dexter,  Amasa,  714. 

Georcce  A.,  5ti9. 

Geo.  S.,  16,  502,822,  833. 

Ira, 714. 
Dike,Priscilla,  169. 
Ddlingham,  (i.  B.,  608. 
Dix,  .Jonas,  .394. 

Samuel,  120,  311,  665. 
.   Samuel  F.,  455,  525,  665, 
763. 
Dodge,  Rev.  E.,  553. 
Dolaii,  Rev.  Jlichael,  475. 
Dolbear,  Benj.,  1,34. 
Doty,  W.  D.  O.,  (>99 
Dowing,  John,  411. 
Downing,  Robert,  134, 
Downs,  Henry  W.,  759. 
Draper,  Thomas,    127,  134, 

167. 
Drew.  Erosamon,  110,  125. 


Druce,  John,  40,  93,  97,  124, 
162, 197. 

Obadiah,  97. 

Vincent,  40,  46,  63,  96, 
97,  108,  124,  135,  197. 
Drummond,  Rev.  Joseph  P. 

453. 
Dudley,  A.  S.,  466. 

Gov.,  26,  36. 

Samuel,  26, 104.      . 

Thomas,  26,  36,  104. 
Dmpmer,  Jeremiah,  109. 

Richard,  109. 
Duncan,  Rev.  S.  W.,  573. 
Duncklee,  Susanna  M.,  759. 
Dunton,  John,  828. 
Durant,    Edward,    18,    117, 
135,  209,  318,   323,  329, 
539,  763,  764. 

Mary,  169. 

Thomas,  477. 
Durell,  David,  311. 

Henry,  502. 

John,  119. 

Peter,  118,  311,  334. 
Dwight,  Michael,  164. 
Dyer,  E.  D.,  ,583,  584. 

E.  Porter,  761, 
Dyke,   Jonathan,    135,  243, 
281,  703. 

Earle,  James  IL,  694. 
Eastman,  Rev.  C.  L,,  715. 
Eaton,  Rev.  J.  S.,  502. 

S,  J..757. 

AV.  J.,  755. 
Eddy,  Benjamin,  121. 

Caleb.  577. 

Charles,  688. 

Rev.  Z.,  711. 
Edes,  Benjamin,  818. 
Edmands,  J.  Gushing,  604. 

J.  Wilev  598,  599,  601, 
603,  607,  672,  673,  075. 
681,775,809. 

Thomas,  117,  135,  488, 
757,  827,  833. 

W.  O.,  658,  672. 
Edwards,  Rev.  B.  A.  457. 

Oliver,  757. 

Rev.  Peter  C... 553. 
Elder,  W.  E.,  707. 
Eldredge,  Jlrs.  E.  T.,  697. 
Eldridge,  Geo.  D.,  764. 
Eliot,  Benjamin,  135. 

Elizabeth,  49. 

Rev.  .Tared,  112, 114,  162. 

Rev.  John,  40,  48,  49,  (U, 
88,  102,  135,  ITO-lSt;, 
196,  197,  19S,  275,  25l, 
434,  534,  828. 

Joseph,  112. 
Elliot,  Gen.  Simon,  120, 13G, 

266,  316,  411,  820. 
Elliott,  J,  D,,509. 
Ellis,  A.  P,,  714. 

Chas.  A.,  092. 

David,  461. 

Joseph  L..  444» 

Ruf  us,  269,  461. 
Elmer,  Edward,  26. 
Ely,  A.  B.,  764,  777. 
Emerson,  D,  R.,  672. 

Ralph  AV.aldo,  253. 

R.  V.  C,  688. 
Estv,  Reuben,  136. 
Eustis,  Thomas,  118, 31 1,454. 
Everett,  Joseph  C.,  474. 


INDEX  OF  NAMES. 


845 


Falcs  Rev.  T  F..  G94. 
Farlow,  J.  S.,  596,  003,  COO, 

679.  730.  7G4. 
Farmer,  Isabella,  99. 
Farnswortli,  E.  S.,  712. 
Farwell,  Isaac,  482. 

Levi.  547. 
Fauiice,  Rev.  D.  W.,  554. 
Fav,  Rev.  Eli,  091. 

'Rev.  n.  W.,  708. 
Feako,  Robert,  107. 
Fearing,  J.  H.,7G1. 
Fenno,  Ephraim,  114,    121, 

130,  140. 
Field,  Chester,  473. 

Edwin,  712. 

Klisha,  5S9. 

Rev.  S.  AV.,  571. 
Fisher,  Edward,  527. 
Fisk,  John,  099. 
Fiskc,  David,  47,7.5. 
Fitts,  Rev.  L.L.,  .'j51. 

Rev.  Harvey,  551. 
Flagg,  GershoiB,  187. 

Joshua.  539, 763. 
Fletcher,  Rev.  S.C.,5G9. 
Flint.  Mr.,  36. 
Flood,  Rev.  Bernard,  708. 

Patrick,  475. 
Flovd,  Samuel,  467. 
Flyht,  Henry,  201,  215,  210. 
Foot,  John,  41. 
Forbes.  Gustavus,120,  500. 
Ford,  Charles,  482. 

Rev.  D.  B.,  549. 
Foster,  Rev.  J.  B.,  554. 

Joseph,  703,  764. 

Mrs.  Nancy,  502. 
Fowle,  Edwin 'INL,  16,  508. 

John,  48. 

William  B.,  20,  605,  081, 
753,704,  833. 
Foxcroft,  IMehitable,  228. 
Francis,  Rev.  C,  088. 
Freeland,   Rev.  S.  M.,  G7G, 

087,  711. 
Freeman,  Dr.  James,    130, 
414,  820. 

Whipple,  405. 

William,  582. 
French,  Bela,  411. 

Isaac  S.,  457. 

James,  072. 

William,  90. 
Frisbie,  Br.  J.  F.,  758. 
Frost,  Elder,  109,  108. 
Fuller,  Abraham,  380,  395, 
511,  702,  703,  704,  779. 

Amariah.  703. 

Rev.  Arthur  B.,  458. 

Benjamin,  454. 

Caleb,  169^ 

Charles,  701. 

Edward,  311,  763,  764. 

Elisha,  137,  292. 

Ezra,  578,  700. 

Henry,  667. 

Isaac,  169. 

James,  258,  704. 

Jeremiah,  52,  100,  109, 
214,  762. 

Joel,  454, 522,755, 759, 764. 

John,  40, 44,  51, 52, 58, 89, 
100,  130,  109,  197,  250, 
578,  762,  703. 

John  B.  H.,413,  722,  763. 

Jonathan,  137,169,  252, 
282,  762,  763. 


Fuller,  Joseph,  52,  110,  1.37, 
109,  311,  703,  704,   781. 
Joshua,  169,  703. 
Josiah,  311,  763. 
Mindwell,  169. 
Nathan,  137,  169,  277,  311, 

763,  764. 
Nathaniel,  759. 
Thomas,  109. 
Furber,  Rev  D.  L.,  427,  434, 
584,  587,  087,  740. 
Rev.  Franklin,  473. 
Furman,  J.  C,  553. 
Fyfe,  Rev.  R.  A.,  552. 

Gair,  Rev.  Thomas,  295 
Gannett,  Rev.  K.  S.,  415. 

Rev.  J.  H.,  509. 
Gano,  Dr.  Stephen,  501. 
Gardner,  Isaac,  205. 

Joshua,  400. 

Thomas  334. 

W.  S.,  097,  728. 
Garey,  S.  D.,  508. 
Garfield,  B.,  31. 
Garlick,  E.,  584. 
Garrett,  W.,  707. 
Gay,  Aaron  F.,  072,  699. 

Rev.  H.  G.,  574. 
Gibbons,  Capt..  25. 

Edward,  260. 

Jotham,  25. 
Gibbs,  Capt.,  20. 

Henry,  102, 137,  226,  282, 
511,  763,  704. 

Madame,  410,  539. 
Gibson,  John,  189. 
Gilbert,   Rev.  Lyman,  255, 
444,  451,  455,  085,   702, 
703. 
Gilmau,  G.  D.,  072,  809. 

W.  L.,  653. 
Gilmore,  Rev.  J.  H.,  549. 
Glazier,  Rev.  N.  N..  570. 
Goddard,  Rev.  J.  R.,  501, 
551,  509. 

Joseph,  413. 

Jos.  W.,  085. 

Rev.  Josiah,  551. 

Josiah,  138,  763. 

Mrs.  M.  T.,  712. 

Robert,  243. 
Goffe,  Edward,  45,  40. 
Going,  Rev.  Jona.,  540. 
Gooch.  S.  H.,  075. 
Goodale,  Nathan,  411. 
Goodhue,  Stephen,  413,  759. 

Rev.  J.  A.,  554. 
Goodman.  Richard,  20. 
Goodrich,' J.  B.,  728,  704. 

W.  I.,  081. 
Goodridge.  P.  W.,  757. 
Goodwin,  Geo.  I.,  710. 

William,  20. 

W.  A.,  710,  711. 
Gordon,  Rev.  A.  J.,  554. 
Gould,  Rev.  Ezra  P.,  501, 
548,  553,  508,  570. 

N.  D.,  757. 
Gourlie,  James,  694. 
Grafton,    Joseph,   91,    114, 
138,  275.  282,  406,  540, 
722,  725,  805,  818. 
Graupner,  G.,  720. 
Graves,    Rev.   Joseph   M., 
456. 

R.  E.,  757. 
Green,  Jonathan,  41. 


Green,  Rev.  M.  M.,  700. 

Mrs.  Philip  A.,  599. 

Samuel,  289. 
Greene,  Rev.  J.  S.  C,  094. 

E.  W..  711. 

Jonathan,  137. 

W.  B..571. 
Greenough,  Nathaniel,  278. 

Dea.  Thomas,  253. 

Rev.  William,  138,  233, 
253,  254,  801. 
Greenwood,  John,  103, 166, 
527,  702,  704. 

Josiah,  763. 

Thomas.  41,  63,  72, 109, 
137,  168,  434,  511,  762, 
763,  764. 
Griggs,  David  R.,  542. 
Grimes,  James,  311. 

John,  41. 
Griswold,  Capt.  John  M., 

658,  659. 
Grover,  E])hr.,  715,  716,  763. 

Lyndall,  466. 
Guild,  William,  667,  757. 
Gunderson,  J.  G.,  502. 

Hackett,  Prof.  U.  B.,  501, 

545,  594. 
Hadden,  Garrad,  26. 
Hagar,  II.  M.,667. 

Isaac,  444,  476,  477,  627, 
763,  764. 

Isaac  A.,  757. 
Hagget,  Amos,  527. 
Hague,  John  B.,  724,  747. 

Rev.  William,  553. 
Hall,  Andrew,  41,  138,  243. 

Baxter,  757. 

Edward,  127,  278,  290, 
311,763. 

Josiah,  539. 

Prentice.  757. 

Samuel,  208,  312. 

Solomon,  278,  312. 

William,  413,  503. 
Hamblen,  Rev.  Isaac  S.,501. 
Hammond,  Benjainin,  312, 
301,411,763. 

Eleazer,  763. 

John,  139,  288,  289. 

Jonathan,  48, 124,411. 

Joshua,  408,  411,  703. 

Laur.,  77. 

Nathaniel,  52,  124,  511, 
703. 

Peter,  329. 

Samuel,  92,  421. 

Stephen,  342. 

Thomas,  15,  40,  52,  96, 
97,  108,  109,  124,  162, 
197,  221,  244,  284,  312, 
762. 

William,  93,  282,  312, 
411,  763. 

Rev.  W.  W.,570. 
Hanchett,  P.,  41. 
Hancock,  John,  394,  395. 
Harbach  J.  W.,  735. 

N.  Richards,  603,  735. 
Harding,  Rev.  S.,  V04,  705, 
751. 

W.  G.,  704. 
Harkness,  John,  282. 
Harlackenden,  Richard,  27, 
Harmstead,  James  L.,  444. 
Harrington,  C.  C,  757. 
Hart,  Stephen,  27. 


84.6 


INDEX  OF  NAMES. 


Harwooil,  George  S.,  C75. 
Haskell,  Caleb,  465. 
Hastings,  Daniel,  7G3. 

Jolin,  312. 

Mary,  411. 

Nathan,  411. 

Samuel,  117,  139,  282, 
312. 

Thomas,  312,  500,  700. 

Walter,  71,  75. 
Haswell,  Lieut.,  719. 
Hawthorne,  William,  01. 
Hayden,  H.  C,  711. 
Haynes,  John,  15,  27, 104. 

Rev.  L.  M.  S.,  573. 
Hayward,  Albert  F.,  717. 
Hazelton,  J.  II.,  757,  758. 
Hazlewood,  Rev.  F.  T.,  569. 
Healy,John,lG7,  763. 

Nathan,  110,  189. 

Nathaniel,  41,    52,  112, 
164,  188,  213,  239,  762. 
Heate,  Thomas,  27. 
Henchman,  Cai)t.,93. 
Henderson,  Rev.  G.  D.,  572. 
Henry,  J.  Q.,  669,  757. 
Hepworth,  Rev.  Geo.,  814. 
Hews,  Abraham,  689. 
Heywood,  M,  T.,  714,  764. 
Hibbins,  William,  82. 
Hicks,  Geo.  A.,  694. 
Hill,  John,  167. 
Hills,  Joel  H.,  671,  675. 
Hincks,  Rev.  E.  Y.,  716. 
Hitchcock,  D.  K.,  666-669. 
Hobart,  John,  112. 

Rev.  Nehemiah,  41,  49, 
51,63,117,  139,199,201, 
282. 

Peter,  199,  200. 
Hodgden,  Nicholas,  96,  97, 

108. 
Hodge,  Rev.  Elias,  715. 
Hodges,  Charles  E.,459. 
Holbrook,  Anthony,  706. 
Holden,  JoelM.,  764. 
Holland,  John,  41. 

Rev.  T.  li.,  45S. 
Holly,  Samuel,  40,  86,   106, 

107.  116. 
Holman,  C.  E.,  583. 

L.  S.,  667. 

R.  W.,  670. 

Thomas,  289. 
Holmes,  A.  S.,  507. 

Rcv.Dr.  Abiel,60. 
Holt,  Samuel,  5U0. 
Holyoke,  Edward,  215. 
Homer, Rev.  Dr.,  18,  38, 139, 
229,  230,  282,  408,  415, 
747,  833. 
Hoogs,  Francis,  527. 

William,  312,  763. 
Hooker,  George,  527. 

Rev.  Thomas,  26,  27,  29, 
33,  34,  82. 

Zibeon,  279,479. 
Hopkins,  Edward,  237. 
Hornebrooke,  Rev.  F.  B., 

691. 
Horton,  Rev.  J.  W.,  573,574. 
Hosmer,  Alfred,  474,  747. 

Elbridge,  724. 

Rev.  G.  W.,  509,  691. 

Thomas,  27. 
Houghton,  W.  P.,  753,  763. 
Hovey,  Rev.  Alvah,  502,508, 
795. 


Hovey,  James,  304,  305. 

Master,  820. 

Thomas,  140,  303,  500. 
Howard,  Davis,  711. 

E.  A.,482. 
Howe,  Rev.  E.  Frank,  711. 

John,  460. 

Julia  Ward,  742. 
Howes,  S.  C,  694. 

Silas,  757. 
Hubbard,  G.  G.,  760. 

John.  261,  270. 

Nathaniel,  270. 
Hudson,  Charles,  36. 
Hull,  Abraham  Fuller,  404. 

William,  103,    117,  140, 
282,  384,  395,  405,  709, 
720,  820. 
Hunnewell,  Jonathan,  312, 

411. 
Hunt,  Ephraim,  263. 

John  W.,  440. 
Hunter,  H.  A.,  482. 
Hunting,  Martin,  466. 
Huntington,    Rev.   F.    D., 
587. 

Rev.  W.  E  ,  699, 739. 
Hurd,  Leonard,  482. 

Willard,  482. 
Hutchinson,    Rev.    Elijah, 
551. 

Rev.  Enoch,  554. 

Governor,  24. 

J.  S.,551. 
Hyde,  Aaron,  117. 

Amos,  503. 

Mrs.  Clarice,  501. 

Dauiel.llO.  112,  312,  510. 

Eleazer,  111,  243. 

Elisha,  142,312,  763. 

Frank,  503. 

(reorge,  669, 759,  763. 

Gershom,336. 

H.  N.,692,  694. 

Ichabod,  110, 112. 

Jacob,  112. 

Job,  40,  58,  197. 

J.  F.  C,  16,  73,  434,  525, 
668,  678,  715,  716,  728, 
742  745,763,764,809,832. 

John,  52,03, 110,111,162, 
163,  243,  312 

Jona.,  40,  46,  52,  62,  90, 
108,  110,  111,  112,  140, 
162, 195,  197,  762. 

Nathaniel,  527. 

Nehemiah,  140. 

Noah,  323.  703. 

Dea.  Samuel,  40,  46,47, 
58,  63,  85,  87,  112,  140, 
197,  282,  411,  413,  434, 
722,  723,  759. 

Samuel,  142,  822. 

Thaddeus,  411,413. 

William,  110,  511,  763. 

Ide,  Rev.  Jacob.  685. 
Isaac,  Joseph,  83. 
Ives,  Miles,  85. 

Jackson,  Abraham,  51,  74, 
142,  214,  239,  240,  273, 
762. 

Amasa,  384. 

Autipas,  C03. 

Caroline  15  ,681,685. 

Charles,  384. 

Daniel,  144,  343, 384,  783. 


Jackson,  Ed w..  .30,31,32,40,. 
45,46,  47,51,53,  58,60,. 
61,63,74,  75,87,98,  107, 
115,  142,  161,  197,  210,- 
214,  270,  282,  434,  538, 
539,  762,  764,  781. 
Ephraim,  258,  .527,  748, 

754,  759. 
Francis,  27,  39.  24;'. 
Frederick,  681,  758. 
Henry,  .540. 
Isaac,  167, 108,  763. 
John,  18,  28, 39.  40, 46, 47,. 

51,58,60,61,  07,84,86, 

113,   115,142,   101.   195, 

197,  273,  434,  .539,  763. 
John,  jr.,  40,  197. 
Jonas,  127. 
Jonathan,  40,  58,  143,. 

538. 
Joseph,  54,  225,  440,  455, 

764. 
Rev.  Joseph,  252,  253. 
Joshua,  527. 
Michael,  86,  88, 117,  143,. 

277,  312,  385. 
Samuel,    252,    312,    539,. 

699.  763,  764. 
Samuel  C,  120.  127. 
Sebas,  40,  74, 143, 197. 
Simon,  385. 
Timothv,  117,   144,    277, 

312,  411,  484,   720,  763, 

764,  781. 
widow,  63 
William,  23,  24,  29,  30, 

31,   143,  194,  312,    423, 

434,  541,  065.  685,   722, 

755,  759,  760,  764, 783. 
Wm.  W.,7G4. 

Jacobs,  Rev.  Bela,  540. 

Rev.  W.  B.,554. 
James,  Hannah,  181. 

Rev.  R.  S.,  458. 
Jameson,  Eliza,  471. 
Jarvis,  Caleb,  312. 
Jefferson,  Thos.,  401. 
Jenckes,  Rev.  J.  S.,  697. 
Jenks,  Rev.   Dr.    William, 
423,  519,  802. 

Samuel,  192. 
Jennison,  Benj.,  437. 

Elias,  700. 

Joshua,  685. 

Phineas,  312,  484. 

S.,  587,  752. 

William,  28,  29. 
Jepson,  Henry,  413. 
Jewett,  Charles,  685. 

D.  B.,  669. 

D.  E.,  689. 

Lydia  M.,  682. 

Rev.  Lyman,  551. 
Johnson,  Charles  T.,  473. 

Edward,  89,  98. 

John,  28. 

Nicholas,  694. 

Thomas,  460. 

William  02. 
Jones,  D.  Wayland,710,711. 

Eben.,  694. 

Geo.    H.,    667,  C69,   672,. 
675,  680,  730. 

Rev.  H.  M.,  551. 

Israel,  798. 

Rev.  J.  T.,  551. 

P.  C,  749. 

S.  F.,  699. 


INDEX  OF  NAMES. 


847 


Keith,  W.  W.,  C81. 
Kellev,  Ilev.  Edmund,  460. 
Kello'iru-,  S.  I.,  712. 
Kendall,  John,  84. 
Kenriek,    Caleb,    144,   278, 
312,  411,  538,  539,  7C3. 

Elijah,  40,  G3,  107. 

John,  40,  58,  G3,  ill,  99, 
144,  162,  170,  197.  229, 
277,  283,  312,  398,  413, 
51G-518,  720,  759,  702, 
763,  764. 

J.  A.,  659,759. 

William,  413.  791. 
Keyes,  Francis  T.,  467. 

Geo.  W.,  444,  466. 

H.  L.,  712. 

Isaac,  467,  500. 
Kidder.  Joseph,  480. 
Kimball,  Abraham,  692, 694. 

H.  H.,  692. 
King,  Ebenezer,  756. 

Capt.  Heurv,  145,  312, 
484. 

Rev.  G.  M.  P.,  551. 

Rev.  Henry  M.,  549. 

Rev.  J.  D.,  715. 
■'      Dr.  John,  144,  312,  329, 
334,  438,  720,  763.  817. 

Noah,  128, 145,  312,  500. 

Noah  S..  128, 145. 

Thomas  Starr,  753. 
Kingman,  M.,  757. 

Pliny  E.,  760.  , 

Kingsbiirv,  Henj.,  413. 

Beuj.  \V.,  763. 

Ebenezer,  466. 

I.  F.,  435,  759,  764. 

John,  413,  406,  723. 

Lauren,  407. 
Kingsley,  Daniel,  760. 
Kirk,  Rev.  E.  N  ,  685. 
Kitchen,  Andrew,  704. 
Knapp,  John,  41, 166. 

Rev.  AV.  D.,  459,  753. 
Knowles,   Rev.  James  D., 

408,  545. 
Knox,  Rev.  George,  571, 574. 

Ladd,  William,  413. 
Lambert,  Henry,  754. 
Lamson,  II.  O.,  715. 

J.  F.,  508. 
Lancev,  Dustin,  714. 
Lane, 'Rev.  H.  F.,  572. 
Larkin,  J.  E.,  707, 
Earned,  Sanmel,  724. 
Lasell,  Edward,  724,  725. 

Josiah,  725. 
Lawrence,     Capt.     James, 

404. 
Leach,  Rev.   Sanford,  502, 

755- 
Learned,  G.,  707. 
Leavitt,  Rev.  Joshua,  68G. 

Rev.  Wm.  S.,  666,  685, 
688. 
Lee,  Col.  Francis  L.,  717. 

Heni-y,  717. 

Thomas,  717. 
Leeson,  J.  R.,  509. 
Leighton,  Rev.  S.  S.,  470. 
Leland,  L.  E.,4.58. 
Lemon,  H.,  667. 
Lenox,  Cornelius,  145,  312. 
Lester,  Rev.  C.  S.,  707. 
Leusden,  Rev.  Dr.,  185. 
Leverett,  J  ohn,  270. 


Lewis,  Dio,  727. 

Joseph  W.,  473. 

Rev.  W.  G.  W.,  667,  668. 

William,  27. 
Libby,  W.  L.,  508. 
Lilly,  Alonzo,  669. 
Lincoln,  Ensign,  540. 

Dea.  Henian,  553,  568. 

Prof.  He  man,  548. 

Prof.  J.  L.,  552. 

Levi,  540. 
Linder,  George,  067,694,  697. 

William,  097. 
Lisle,  Ilev.  William,  458. 
Little,  Albert,  434. 

Rev.  George  B.,  453. 

Woodbridge,  799. 
Littletield,     Ebenezer,    41, 

145,  166,  243,  283. 
Livermore,  G.  F.,  757. 
Locke,  Benj.,  345. 

William,  117. 
Lockwood,  Rev.  F.  A.,  507. 

Rev.  W.  L.,  715. 
Longley,  Nathaniel,  41,  145, 

102,  166,  224,  267. 
Lord,  C.H.,  603. 

G.  C,  603,  668,  760. 

Hartley,  089. 

Richard,  27. 
Lorinc,  Joshua,  16,  413,  607, 

819. 
Lothrop,  Peres.  306,  500. 
Louden,  Richard,  62. 
Lovejoy,  Rev.  J.  C,  685. 
Lowell,  Judge,  717. 
Lowrv,  Rev.  Samuel  E.,  583, 

584. 
Luce,  Aaron,  411. 
Lusher,  JMajor,  67. 
Luther,  Rev.  J.  H.,  554. 
Lyndon,  P.  F.,  708. 
Lyon,  Amos,  759. 

Samuel,  145. 

William,  466. 

Mackay,  Rev.  Henry,  480, 

708,  743. 
Macomber,    Rev.    Francis 
G.,  501. 
Rev.  S.  B.,  570. 
Macov,  Archibald,  112,  145, 
103. 
Daniel,  41,  14."). 
Nathaniel,  145. 
Peter,  820. 
Macreading,    Rev.  Charles 

S.,  473. 
Maginnis,  Rev.  J.  S.,  552. 
Magoon,  Rev.  E.  L.,  553. 
Manly,  Rev.  B.,  5.^3. 
Mann,  Horace.  4.58,  065,  721, 

753,  786,  796. 
Manniufr.  William,  71. 
Mansfield,    Rev.    Francis , 
573. 
R.ev.  G.  W.,  706,  714,715. 
Marcv,  W.,  439,  590,  668, 728, 

'763. 
Marean,  John,  145. 

William,  120,  14.5, 1G7. 
Marett,  Thomas,  83. 
Marsh,  Rev.  F.  O.,  553. 

Rev.  C.  68.5. 
Marshall,  Francis,  145. 
Mason,  Mrs.  D.  H.,  404. 

D.  H.,444,  492,  598,  600, 
764,  787. 


Mason,  Rev.  Francis,  549. 

Henry,  584. 

Hugh,  61,  92. 

John,  41,  63, 146, 164, 209, 
762. 

Lowell,  834. 

Moses,  539. 

Robert,  70. 
M.asters,  John,  27. 
Mather,  Cotton,  185. 

Increase,  205. 
Matthews,  John,  312. 
Maugus,  John,  259,  2GI. 
Mayer,  Rev.  Henry,  690. 
Mayhew,    Thomas,    86,   87, 

104, 107,  146. 
Maynard,  Geo.  S.,  714. 
Maverick,  Mr.,  99. 
McCarthy,  John,  475. 
McDaniel,  N.,41,6,3. 
McDonald,  Rev.  W.,  707. 
McDougal.  John  D.,  576. 
I  McFarland,  Walter,  465. 
Mcintosh,  W.,598. 
Mclntyre,  J.,  304. 
McKeown,  Rev.  A.,  482, 707. 
Mc.Manus,  Rev.  M.  T.,  709. 
McNoah,  Mrs.  E  ,  502. 

Thomas.  438,  489. 
Mead,  David,  41,  63. 

Jacob,  577. 

John,  437,  455. 
Meek,  W.  D.,  707. 
Meriam,  John,  228. 

Rev.  Jonas,  121,140,  226, 
283, 818. 
Mero,  John,  705. 
Merriam,  Rev.  Jona  ,  572. 
Merrill,  Rev.  Geo.  W.,  542. 

Joseph  A.,  473. 
Messer,  G.  H.,570. 
Metcalf ,  Jonathan,  100,  144. 
Miles,  Rev.  H.  A.,  690. 
Miller,  Eliza  A.,  501. 

Joseph,  41,  63, 146,  161. 

Samuel,  54, 113, 146,  241, 
2-13,  703. 

Thomas,  167,  577,  763. 
Mills,  Davis  C,  439. 

Henrv,  704,  705. 

William,  480 
Mims,  Rev.  J.  S.,  552. 
Mirick,  Elizalieth,  169. 

John,  41,  146. 
Mitchell,  Rev.  E.  C,  553. 

Edward,  146,  278. 

Jonathan,  194. 
Moore,  Rev.  C.  R.,  700, 

Francis,  71. 

Horatio,  703. 

Reuben,  140,  312,  484. 
Morey,  James  W.,  473. 
Morrill,  Aliraham,  27. 
Morse,  Amos,  405. 

George,  405. 

Josei)h,  140,  1C8,  243. 

Martin,  229. 

Rev.  S.  B.,  501. 
Morss,  Joseph,  243. 
Morton,  William,  749. 
Mosher,  E.  M.,  699. 
Mudge,  Charles  R.,612. 

Rev.  James,  473 

Rev.  Z.  A.,  473,  715,  755. 
TVlunger,  Rev.  Enos,  572. 
Munroe,  Oliver,  312. 
Murdock,  Elisha,  312,  411. 
John,  140. 


848 


INDEX  OF  NAMES. 


Murdock,  Jona.,  114,  484. 
Joshua,  146,  283. 
Robert,  140, 104,214,  224, 
245,  283,  312,  411,  511, 
7G3, 704. 
Samuel,  312,411,484,762, 
763,  764. 
Murray,  Rev.  John,  701. 
Mussey,  Hester,  27. 
Muzzey,  Rev.  A.  B.,  717. 

Nahaton,  William,  260. 
Neale,  IJenjarain,  272. 

Rev.  R.  H.,  692. 
Nealy,  Thomas,  460. 
Nelson,  Rev.  Ebenezer,  540. 

Rev.  W.  F.,  571. 
Newell,  Artemas,  465. 

Harriet,  425. 

James  S.,  500,  502. 

John,  147. 
Newgate,  John,  89. 
Nichols,  Gilbert,  757. 

Rev.  John,  700. 

William  H.,  466. 
Nicholson,  Francis,  76. 

John,  4G7. 
Nickerson,    Thomas,    121, 

229. 
Noble,  David,  798. 
Norcross,  Emery,  107. 

James,  503. 

Josiah,  313. 

Nathaniel,  313. 

Philip,  147, 167. 
Norton,  Francis,  61. 
Nottage,  W.  A.,  482. 
Noves,  E.  W.,  434,  435. 
Nutting,  John,  389. 

Samuel,  313,  437. 

Oakes,  Simon,  27. 
Oliver,  John,  89,  108. 

Nathan,  603. 

Thomas,  53,  83, 147,  214, 
434. 
Olmstead,  James,  27. 
Oncken,  Rev.  J.  G.,  795. 
Ong,  Simon,  41,  03. 
Osland,  Humphrey,  41,  63, 
87, 110, 147. 

John,  112,  104. 
Ostergren,  Rev.  K.  A.,  501. 
Othemaii,  Rev.  B.,  706. 

Edward,  473. 

Page,  "William,  712. 
Paige,  Rev.  Lucius  R.,  23, 

24,  73,  75-77. 
Paine,  Jedediah,  699. 
Palmer,  Abraham,  28. 

F.  N.,  712. 
John,  147,  283,  313. 
Thomas,  790. 

Paris,  Samuel,  41. 
Parish,  Thomas,  lOG. 
Park,  Amasa,  313. 
Benjamin,  295. 

G.  Frank,  759. 
John,  63. 
Joshua,  313,  411. 
Richard,  40,  54,  03,  07, 

84,91,147,  161,195,197, 

283,  578. 
Solomon,  16, 169. 
Thomas,  40,  63,  107,  147, 

197,  250,  283,  763. 
"William,  100. 


P.arke,  Henry,  92. 
Parker,  Rev.  Addison,  574. 

Charles  E.,  704,  708,  732. 

Ebenezer.  763,  790. 

Enoch.  108. 

F.  J.,  732. 

John,  40,41, 46, 03, 96, 148, 

197,473,510,  763. 
John  P.,  790. 
Jonathan,  313,  411. 
Joseph,  278,  313,  763. 
Nathaniel,  41,  113,  148, 

104,  221,  267,  510,  703. 
Noah,  148,  207,  287,  288. 
Richard,  109. 
Samuel,    278,   313,    411, 

790. 
Theodore,  134,  808. 
Mrs.  Theodore,  201,  808. 
Thomas,  74,  267,  368, 763, 

764. 
"William,  4.58. 
Partridge,  Rev.  E.,  700, 701. 
Joseph  L.,  443,  704. 
Lewis  H.,  460. 
Rev.  S.  B.,  501,  551,  570, 
752. 
Patch.  Isaac,  162. 
Patrick,  Daniel,  27. 

Rev.  H.  J.,  453,  584,  687, 
711. 
Patten,  Nathaniel,  576. 
Pattison,  Rev.  R.  E.,  548. 

"SVilliam,  500. 
Paul,  Luther,  99,  148,  413, 
434,  435,  722,  759,  703, 
704,  819. 
Paulson,  John,  473. 
Peabody,  George,  796. 
Peck,  John,  304,  313,  542. 
Pelham,  Charles,  103,    148, 

248,  318,  323,  329,  589. 
Pelton,  Julius,  707. 
Pemberton,  Rev.  Ebenezer, 

201. 
Pentecost,   Rev.    "William, 

473,  714. 
Pentrey,  William,  27. 
Pepper,  Rev.  G.  D.  B.,  553, 

5^)8. 
Perkins,  Enoch,  503. 

G.  H.,  508,  509. 
Perrin,  Marshall,  482. 

Noah,  481. 
Perry,  J.  M.,  710. 

Stephen,  094. 

Rev.    William    S.,    694, 
697,  818. 
Pettee,  Charles,  465,  503. 

Nathan,  148,  722,  704. 

Otis,   209,   427,   760,   763, 
792,  814. 

Samuel,  148. 
Pettengill,  James,  189. 
Pettis,  Samuel,  162. 
Phillips,  Rev.  D.  AV.,  551. 

William,  323. 
Phipps,  Rev.  G.  G  ,  716. 
Pierce,  Rev.  Bradford  K., 
503,  509,  681. 

Charles  W.,  667. 

Cyrus,  726.  727,  753,  754. 

Lemuel,  483. 
Pigeon,  Rev.  C.  du  M.,  702. 

Henry,  149,  280,  313,  702. 

John,  118,  ;U3,  333,  348, 
349,  .539,  702. 
Pike,  Charles  E.,  764. 


Pike,  N.  C,  458. 
Plimpton,  Oliver,  405. 
Plympton,  J.  W.,  585,  665, 
753,  760,  763. 
Oliver,  503. 
Pollock,  Thomas,  437. 
Pomfret,  W.  J.,  473. 
Pomp  Jackson,  376. 
Pomroy,  Mrs.   R.  R.,    616, 

748,  7.54. 
Pond,  Eliphalet,  265. 
Porter,  Amasa,  313. 
H.  K.,  573. 
Robert,  714. 
Potter,  J.  C. ,  598. 
Prat,  John,  27. 
Pratt,  L  G.,730,  764. 
Rufus,  005. 
Thomas,  313 
Prentice,  Edward,  150, 
Rev.  George,  715. 
James,  40,  51,  63,  74,  75, 
97,  93,  149,  150,197,762. 
John,  149,  150. 
Robert,  313,  484. 
Samuel,  98,  149,  303. 
Thomas,  149,    538,    539, 

762,  703,  704. 
Thomas,  2iid,  40,  53,  63, 
72,    98,    113,    150,    197, 
284. 
Capt.  Thomas,   4^,   47, 
48,  52,  58,  02,  03,  72,  79, 
•  92,  109, 149, 195,  197. 
Lieut.  Thomas,  46, 150, 
764. 
Preston,  Daniel,  156. 
Priest,  Thurston,  699. 
Proctor,  Rev.  Hadley,  501. 
Pulsifer,  R.  M.,  20,  712,  728, 

732,  833. 

Putnam,  R.  F.,  480. 

Stephen,  406. 

Quincy,  Geo.  H.,  667,  669, 
692,  693. 
Josiah,  721. 

Rand,  George  C,  16,  91, 114. 
Randolph,  Edward,  76. 
Ranlett,  C  E.,  728,  764. 
Ray,  Daniel,  41,  53,03. 
Raymond,  Luther,  438. 
Reiliat,  John,90. 
Redinge,  Joseph,  27. 
Redson,  William,  84,  86, 106, 

115. 
Remington,. Jonathan,  75. 
Revere,  Paul,  819. 
Reynolds,  J.  L..  552. 
Rice,    Alexander    H.,    476, 
741,  795,  831. 
Gardner,  472. 
G.  W.,  707. 
J.  Willard,  476,  764. 
Leonard,  700,  764. 
Marshall  S.,  19,   55,    97, 
151,  508,  580,   665,   722, 
723,  729,   755,  759.  760, 
762,703,704,  794.  819. 
Nathan,  472,  794. 
Thomas,  470,    525,    592, 
675,763,  764,  795. 
Rich.  Charles,  456. 
Richards,  Aaron,  313,   438, 
763. 
C.  W.,  503. 
Daniel,  278,  313,  763. 


INDEX  OF  NAMES. 


849 


Richards,  Ebenezer,  124. 

Enocli,  306,  503. 

George,  503. 

Jacob,  756. 

James,  278,  290,  313. 

Nathaniel,  27. 

Thaddeus,  313. 

Walter,  503. 

Rev.  William  C,  471. 
Richardson,  Aaron,  7G3. 

Benjamin,  273,438. 

Charles,  482. 

C.  H.,  573. 

David,  313. 

Ebenezer,  278,  313. 

Jeremiah,  313,  500. 

John,  764. 

John  H.,  686,  763. 

Jonathan,  278, 2J2. 

Samuel,  313. 

Thomas,  503. 

Thomas  Jelfcrson,  471. 
Ricker,  C.  C  ,  706. 

James,  763  819. 
Ripley,  Rev.  H.  J.,  544,  723. 
Robbins,    Rev.    Chandler, 
253. 

Daniel,  123. 

Eliphalet,  313. 

Rev.  Gilbert,  G92,  694. 

John,  763. 

Richard.  110. 

Solomon,  313. 
Roberts,  John  L.,  761,  820. 
Robertson,  C.  H.,  508. 
Robeson,  William,  243. 
Robins,  Rev.  Henry  C,  553. 

Richard,  47, 110. 
Robinson,  Charles,  jr.,  728, 
764. 

C.  W.,  705. 

Rev.  E.  G.,  552. 

William,  41,151, 167,763. 
Rogers,  C.  S.,  675,  699. 

John,  151,  284,  313,  411, 
763,  828. 

Thomas  L.,  502. 

T.  S.,  554. 
Ross,  Henry,  536,  713,  730, 

757. 
Round,  Rev.  J.  E.,  706. 
Rowe,  Rev.  C.  H  ,  573. 
Rowson,  Mrs.  S.,  718. 
Rumrell,  A.,  584. 
Rush,  Joseph,  52. 
Russell,  P.  R.,  700. 

Richard,  67. 
Rutter,  M.,  437. 

Sadgrove,  Thomas,  110. 
Saltonstall,  Leverett,  717. 

Richard,  44. 
Sampson,  Samuel,  295,  296, 

500. 
Samson,  Rev.  Geo.  W.,  502, 
552. 

Rsv.T.  S.,  693,  694. 
Sanborn,  Geo.  O.,  501. 

Jacob,  473. 
Sanderson,  Geo.,  716. 
Sanger,  Daniel,  457. 

David  C,  457,  764. 

Jeduthan,  411. 
Savage,  C.  T.,  753. 
Savafy,  Rev.  W.  H.,  459. 
Sawver,  Rev.  A.  W.,  553. 
Schoff,  S.  A., 712. 
Scott,  Charles,  467. 

54 


Scott,  David,  407. 

Samuel,  460,  467,  503. 

Sears,  Rev.  Barnas,  444,515, 

552,  586,  755,  795. 

Harvey  S.,  509. 
Seaver,  Daniel,  527. 
Seaverns,  Elisha,  151,  313, 

763. 
Sedgwick,  Theodore,  798. 
Si-dwick,  Rev.  J.  H.,  573. 
Seger,  Ebenezer,  188. 

Henry,  41.  63,  111,  110, 
151,  188,  243,  334. 

Job,  119,  243. 

Josiah,  119. 

Nathaniel,  139, 190. 
Sergeant,  A.  D.,706. 
Sever,  W.  W.,  430. 
bewail,  Henry,  264. 

S.  G.,757. 
Shaffer,  G.,  720. 
Shannon,  Miss  Mary  C.,749. 
Sharp,  Rev.  Daniel,  540,543, 

548,  807. 
Shays,  Daniel,  388. 
Sheldon,  Rev.  D.  N.,  552. 

W.  E.,  590. 
Shepard,    Alexander,    151, 
252,  323,  361,  539,  763, 

Edward,  47. 

John,  47,  500,  501. 

Samuel,  44,  89, 100, 106. 
Shepherd,  Rev.  Thomas,  26, 

34,  104. 
Sherman,  J.,  465. 

John,  103. 

Joseph,  30. 

Roger,  103, 359,  823. 
Shiun,  Rev.  Geo.    W.,  698, 

699,  708. 
Siedhof,  Prof.  Charles,  718. 
Simpkins,  S.  G.,  683,  689. 
Skinner,  Francis,  672,  825, 
827.  820. 

James,  699. 

Rev.  Samuel  P.,  466,483. 

T.  J.,  798. 
Slade,  Dr.,  717. 
Slocomb,  William,  692. 
Slocum,  W.  S.,711. 
Small,  H.  M.,  712. 
Small  wood,  Edwin,  142. 

John  F..  692. 

Thomas,  413,  489,  604. 
Smith,  Adolphus,258,  763. 

Asa  F.,  467, 503. 

C.  D..48I. 

Rev.  D.  A.  W..  501,  551, 

Rev.  Eli  B.,  544,  552. 

Enoch,  313. 

F.  G.,  714 

Rev.  F.  W.,  708. 

Henry,  502. 

Is.iac,  716. 

John,  41,  152. 

Rev.  John,  715. 

Jonas,  258. 

Rev.  Jos.  C,  688,  689. 

Lucius,  467. 

Rev.  Lucius  E.,  554. 

Rev.  S.  F.,  471,  498,  546, 
588,  595,  602,  675,  752, 
834. 

S.  K.,  553. 

Sylvester,  467. 

W.  R.,  584. 
Snow,  Rev.  C.  A.,  573. 
Sparhawk,  Esther,  108. 


Sparhawk,   Nathaniel,    71, 

87,  107,  108,  161. 
Spaulding,  Nathan  B.,  473. 

Newell  S.,473. 
Speare,  Alden.  122.  229,  508, 

677,  740,  747,  833. 
Spencer,  Thomas,  27. 
William,  27,  29. 
Rev.  W.  H.,  571. 
Sprague,  Miles,  701. 
Spring,  Daniel,  122. 
David,  122. 

John,  30,  31,  32,  40,  51, 
52,   53,  58,  63,  75,  103, 
114,  122,  152.  197,  224, 
234,  702,  764.' 
Jonathan,  51. 
Marshall,  313. 
Thaddeus,  1.52. 
William,  538. 
Stanchet,  P.,  41,  63,  187. 
Stanford,  Rev.  John,  301. 
Stanton,  John  C,  764. 
Staples,  Dea.  John,  13, 17, 
41,  53,  215,  239,  762. 
John,  151,  166,215,  434. 
Starr,  Eiienezer,    151,    272, 
313,  303,  764. 
Josi.ah,  272. 
Staughton,    Dr.    William, 

556. 
Stearns,  Charles  C,  716. 
EbenS.,  753. 
John,  715,  716. 
Rev.  O.  S.,  490,  491,  553, 
568. 
Stebbins,  Edward,  27. 

Rev.  B.  P.,  509. 
Stedman,  Josiah,  722,  723. 

Samuel,  87. 
Steele,  Daniel,  707. 
George,  27. 
Rev.  George  M.,  714. 
Henry,  27. 
John,  27. 
Steenstra,  Rev.  P.  H.  096. 
Stephenson.  J.  H.,  753 
Stevens,  Rev.  Edward  A., 
502,  551. 
E.  G.,  508. 
Rev.  E.  O.,  501,  551. 
Stillman,  Rev.  I)r  ,  820. 
Stunpson,  Samuel,  103. 
Siimson,  Caleb  M.  763. 
Stockhridge,  Rev.  J.  C,  554. 
Stoddard,  Eleazer,  164. 
Stone,  Charles,  456. 
Daniel,  12.3. 
David,  313,  434.  504. 
Dea.  Eben,  500.  763. 
Ebenezer,  30,  31,32,41, 
79.   96,    116,    123.    1.52 
214,  224,  284,  313,  434, 
762,  764. 
Gregory,  83. 
James, *411,  703. 
John,  71,   152,  313,   411, 

434,  763. 
Jonas,  123,  128,  152,  278, 

403,  434, 703 
Jonathan,  763. 
Joseph  \V.,  455,  760. 
Miss  Lvdia,  750. 
Moses,  304,  411,  703. 
Reuben,    128,    500,    501, 

504. 
Samuel,  27,  75,  128,  193, 
763. 


850 


INDEX  OF  NAMES. 


Stone,  Silas  C,  434. 

William,  701. 
Stoughton,  William,  76. 
Stow,  Rev.  Baron,  546,  548. 
S towel),  Israel,  129, 167,  284, 
763 

John,  151. 

Samuel,  267. 
Stratton,  Ebenezer,  113. 
Streeter.  Rev.  Russell,  701. 
Stroua;,  E.  E.,  711 

W.  C,  13, 17.  239. 
Studley,  Rev.  W.  S,  G99. 
Sturtevant,  Rev.  M.P.,465. 
Sumner,  Euos,  576. 
Swaim,  Rev.  J.  S.,  531. 

Rev.  S.  B.,551. 
Swasej',  Rev.  A.,  428. 
Swift,  Seth,  798. 
Symes,  William,  62. 

Tainter,  E.  F.,  712. 
Talbot,  Rev.  Samson,  507, 

553. 
Talcott,  jolin,  27. 
Tappan,  W.  B..  755. 
Tarbox,  Rev.  I.  N.,  742,  754. 
Taylor,  Jrimss,  467. 
Teulon,  William  F  ,  466. 
Tiiaxter,  J.  \V.,  757,  760. 
Thayer,  Rev.  L.  R.,  715. 

Obadiah,  411,  762. 

T.  B..  713. 

William  D.,  692. 
Thomas,  Abram.  699. 

William,  41,  672. 
Thornton.  Mancv,  247,  715. 
Thrall,  Henry,  699. 
Thvvinji;,  Elijah,  411. 

Elisha,  411,  413. 

John,  123,  152,  311,  411, 
763. 

Nicholas,  120,  311,  411. 
Tiffany,  Rev.  Francis,  459. 
Tillotson,  O.  H.,700. 
Toles,  Rev.  R.  G.,  818. 
Tolman,  Thomas,  152,  295, 

313. 
Tombs,  Michael,  91, 114. 
Toulmin,  W.  B.,  473. 
Tourj6e,  E.,  707. 
Tourtellot,  S.  M.,  502, 
Tower,  Rev.  F  E.,  549. 
Towle,  J   D.,  586,  730. 
Tozer,  John,  152. 
Train,  Rav.  Charles,  501, 565. 

Thomas,  112. 
Tray,  Sarah,  264. 
Trofltter,  E.  T.,712. 
Trowbridge,  Alpheus,  503. 

Asa  li.,  500.  757,  817. 

Edmund,  411,  484,  720, 
724,  763. 

Edward  B.,757. 

F.  M.,699. 

Geoi-ge  S.,  751. 

James,  40.  49,  52.  58,  62, 
63,72,101.109,  15.3,197, 
434,  757,  762,  764. 

James  N.,  085. 

J.  E..  739. 

John,  703. 

Nathan,  102.  122,  153, 

Nathaniel,  413. 

Otis,  685,  688,  755.  763. 

Samuel,  313, 411, 503,  764, 
815. 

Stephen  W.,  701,  763. 


Trowbridge,  Thaddeus,  153. 

William,  11,3,  153,  166, 
434,  511,538,  539,  757, 
764.  815. 

William  W.,  685. 

W.  O.,  683,  739. 
True,  Rev.  Charles  K.,473. 
Truesdale,  Samuel,    41,63, 

129,  153,  170,  221,  763. 
Trull,  Jeremiah,  472. 
Trumbull,  Gov.,  34. 
Tucker,  Rev.  J.,  693,  694. 

Nathaniel,  413,  757,  826. 

William,  41.  112,  153. 
Tudor,  Capt.  215. 
Tufts,  John,  215. 
Tupper,  Henry,  551,  573. 
Turner,  Benj.,583. 

R.  W.   435. 
Twitcheli,'  Eleazer,  189. 
Tyler,  EorinF.,16. 

William,  728. 

Underwood,  A.  B.,  599,  604, 
611,  012,  015,  056,  072. 
728. 

Upham,  Rev.  James,  552. 

Usher,  John,  76. 

Van  Buren,  John,  426. 
Van  Duzee.  Ira  D.,  728,  754. 
Vose.  II.  C,  700. 
N.  D.,  709,  710. 

Waban,  Thomas,  45, 123, 171, 

185. 
Wade,  R?v.  Benj.  C.,  504. 

Levi  C  ,  764. 
Wadsworth,  Benj.,  565. 
Capt.,  93. 
William,  27. 
Wain,  Joseph,  583,  584. 
Wainwright,    Rev.    Jona- 
than,'478. 
Walcott,  Edward,  760. 
Wales,  Ira,  413. 

Nathaniel,  156,  477. 
Walker,  Mrs.  E.H.,  751. 
Francis,  7(il. 
Joseph,  704. 
Timothy,  756. 
William,  457. 
Wall,  James,  347. 
Walworth,  J.  J.,    704,  760, 

764. 
Ward,  Artemas,  343,  722. 
A.  1I.,45,  48,  598. 
Charles,  003. 
Edward,  166, 213, 243,763, 
Ele;izer,  762. 
Enoch,  454. 
Ephraim,    95,   151,  413, 

434,  763. 
James,  763. 

John,40,  51,52.  63,72,74, 
79,  95,  97,  109,  113,  153, 
197,  229,  243,  285,  411, 
413,  435,  735,  762,  763, 
764. 
Joseph,  122, 154,  106,  2.53, 

23G,  313,  733,  742,  809. 
Rev.  Nathan,  129,  290, 

291. 
Richard,  224,    434,  762, 

764. 
S.amuel,  154,411,413. 
William,  52.  95,110,128, 
213,  243,  762, 


Ward,  William  T.,  119. 
Warder,  Rev.  Jos.  W.,  502, 
Wardwcll,  W.  R  ,  729. 
Ware,  Ebenezer,  260,  265. 

Rev.    Henrv,  253,    255, 
272. 

John,  154,  272,313. 

John  J.,  523. 
Warner,  Andrew,  27. 

John,  688. 
Warren,  L.  F.,  707. 

Samuel,  4.54. 

W.  F.,  099. 
Washburn,  Andrew,  704. 

Joshua,  704. 
Washburne,  C.  H.,  751. 
Washington,  George,    343, 

739,  838,  819. 
Waters,  E.  F.,  728,  826. 
Watson,  James  S.,  692. 
Wattles,  L.  R.,  763. 
Wavland,  Rev.  F.,  540. 

Rev.  H.  L.,  554,  572. 
Webb,  Rev.  E.  B.,  687. 

Richard,  27. 
Webster,  Rev.  Amos,  471. 

D.miel,  37,  804. 

Rev.  M.  P.,  473. 
Weir,  Andrew,  724. 
Welch,  Michael,  119,  313. 

Wilson  J.,  434,  508. 
Weld,  Fitz  N.,  704. 

Nathaniel,  314. 
Wellman,   Rev.  J.  W.,  583, 

658,  672,  675 
Wells,  Samuel,  704, 
West,  John,  76. 

Stephen,  799. 
Weston,  Rev.  David,  553. 

Rev.  Henry  G.,  ij-il. 

Rev.  John  E.,  544,  551. 
Westwood,  AVilliam,  27. 
WethereU,  Horace  R.,  764, 

816. 
Wheat,   Dr.    Samuel,    154, 

285,  763. 
\Ylieedon,  Rev.  J.  S.,  715. 
Wheeler,  Ephraim,  41,  762. 

Loring,  763. 

M.  G.,  705. 
Whipnle,  Dexter,  810. 

Orrin,  525,  667,609,  703. 
White,  Ebenezer,    124,  411, 
422, 434,  750. 

Ebenezer  D.,    150,  154, 
500,  502,  755, 

J.  M.,507, 

John,  27. 

Joseph,  122,124,311,  411, 
763. 

rhilip,103,  213,  243. 

Samuel.  204. 

Stephen,  154. 

Willi.am  A.,404. 

Rev.  William  O.,  458, 
Whitefteld,    Rev.    George, 

219,  290. 
Whiting,  Ithamer  403. 
Whitmore,  .)oseph  B.,  454. 
Whitney,  F.  A.,  79. 

Horace,  400. 

John,  085. 

Moses,  314,362. 

N.  R.,  700. 

Thaddeus,  314,  411. 

Timothy,  155,  107,  314. 
Whitteaiore,  Francis,  92. 

Geo.  A.,  553. 


INDEX  OF  NAMES. 


851 


Whittemore,  Nathaniel,  118. 

Thomas,  700. 
"Whittier,  J.  G.,  741. 
"Whittlesey,  William,  704. 
Whitwell,  Kev.  W.  A.,  717. 
Wiahtiuan,  J.  C,  572. 
Wiioox,  William,  111. 
Wilder,  Jouas,  723. 
Williins,  Or.  A..  501. 
Willard,  Aarou,504. 
Rev.  F.  A.,  407,  500. 
Jonathan,  lit),  156,  16G, 

243,  271,  287. 
Simon,  30. 
Willey,  E()hraim,  757,  7G3. 
Williams,  Capt..  52,  155. 
Abraham,  40,  101,    116, 

130,  156,  197. 
Asa,  423. 
Br  ,  52. 
.    Ebenezer,  215. 
Eleazer,  118,  156. 
Elijah,  700. 
Ephraim,  156,  192,  243, 

790. 
r.  A.,813. 
Henry  B..  760. 
Isaac,  40,  54,  58.  63,  100, 
113,  155,    156,  197,  240, 
243,  250,  285,  434,   702, 
7C3,  796. 
Israel,  798. 
J.  H.,  71'7. 
Jonathan,  119,  156,  250, 

251,252. 
Robert,  100. 
Samuel,  186. 
William,  100,    156,    243, 
798. 
Wilson,  Benjamin,  112, 164, 
213. 
Ebenezer,  243. 


Wilson,  Re\-.  F..  554. 
John,  171,  7G3. 
Joseph,  74,156. 
Nathaniel,  41,  156. 
Roswell,  710. 
Winchester.  Aaron,  294. 
Amasa,  121,  157,  278. 
Daniel.  294. 
Dea.  Elhanan,  124,  157 

294. 
Rev.  Elhanan,  290,  292, 

295,  296,  300. 
John,  157. 

Stephen,    121,    157,  167, 
703. 
Wingate,  Judge,  216. 
Winkler,  Rev.  E.  T.,  554. 
Wiuship,  Lieut.,  47. 
Winslovv,  E.  D.,  728,  764. 
E.  R.,  763. 
Jesse,  465.  763, 764. 
Winsor,  George,  405. 
Wiuthrop.  Mrs.,  30. 
Stephen,  36. 
Wait,  76. 
Wisner,  Rev.  B.  B.,  802. 
Wisvvall,  Lieut.   Ebenezer, 
158. 
Ebenezer,  63,  411,  702. 
Elder,  47,  52,  58,  60,  61, 

198,  199. 
Elisha,  465. 
Enoch.  99. 
E.  T.,  757. 
Ichabod.  99, 158. 
Jeremiah,  153,  278,  313, 

411,763. 
Noah.  40,  51,  62.  63,  72, 
74,  9D.  157.  158. 164, 187 
2SS,  296,  762,  763. 
Thomas,  15,  4;',  63    92, 
93, 196,  197,  434,  702. 


Wiswall,    Lieut.    Thomas, 
158. 
William,  120,  313.  413. 
Withington,  Ebenezer,  411. 
Wood,  Oliver,  321. 

B.,429,  434,  435,  724. 
Fred.,  699. 
Woodbridge,  Rev.  J.  E.,586, 

704,  705. 
Woodcock,  .feremiah,  265. 
Woodenl,  Richard,  53. 
Woodford.  Orrin  P..  455. 
Woods,  Rev.  Frederick,  715. 

Henry  W.,  480. 
Woodward,  Daniel,  119,166, 
167,  511,  703. 
Ebenezer,  159,  313,  411, 

688.  762,  7G3. 
Elijah  F.,  434,  722,  755, 

757,  647,  821. 
F.  N.,716. 

John.  41,  63.120,158.329, 
394,  411,  434.  7.J9,   762, 
7G3,  764. 
Jonathan,  113,  763. 
Sanmel  N.,  159,  254,  4.30, 
715,710. 
Woolson,  Thomas,  87, 103. 
Worcester,!.  K  ,  704. 
Isaac  R.,  764. 
Rev.  John,  712. 
Rev.  Noah,  255,  412. 
Rev.  Thomas,  712. 
Worthington,  J.,  793. 
Wright,  Rev.  A.  A.,  G99. 

Voung,  D.  Frank,  509. 

Rev.  E.  J.,  459,  693,  675, 
690. 

Zaclaos,  Rev.  John  C,  459. 


)  \ 


